In this article, I will look at the racket specs of the Babolat Pure Drive and Head Instinct MP to see how these two rackets compare to each other.
General Info
Below is some general information on these rackets including their brand, version, composition, and colors.
| General info | Instinct MP | Pure Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Brand: | Head | Babolat |
| Version: | 2022 | 2021 |
| Composition: | Graphene 360+/Graphite | Graphite |
| Color(s): | Blue | Blue |
Racket Specs
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).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same head size (100in), racket length (27in), strung weight (318g), and beam width (23mm / 26mm / 23mm).
| Racket Specs: | MP | PD | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size (sq cm) | 645 | 645 | 0.00% |
| Head Size (sq in) | 100 | 100 | 0.00% |
| Length (cm) | 68.58 | 68.58 | 0.00% |
| Length (in) | 27 | 27 | 0.00% |
| String Pattern | 16×19 | 16 x 19 | – |
| HL or HH1 | HL | HL | – |
| Strung Balance (cm) | 32.99 | 32.99 | 0.00% |
| Strung Balance (pts) | 4 | 4 | 0.00% |
| Strung Weight (grams) | 318 | 318 | 0.00% |
| Strung Weight (ounces) | 11.2 | 11.2 | 0.00% |
| Swing Weight | 313 | 320 | 2.24% |
| Unstrung Weight (grams) | 300 | 300 | 0.00% |
| Unstrung Weight (ounces) | 10.58 | 10.58 | 0.00% |
| Frame Stiffness | 64 | 71 | 10.94% |
| Beam Width (mm) | 23 / 26 / 23 | 23 / 26 / 23 | 0.00% |
1 Head Light or Head Heavy
Pros and Cons
Below are what I think are the main pros and cons of these two tennis rackets.
| Racket: | MP | PD |
|---|---|---|
| Pros: | Low Swing Weight, fast and easy to swing, good mix of power, control, and feel | Good mix of power, control, and spin, a generous sweet spot, and easy power on serves |
| Cons: | Lacks Stability when playing against hard hitters | Relatively high stiffness rating |
Head to Head
Below are my recommendations in terms of which racket is better in terms of Power, Control, Spin, and Arm Friendliness.
| H2H | MP | PD |
|---|---|---|
| Power |  | – |
| Control | – |  |
| Spin | – | |
| Arm Friendliness | | – |
Player Recommendations
Below are our my recommendations for recreational players at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
| 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 Head and Babolat websites.