Executive Summary
The Babolat Pure Strike is the precision and control variant within the Babolat family — the deliberate counterpart to the spin-assist Pure Aero. Where the Aero generates heavy topspin through aerodynamics and an open string pattern, the Pure Strike rewards flat, penetrating ball-striking with clean feedback and a more direct trajectory.
Key Characteristic: A stiffer beam than most "control" frames (~71–74 RA), combined with an open 16x19 pattern and a relatively low-powered response, produces a frame that launches the ball cleanly and flatly. The Pure Strike is not a "soft" or "feel-first" frame in the traditional sense — it's crisp and direct, communicating impact clearly without excessive vibration dampening.
Key Positioning: Sits between the Pure Aero (more power and spin assist) and traditional player's frames (more flex and feel). It appeals to flat hitters and all-court players who want Babolat build quality and spin capability in their serves, combined with a tighter, more controlled baseline response that doesn't launch aggressively.
Performance Profile
The Pure Strike 98 leads the range in control and flat power. It gives up some topspin assist versus the Pure Aero while gaining precision and a cleaner ball-exit at impact.
Performance Comparison: Pure Strike 98 vs Pure Strike 100
Strike 98 leads in control and stability · Strike 100 offers more forgiveness and a larger sweet spot
On-Court Playtest
We took the Babolat Pure Strike through a full hitting session — groundstrokes, serves, returns and net play — strung with RPM Blast in the low-to-mid 50s. Here's how Babolat's precision frame plays, shot by shot, and how the more flexible, control-first beam separates it from the Pure Drive and Pure Aero.
Groundstrokes
The Pure Strike's defining trait off the ground is precision rather than free pace. Where the Pure Drive flings the ball off the face, the Strike asks you to drive through it — and rewards you when you do with a flat, penetrating, deep ball that goes exactly where you aim. The beam is more flexible than the Pure Drive or Aero, so contact feels cleaner and more connected, with a crisp, direct response rather than a springy launch. It is genuinely a Babolat control-and-feel frame: you supply the swing speed, and the Strike converts it into controlled depth. The trade-off is that it doesn't bail you out — a lazy, short swing produces a flat, lifeless ball, so it suits players confident enough to commit. In 16x19 form there's noticeably more access to spin and a touch more pop; the 18x20 trades that for an even tighter, lower-launch, dead-accurate response.
Serve
Serving suits the Strike's character well. It blends control with genuine access to power, so flat first serves come off clean and fast and you can place them on a dime, while the 16x19 pattern still lets you carve out spin on kick and slice deliveries. It won't add cheap, free miles per hour the way a stiff power frame does, but the precision pays off — you can hit your spots and trust the trajectory, which is exactly what a serve-and-strike player wants. The 18x20 is the more surgical of the two for flat targets.
Volleys & Net
At net the Strike is a pleasure. The cleaner, more connected feel and the control-oriented response make punch volleys land deep and exactly where intended, and there's enough feedback through the handle to play touch volleys and drop shots with confidence. It's a more communicative frame at the net than the Pure Drive, and that feel is a big part of why all-court and serve-and-volley players gravitate to it. Stability is solid for a 98, so firm pace doesn't knock it off line.
Return & Defence
On the return the control identity shows again: you can take a compact swing and redirect a big serve flat and deep with precision, rather than relying on the frame to launch it for you. On defence the more flexible beam and clean feel help you flick and slice your way out of trouble, and the directional precision keeps stretched, defensive balls from sailing. It demands a bit more from the player than an easy-power frame, but it gives back control in return — exactly the bargain the Strike is built around.
Comfort & Feel
This is where the Strike surprises. On paper the beam runs fairly stiff for a control frame (~71–74 RA), but it plays softer and more muted than the number suggests thanks to Babolat's Hybrid Frame Construction, which dampens vibration selectively while keeping the crisp energy return. The feel is clean and direct rather than plush, but it's a long way from harsh. String it sensibly — a softer poly or a gut hybrid in the low 50s — and it's comfortable for most arms; crank a firm poly high and the underlying stiffness will eventually make itself known. String it thoughtfully and it rewards you with that signature crisp, connected Pure Strike feel.
Pros & Cons
The quick scannable summary of what we liked — and what to be aware of — with the Pure Strike.
Pros
- Excellent control and directional precision — go exactly where you aim
- Clean, crisp, connected feel from a more flexible beam than the Drive or Aero
- Genuine flat power that drives the ball deep and penetrating
- Versatile across patterns — 16x19 for more spin, 18x20 for more control
- Confidence-inspiring at the net and on touch shots
- HFC construction keeps it more comfortable than its RA number suggests
Cons
- Less free, effortless power than the Pure Drive — you must supply the swing
- Still runs stiff (~71–74 RA) — string carefully for sensitive arms
- Less spin assist than the Pure Aero, especially in 18x20 form
- Demanding for beginners; rewards confident, advanced ball-strikers
- Not a soft, pocketed feel — it's crisp and direct rather than plush
Model Context
The Pure Strike range covers flat hitters and all-court players from advanced to intermediate. The 98 18x20 is the most demanding variant; the 100 broadens accessibility without abandoning the Strike's flat-power identity.
Pure Strike 98 (18x20)
The densest, most precision-focused Pure Strike. An 18x20 pattern minimises spin assist and maximises directional control. Suited to players who drive through the ball with pace and precision rather than generating topspin as a primary weapon.
Pure Strike 98 (16x19)
The more accessible flagship. Restores spin potential and some forgiveness via the more open pattern while preserving the Strike's clean, direct feel identity. The preferred starting point for players transitioning into the Pure Strike range.
Pure Strike 100
A lighter, more accessible version for players building toward tour-level technique. The larger head and reduced weight retain the Pure Strike's flat-power identity while lowering the physical demands. Used by Lulu Sun on the WTA tour.
Technical Must-Knows
Who Plays With This?
The Pure Strike attracts flat hitters, big servers, and all-court players who want Babolat's build quality with a more controlled, less spin-assisted response than the Pure Aero. Tour frames are customised — use these profiles to understand the playing style the Pure Strike serves.
Humbert's serve-dominant, net-attacking style benefits from the Pure Strike's clean, flat power output. His heavy, flat serves and aggressive first-strike forehand exploit the frame's crisp energy return — he doesn't need topspin assist, he needs precision and pace. The Pure Strike's volley feel and directional control also support his frequent net approaches.
Darderi's powerful, technically polished baseline game generates its own topspin through mechanics and swing speed rather than relying on frame geometry. The Pure Strike's controlled, precise response lets him drive flat, penetrating balls crosscourt and inside-out with confidence — a frame that amplifies his already excellent technique.
Medjedovic's choice of the demanding 18x20 variant reflects serious technical confidence. His powerful, driving baseline game suits the dense pattern's precision focus — he generates topspin through swing speed and technique, not frame assistance, and uses the 18x20's directional precision to control aggressive drives deep into the court.
Sun's athletic, attacking style on the WTA tour — built around aggressive net approaches and clean, flat hitting — suits the Pure Strike's flat power identity perfectly. The 100's larger head and lighter weight make the frame's precision accessible for her game, while preserving the directional control and clean feel that define the Pure Strike family.
String Setup Guide
The Pure Strike's stiffer beam makes string selection critical for arm comfort and feel. The right setup softens the frame's crispness into a clean, controlled response; the wrong combination makes it feel harsh. Reference range (Pure Strike 98): 46–60 lbs (21–27 kg).
Quick Start (Most Players)
- Start point (co-poly, 1.25mm, full bed): 50–54 lbs (22.7–24.5 kg) — the stiffer frame needs moderate tension to avoid feeling like a board; err toward the lower end of this range initially.
- If the ball is flying long: Add 2–3 lbs, or move to a slightly thicker poly (1.27–1.30mm). The open 16x19 pattern provides good natural launch control at higher tensions.
- If you want more topspin: Drop 2 lbs and try a shaped co-poly (pentagonal / hexagonal). The 16x19 pattern allows good snapback; shaped strings maximise bite to complement the flat-power frame identity.
- If your arm is struggling: Drop 3–4 lbs and switch to a multifilament or natural gut hybrid. The ~72 RA stiffness is real — at high tension with a firm poly, it will eventually load the arm. Softer strings and lower tension are the remedy.
- 18x20 variant note: The dense pattern already controls launch effectively — start 2–3 lbs lower than your 16x19 equivalent tension to ensure adequate pocketing in the tighter bed.
Pro Reference
Setup idea: RPM Blast 1.25mm full bed, at mid-to-high 50s lbs to match his aggressive, flat-hitting style.
Humbert's choice of the Babolat factory string reflects the natural pairing of the Pure Strike and RPM Blast. At his ball speed and swing confidence, higher tensions keep his flat, powerful shots in the court without sacrificing the crisp, clean feel the Pure Strike is designed to deliver. Tour setups vary — treat as a directional reference only.
Recommended Setups by Goal
| Goal | Recommended Setup | Starting Tension | What You'll Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced | Co-poly (full bed), 1.25mm | 50–54 lbs (22.7–24.5 kg) | Clean, crisp response — flat power with directional precision and adequate control |
| More spin | Shaped poly mains (1.25mm), optional soft cross | 48–52 lbs (21.8–23.5 kg) | More bite and snapback — brings spin to a flat-power frame effectively |
| More control | Firmer poly or thicker gauge (1.27–1.30mm) | 53–57 lbs (24–26 kg) | Lower launch, very precise — for high ball-speed flat hitters. Watch arm comfort above 55 lbs. |
| More comfort | Hybrid: poly mains + multifilament crosses | Poly mains 48–52 lbs (21.8–23.5 kg) | Noticeably softer impact — the crosses absorb the stiff frame's vibration effectively |
| Premium feel | Natural gut mains + ALU Power / RPM Blast crosses | Gut 52–56 lbs / poly 48–52 lbs | Outstanding comfort and touch — gut transforms the Pure Strike's stiff-frame crispness into something far more refined |
Maintenance Rule
- The stiffer Pure Strike amplifies string degradation more aggressively than flexible frames. A dead poly in a stiff frame has nothing to soften its harsh, dead response — restring at 20–25 hours for poly users, or when you notice the characteristic "cardboard" impact feel of tension-lost co-poly in a rigid frame.
Top 3 Recommended Strings
These strings consistently perform well in the Pure Strike based on tour usage and community playtests. The stiffer frame rewards strings that soften impact feel and contribute spin bite, rather than adding further stiffness.
Best for: Advanced players wanting the factory pairing — clean control with Babolat's signature crisp response.
The natural factory pairing used by Humbert and Darderi on tour. RPM Blast's round co-poly composition complements the Pure Strike's direct feel — no excessive softening, no harsh stiffness, just a clean, controlled snap at contact. Excellent tension maintenance and a low-launch trajectory keep aggressive flat shots in the court reliably.
Best for: Players who want to add meaningful topspin to the Pure Strike's flat-power identity.
The square shape creates aggressive bite at contact — compensating for the Pure Strike's flat-oriented geometry. In the 16x19 pattern, Hyper-G and good snapback geometry combine to produce genuine topspin potential without losing the Strike's directional precision. String at lower tension (48–50 lbs) to offset the combination of frame stiffness and string firmness.
Best for: Players managing arm sensitivity or wanting a premium feel upgrade from the factory full-poly setup.
Natural gut mains transform the Pure Strike's stiffer feel profile into something genuinely refined. The gut's elasticity absorbs the frame's vibration at impact, producing a plush, connected response that is difficult to achieve with any co-poly setup. RPM Blast crosses provide control and durability to balance the gut's elasticity. A premium setup that reveals the best version of the Pure Strike.
Pro tip: The Pure Strike is less forgiving of very high tension than flexible frames. If you're coming from a Prestige or T-Fight, start 3–4 lbs lower in the Pure Strike than your habitual tension before making adjustments upward — the stiffer beam plays significantly firmer at equivalent tension.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Pure Strike 98 (18x20) | Pure Strike 98 (16x19) | Pure Strike 100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 98 sq in (632 cm²) | 98 sq in (632 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) |
| Weight (Unstrung) | 305g / 10.8oz | 305g / 10.8oz | 300g / 10.6oz |
| Length | 27 in | 27 in | 27 in |
| Balance | ~320mm / 5–6 pts HL | ~320mm / 5–6 pts HL | ~325mm / 4–5 pts HL |
| String Pattern | 18x20 (dense, maximum control) | 16x19 (open, more spin) | 16x19 (open, more spin) |
| Stiffness (RA) | ~71–74 (stiff, HFC dampened) | ~71–74 | ~70–73 |
| Swingweight | ~322–328 | ~320–325 | ~310–316 |
| Beam Width | 23–25mm (HFC construction) | 23–25mm | 23–25mm |
| Technology | Hybrid Frame Construction (HFC) | HFC | HFC |
| Target Player | Advanced / Dense Pattern | Advanced (4.0–5.0) | Intermediate–Advanced |
Our Verdict
The Pure Strike is Babolat's precision frame — a control racquet with genuine flat power, a clean connected feel and the build quality to back it up, and one of the best modern bridges between a spin-and-power Babolat and a traditional player's frame.
It's the racquet we'd recommend to confident, advanced ball-strikers and all-court players who supply their own swing speed and want directional control and penetrating flat power rather than free, effortless pace. Choose the 16x19 for more spin and an easier launch, or the 18x20 for maximum control and the most surgical, lowest-launch response — and step down to the lighter Pure Strike 100 if you want the identity in a more accessible package. Respect the stiffness: string it sensibly with a softer poly or a gut hybrid in the low 50s and it stays comfortable; crank a firm poly high and the underlying beam will eventually bite. If you want heavy topspin choose the Pure Aero, and if you want effortless power choose the Pure Drive — but for control with flat power, the Pure Strike is the pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Babolat Pure Strike good for beginners?
The Pure Strike is built for advanced and improving players rather than complete beginners. The 98 (18x20) is the most demanding variant and suits 4.5+ flat hitters who generate their own pace and spin; the 98 (16x19) opens things up for 4.0–5.0 players; and the lighter Pure Strike 100 is the most accessible for intermediate-to-advanced players building toward tour-level technique. A genuine beginner is better served by a more forgiving, lower-powered frame, because the Pure Strike controls the ball through precision rather than handing you free power.
Pure Strike 16x19 vs 18x20 — which should I buy?
Choose the 18x20 if your priority is maximum directional control and a tighter, lower-launch response — it minimises spin assist and rewards players who drive flat through the ball with their own pace and precision. Choose the 16x19 if you want more spin potential, a slightly more forgiving and accessible response, and an easier launch while keeping the Strike's clean, direct feel. Most players transitioning into the range start with the 16x19; the 18x20 is the more demanding, precision-first option.
Is the Pure Strike arm-friendly or good for tennis elbow?
The Pure Strike runs stiff for a control frame (~71–74 RA), so it is firmer than a flexible player's frame, but Babolat's Hybrid Frame Construction (HFC) — graphite combined with basalt fibres — dampens vibration selectively and removes a lot of the harshness, so it doesn't feel as punishing as the RA number suggests. To make it arm-friendly, drop tension into the low 50s lbs and use a softer poly, a poly/multifilament hybrid, or natural-gut mains, which transform the frame's crisp response into something far more cushioned. Players with a history of tennis elbow should string it carefully and avoid a firm poly cranked high.
Pure Strike vs Pure Aero vs Pure Drive — which should I buy?
Choose the Pure Strike if you want control, a clean flat-power response and precise, penetrating ball-striking — it is Babolat's precision frame. Choose the Pure Aero if your game is built on heavy topspin and a higher, more arcing ball flight from its spin-tuned beam and open pattern. Choose the Pure Drive if your priority is raw, effortless power from a forgiving frame. In short: Strike for control and flat power, Aero for spin, Drive for easy power — the Strike sits between the spin-and-power Babolats and a traditional player's frame.
What string and tension is best for the Pure Strike?
Babolat RPM Blast at 50–54 lbs (22.7–24.5 kg) is the natural factory pairing and the setup used by Pure Strike players on tour — a clean, controlled snap that keeps flat shots in the court. For more spin, drop to 48–52 lbs and use a shaped poly such as Solinco Hyper-G; for more comfort, use a poly/multifilament hybrid or natural-gut mains with RPM Blast crosses. The reference range is roughly 46–60 lbs, but because the beam is stiff most players land in the low-to-mid 50s, and 18x20 users should start 2–3 lbs lower than their 16x19 tension for adequate pocketing.
Is the Pure Strike a control racquet or a power racquet?
It is primarily a control frame, but with a flat-power character rather than the soft, pocketed feel of a classic player's racquet. The Pure Strike controls the ball through directional precision and a clean, crisp energy return rather than through energy absorption, and its stiffer beam produces a flat power corridor that drives the ball deep with pace. So it is best described as a control racquet that delivers flat power — more controlled and penetrating than the spin-assisted Pure Aero or the easy-power Pure Drive.