Babolat Pure Aero 98 - First impressions

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[gavlatennis]

This guy is such an excellent ambassador for the sport.

[hanseat]

I have a one-handed backhand and used to use the Pro Staff RF97. I have been playing with the Pure Aero 98 2023 for about 1 week and it is amazing. Very easy access to power and spin and my kick serves are bouncing even higher on carpet courts. I strung it with RPM Blast at 24 kg/23 kg. Love this racquet and definitely switching to it as it is easy to use.

[joseurbina]

I think this is the response from Babolat to Yonex 98 and 100 frames, both the Aero and the Pure Drive... Yonex is top quality and for me I'm in love with the Ezone 98! 🎾

[alastairtheduke]

As a fellow one hander, totally agree with you, the racquet doesn't want to move forward, it wants to move on edge upwards so it feels like a sail on the one hander

[DylanNelson]

I personally used the VS before signing with Pacific and I actually liked it with my 1 hander..however I do hit it fairly flat which is where I think the 16x20 benefits me.

[outcometechnology]

@Tennisnerd - Just an FYI, Jonas -- The PA98 has flax inserts only in the hoop at 9 and 3; the regular PA has flax both in the hoop at 9 and 3 **and** in the handle.

[joshuajamesbanks]

Throw a leather grip on it, or add some weight to the handle and the Aero is much more manageable for players with oneys.

[LOSTINTENNIS]

I’m also testing this frame, I find it very stiff on my wrist especially on the forehand. I have a one handed backhand but have not suffered any particular downside. Totally agree on the slice backhand. The serve is absolutely unbelievable, especially flat/slice 🤪 Overall, I think it’s another great Babolat for people that want that typical feel.

[tennisviking]

Thanks for the update 👍Can’t wait to try the PD 98 👌👌

[lilies]

I used the previous edition (PA VS) for about one year, and despite having a two hand BH, I had the same feeling. Probably because I hit it quite flat, I don’t know. I changed to VCore 95, to gain more control, better BH, but less power and spin

[mattiastennis]

Jonas- Your not alone in not feeling the racquet positively connecting on the backhand. I tried the VS previous edition and didnt like much in it and it felt more like a double-handers racquet.
On forehand it was reasonable but felt way better on Thiem's racquet and older Wilson Ultras.

[ib]

I agree with you regarding the issue with hitting a one handed backhand with this racquet. I have encountered the same issue when playing with this racquet.

[FernandoRodrigues-yfqt]

Very nice review. How would you compare it with Pure Strike 16x19? Same control?

[Beejgrpa]

My one handed backhand is rusty at best (it has it's days and I can hit solid winners on it) but when I played with 50lb/50lb Blast in this racquet my backhand had plenty of pace, a tonne of spin (I have a semi-western [bevel 8] single pistol backhand grip), and great control. I moved from the 2021 Pure Aero Tour; the increase in control for me was amazing especially on volleys and kick serves.

I found volleys similar to an RF ProStaff 97 without the additional weight; I love how a huge proportion of the weight in this racquet is in the handle.

I've found a medium swing speed is fine when an opponent's ball has pace on it, but if you don't have a fast swing speed on a slower ball or you try a slower swing speed you will be punished by this racquet.

[chrisshelderfer]

I thought I preferred the new PA98. But, after a week or two of playing, I find it's lacking some control that the PAVS offered. Not sure why, I also found my two hand back to be so much better on the PAVS. The PAVS is better suited for my game. String w/HYPER G Soft 16L 53 lbs.

[icemandl]

Thanks for the detailed first impressions Jonas! Kudos to Babolat to have kept everything intact, except for a better feel! I love hitting with my customized 2020 PAVS, but the softer feel is definitely a welcome change in the new PA98!

[jia]

Just tested mine yesterday, have to say I’m really happy to have made the switch. Amazing groundstrokes as the racquet cuts through the air quickly. Tried both 98 and 100 before purchasing, the 98 just offers that much more control and stability without really losing power & spin, great overall racquet. However some could find swing weight abit high as it demands more strength to generate good head speed. Strung mine w Solinco Confidential at 53 pounds, no arm pain whatsoever. A lot more arm friendly compared to the AeroPro Drive 2013, and slightly muted & softer compared to Pure Aero VS (Banana)

[vnishpt]

Thanks for the post & detail review. Not a big fan of the Aero sticks for my one hander (so I'll stick with the PT2😁). Looking forward to the 23 Radical & Gravity, VCore 95 & 98 & Pro Staff v14 reviews.

[TheSklizo]

As a one hander, I love the way the normal aero and vs cut through the air on my backhand. But my swing is quite modern of a one hander that prioritizes a lot of spin, so maybe a more classic style doesn’t suit the frame.

On my flat serves, the aero 100 feels like it’s catching a ton of air, but the vs/98 wasn’t as bad for me. I can see how it’s a problem for flatter hitters though.

[Braix]

What would you suggest for strings?
Hyper G isn't working at all. It becomes a rocket launcher.. on wilson blade they are a charm, but with this. Oh boy, how the balls fly