The Head Instinct MP and Babolat Pure Drive are two solid rackets that offer intermediate to advanced tennis players a good mix of power, control, and spin.
In this article, I will look at the racket specs of the Pure Drive (2021 version) and Instinct MP (2022 Version) to see how they compare to each other.
Racket Specs Comparison – Instinct MP vs Pure Drive
Below is a comparison of the technical specifications of the Instinct MP (or “MP”) and Pure Drive (or “PD”) tennis rackets.
Main Differences: The Instinct MP has a lower swing weight (313 vs 320), and a lower frame stiffness rating (64 vs 71) when compared with the Pure Drive.
Similarities: Both rackets have the same head size (100in), racket length (27in), strung weight (318g), beam width (23mm / 26mm / 23mm), and string pattern (16×19).
| Racket Specs: | Instinct MP | Pure Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Version | 2022 | 2021 |
| Design |  |  |
| Head Size (sq cm) | 645cm | 645cm |
| Head Size (sq in) | 100in | 100in |
| Length (cm) | 68.58cm | 68.58cm |
| Length (in) | 27in | 27in |
| String Pattern | 16×19 | 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) | 318g | 318g |
| Strung Weight (ounces) | 11.2oz | 11.2oz |
| Swing Weight | 313 | 320 |
| Unstrung Weight (grams) | 300g | 300g |
| Unstrung Weight (ounces) | 10.58oz | 10.58oz |
| Frame Stiffness | 64 | 71 |
| Beam Width (mm) | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
1 Head Light or Head Heavy
Below is a short video comparing the specs of the two rackets:
Pros and Cons
The Instinct MP has a low swing weight that is fast and easy to swing and offers players a good mix of power, control, and feel, with the only drawback being a lack of stability when playing against hard hitters.
The PD provides a good mix of power, control, and spin, a generous sweet spot, and easy power on serves but it has a relatively high frame stiffness rating so it won’t be the most comfortable racket to play with.
Head to Head
The Instinct MP is the better option in terms of power and arm friendliness but the PD is better in terms of control and spin.
| H2H | MP | PD |
|---|---|---|
| Power |  | – |
| Control | – |  |
| Spin | – | |
| Arm Friendliness | | – |
Player Level Recommendations
These rackets are best used by intermediate to advanced tennis players who want a racket that offers a little help in terms of power and spin.
However, if you are a player who likes a low powered racket that has tons of control, then you will probably be better off going with a Head Gravity Pro or a Babolat Pure Strike.
| Player Level | MP | PD |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner |  | |
| Intermediate |  | |
| Advanced | | |
Pro Player Endorsements
The Pure Drive is endorsed by Garbine Muguruza, Karolina Pliskova, Fabio Fognini, and Sofia Kenin, while the Instinct MP is not currently endorsed by any pro tennis player.
Where can you buy these rackets?
The rackets are for sale in most good online tennis shops and through the official Head and Babolat websites.