Executive Summary
The Babolat Pure Drive Team is the 285g lightweight version of the world's most popular power frame. It retains the Pure Drive's identity — effortless pace, high launch, open string bed — while reducing the physical demand of swinging it.
Key Characteristic: At RA 72 and 285g, this is one of the most powerful frames in the lightweight category. The stiff beam and open 16x19 pattern combine to generate pace with minimal swing effort — ideal for recreational players, women's intermediates, and juniors who want to hit with authority without needing a full swing.
Key Positioning: This is the Pure Drive for players who can't or don't want to swing a 300g frame. The trade-off versus the standard Pure Drive is clear: less stability, less plow-through, and less touch. But for a 3.0–3.5 player who wants to feel like they're hitting hard, the Team delivers that more readily than any other frame at this weight.
Performance Profile
The Team edges the standard Pure Drive in raw power and maneuverability, while sacrificing control, stability, and touch.
Performance Comparison: Pure Drive Team vs Pure Drive
Team leads in maneuverability · Pure Drive leads in stability, control, and touch
Model Context
The Pure Drive family covers multiple weight and head size options. The Team sits at the lighter, more accessible end.
Pure Drive Team
Maximum power with minimum effort. The most accessible entry into the Pure Drive family for players who want to hit big without the physical demands of a heavier frame.
Pure Drive
The standard. Adds 15g for better stability and plow-through while keeping the same power geometry. The step-up when you're consistently outpacing opponents and want more control.
Pure Drive 100
The most forgiving Drive variant with a larger 105 sq in head. For players who prioritise the largest sweet spot over any precision. Similar weight to the Team but more forgiving off-center.
Technical Must-Knows
Who Plays With This?
The Pure Drive Team is one of the most popular recreational frames globally, particularly among women's intermediates, older recreational players, and juniors stepping into adult frames.
The core demographic for the Team. Women's club players at the 3.0–3.5 level consistently choose it for its effortless power, which reduces the strength differential versus male opponents and makes baseline hitting feel authoritative without demanding a heavy swing.
Players who've been playing for years but whose physical strength and swing speed have declined often find the Team gives them back the pop they've lost. The combination of light weight and high RA keeps the game feeling competitive.
Juniors aged 14–17 transitioning from junior frames to adult equipment often start on the Team. It bridges the gap — adult geometry and feel without the 300g commitment their developing bodies aren't ready for.
String Setup Guide
The Pure Drive Team's high stiffness and open pattern already deliver significant power. String choices should prioritise control and arm protection. Reference range: 48–58 lbs (21.5–26.5 kg).
Quick Start (Most Players)
- Start point (soft poly, 1.25mm, full bed): 52–55 lbs — this stiff frame needs controlled tension to avoid flying balls. Don't string low thinking it "adds comfort" — it will remove control.
- If the ball is flying long: Go up 2–3 lbs. The combination of open pattern + RA 72 + light weight makes this frame launch high — tension is your primary control tool.
- If your arm is sore: Switch to a multifilament or RPM Soft at 50–53 lbs. RA 72 is punishing on arm issues; a softer string is essential for pain-free play.
- For beginners: Multifilament at 52 lbs is the safest start. Forgiving, comfortable, and gives enough control at lower swing speeds.
Recommended Setups by Goal
| Goal | Recommended Setup | Starting Tension | What You'll Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced | Soft poly full bed, 1.25mm | 52–55 lbs (23.5–25 kg) | Power with manageable control — the default setup for most players |
| More control | Firmer poly or 1.27mm gauge | 54–57 lbs (24.5–26 kg) | Tighter trajectory — recommended for players consistently long |
| Arm comfort | Multifilament or natural gut full bed | 50–54 lbs (22.5–24.5 kg) | Much softer impact — essential for arm sensitivity at this RA |
| Max power | Soft poly, low tension | 48–51 lbs (21.8–23 kg) | Maximum launch and pace — for players wanting a truly effortless hitting experience |
Top 3 Recommended Strings
These strings work consistently well in the Pure Drive Team, balancing its natural power with enough control and arm-friendliness for recreational use.
Best for: Most Pure Drive Team players seeking a balance of power, control, and arm comfort.
RPM Soft is the natural upgrade from standard RPM Blast in this frame. It retains the control and durability of a polyester while reducing the harshness that RA 72 amplifies. The result is a setup that feels controlled without punishing your arm — the safest default for the Team.
Best for: Players with arm sensitivity or beginners wanting maximum comfort and feel.
NRG2 transforms the Pure Drive Team's feel — from a powerful but stiff package to a lively, arm-friendly experience. The slightly higher tension (vs poly) is needed to control the Team's natural power. Excellent for players who find poly too harsh but still want decent durability.
Best for: Intermediate players (3.5+) wanting added spin and trajectory control.
The textured surface of ALU Power Rough adds spin bite that the open 16x19 pattern amplifies. Pairing it with a lower tension offsets the stiffness of both frame and string. A good choice for players developing a topspin game who want the Team's effortless power with a more controlled launch angle.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Pure Drive Team | Pure Drive | Pure Drive 100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 105 sq in (677 cm²) |
| Weight (Unstrung) | 285g / 10.1oz | 300g / 10.6oz | 285g / 10.1oz |
| Length | 27 in | 27 in | 27 in |
| Balance | ~325mm / 4–5 pts HL | ~320mm / 5–6 pts HL | ~330mm / 3–4 pts HL |
| String Pattern | 16x19 | 16x19 | 16x20 |
| Stiffness (RA) | ~72 | ~72 | ~70 |
| Swingweight | ~295 | ~321 | ~290 |
| Target Player | 3.0–3.5 / Lighter Swing | 3.5–4.5 Players | Beginner / Max Forgiveness |