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 and Pure Drive VS, 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 Pure Drive having a 100in head size while the VS has a head size of 98in.
The smaller head size on the VS will give you more control and will be more comfortable for players with a one handed backhand to hit.
Other differences include the VS having a slightly lower swing weight and stiffness rating than the regular Pure Drive.
The VS also has a thinner beam width so players looking for additional control on their shots will prefer the VS.
| Pure Drive | VS | Pure Drive VS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |