This article will compare the Babolat Pure Strike vs Pure Aero 98 (VS) to see how they compare to each other in terms of racket specs and playability.
The Pure Strike is endorsed by Cameron Norrie and Dominic Thiem while the Pure Aero 98 (VS) is endorsed by Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune.
Babolat Pure Strike vs Pure Aero 98 (VS)
For this racket comparison, I will be looking at the 3rd generation of the Babolat Pure Strike (or “PS) and the 2023 Version of the Babolat Pure Aero 98 (or “98”).
Pure Strike 16×19 vs Pure Aero VS (98)
For my first racket comparison, I will be using the 16×19 Version of the PS and comparing it with the 98.
Racket Specs Comparison
| Specs: | PS 16×19 | 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | 3rd Generation | 2023 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 98in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 323g (11.4oz) | 323g (11.4oz) |
| Swingweight: | 327g | 327g |
| Balance: | 4 pts HL | 6 pts HL |
| Frame Stiffness: | 66 | 65 |
| Power: | Low | Low to Medium |
| Beam Width: | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | 21mm / 23mm / 22mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | Coral and White | Yellow and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16×19 | 16×20 |
| Grip Type: | Babolat Syntec Team | Babolat Syntec Pro |
Both of these rackets have the exact same head size (98in), racket length (27in), strung weight (11.4oz), and swing weight (327).
In terms of differences, the Pure Strike 16×19 has a less head light balance (4 pts HL vs 6 pts HL) when compared with the Pure Aero 98.
The 98’s more head light balance will mean it is the more maneuverable of the two rackets (especially at the net).
The 98 (16×20) also has one extra cross string than the PS 16×19 so you should get a little extra bit of control with the 98.
In terms of arm friendliness, both tennis rackets are in a similar range in terms of stiffness (65-66).
They also have very similar beam widths at 21mm / 23mm / 21mm for the PS 16×19 and 21mm / 23mm / 22mm for the 98.
Pure Strike 18×20 vs Pure Aero 98 (VS)
For my second racket comparison, I will be using the 18×20 Version of the PS and comparing it with the 98.
Racket Specs Comparison
| Racket Specs: | PS 18×20 | 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | 3rd Generation | 2023 |
| Design: | | |
| Head Size: | 98in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 323g (11.4oz) | 323g (11.4oz) |
| Swingweight: | 334g | 327g |
| Balance: | 4 pts HL | 6 pts HL |
| Stiffness: | 66 | 65 |
| Power: | Low | Low to Medium |
| Beam Width: | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | 21mm / 23mm / 22mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | Coral and White | Yellow and Black |
| String Pattern: | 18×20 | 16×20 |
| Grip Type: | Babolat Syntec Team | Babolat Syntec Pro |
The PS 18×20 and the VS have the exact same head size (98in), length (27in), and strung weight (323g).
In terms of differences, the PS 18×20 (4 pts HL) has a less head light balance than the 98 (6 pts HL) and is also slightly heavier in terms of swing weight (334g vs 327g).
Both tennis rackets have very similar frame stiffness ratings (65 vs 66) and beam widths (21mm / 23mm / 21mm vs 21mm / 23mm / 22mm).
The 98 has a 16×20 string pattern while the PS 18×20 has an 18×20 string pattern so the PS 18×20 should give you a little more control.