The Babolat Pure Aero has become one of the most used frames on the professional tour and one of the best-selling models of Babolat’s product range. It has taken a swing at the Babolat Pure Drive in terms of popularity, but the two are still fighting it out. Driver of this popularity has been of course the endorsement by the likes of nobody other than Rafa Nadal. However, like we mentioned in our article about Rafa’s gear, this endorsement is not of great value as it is known that Rafael Nadal plays with a painted (2004) Babolat AeroPro Drive.
- READY FOR THE COURT: Your new Babolat Pure Aero Tennis Racquet comes strung with white 16 gauge Babolat syn gut at mid-range tension at no extra cost.
- FSI SPIN: The FSI Spin Technology, or wider spacing of the strings at 6 & 12 o’clock, allows for maximum string movement, and thus, snapback, which propels the strings upward, creating mass RPS (Revolutions Per Second – aka SPIN!).
- AEROMODULAR 3: The Aeromodular 3 shape of the frame is strategically engineered to reduce wind drag, resuling in faster swing speed.
- SPECIFICATIONS: Head Size: 100 sq. in MP; Length: 27 inches; Weight: Strung — 11.2 oz / 317 g Unstrung — 10.6 oz / 300 g; Tension: 50-59 Pounds; Balance: 4 Pts Head Light; Beam Width: 23/26/23mm; Composition: Graphite; Flex: 67; Grip Type: Babolat Syntec; Power Level: Medium; String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
So what makes the Babolat Pure Aero such a popular choice then? Well, the Babolat Pure Aero is all about stability. It feels like a tank and will feel solid on both your forehand and backhand groundstrokes. One of the design factors of the Pure Aero is of course it’s shape frame, resembling a triangle, which adds a lot of stiffness to the frame. This can be a tremendous aid to your game, if you like to play from the baseline and can do some heavy lifting yourselve. Because that stability comes with a downside; the Babolat Pure Aero is not one of the most manouvrable rackets out there. Take it for a swing at serve, volley or even dropshot, and you’ll notice you’ll have to put in quite some effort to get it where you want.
This, of course, does not have to throw you off before taking it for a test drive. Furthermore, I do recommend testing this frame out for yourselves because it might be a great match with your game. There is just not a way to be hundred percent sure upfront. So, get a playtest ready and head to court!
Babolat Pure Aero specifications
Now let’s take a look at the full Babolat Pure Aero spec’s to get us underway getting to know this frame a bit better.
| Head Size: 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm |
| Strung Weight:11.2oz / 318g |
| Balance: 12.99in / 32.99cm / 4 pts HL |
| Swingweight: 324 |
| Stiffness: 67 |
| Beam Width: 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| Composition: Graphite |
| Power Level: Low-Medium |
| Stroke Style: Full |
| Swing Speed: Fast |
| Racquet Colors:Yellow/Black |
| Grip Type: Babolat Syntec Pro |
| String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses Mains skip: 7T,9T,7H,9H Two Pieces No Shared Holes |
| String Tension: 50-59 pounds |
Babolat Pure Aero vs Babolat Pure Drive
We could consider this match up a classic, as it features two of the best selling frames of this moment. Because they look similar from far away and maybe appeal to the same player base, I can understand the need for taking a closer look at the differences. But take a closer look and you’ll find they actually suit two different type of attacking players. I would consider the Babolat Pure Aero the more demanding frame, asking quite a lot from a player, especially when recovering from the corners.
I’ve played with the Pure Drive on quite a number of different occasions and I found that the Babolat Pure Drive is one of the most all round frames on the market, definitely suiting attacking players, looking to play with a lot of spin.
So, in short, comparing the two, I would recommend the Babolat Pure Aero for physical players, who are looking for a lot of stability on their shots and can sacrifice a bit length and time on their swings, while recovering from baseline corners. If you are looking for a great, all round racket that has the ability to generate a lot of spin, but still allows for a decent amount of touch and feel on the ball, you should definitely give the Babolat Pure Drive a try.
Babolat Pure Aero vs Babolat Pure Strike
This match-up is more difficult to compare, as these are frames from two ends of the spectrum. The Babolat Pure Aero being designed for power and plowtrough, the Babolat Pure Strike for control and consistency. However, as the Pure Strike is being offered in two flavours, an more open 16×19 pattern would be closer to the Pure Aero than the 18×20 of course.
That gives you the information you need, to make a choice. If you like the classic feel of older rackets, you definitely want to give the Babolat Pure Strike a playtest. If you think you have a more modern game, depending on a lot of spin and round, fast swings you can benefit from the stability of the Babolat Pure Aero.
If you would like to improve kick on your serve or volley better, I wouldn’t go for the Pure Aero but try to playtest the 16×19 and 18×20 Pure Strike to see which one you like best.
What about you?
What do you think? Do you have any experience playing these frames or match ups? Or are you missing a head-to-head on this Babolat Pure Aero list? Please let us know in the comments.
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
