The Pure Strike and Pure Drive are two of Babolat’s top-selling tennis rackets, with both being very popular with recreational tennis players.
This article will compare the Babolat Pure Strike vs Pure Drive to see what are the main differences between the two rackets in terms of racket specs and playability.
Both rackets are popular on the ATP and WTA tours with the Pure Strike being endorsed by Dominic Thiem, Cameron Norrie, and Alize Cornet while the Pure Drive is endorsed by Fabio Fognini, Sofia Kenin, Karolina Pliskova, Lucas Pouille, and Garbine Muguruza.
Babolat Pure Drive/Strike – Racket Specs Comparison
For the purposes of this comparison of the Babolat Pure Strike and Pure Drive, I have used the 3rd generation of the Pure Strike 16×19 and the 2021 version of the Pure Drive.
Babolat has yet to confirm when the 4th generation of the Pure Strike or the 11th generation of the Pure Drive will be released but as both rackets are extremely popular with recreational players, it is likely that new models will be released sometime in 2023.
Main Differences: The Pure Drive has a bigger head size (100in vs 98in), a lower strung weight (318g vs 323g), a lower swing weight (320 vs 327), a higher frame stiffness rating (71 vs 66), and a thicker beam width (23mm / 26mm / 23mm vs 21mm / 23mm / 21mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have a 27in racket length, a head light balance, and a 16×19 string pattern.
| Specs: | Pure Strike 16×19 | Pure Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | V3 (3rd Generation) | V10 (2021) |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 98in | 100in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 323g (11.4oz) | 318g (11.2oz) |
| Balance: | 4pts HL | 4pts HL |
| Swingweight: | 327 | 320 |
| Frame Stiffness: | 66 RA | 71 RA |
| Beam Width: | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | Coral and White | Blue and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16 Mains x 19 Crosses | 16 Mains x 19 Crosses |
| String Tension Range: | 22-27kg / 50-59lbs | 22-27kg / 50-59lbs |
| Price: | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Below is a short YouTube video summarising the specs of each racket.
Length, Balance, and String Pattern
Both tennis rackets have a length of 27 inches, a 4 pts head light balance, and a 16×19 string pattern.
Strung Weight
The Pure Strike is slightly heavier at 323g Strung with the Pure Drive weighting 318g Strung.
Swing Weight
The Pure Strike also has a heavier swing weight (327 vs 320).
This means that the Pure Drive will be slightly more manoeuvrable than the Pure Strike but the difference will not be huge.
Beam Width
The Pure Strike has a thinner beam width than the Pure Drive and this combined with the extra weight will mean the Pure Strike will have more control than the Pure Drive but the Pure Drive will win in terms of power.
Stiffness Rating
Neither of these rackets would be considered arm friendly as the Pure Strike has a stiffness rating of 66 and the Pure Drive has a stiffness rating of 71.
When I played with the Pure Drive myself I didn’t have any arm issues but when I played with the Pure Strike, I really felt it in my arm the next day.