The Head Speed Pro and Babolat Pure Strike are both popular rackets that are aimed more at intermediate to advanced tennis players.
One reason these rackets are so popular is because of the tennis pros that endorse them with the Speed Pro being endorsed by world number 1 Novak Djokovic and the Pure Strike 18×20 being endorsed by the 2020 US Open Singles Champion Dominic Thiem.
This article will compare the specs of the rackets, allowing you to choose the one that suits your tennis game best.
Head Speed Pro vs Babolat Pure Strike Comparison
For this racket comparison, we will be using the 2022 Version of the Head Speed Pro (or “HSP”) and the 3rd Generation of the Babolat Pure Strike (or “BPS”).
The HSP comes in a 16×19 string pattern and an 18×20 string pattern so I have included both in the below comparison.
Racket Specs
| Specs: | HSP | BPS 18×20 | BPS 16×19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Version: | 2022 | 3rd Generation | 3rd Generation |
| Design: |  |  | |
| Head Size: | 100in | 98in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 326g (11.5oz) | 323g (11.4oz) | 323g (11.4oz) |
| Swingweight: | 326 | 334 | 327 |
| Balance: | 6 pts HL | 4 pts HL | 4 pts HL |
| Frame Stiffness: | 62 | 66 | 66 |
| Power: | Low | Low | Low |
| Beam Width: | 23mm | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | Black and White | Coral and White | Coral and White |
| String Pattern: | 18×20 | 18×20 | 16×19 |
| Grip Type: | Head Hydrosorb Pro | Babolat Syntec Team | Babolat Syntec Team |
Length and Head Size
The HSP has a bigger head size (100in) than both versions of the BPS (98in).
However, all three rackets have a racket length of 27 inches which most rackets have these days.
Strung Weight and Swing Weight
The HSP has the heaviest strung weight of the three rackets but there is only a 3g difference between the three rackets so you aren’t going to feel a huge difference in terms of strung weight.
In terms of swing weight, the BPS 18×20 is the heaviest but again the difference isn’t huge.
Balance
All three rackets have a head light balance with the HSP being slightly more head light than the two Babolat rackets.
As the HSP is more head light and has a lower swing weight, it is definitely the most maneuverable of the three rackets.
Stiffness Rating
The Pure Strike frames each have a stiffness rating of 66, while the Speed Pro has a stiffness rating of 62.
Having played with all three frames, I found the HSP to be much more arm friendly than the two Pure Strike frames.
Beam Width
Overall, the HSP has a thicker beam width than the two pure strike rackets so you should find it easier to generate power with HSP.
Power
Out of the three tennis rackets, the HSP gave the most help in terms of power generation.
The BPS rackets definitely feel like they are more control focused tennis rackets so you will need a full swing and good technique to get the most out of these rackets.
String Pattern
As mentioned previously you can get a BPS with a 16×19 or 18×20 string pattern while the HSP only has an 18×20 version.
If you need some help generating spin then a 16×19 string pattern is a good option but if you are looking for more control on your shots then an 18×20 string pattern will be the better option for you.
In my opinion, the BPS 18×20 is one of the best options if you are looking for a Babolat racket with lots of control.
Design
All three of these tennis rackets look good but I definitely think the HSP has the nicest design.
Availability
All three of these rackets are available to buy on online shops such as Amazon, Tennis Warehouse, and Tennis-Point.