This was a fascinating video to watch! I grew up mostly staying away from Babolat racquets playing mostly with Wilson racquets, but never underestimated this iconic racquet design. The original aero pro is still such an enigma that has made tons of people wanna try it, including myself. I wonder if the insanely low twist weight had something to do with the original’s unique feel… makes me wonder if Rafa bumped up the swingweight to add more stability to the top of the racquet. Love to see good content get the recognition it deserves
Thanks Richard. I think the twistweight really helps the racquet fly through the air. This thing is so fast for the swingweight. There's no racquet like it, and I dont think there ever will be.
Thank you, I have watched most of your vids back to the Courtside Sports days and I my opinion this is the best I have seen from you. Congrats. Love to see one going from the first ever Pure Control to the latest Pure Strike VS.
Thanks so much for your continued viewership, Paul. Those words really mean a lot to me, as this is definitely the video that we put the most work into.
One of your all time best videos ever because these frames are a historic part of your tennis dna and the racquet consciousness of at least two and a half generations of tennis players. Well done. And Simon is really improving the smoothness and snap of his forehand. Anybody who knows tennis will see how important this video is in the Tencomm philosophy.
Had to remove a segment in the middle of this video because the Australian Open does not understand the meaning of fair-use. They use a bot that systematically threatens to add a copyright strike to channels that use their clips under fair use. This the kind of thing that really hurts the tennis community. Tennis media has proven that they are disinterested in modernizing their practices. They are hurting small creators. I hope that the clips in the beginning of this video do not get flagged as well, but if they do we will have to deleted the whole video and reupload an edited version that's significantly less epic. The Australian Open has claimed all of the ad-revenue on this video. They are taking money away from the budget of future videos. We purchase all of the racquets you see in videos unless they are borrowed from an end consumer. We do this to maintain as much journalistic integrity as possible. We know how important unbiased approaches are to the tennis community, and we always want to provide the best consumer advise we can. If you enjoy our videos and would like to support us financially, we would be honoured if you used one of the following options: -Super Thanks (beside the "Like" button) -Direct donation via PayPal: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LQ8TN24336A2N -Purchasing a Racquet Consultation: tenncom.media/shop
One of the best tennis videos here, thank you so much! And just two days ago i tried aeropro drive GT from 2010 and IM IN LOVE with it, much more power and spin than my actual Pure aero 2019, idk why but is like i have more power feeling with the ball, just my sensations i guess. Ty for the video ❤👏
Becket, What an outstanding / interesting video: Bravo!! I’m the 74 year old 4.0 singles player that has communicated with you a number of times. Thank you for your feedback and recommendations. I have an addition issue: I continue to switch racquets in search of the holy grail! This must stop😅Before I officially stop, however, I will just try one more, hopefully. You know, out of many, many rackets over the years, I HAVE NEVER TRIED A PURE AERO! So, I just ordered the 2023 PA… I have a one-hander, can hit spin, lots of flat and touch. Wish me luck! Ciao, John
Hey John! GOod luck with the new stick! FYI I do recognize your name every time you comment and I remember who you are. Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments and all the best in 2023.
Just started trying Babolate Aeros, starting with the VS. The widebody feel with the surprisingly high twistweight coupled with low swing weight, interesting weight distribution, it's just such a unique feeling. And it truly makes me want to whip up on the shot.
as a one hander i naturally hate the pure aero, but not even gone lie. i love the new pure aero 98, its just amazing. the main problem we, one handers, have with the pure aero is that is doesnt flow through the air stable enough on the backhand and its 100 square inch head. the 98 fixes the head but it doesnt flow in the air stable like a pro staff 97, but it flows stable enough. its because of the design of the through, it wants to flight in the air at an angle but you can really do that with a one hander. just something you have to learn to work with
@@TennCom I’m curious why the 6mos delay. Are they purposely waiting to clear out PAVS stock or just waiting for that official 3yr turnaround timeline.
Thanks to your videos. I had the 2007-2008 Aeropro Drive in the past, unfortunately it is cracked against the pole of the light of Tennis Court. I still using the 2010-2012 Aeropro Drive to this day. Still considering to buy a new Pure Aero version. Perhaps will looking forward for the next iteration of the Pure Aero in the next year 2025.
If you need a new one sooner, the 290g Pure Aero Rafa is actually quite close in feel to the Aero Pro Drives. I'm working on my review now in comparison to the great Aero's of the past.
@@TennCom I will wait for the next generation if needed, as I need a slightly heavier racket. Preferably 300g or above. I once tested the 290g and 285g racket, the weight is giving me lack of punch on my groundstroke from the baseline. I saw your video on this, the curve spin pattern and delivery is different with each Aeropro Drive/Pure Aero iteration.
thanks so much for this review, very much appreciate the historical perspective! I am actually using a weighted up 2013 APD, and I am wondering how the 2023 version would play if it was customized to the specs similar to the APD Original with Rafa's specs? Maybe not as heavy, but still with a beefy swingweight with counterbalanced weight in the handle? I also noticed the 2019 and 2023 have a pretty high twistweight and I was wondering if that is a good or bad thing with the kind of game this racquet promotes?
The twistweight really changes the game. I dont think Rafa's spec is really achievable because of this. The weighted up 2019 version feels significantly slower than the APDO. Simon is like fully going to switch to the new Aero so we will probably do a customization video on the racquet which should provide us both with more insight on your question
As always stunning video guys. Since you (beckett) mentioned you might consider switching to the new aero, are you planning to customize it the same way as your ET. In general I am very interested in your opinion on MgR/I Tuning since your are using it. On especially how height and armlenght effect it (I am about 1,74m). Keep up the work guys 🙏
I like the forgiveness of the thicker beam when I’m at the of my range. I’m looking for something that will help keep one more ball in the court while on defence or to help me find that passing shot when in a tough situation. Simon and I are going to prepare for some tournaments next Summer so I want something to help me win.
Hi. The GT technology. Is that in the new versions of aero/strike still? I remember it was in the Pure Storm and I wonder if its still in the Pure Strike, but know they just dont talk about it.
Its just like a tiny amount of tungsten in the layup that probably doesn't actually do that much. From what I understand, the new racquets do not have tungsten in the layup, at least not publicly.
@@TennCom dear bro sorry may i ask you one question. So i have been looking for a good coach in Armenia(which is super difficult) cause 90% of coaches at least have old style pf playing instead of modern play style. So i just found a girl who is not an armenian i guess she has migrated to here, and she has been playing tennis for 18 years , have been participating in tournaments like ITF, TE, PTT (this is in her bio), also had been training in USA Chris Evert academy (not sure whats that), and she has 5 years of experience as a coach. So my question is > like is it ok if me being a man to have a female coach? I am asking in terms of like are there any things that are not the same for women and men playstyles in bases? Or i is the same in general and i can try her services ? What is your opinion on that?) thanks in advance
I don't think so. We are going to do a more in depth review on the 2023 Aero soon, but the Aero is a bit slower through the air than a stock Extreme Tour. I have to change my swing a little bit to get the most out of the Aero. I am still interested in switching, but I don't think its the goldilocks racquet that I was hoping for.
Top video. Last year, I got myself one of the *2016 Pure Aero's* (fluorescent green/black style), spec'd it up with lead in the hoop 12 o'clock and handle, strung with RPM Blast 16 @ 55lb. No idea what the SW is but it weighs in at 330g and is more of a ''howitzer'' than a spin-machine but I reckon this is more about my hitting angle and technique than the racquet. Now I'm curious. I'm in the market to try another model.and thinking of the 2010 *AeroPro Drive GT* or the 2021-23 _'yellow/purple/orange-colored'_ *Pure Aero Rafa* to compare.
Thanks! I recommend the AeroPro Drive GT. The feel is unique and you'll get that denser string pattern. The Pure Aero Rafa is not that different from you Pure Aero. Its just a few RA points softer and a bit plusher feeling.
@@TennCom Just bought an *AeroPro Drive GT* Im actually a tall, flat-hitter usually, but using the Aero range has really changed my gamestyle. Thanks for the advice! * I was tempted to drop $500 on a used/mint *AeroPro Drive Original* from 2005 but Im not one for quibbling about 'feel'
From what I remember, our favourite setup was Tour M8 at 52lbs, but I haven't found the racquet to be very string sensitive. I think most polys would play well between 48-54lbs.
The ET is all about control. Needs a lot of weight at 12 to get the same kind of power that the Aero produces. The Aero is also way more stable, super muted on contact and a lot more plush. The ET is way more predictable and crisp. ET swings much faster through the air and the Aero drags behind in comparison.
Currently leaning Pure Aero, but we are going to do a comparison video on these two. Hopefully later this month but these videos seem to take longer and longer everytime I make them lol
@@stanwysmith The Aero feels faster and packs a much bigger punch. Its not necessarily more powerful, but it delivers a way heavier ball at higher swing speeds. Stock for stock, I was not able to hit a heavy enough ball to cause problems for my ITF-level friend, but I can with the Aero. Both are more muted than I'd like though.
I love the new 2023 Aero. I’ve been using it for over a year. Unfortunately my Elbow and arm hate it. I’m am now forced to switch. I wish Babolat could figure out how to take the stiffness out of this wonderful racquet.
Just curious what strings and tension you had in your Aero 2023 that led to elbow and arm problems? I've tried so many soft flex racquets (with multi and hybrid strings in 45-47 lbs) that now I wanna try a stiffer power racquet but string it at 40 lbs with some poly strings as a test (recommended by Nik at Intuitive Tennis).
@@rayzor4368 I was using multifilaments. I believe Gamma proffesional spin. Not sure what tension. Low 50’s. Don’t like real low tension. I’m enjoying a control racquet at present. I’ve switched to the new Yonex 97. I also liked the Head Gravity MP.
Oh no hahahaha why did you ask? The Extreme Tour is still a really nice frame and the Auxetic is a lot easier to use than the previous version. Some copper tape in the hoop goes a long way if you find struggles with power or stability.
Normally I agree with all your videos, mostly because you pay me to, but I can’t agree with this one. The Head Extreme is the best Pure Aero ever and I won’t be convinced otherwise
For the one handers, I think the shot is naturally more flat than the forehand or the two hander, so hitting with the areo does not give the expected result for most rec players. We're used to a shot that goes through the court and we get a shot that has unexpected shape.
I also find it interesting that there arent any 1 handers in the pros that i can think of that use the Aero either. Like its not even just a rec issue.
Can I play the 2023 aero (300gramm) as a hobby player which just plays 1x per week and started tennis a year ago? All learning by doing myself without a professionell Trainer. I’m not super bad but still have to learn how to hit good spin in my forehands My old racket is a 2015 head instinct light and i want a new one 🤣 (280gramm, 690head)
If you are an adult, you should be able to get used to a 300g racquet pretty quickly. It’ll take some time for your muscles to get used to the extra weight, but I think it’s a good idea.
Thanks for the answer Yes i am 31years old. So this racket is also good for beginner - intermediate players like me (im not in a club and just playing 1x / week just for fun ) and not only for Pro‘s?
There was a completely dreadful Aero Tour that preceded the Aeropro, which was thinner, stiffer and without woofer grommets. The only racquet that gave me arm pain.
One strike against having Nadal as the GOAT, is he's never won a single WTF. This is a tournament where you play agaunst the top 8; which are the best of the best of that year. Nadal fans will quickly throw out that; "It's an indoor tournament on hardcourt; not his strength," but, to not even win "one" imho, hurts his legacy as the supreme GOAT. Even, Federer and Novak have won at the French during Nadal's reign... The opposite isn't true for Rafa at WTF. Rafa's GS totals and Masters are mainly from the FO and clay, where Roger's and Novak's are fairly balanced (Hard, Grass w/some clay) I'm a Fed fan, through and through... But know when it's all said and done, it will be Novak that will hold that supreme GOAT title status.
It’s a hole in his resume for sure. But I think weeks at number 1 is bigger hole. Nadal doesn’t care about wtf. His body honestly can’t last the whole season which I would say is the main reason he hasn’t won the event. That said, I think Nadal under the right circumstances is simply the hardest player to beat of all time which is a big positive.
These rackets always feel 1-2 inches shorter when I hold them, even though they are 27 inches. Thicker beam and stiffer, or different throat size? Yeah, the spin generation is definitely up there in RPM compared to its competition. Overpriced and never on sale because of its popularity!
Blew my mind that an insanely specialized frame literally designed for one guy managed to become one of the most popular lines of all time and yet no one seems to talk about it. It's like a reverse yonex.
The 2013 still swings quite a bit faster and feels more raw and connected. The 2023 is the closest Babolat has come to producing something to an AeroPro Drive since the 2013 model, but its still worse as a player's racquet IMO. Not a good upgrade unless your current sticks are cracking or you want to preserve them.
I have a Babolat pure aero 2019 version is it worth upgrading to the newest version or should I just save my money and wait for a newer version to come out
no, the Pure Aero Rafa (new version) is 10g light and appears to be the same mold as the AeroPro Drive, so the 2019 and the 2023 Rafa's have different grommets. That said, the Rafa's do both have the more open string patterns from the 2019 Pure Aero, instead of the tighter 16x19 in the AeroPro Drives and 2023 Pure Aero 100.
I think if you have to buy a new racquet, the Aero 98 is the spiritual successor to the APDs. Not quite the same, but spirit of power and spin + high racquet head speed is still there
@@TennCom Oh. I got thise also! Wilson ProStaff 85 Original: spec'd up to Sampras-mode Wilson ProStaff Tour90: wrecked my arm Wilson nCode Tour90: just a shite racquet
Sorry I wanted to get it out sooner. Canada is not a major market for more manufacturers so the Aeros were delayed for months here. Only the big boy stores got copies for release. Courtside is medium sized so they got a shipment last month and smaller stores still dont have the 2023 Aeros yet. Babolat seems to still be suffering from serious production issues.
The pure aero is always interesting. It’s like an old girlfriend that you can’t forget. But I’m never convinced to stay with it. Have not tried the new version though but did not like the 2019 version, felt like a toy racket in some sense with no predictability. I’m trying the Technifibre Tempo Iga with Razor Code right now. Very stable and predictable. But will continue to watch these videos and maybe demo the new Aero in the future.
Sadly Tecnifibre's Canadian dsitribution has shut down so my order was delayed. Trying to get the order rerouted from the US so hopefully I finally get to try TF stuff soon
Heard the TF40 is very good also. But I like the the Tempo with the Razor Code. The foam inside the racket is really good in my opinion. All new Technifibres have this foam. Hope you can try them.
@@adriellepretre9047 still haven’t hit them enough back to back. Been sick sadly. Should be back on court this week and will do a good comparison review asap
nadal the Goat ? LOLLLL jsut cause u got a man crush, u cant make false statements, DOKOVIC is the GOAT thats a statistical fact, NADAL is clay GOAT only
@@matteoc.6162 who has 400+ weeks at no1, and who has 200+ weeks at no1, who has been cheated and banned from playing grand slams , matteo u clown and nadal ur boy toy clown, dokovic has crushed records and he will crush GS record, nadal will never win 1 again, dokovic will break 25 GS, so go suck it
