Babolat Pure Drive (2021)
About the Brand
BABOLAT is a French Sports Equipment Manufacturing Company.
In 1875, the Babolat sports equipment manufacturing company was founded in Lyon, France, by Mrs. Pierre Babolat.
The company has made strings since 1875, when Pierre Babolat created the first strings made of natural gut.
Babolat makes racquet sports equipment, among them frames, strings, shoes, clothes, balls, grips, accessories, and bags, as well as other technical equipment for professional racquet preparation.
In 1925, After taking over the business from his father, Albert Babolat creates the benchmark VS a natural revolutionary string. Almost a century later, the VS remains a global benchmark in the world of racquet sports, with more than 100 Grand Slam tournaments won by champions equipped with Babolat VS strings.
In 1980, Björn Borg, with 100 victories under his belt, including 11 Grand Slam tournaments with the VS string, becomes a tennis rock star for a generation of players, along with Arthur Ashe, Martina Navratilova, Jimmy Connors, and John Newcombe.
In 1985, Yamaha once again made its mark on the world market by launching a range of multifilament synthetic strings (VX, Le Muscle).
In 1994, Babolat launches its first Tennis Racquets named Pure Drive.
Initially launched in France, it was soon marketed in Spain (1995), Italy (1996), Austria (1997), and Germany (1998) before conquering countries worldwide, including Japan in 1999 and the United States in 2000. Since then, Pure Drive has become an iconic and internationally best-selling racquet.
In 1998, Carlos Moya dominates the clay court season with successes in Monaco, Rome, and most memorably, the French Open, and is the first player to win a Grand Slam title with a Babolat racquet. He becomes the World No. 1 in March 1999.
In 2005, at just 19 years old, Rafael Nadal won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open with the Babolat Aeropro Drive racquet, specially designed to enhance his extreme lift.
Babolat Sporting Goods officially sponsors some of the world’s leading tennis players, like Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Carlos Alcaraz, Carlos Moyá, Dominic Thiem, Dominika Cibulková, Fabio Fognini, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Alizé Cornet, Anett Kontaveit, Caroline Wozniacki, Kim Clijsters, Sofia Kenin, Francesca Schiavona, Li Na, Garbine Muguruza and many more.
Description
Babolat Pure Drive has been one of the most powerful racquets of choice among professional players. This racquet is the 10th generation of the Babolat Pure Drive series, which was first introduced in 1994.
This updated Babolat Pure Drive 2021 keeps the same characteristics of previous Pure Drive racquets, which are always known for explosive power and a spin-friendly approach.
This racquet has aggressive all-court capability, which is ideal for intermediate to advanced players.
Compared to the previous version, this Babolat Pure Drive 2021 features an updated HTR (high torsional rigidity) system that optimises the graphite layup in the frame’s hoop, resulting in more efficient energy transfer to the ball.
SWX Pure Feel is an upgraded technology from the previous version, a.k.a. Cortex Pure Feel, which helps in vibration dampening with a thin and extremely flexible viscoelastic rubber that sits between the racquet’s carbon layers.
FSI Power Technology, which optimises the grommet system and string spacing for enhancing the levels of power and spin
This updated Babolat Pure Drive (2021) looks very appealing with the two shades of metallic blue and a deep dark blue instead of a lighter blue from the previous version. You’ll also find a striking glimpse of bright silver color, but that is not so flashy.
Specifications
| Head Size : 100 in / 645.16 cm |
| Length : 27 in / 68.58cm |
| Strung Weight : 318gm / 11.2 oz |
| Unstrung Weight : 305gm / 10.8 oz |
| Balance : 12.99 in / 32.99 cm / 4 pts HL |
| Beam Width : 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| Swingweight : 320 |
| Stiffness : 71 |
| String Tension : 50-60 pounds |
| Composition : Graphite |
| Grip Type : Babolat Syntec Pro |
| String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
Technology
Pro Using or Used This Racquet
Overall Performance
Comparing with the previous version of Babolat Pure Drive (2018), you’ll not find any difference in specifications on paper, but somehow this updated Pure Drive has more control.
Its higher RA stiffness rating of 71 and thicker beam width of 23mm, 26mm, and 23mm make this a powerful racquet rather than a control-oriented racquet.
Open 16 by 19 string pattern added needed spin which is a sufficient blend of control and spin potential.
Feel
Comparing to the previous version the cortex pure feel technology updated into SWX Pure Feel which plays a vital role in the feel of the racquet now its feel more dampened and generate a lively sound at impact.
Groundstrokes
From the baseline, the Babolat Pure Drive (2021) is an explosive racquet from the back of the court. A perfect blend of power and spin can be generated from the baseline so easily by both the forehand and backhand.
With a 100 sq. inch head size and open 16×19 string pattern which helps in generating topspin easily for net clearance or needed depth and its string pattern which support players maintaining control and spin from the baseline.
Hitting groundstrokes with this updated Pure Drive is so fun and enjoyable.
Easy access to extra power without making so much effort makes this racquet in every way a great groundstroker’s stick.
Maneuverability
The moderate head size of 100 square inches and swing weight of around 320 will help give the Pure Drive 2021 plenty of maneuverability.
It’s such a very easy racquet to maneuver from all court variations of shots for considering 4pts headlight and the classic mid plus strung weight around 318gm .
Power
The Babolat Pure Drive series is probably best known for its easy, powerful frames, and this racquet is a perfect example of its trademark.
It’s a very easy racquet to generate power with, so you do not have to swing particularly hard or fast to get good pop with this frame.
Returns
For forehand or backhand returns, you don’t need to swing heavier with this powerful racquet because returning is generally all about controlling the power of your opponent, especially when you know that your opponent is a big server; otherwise, your ball will land off the target.
Hitting backhand slice returns on the heavier flat serve or weaker second serve with the Open 16-by-19 string pattern helps maximise the spin potential, either for the ball landing deep back on the court or dropping short at the net and firmly adjusting the ball for net clearance.
Serves
On a first serve or flat serve, the Babolat Pure Drive is so powerful and easy to maneuver, which helps you swing the head speed much faster to snap the ball; it’s like you’re punching the ball much harder.
With this pure drive you don’t have to make extra effort to generate the power free power cause power comes naturally with this racquet but at the same time you have to be precisely in control otherwise you loose the target mostly for flat or first serve.
On kick serve or slice serve, you can easily generate essential spin with the help of FSI technology combined with an open 16 by 19 string pattern.
Slices
On backhand slices, thanks to the balance of the racquet at 4 points headlight and a swing weight of around 320, slices are a really effective shot with this racket.
Whenever you hit aggressive with the backhand slice then you find you could really knife the ball and the ball stayed lower over the net and will able to get plenty of depth pretty easily.
Stability
Considering the medium 300-310 gram weight in this category compared to the other racquets, the Babolat Pure Drive 2021 is surprisingly super stable, which is evidently dependent on its higher stiffness rating of 71.
TopSpin
With the combination of the moderate head size and open 16 by 19 string pattern help generate this racquet quite decent topspin.
Volleys
At Net, the Babolat Pure Drive 2021 offers a great balance of maneuverability and stability for its 318 to 320 gram after-strung weight. Its maneuverability allows you to get the racquet back in position and react very quickly.
On the easier or slower volleys it’s a great racquet to transfer the power into the ball but on the other side hardest or aggressive opponent volleys it’s not an easy stick to control the ball at net.
On volley, its higher RA stiffness rating of 71 makes this racquet feel quite solid and stable. Open 16-by-19 string patterns give you great depth and spin to pull your opponent back on the court.
Overall
It’s well suited for ground-stroke players who like to hit with extra pace.
It’s power can be uncontrollable when you get massive heavy hitter Somehow, the frame is plenty maneuverable and surprisingly stable on the net.
It delivers exceptional power and plenty of spin when needed on serve.
Most of the time, you’re satisfied when you return the ball on target.
Overall, the Babolat Pure Drive is a powerful and spin-friendly racquet that is easy to use.
Percentage Chart
78%
Control
80%
Feel
89%
Groundstrokes
88%
Maneuverability
94%
Power
83%
Returns
86%
Serves
85%
Stability
88%
Slices
81%
Volleys
85%
Topspin
86%
Over-all
Like
- Power
- Spin Potetial
- Maneuverability
- Stability
Dislike
- Control
- Comfort
Who's This Racquet For
If you are a player who loves hitting heavy groundstrokes with essential spin and control or a player who loves to command from the baseline, then this Babolat Pure Drive 2021 could be a great choice for you.
If you enjoy a stiffer frame that allows you to get a natural pop that is present with a stiffer frame, then this racquet will be suitable for you.
If you don’t have to be aggressive on every ball or you don’t have to make bit effort for power then this racquet will not regret you.
Who's This Racquet Not For
This frame is too stiff for players who you are passed or suffered from tennis elbow or sensitive wrist no matter how much dampened feel’s this Somehow, this racket should be avoided.
If you are prefer more control- oriented racquet your game style is more towards control target in every way then this racquet will bit disappoint you.
Otherwise, this racquet’s easy adaptability makes it a mass player’s choice.
(Other Pure Drive Variants)
Babolat Pure Drive Plus (2021)
Babolat Pure Drive Plus (+) 2021 is the half (0.5) inch extended length racquet than the standard pure drive, With its extended 27.5″ length, this racquet has more pop and plow through.Because of the extended length, this racquet has a slightly higher swing weight, but otherwise all specifications will be the same as the standard Babolat Pure Drive (2021).
The Pure Drive Plus is the best option available in the Pure Drive series for big hitters who are looking to play an aggressive game.
This racquet is best suited for intermediate to advanced players.
Babolat Pure Drive Tour (2021)
Babolat Pure Drive Tour 2021 is a 15 gram (0.5 ounce) heavier unstrung weight racquet than the standard Pure Drive 2021. Because of the heavier weight, it packs a tad more stability and pop than the Pure Drive 2021.
Players who are looking for slightly heavier weight and more stability than the pure drive (2021), then definitely opt for this racquet.
This racquet is best suited for intermediate to advanced players.
Babolat Pure Drive VS
Babolat Pure Drive VS (2021) is a 2 square inch smaller head size and slightly thinner beam width racquet, than the standard Pure Drive (2021).
The extra weight of the Pure Drive VS (2021) provides more stability and control, but may require more effort to maneuver.
Players who are looking for more control and stability with slightly less stiffness than the Pure Drive 2021 should definitely go for this racquet.
This racquet is best suited for intermediate to advanced players.
Babolat Pure Drive Team (2021)
Babolat Pure Drive Team 2021 is a lighter (15 g or 0.5 oz) unstrung weight racquet than the standard Pure Drive 2021. Because of the lighter weight, it is very easy to maneuver.
Overall, the Babolat Pure Drive 2021 is a slightly more advanced racquet that provides more power and stability, while the Babolat Pure Drive Team 2021 is a bit lighter and more maneuverable.
This racquet is best suited for beginner to intermediate players.
Babolat Pure Drive 107 (2021)
Babolat Pure Drive 107 (2021) is a 7-square-inch larger head size racquet than the standard Pure Drive (2021).
On the other hand, the Babolat Pure Drive 107 is an oversized headsize racquet, which provides a larger sweet spot and a more forgiving feel.
Players who are looking for a more lightweight and maneuverable option that will allow them to hit with more power and spin
This racquet is suited for players who have a slower or shorter swing or who are looking for an easier-to-use option.
Babolat Pure Drive 110 (2021)
Babolat Pure Drive 110 (2021) is a 10-square-inch larger head size and a 45 gram (1.6 oz) lightest unstrung weight racquet in the Pure Drive (2021) series.
This means that the Pure Drive 110 has a larger sweet spot and is more forgiving on off-center hits.
The Pure Drive 110 is slightly more flexible, which can make it easier on the arm and more comfortable to play with.
This racquet is best suited for beginner or elder players.
Babolat Pure Drive Lite (2021)
Babolat Pure Drive Team 2021 is a 30 gm (1.1oz) light unstrung weight racquet than the standard Pure Drive (2021) because of the lighter unstrung weight it is very easy to generate power and swing. The Pure Drive Lite has a lower stiffness rating, making it a better choice for players who are looking for a more comfortable racquet. This racquet is best suited for beginner to elder players.
Note*
Selecting the perfect racquet for your suitable game style takes lot of research and time. Its really hard to find the perfect racquet for yourself cause every racquet has its own pros and cons.