In this article, I will look at the racket specs of the 98 and 100 versions of the Babolat Pure Strike to see how these two tennis rackets compare to each other.
Racket Specs Comparison – Babolat Pure Strike 100 vs 98
Below is a comparison of the technical specifications of the 100 and 98 versions of the Pure Strike, which you can use to get a better idea as to which may be a better suit for your game.
Main Differences: The Pure Strike 100 has a bigger head size (100in vs 98in), a lower strung weight (315g vs 323g), a lower swing weight (319 vs 327), and a higher stiffness rating (69 vs 66).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same racket length (27in), string pattern (16 x 19), head light balance (4 pts HL), and beam width (21mm / 23mm / 21mm).
| Racket Specs: | 100 | 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | 3rd Gen | 3rd Gen |
| Design: |  | |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Head Size (sq cm) | 645cm2 | 632cm2 |
| Head Size (sq in) | 100in2 | 98in2 |
| Length (cm) | 68.58cm | 68.58cm |
| Length (in) | 27in | 27in |
| String Pattern | 16 x 19 | 16 x 19 |
| HL or HH1 | HL | HL |
| Strung Balance (cm) | 32.99cm | 32.99cm |
| Strung Balance (pts) | 4 pts HL | 4 pts HL |
| Strung Weight (grams) | 315g | 323g |
| Strung Weight (ounces) | 11.1oz | 11.4oz |
| Swing Weight | 319 | 327 |
| Unstrung Weight (grams) | 300g | 305g |
| Unstrung Weight (ounces) | 10.58oz | 10.8oz |
| Frame Stiffness | 69 | 66 |
| Beam Width (mm) | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm |
1 Head Light or Head Heavy
Pros and Cons
The 98 has a good mix of control, power, and spin, is maneuverable at the net, and has a generous sweet spot, but it has a relatively high stiffness rating and in my opinion, is not great on slices.
The 100 is a solid racket that has good maneuverability but it doesn’t really excel in terms of the balance between power, spin, or control as it offers plenty of power but not enough control.
Head to Head
The 100 is better in terms of power but the 98 wins in terms of control, spin, and arm friendliness.
| H2H | 100 | 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Power |  | – |
| Control | – |  |
| Spin | – | |
| Arm Friendliness | – | |
Player Level Recommendations
The 100 is a good option for intermediate players, while advanced players will prefer the extra control you get with the 98.
| Player Level | 100 | 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner |  | |
| Intermediate |  | |
| Advanced | | |
Pro Player Endorsements
The Pure Strike 100 was endorsed by Anett Kontaveit until she retired in 2023, while the Pure Strike 98 (16×19) is endorsed by Cameron Norrie and Alize Cornet.
Where can you buy these rackets?
The rackets are for sale in most good online tennis shops and on Babolat.com.