When Babolat launched the Babolat Pure Drive VS in 2019, it left many people thinking what is the difference between the VS version and the regular Pure Drive.
This article will compare the two tennis rackets so you can get a better idea of what differentiates the two frames.
The regular version has been one of the most popular rackets at both the pro and club levels over the last 20 years with Babolat not making any major changes to the racket over that time.
One of the few drawbacks to the regular version is a lack of control over your shots when compared with more control-oriented frames like the Pure Strike.
To cater to players who are looking for more control from their racket, Babolat decided to release the Pure Drive VS (98).
What is the difference between the Pure Drive and Pure Drive VS?
To see what is the difference between the Pure Drive (or “PD”) and Pure Drive VS (or “PDVS”), I looked at the specs of both rackets and summarised the main differences below*.
*For the purpose of our comparison, I used the 2021 versions of both tennis rackets.
Racket Specs
As you would expect, the specs of the two rackets have more similarities than differences with both rackets having the same strung weight, head balance, and 16 x 19 string pattern.
The biggest difference between the two rackets is the head size with the PD having a 100in head size while the PDVS has a head size of 98in.
The smaller head size on the PDVS will give you more control and will be more comfortable for players with a one handed backhand to hit.
Other differences include the PDVS having a slightly lower swing weight and stiffness rating than the regular PD.
The PDVS also has a thinner beam width so players looking for additional control on their shots will prefer the PDVS.
| PD | VS | PDVS |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Version: | 2021 |
 | Design: |  |
| 100in | Head Size: | 98in |
| 27in | Length: | 27in |
| 318g (11.2oz) | Strung Weight: | 318g (11.2oz) |
| 300g (10.6oz) | Unstrung Weight: | 300g (10.6oz) |
| 4pts HL | Balance: | 4pts HL |
| 7pts HL | Unstrung Balance: | 7pts HL |
| 320 | Swingweight: | 317 |
| 71 | Stiffness: | 68 |
| 23mm / 26mm / 23mm | Beam Width: | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm |
| Graphite | Composition: | Graphite |
| Blue/Black | Colours: | Blue/Black |
| 16 Mains * 19 Crosses | String Pattern: | 16 Mains * 19 Crosses |
| 22-27kg / 50-59lbs | String Tension Range: | 22-27kg / 50-59lbs |
| Check Price on Amazon | Price: | Check Price on Amazon |
FAQ
What does the VS stand for in Babolat Rackets?
There isn’t consensus online as to what the VS stands for but Babolat has used it in many of their products even before they were producing tennis rackets. The most likely answer is that it stands for “Versus” or “Version S” but neither of these has been confirmed by Babolat.
Which Racket is more Arm Friendly?
There are definitely more arm friendly rackets on the Market e.g. Clash 98 but I would have to give the edge to the PDVS in terms of arm friendliness.
What Pros use these rackets?
The PD is endorsed/used by the following pros on the WTA and ATP Tours: Amanda Anisimova, Fabio Fognini, Sofia Kenin, Karolina Pliskova, Lucas Pouille, and grand slam winner Garbine Muguruza.
I couldn’t find any pros endorsing/using the PDVS.
Are they Head Heavy or Head Light?
Both are Head Light Rackets with a balance of 7pts HL when strung.