Babolat

Pure Drive review

The world's best-selling power frame. It amplifies pace rather than asking for it.

Racquet product shot
Highly recommended
Head 100 Aero 100: 100
Weight 300g Aero 100: 300g
Pattern 16×19 Aero 100: 16×19
Stiffness 72 RA Aero 100: 68 RA
Swingwt 321 Aero 100: 315
Balance HL Aero 100: HL
Full specsPure Drive · Pure Drive Team · Pure Drive 100
Pure DrivePure Drive TeamPure Drive 100
Head size100 sq in100 sq in105 sq in
Weight (unstrung)300 g285 g285 g
Weight (strung)325 g308 g310 g
Swingweight321295290
Stiffness72 RA72 RA70 RA
String pattern16×1916×1916×20
BalanceHead LightHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. Effortless pace and a forgiving sweet spot for an aggressive game.

    Performance

    Pure Drive Pure Aero 100

    Playtest

    Effortless, explosive depth.
    Full notes

    The stiff beam and FSI Power spacing fling the ball deep even off a relaxed swing, and off-centre hits still carry. It can launch too easily: commit to topspin and the 16×19 brings it down.

    + Pros

    • Huge, effortless power
    • Forgiving 100 sq in sweet spot
    • Free pace on serve
    • Plenty of spin from 16×19

    − Cons

    • Stiff at ~72 RA
    • Easy power can fly long
    • Less touch than a flexible frame
    • Pushed around by the heaviest hitters

    String for

    54–57 lbs 24.5–25.9 kg RPM Blast or similar, 1.25mm, full bed Pick: Babolat RPM Blast

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Babolat RPM Blast Power poly · factory pairing Full FSI Power activation and spin.
      53–57 lbs 24–25.9 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Tecnifibre Razor Soft Arm-friendly poly Removes the harsh edge without losing control.
      51–55 lbs 23.1–25 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Luxilon ALU Power Precision poly A flatter, deader feel for big flat drives.
      53–57 lbs 24–25.9 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised

    Also on tour James Duckworth, Camila Osorio, Yulia Putintseva, Titouan Droguet, Renata Zarazua, Julia Grabher, Arthur Cazaux, Carlos Taberner, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Jordan Thompson, Lois Boisson, Sofia Kenin, Sonay Kartal

    Verdict: 8.1

    The benchmark power frame: effortless pace, a forgiving sweet spot and a serve weapon. Respect the stiffness and string it thoughtfully. More topspin: Pure Aero 100. More control: Pure Strike 98 (18×20).

    Related racquets

    FAQ

    Is the Babolat Pure Drive good for beginners?

    It is best for 3.5+ players. Beginners are better served by the Pure Drive Team (285g), Lite (270g) or Boost Drive (260g).

    Is the Pure Drive bad for your arm?

    It is stiff (~72 RA) and transmits shock, especially with a firm poly strung high. Low-50s tension with a soft poly, gut hybrid or multifilament makes it far friendlier.

    Pure Drive vs Pure Aero: which should I buy?

    The Pure Drive for raw, effortless power and a flatter ball. The Pure Aero for heavy topspin and a higher, arcing ball.

    What is the best string and tension for the Pure Drive?

    RPM Blast at 54–57 lbs (24.5–26 kg). For comfort, Razor Soft or a gut hybrid at 50–52 lbs; for a flatter feel, ALU Power at 53–57 lbs.

    Is the Pure Drive good for intermediate and advanced players?

    Yes. It has the broadest tour usage of any frame and suits 3.5–5.0 players who want a powerful, forgiving platform.

    What is the difference between the Pure Drive generations?

    Specs have stayed at 100 sq in, 300g, 16×19. The 2015 and 2018 versions feel stiffer and more direct; the 2021 and 2025 updates softened the feel.