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 Comparison
For the purposes of this comparison of the Babolat Pure Strike (or “PS”) and Pure Drive (or “PD”), I have used the 3rd generation of the PS 16×19 and the 2021 version of the PD.
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.
Racket Specs
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: | PS 16×19 | PD |
|---|---|---|
| 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: | 327g | 320g |
| 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 4pts head light balance, and a 16×19 string pattern.
Strung Weight
The PS is slightly heavier at 323g Strung with the PD weighting 318g Strung.
Swing Weight
The PS also has a heavier swing weight (327g vs 320g).
This means that the PD will be slightly more maneuverable than the PS but the difference will not be huge.
Beam Width
The PS has a thinner beam width than the PD and this combined with the extra weight will mean the PS will have more control than the PD but the PD will win in terms of power.
Stiffness Rating
Neither of these rackets would be considered arm friendly as the PS has a stiffness rating of 66 and the PD has a stiffness rating of 71.
When I played with the PD myself I didn’t have any arm issues but when I played with the PS, I really felt it in my arm the next day.
FAQ
Which is better for beginners?
I would recommend the PD over the PS as the PD is a more forgiving frame that helps you generate a good balance of power, spin, and control on your shots. The PS is better suited to more advanced players who don’t need help generating power on their shots.
Which racket is better?
Which racket is better will depend on what kind of tennis player you are and what your playing style is e.g. if you are an all-court player who has a one-handed backhand then you will probably think the PS is better. However, if you are a counter puncher who has a two-handed backhand then you will probably think the PD is the better option.
Is the Pure Strike stiff?
Yes, it is a relatively stiff tennis racket as it has a stiffness rating of 66 RA.
Are these rackets arm friendly?
From my own experience, the PS is not an arm friendly racket as I had pain in my arm and elbow after only playing with it for an hour. This is just my own experience with the tennis racket but I would not recommend this racket to anyone who has had tennis elbow or arm issues in the past. Although the PD is the stiffer of the two rackets, I have not had any issues playing with it in terms of tennis elbow. However, I think there are more arm friendly rackets out there e.g. Clash 100