Pure Aero 98 review
Aero spin, sharpened for control. Built for players who hit through the ball.
Full specsPure Aero 98 · Pure Aero 100 · Pure Aero Team
| Pure Aero 98 | Pure Aero 100 | Pure Aero Team | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head size | 98 sq in | 100 sq in | 100 sq in |
| Weight (unstrung) | 305 g | 300 g | 285 g |
| Weight (strung) | 323 g | 325 g | 308 g |
| Swingweight | 322 | 315 | 300 |
| Stiffness | 66 RA | 68 RA | 70 RA |
| String pattern | 16×20 | 16×19 | 16×19 |
| Balance | Head Light | Head Light | Head Light |
Performance
Playtest
Full notes
The tighter pattern and thinner beam drive through the court instead of looping it. The high swingweight rewards full swings: plant and rip a forehand and you get a dipping ball you can aim at lines. Half-swing it and it feels sluggish. One-handers need to keep their swing speed up to get the spin working.
Full notes
Flat first serves come off heavy thanks to the swingweight and stiff beam, and kick and slice jump off the court. You have to bring the racquet-head speed to access it.
Full notes
It stays stable against big servers and blocks back heavy, deep returns. Easy spin buys time on defence. The weight shows in fast reflex exchanges.
Full notes
The thinner beam and NF² dampening give a connected feel on punch volleys and it holds firm against pace. Drop volleys take adjustment: the response is firm and muted.
Full notes
At ~66 RA you feel it. A firm poly at high tension is punishing on a sensitive arm; drop the tension and use a softer poly or a hybrid and it becomes far more forgiving.
+ Pros
- Heavy spin on a flatter ball
- Hits lines: 16×20 precision
- Stable against pace
- Closest retail frame to Alcaraz's
− Cons
- Firm at ~66 RA
- Punishes half-swings
- Less free spin than the 100
- Not for beginners
String for
Recommended strings
-
1
51–54 lbs 23–24.5 kg · 1.25mm
-
2
50–54 lbs 22.5–24.5 kg · 1.25mm
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3
48–52 lbs 21.8–23.5 kg · 1.25mm
Who plays it
Tour frames customised-
Carlos AlcarazAggressive BaselineATP #3 · Babolat RPM Blast · 24 kgTopspin to flat winners in one stroke. -
Felix Auger-AliassimeAggressive BaselineATP #5 · Babolat RPM Rough · 23 kg -
Arthur FilsAggressive BaselineATP #11 · Babolat RPM Blast · 22 kg
Also on tour Leylah Fernandez, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Raphael Collignon, Jacob Fearnley, Dino Prizmic, Holger Rune, Valentin Royer
Verdict: 8.8
The thinking aggressor's spin racquet: all the Aero topspin, with the control and stability to hit lines instead of just landing balls deep. Easier power: Pure Aero 100. Flatter ball: Pure Strike 98 (18×20).
Related racquets
FAQ
What racquet does Carlos Alcaraz use?
A heavily customised Babolat Pure Aero, significantly heavier than retail. The retail Pure Aero 98 (98 sq in, 16×20, 305g) is the closest off-the-shelf match.
Is the Pure Aero 98 good for beginners?
No. It is a 4.5+ frame with a tight 16×20 pattern, a high swingweight and a firm beam. Start with the Pure Aero 100, the Team (285g) or the Lite (270g).
Pure Aero 98 vs 100: which should I buy?
The 98 if you make your own pace and want control and feel. The 100 for free power and easier, more forgiving spin from the open 16×19.
Is the Pure Aero 98 bad for your arm?
It is firm (~66 RA). Low-50s tension with a soft poly, or poly mains with multifilament crosses, makes it far more arm-friendly.
Does the Pure Aero 98 produce a lot of spin?
Yes, but you earn it with racquet-head speed: the 16×20 gives slightly less free snapback than the 16×19. A shaped poly such as Hyper-G restores bite.
What is the best string and tension for the Pure Aero 98?
Babolat RPM Blast 1.25mm at 50–53 lbs (22.5–24 kg) for most players. Go lower, or hybrid, if your arm complains.