I have a one-handed backhand and used to use the Pro Staff RF97. I have been playing with the Pure Aero 98 2023 for about 1 week and it is amazing. Very easy access to power and spin and my kick serves are bouncing even higher on carpet courts. I strung it with RPM Blast at 24 kg/23 kg. Love this racquet and definitely switching to it as it is easy to use.
I personally used the VS before signing with Pacific and I actually liked it with my 1 hander..however I do hit it fairly flat which is where I think the 16x20 benefits me.
I think this is the response from Babolat to Yonex 98 and 100 frames, both the Aero and the Pure Drive... Yonex is top quality and for me I'm in love with the Ezone 98! 🎾
@Tennisnerd - Just an FYI, Jonas -- The PA98 has flax inserts only in the hoop at 9 and 3; the regular PA has flax both in the hoop at 9 and 3 **and** in the handle.
As a fellow one hander, totally agree with you, the racquet doesn't want to move forward, it wants to move on edge upwards so it feels like a sail on the one hander
It's not that the Aero line doesn't work with single handers, it's that it doesn't work with yours. The 2020 VS is near perfect for my one handed backhand for instance (I haven't tested the 2023 98 yet). I've always found the standard Aero to be good for my backhand as well. I find them quick through the air relative to specs I bring them to and frames with similar dimensions. But the specific qualities of this line bring out some of my best tennis with my style of play. According to some data I think I saw from TW the 2020 Vs on average had a fairly high twist weight for this type of racket,with direct competitors like the Head Extreme Tour having a lower twist weight and this results in the Extreme Tour feeling a little quicker through the air. Something like this could be a factor in things like your personal findings with it feeling like a sail. Like feeling some additional resistance with your swing. If the individual racket you have also has a higher swing weight and/or static weight that its noted average spec this can also contribute to this. I don't know if this is something that's changed with the 2023 98. But quality control can always make it a possible factor regardless. If it feels too slow, perhaps weight distribution is a factor here as well. You can alter it by adding weight at opposite ends of the racket (bottom of handle behind buttcap and at 12, 11/1 or 10/2 (or something like that)). Provided you can control/effectively swing the end spec created the racket will come around faster thanks to some polarization with weight. Perhaps also make it head heavier than it is to help turn the racket.
@@youngsuit if a player wanted a lower launch angle and an even more precise feeling then yes. It wouldn't all of a sudden by itself make the racket feel faster through the air if that is an individuals problem with it. Coming back to a denser pattern though, and the changes that could bring, there are rackets that already cover that and this after all is an Aero. It's a racket designed for higher launch angles, excellent access to spin, and so on, but in a slightly more toned down controlled package in the case of the 98.
I’m also testing this frame, I find it very stiff on my wrist especially on the forehand. I have a one handed backhand but have not suffered any particular downside. Totally agree on the slice backhand. The serve is absolutely unbelievable, especially flat/slice 🤪 Overall, I think it’s another great Babolat for people that want that typical feel.
I agree with you regarding the issue with hitting a one handed backhand with this racquet. I have encountered the same issue when playing with this racquet.
Thanks for the detailed first impressions Jonas! Kudos to Babolat to have kept everything intact, except for a better feel! I love hitting with my customized 2020 PAVS, but the softer feel is definitely a welcome change in the new PA98!
he is right about the one handed backhand with this racket. i just used it coming from a yonex vcore 100 and it feels sluggish; not sharp. for double hander it felt amazing
Just tested mine yesterday, have to say I’m really happy to have made the switch. Amazing groundstrokes as the racquet cuts through the air quickly. Tried both 98 and 100 before purchasing, the 98 just offers that much more control and stability without really losing power & spin, great overall racquet. However some could find swing weight abit high as it demands more strength to generate good head speed. Strung mine w Solinco Confidential at 53 pounds, no arm pain whatsoever. A lot more arm friendly compared to the AeroPro Drive 2013, and slightly muted & softer compared to Pure Aero VS (Banana)
My one handed backhand is rusty at best (it has it's days and I can hit solid winners on it) but when I played with 50lb/50lb Blast in this racquet my backhand had plenty of pace, a tonne of spin (I have a semi-western [bevel 8] single pistol backhand grip), and great control. I moved from the 2021 Pure Aero Tour; the increase in control for me was amazing especially on volleys and kick serves. I found volleys similar to an RF ProStaff 97 without the additional weight; I love how a huge proportion of the weight in this racquet is in the handle. I've found a medium swing speed is fine when an opponent's ball has pace on it, but if you don't have a fast swing speed on a slower ball or you try a slower swing speed you will be punished by this racquet.
Jonas- Your not alone in not feeling the racquet positively connecting on the backhand. I tried the VS previous edition and didnt like much in it and it felt more like a double-handers racquet. On forehand it was reasonable but felt way better on Thiem's racquet and older Wilson Ultras.
I thought I preferred the new PA98. But, after a week or two of playing, I find it's lacking some control that the PAVS offered. Not sure why, I also found my two hand back to be so much better on the PAVS. The PAVS is better suited for my game. String w/HYPER G Soft 16L 53 lbs.
I used the previous edition (PA VS) for about one year, and despite having a two hand BH, I had the same feeling. Probably because I hit it quite flat, I don’t know. I changed to VCore 95, to gain more control, better BH, but less power and spin
Thanks for the post & detail review. Not a big fan of the Aero sticks for my one hander (so I'll stick with the PT2😁). Looking forward to the 23 Radical & Gravity, VCore 95 & 98 & Pro Staff v14 reviews.
I mean I could not tell if Stev's balls were in or not but with his super flat FH and a relatively lively string, his depth looked super. Really love the control aspect of this stick. I totally regret getting the vcore 98 2023 because i have flat game.
As a one hander, I love the way the normal aero and vs cut through the air on my backhand. But my swing is quite modern of a one hander that prioritizes a lot of spin, so maybe a more classic style doesn’t suit the frame. On my flat serves, the aero 100 feels like it’s catching a ton of air, but the vs/98 wasn’t as bad for me. I can see how it’s a problem for flatter hitters though.
I have used the pure aero vs and at least in relation to that racket I agree with your comments about the one handed backhand. My one hander sits moderately between plow and spin oriented, and I feel like I just can’t get that plow as hard as I try. Maybe someone with a more Gasquet type backhand might beg to differ.
What would you suggest for strings? Hyper G isn't working at all. It becomes a rocket launcher.. on wilson blade they are a charm, but with this. Oh boy, how the balls fly
The previous generation of the aero vs felt good on my one-handed backhand, just that it felt rather stiff for my liking. In fact, my opponent commented that my balls were coming with extra kick off the ground with the aero vs as compared to my main racquet (microgel radical MP). I hit my groundstrokes rather flat though so I've got no idea how that happened. This new version has yet to hit my shores I think, or maybe its just that I haven't found any demos yet. It would be interesting though since you said that its softer.
Yesterday I demo the Aero, 98, and Plus versions for an hour and a half (thanks to tennis warehouse). I'm so confused on how to choose. The regular Aero felt best with my forehand, the 98 really worked with my one-handed backhand, and the Plus gave my serve a nice power boost. Should I choose the one that feels best on my forehand since its the shot I use the most? Any help is appreciated.
I'm super interested in the pure drive 98. I play with the pure drive but I wonder if sometime down the road as I advance I might want to switch to the more controlled version
I'm currently using the Aero VS 2020. Would you say it's worth the upgrade? If I payed attention correctly, it just seems like the impact of each shot just feels softer? I know you enjoyed the 2020 VS model. Thanks
Man great review, I like my older aero tour but I usually only use it in doubles because it gets a bit erratic (or I do) but great point to the 1HBH on this racquet because I would consider replacing the Aero tour with this because this checks more of the boxes of racquets I like (98 sq, softer, pattern, etc), although if it's similar issue on the 1hbh (which I already have with the aero tour) I probably will test it first or just stick with the 18x20 strike, blade or yonex which I have little issues hitting out on the bh side.. for me on the aero the launch angle is a bit much, I'm still intrigued with this racquet although tempered expectations.
Would you recommend the vcore 95 or pure aero 98? I hit a lot of topspin with the forehand and also hits topspin and slice with the one handed backhand. I’m trying right now the new vcore 95. Just got it, only played once with it. Very dampened.. I’m trying to adjust to it.
Do you prefer pure aero 98 or Head Boom MP 2024? I'm also a one handed backhanded as well and currently play with a Radical MP and look for more easy power.
GREAT REVIEW! The TW Europe link is not working or (and) there is a security issue with the link provided. BUT I did visit TW EUROPE again the pure aero vs 98 is not available, even for pre order :(
Loved the review! I am pretty set on switching to this racquet from the old 2017 PR VS and am more than exited to try the racquet but everywhere I call, there does not seem to be a set release date or even an estimate. Would you have any info on this?
Hi TN and fans, I recently impulse bought this racket while on a business trip w/o my clash 98 v2. I usually have a pretty sweet sliced bh specially with the Clash and ezone. But with this racket i can't slice for the life of me. It's really sweet on fh and dbh though. Anyone ran into similar issues and found a solution? Also this isn't the arm friendliest racket if you're 40+ like me. I strung at 15kg/~30lbs poly and after playing an hour every day of the weekend, my shoulder and arm are very sore
Looking forward to the new Vcores. For me Babolat is interesting but not an option even though I’ve had them. But I don’t feel the solidness and quality that I look for.
I would say similar in power. Pure Strike (with a little lead) has better control and feels much more stable compared to Aero VS, which is better for spin. But overall I find them very different in terms of feeling on ball impact, I prefer the Strike but it's completely subjective
I have the Strike 16x19, regular 2019 Pure Aero and Pure Aero VS 2019 (second hand tennis racquets are great prices in Aus haha). The Strike is a control racquet and more friendlier on the arm. When you belt a forehand, it will typically land where you want it to. With the Aero and Aero VS, it's a power racquet. You will likely need to add some topspin on your shots for it to land in or else it will cannon out. I personally prefer the regular Aero as I rely on my topspin forehand from the baseline, backhand slice, and drop shot. If topspin is a key part of your game, you will love the Aero lineup. Which Aero will depend on your specs preference. If you don't have topspin in your game, it may not be for you. Hope that helps you :)
what are you're thoughts about the launch angle of de aero 98, do you notice balls go long easy like the aero100 ? (for example on a return of serve) or is this launch angle more dempned?
Nice rev!! I'm coming from a pro staff 97 (red ones) and want to switch to this Babolat 98. Really like the racket but I'm worried about saving my arm. Been testing it with Hurricane at 24kg and it plays well but my arm is suffering a little bit. Any suggestions? Which string and tension would you recommend for me to test out. I'm a competitive aggressive 5.0 player that hits with spin and likes to flatten out balls.
I mean there is always the option of doing a hybrid like rpm with tour bite soft or hyper g soft. My suggestion if you don't want to do a hybrid would be either tour bite soft at 52 lb
Hi Jonas! For your current play style, would you prefer the pure aero 100 instead? I just got a new pure aero 100, and I also don’t feel as connected with the one handed backhand, I just switched from the blade v8
Hi Jonas, I have been waiting for your review... thanks. Which is best 100sqr and 98sqr for single handed backhand. I used the 100 APD and it was great for serve and forehand but single handed backhand was awful, the drag was too much.
Again, I'd buy the 98 if it was as thick as the Pure Aero. It's really the old "Control", them "VS" model. Babolat makes it a 98 but, makes it thinner for more control. I want a Pure Aero that isn't 100sq inches. Give me a 98 with similar power, knowing that the 98sq inch head give the racket slightly less power. Nobody ever mentions the thickness. Using 51lbs and a one handed backhand, isn't for this racket. It's like using an off road truck to go to the local grocery store. You can do it but, it's not recommended. There is also a difference in being a "professional" for money and having fun. They are young top .00001% athletes and don't care about tennis elbow (not really correct in being tennis elbow) and that's why you know the general retail rackets usually differ. (Not as much in this case and that's why, they are made to hit big and be jarring to the body. Let's see if Alcaraz, who will burn out quickly in his career, will switch to the new 98.
We've heard "Nada's not gonna last 6 months" for the last 10 years, give me a break with this shit. These players have the absolute highest tier of nutritionists, physical therapists, trainers and doctors. Stop peddling this bullshit
@Uchiha Sasuke Besides your tough guy stuff in the tennis world. (That's funny) It wasn't about if, he'd be good or great. For money, they have burned him out. He's human. I thought he'd win the US Open and was there and rooting for him. (Besides the crazy price for court seats and adding to the profiteering of tennis) I get the normal angry reply. I saw him in Miami as well. (I happened to be there during the semifinals and finals.....I had a couple days to bring someone to an event and ai was bored. I've maybe attended 15 tennis events in my life, because I don't want to support professional sports.) Do you reply on that? No. Do you reply on my main point about Babolat rackets? No. Do you cherry pick and focus on your own garbage bullshit of some professional player, that I'll forget about. Go hug Rafael Nadal Wirth billions, who couldn't give a shit about you. He piss on you, rather than shake your hand. Having said that, do you reply to comments not for you? Yes. Since you have Alcaraz up your ass as a lover, you chose to bring your own topic to me. That was one sentence in a comment not for you. -Enough with your bullshit and social media garbage. Oooooh I must defend his honor. Don't reply. As I thought, video games and tennis. About 2 years of mom's allowance and you can pay for strings. That second serve needs much more power.
@@Tennisnerd thanks how is it doing remote work there? I have to make sure to have decent internet speed, not like for video games but at least for video calls
@@briandmello1981 it wouldnt be too soft however to me personally its not enough of a difference to upgrade. So if you have the 2020 pavs i would not upgrade at all
Hey mate my 13 year old son (5ft10in and good build) is choosing between the pure aero 98 and the Vcore 98. He’s coming from a head speed pro auxetic but wants the new lighter racquets like vcore and pure aero. He needs a bit more power and spin, with an eastern forehand grip (between eastern and semi western) also? Which one should we get?
play with 2 pure aeros 2019 version currently but feel with my improved skills I need to go for a little more control but want to keep with a spin frame as that is my game style.... prob get the old vs a bit cheaper would you recommend saving a few quid and going with the vs over the 98 ?
@@Tennisnerd It seems your OHBH has a little more brush to it. You should try leather + a little lead at 12 and let us know how the PA98 takes to some added weight. Thanks!
Do you know if they plan on releasing a heavier version of the 98? Like a vs for the 98? I tried out the new 100, liked it, but control and stability (top of the hoop and off center shots) felt a bit lacking. Figure the 98 should fix the control and extra weight might sturdy up the racquet a bit.
