New 2023 versions of Babolat’s Pure Aero range of tennis rackets were released on the 25th of August 2022.
This included an update to the popular 2019 and Rafa (2021) Pure Aero tennis rackets.
Although you would think that the new models would have 2022 in their names as that is the year when they were released, it seems the consensus amongst online tennis shops is that they will be called the Pure Aero 2023.
This article will look at the racket specs of the new 2023 versions to see how they compare to the old 2019 and Rafa versions.
Babolat Pure Aero 2023 vs 2019
For this racket comparison, I will compare the 2023 and 2019 models of the Babolat Pure Aero (or “PA”).
As the Rafa version that was released in 2021 has the same specs as the 2019 frame, any comparisons made below will also apply to this tennis racket.
Racket Specs Comparison
Main Differences: The Pure Aero 2023 has a lower swing weight (322 vs 324), a lower stiffness rating (65 vs 67), and different main skips (8T,8H vs 7T,9T,7H,9H).
Similarities: Both versions (2019 and 2023) have the same head size (100in), racket length (27in), strung weight (11.2oz), balance (4 pts HL), beam width (23mm / 26mm / 23mm), and string pattern (16×19).
| Specs: | 2023 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Generation: | V7 | V6 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 100in | 100in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 318g (11.2oz) | 318g (11.2oz) |
| Swingweight: | 322g | 324g |
| Balance: | 4 Pts HL | 4 Pts HL |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 65 | 67 |
| Power: | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Beam Width: | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | White, Yellow, and Black | Yellow and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 19 | 16 x 19 |
| Main Skips: | 8T,8H | 7T,9T,7H,9H |
| Grip Type: | Babolat Syntec Pro | Babolat Syntec Pro |
| Price: | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
As the 2019 model was one of the most popular tennis rackets on the market, Babolat has made only a few changes to the new 2023 model so the head size, length, strung weight, balance, beam width, and string pattern are the exact same as they were in the 2019 model.
In terms of differences, the new 2023 model (322g) has a lower swing weight than the 2019 version (324g) which I think is a good thing as far too many recreational players play with a tennis racket that’s too heavy for them.
The lower swing weight will also mean the 2023 frame will be slightly more maneuverable when compared with the older version of the tennis racket.
The 2023 frame also has a lower stiffness rating (65 vs 67) and has SWX Pure Feel and NF² Technology incorporated into the frame that promises better vibration dampening, shock absorption, and feel.
However, I still wouldn’t consider the racket to be a particular arm-friendly option but the 2023 model is a step in the right direction.
If you have had arm or elbow issues in the past and you want to play with the racket, I would recommend that you have an arm-friendly string setup.
Probably the biggest difference in the 2023 version is that they have changed the main skips on the racket so that now the string pattern is denser, which gives you more control.
In terms of design, the 2023 version now more closely resembles the PA 98 and has less yellow on the frame when compared with the 2019 version.
Is it worth upgrading?
I have now played with the 2023 version, and my initial impression was that there isn’t a huge difference between the 2023 and 2019 versions of the racket.
However, if you were thinking of upgrading anyway then the 2023 version definitely seems like an improvement in terms of the changes made to the specs.
As always, I would recommend that you demo a racket before making any buying decision.