Babolat’s EVO Drive and Pure Drive are two solid options for players looking for a racket that offers plenty of power.
In this article, I will look at the racket specs of both rackets to see how they compare to each other.
Evo Drive vs Pure Drive – Rackets Specs Comparison
Main Differences: The Evo Drive has a bigger head size (104in vs 100in), a lower strung weight (283g vs 320g), a lower swing weight (302 vs 320), a more head light balance (7pts HL vs 4pts HL), a slightly lower frame stiffness rating (68 vs 71), and a 16 x 17 string pattern rather than the standard 16 x 19.
Similarities: Both rackets have a racket length of 27in.
| Specs: | Evo | Pure Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released: | 2021 | 2021 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 104in | 100in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 283g (10.0oz) | 318g (11.22oz) |
| Unstrung Weight: | 270g (9.5oz) | 300g (10.6oz) |
| Swing weight: | 302 | 320 |
| Balance: | 7 pts HL | 4 pts HL |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 68 | 71 |
| Power: | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| Player Level: | Beginner | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Beam Width: | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| Colors: | Blue and Black | Blue and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 17 | 16 x 19 |
| Main Skips: | 7T,9T,7H,9H | 7T,9T,7H,9H |
| Grip Type: | Babolat Syntec Evo Grip | Babolat Syntec Pro Grip |
| String Tension: | 50-55lbs | 50-59lbs |
Head to Head
The EVO Drive (or “EVO”) is slightly better in terms of power and arm friendliness*, with the Pure Drive (or “PD”) winning in terms of control and spin.
NB: Both rackets have very similar stiffness ratings, so they will offer similar levels of arm comfort, with the EVO being the slightly more arm friendly of the two.
| H2H | EVO | PD |
|---|---|---|
| Power |  | – |
| Control | – |  |
| Spin | – | |
| Arm Friendliness | | – |
Player Recommendations
I would only recommend the EVO to beginners as it is a light frame that offers tons of free power, which is ideal for beginners.
However, if you are more of an intermediate to advanced player then you will much prefer the Pure Drive as it offers way more control.
| Player Level | EVO | PD |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner |  |  |
| Intermediate | | |
| Advanced | | |
Pro Player Endorsements
Babolat’s Pure Drive tennis rackets are endorsed by several top players on the ATP and WTA tours including Sofia Kenin, Fabio Fognini, Garbine Muguruza, and Karolina Pliskova, while the EVO Drive is not currently endorsed by any player as it is aimed more at recreational players.
Where can you buy these tennis rackets?
The rackets are for sale in most good online tennis shops and on the official Babolat website.