Babolat

Pure Control Tour review

Babolat's precision frame. A flatter, more predictable ball for players who place it.

Racquet product shot
Recommended
Head 98 98: 98
Weight 315g 98: 305g
Pattern 16×20 98: 16×20
Stiffness 66 RA 98: 65 RA
Swingwt 335 98: 318
Balance HL 98: HL
Full specsPure Control Tour · Pure Control 98 · Pure Strike 98 (18×20)
Pure Control TourPure Control 98Pure Strike 98 (18×20)
Head size98 sq in98 sq in98 sq in
Weight (unstrung)315 g305 g305 g
Weight (strung)340 g330 g330 g
Swingweight335318322
Stiffness66 RA65 RA72 RA
String pattern16×2016×2018×20
BalanceHead LightHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. Your swing supplies the pace; the Pure Control Tour puts it exactly where you aim.

    Performance

    Pure Control Tour Pure Control 98

    Playtest

    Flat, predictable, aimable.
    Full notes

    The ball comes off flatter than a Pure Drive or Aero, so you can aim near the lines. It gives what you put in: a full swing earns a heavy, penetrating ball, a short one gets little help.

    + Pros

    • Flatter, more predictable ball
    • Pinpoint placement
    • Connected, informative feel
    • Stable and confident at net

    − Cons

    • Little free power
    • Less spin help than the Pure Aero
    • Not forgiving for beginners
    • Demands full, committed swings

    String for

    50–54 lbs 22.7–24.5 kg Co-poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Luxilon ALU Power

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Luxilon ALU Power Tour control poly Precision and tension maintenance: Norrie's choice.
      51–55 lbs 23.2–25 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Babolat RPM Blast Spin poly · factory Restores some topspin to the 16×20.
      50–54 lbs 22.7–24.5 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Luxilon ALU Power Soft Comfort control poly ALU control in a more arm-friendly feel.
      49–53 lbs 22.3–24 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised
    • Cameron NorrieCounter-Puncher
      ATP #39 · Luxilon Alu Power 125 · 20 kgThe 315g Tour's stability behind a high-volume, full-swing baseline game.

    Verdict: 8.4

    The precision specialist in Babolat's Pure line: a flatter, more pinpoint, more connected ball for players who supply their own pace. Easy power: Pure Drive. Heavy topspin: Pure Aero 98.

    Related racquets

    FAQ

    Is the Babolat Pure Control good for beginners?

    Not really. It is a precision frame for 4.0+ players who make their own pace; start with a more powerful, forgiving frame like the Pure Drive.

    Pure Control vs Pure Drive: which should I buy?

    The Pure Control for precision, a flatter ball and feel at net. The Pure Drive for effortless power and a bigger margin for error.

    Pure Control vs Pure Aero: which should I buy?

    The Pure Control for a flatter, control-first game. The Pure Aero for heavy topspin and a higher, arcing ball.

    Is the Pure Control arm-friendly?

    More arm-considerate than Babolat's stiff power frames. For sensitive arms, use a soft poly or poly/multifilament hybrid at a lower tension.

    What string and tension is best for the Pure Control?

    A control co-poly in the low 50s lbs. Drop a couple of pounds or add multi crosses for comfort; go up a couple for more control.

    Is the Pure Control a control or power racquet?

    Control: the most control-oriented frame in Babolat's modern Pure line.