In this article, I will look at the racket specs of Babolat’s Pure Aero 98 (or “PA 98”) and Pure Drive 98 (or “PD 98”) tennis rackets to see how they compare to each other.
Racket Specs Comparison – Pure Drive vs Pure Aero 98
Below is a comparison of the technical specifications of the Pure Drive 98 (2023) and Pure Aero 98 (2023) tennis rackets.
Main Differences: The Pure Drive 98 has a less head light balance (4 pts HL vs 6 pts HL), a lower swing weight (315g vs 327g), a higher frame stiffness rating (67 vs 65), a slightly thinner beam width (21mm / 23mm / 21mm vs 21mm / 23mm / 22mm), and a different string pattern (16×19 vs 16×20).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same head size (98in), racket length (27in), and strung weight (323g).
| Racket Specs: | PD 98 | PA 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Version | 2023 (V2) | 2023 |
| Design |  |  |
| Head Size (sq cm) | 632cm2 | 632cm2 |
| Head Size (sq in) | 98in2 | 98in2 |
| Length (cm) | 68.58cm | 68.58cm |
| Length (in) | 27in | 27in |
| String Pattern | 16 x 19 | 16 x 20 |
| HL or HH1 | HL | HL |
| Strung Balance (cm) | 33.02cm | 32.49cm |
| Strung Balance (pts) | 4 pts HL | 6 pts HL |
| Strung Weight (grams) | 323g | 323g |
| Strung Weight (ounces) | 11.4oz | 11.4oz |
| Swing Weight | 315 | 327 |
| Unstrung Weight (grams) | 305g | 305g |
| Unstrung Weight (ounces) | 10.8oz | 10.8oz |
| Frame Stiffness | 67 | 65 |
| Beam Width (mm) | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | 21mm / 23mm / 22mm |
1 Head Light or Head Heavy
Pros and Cons
The Pure Drive 98 offers more control than the standard 100 inch version but you need to have a fast long swing to get the most out of this frame.
Similarly, the Pure Aero 98 is more control orientated than the standard 100 inch version while still providing good levels of spin but it is a relatively heavy frame that is not suitable for beginners.
Head to Head
The Pure Drive 98 wins in terms of power but the Pure Aero 98 is better in terms of control, spin, and comfort.
| H2H | PD 98 | PA 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Power |  | – |
| Control | – |  |
| Spin | – | |
| Arm Friendliness | – | |
Player Level Recommendations
These rackets are only suitable for advanced tennis players as they are relatively heavy frames, that require good technique if you are going to get the most out of them.
| Player Level | PD 98 | PA 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner |  | |
| Intermediate | | |
| Advanced |  | |
Pro Player Endorsements
The Pure Aero 98 is endorsed by Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Holger Rune, which has helped it to be one of the most popular 98 inch frames on the market.
Where can you buy these rackets?
The rackets are for sale in most good online tennis shops and through the official Babolat website.