There are hundreds of Pure Drive reviews online—why should you read this one? In this racket review, we’re diving into unique insights, stats, and recommendations you won’t find anywhere else. I’ve been a dedicated player since I was six years old and have spent many years coaching at my local tennis club, guiding players of all ages and skill levels.
With a passion for data, you’ll find in this article statistics on numerous tennis rackets, sourced from my collaboration with Swingvision, used here to provide you with as much value as possible. Let’s jump in and see how the Babolat Pure Drive has performed on the court:
Table of Contents
- Babolat Pure Drive Playtest Performance
- Assessing the Pure Drive for Beginners
- The Pure Drive for Advanced Players
- Pure Drive for Power Play
- Why the Pure Drive Isn’t a Control Maestro
- Playtest Data Smackdown: Pure Drive vs. Pure Aero vs. Clash 100 v2
- Specs Side-by-Side: Pure Drive, Pure Aero, and Clash 100 v2
- Babolat Pure Drive Pros on WTA and ATP Tour
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Optimal Beginner Features: The Babolat Pure Drive excels in offering beginners an optimal mix of power and control, with solid performance across all strokes.
- Advanced Player Caveat: While powerful, the Pure Drive may lack the nuanced control advanced players require; a transition to a more control-oriented racket could be beneficial as players’ skills advance.
- Racket Selection Guidance: In comparison with the Pure Aero and Wilson Clash, the Pure Drive stands out for its all-around power. The Aero serves players desiring spin, and the Clash is preferred for its touch and arm comfort.
Babolat Pure Drive Playtest Performance
To slice through the sea of subjectivity and dive into the deep end of data-driven analysis, I took the Pure Drive—and its competitors—for a spin in my usual training sessions.
Armed with a camera and a cadre of willing teammates, we filmed our forehands, backhands, and everything in between. Pushing all that footage through SwingVision, we’ve netted a treasure trove of comparable data to assess each racket’s performance objectively.
So, in this review, we’re rallying around the hard facts, not just the feel of the game.
String theory isn’t just for physicists—discover the best strings for your Pure Drive and elevate your game to grand slam glory.
Is the Pure Drive the Ace Up a Beginner’s Sleeve?
| Racket Model | Pure Drive |
|---|---|
| Cross-Court Forehand in | 80% |
| Down-The-Line-Forehand In | 62% |
| Total Forehand In | 69% |
| Cross-Court Backhand in | 89% |
| Down-The-Line-Backhand In | 86% |
| Total Backhand In | 87% |
| Avg Shot Speed km/h | 84 |
| Shots Beyond Service Box | 90% |
For newcomers to the game, a racket should complement their developing technique. The Pure Drive presents itself as a balanced choice, offering a blend of control and power.
The data shows a consistent performance on both forehand and backhand strokes, with backhands showing a high in-play percentage.
The down-the-line forehand presents a challenge, with 62% accuracy suggesting a steeper learning curve in controlling racket speed on precision shots.
Depth of play is crucial for beginners to build points effectively, and the Pure Drive facilitates this with 90% of shots landing beyond the service box, hinting at a favorable balance between control and power.
With an average shot speed of 84 km/h, the racket provides sufficient pace that may benefit beginners in developing their technique.
It offers additional speed which can be advantageous as new players work on their timing and stroke development.
The Pure Drive: A Double-Edged Sword for Advanced Players
For female and junior players with a solid game foundation, the Pure Drive remains a competitive choice.
Its overall in-play percentages for both forehand and backhand shots depict a racket that complements a well-rounded skill set, offering the speed for those quick exchanges and the versatility for varied play.
However, advanced male players, particularly those with the strength to drive the ball with significant force, may find the Pure Drive’s lightning pace to be a double fault when it comes to control.
A shot speed average of 84 km/h indicates the racket’s capacity for speed, but it raises questions about precision under pressure.
Facing a serve rocketing at 180 km/h or more, stability becomes paramount.
Here, the data doesn’t lie: while the racket delivers on quick shots beyond the service box with a 90% success rate, there’s potential for it to falter when stability is key—like steering volleys in fast-paced rallies.
In essence, the Pure Drive swings into the advanced arena with pros and cons.
It can amplify speed and responsiveness for certain player demographics, but when the game scales up to top-tier power and speed, the need for control and stability may outpace what the Pure Drive can offer, making it less suitable for advanced male players who pack a punch with every shot.
The Pure Drive: Packing a Power Play
It’s quick.
The racket moves with ease, adding pop to your shots.
An 89% backhand in-play rate? That’s power with precision.
Juniors, female players, and those climbing the ranks will benefit. It’s the go-to for a surge in shot speed. The Pure Drive excels as a power racket.
Progress means change.
Advancing from junior to adult levels?
Or moving from beginner to advanced?
Consider an upgrade.
More control may be necessary.
In short, the Pure Drive steps up your power game.
As skills grow, players might need a racket that evolves with them.
Keep that in mind.
Why the Pure Drive Isn’t a Control Maestro
If it’s control you’re after, set your sights elsewhere.
Think Wilson Blade, Pure Strike, or Head Speed.
These are the champions of control.
The Pure Drive? It sits in the power camp.
Playtest data paints the Pure Drive as controlled, but it’s misleading.
Those numbers? They’re from rallies. They don’t capture a control racket’s full picture.
In practice, the Pure Drive falls short for control seekers. It’s not built to reign in your game like the others.
It’s great, sure—but not for control. That’s the straight shot of it.
Racket Data Smackdown: Pure Drive vs. Pure Aero vs. Clash 100 v2
| Racket Model | Pure Drive | Pure Aero | Clash 100 v2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-Court Forehand in | 80% | 53% | 90% |
| Down-The-Line-Forehand In | 62% | 88% | 59% |
| Total Forehand In | 69% | 72% | 69% |
| Cross-Court Backhand in | 89% | 82% | 71% |
| Down-The-Line-Backhand In | 86% | 77% | 90% |
| Total Backhand In | 87% | 77% | 82% |
| Avg Shot Speed km/h | 84 | 89 | 81 |
| Shots Beyond Service Box | 90% | 74% | 69% |
Caught in a deuce between the Pure Drive and Pure Strike? Our head-to-head comparison helps you make the winning choice.
Forehand Faceoff
Clash 100 v2 leads in cross-court forehands, essential for newbies.
It hits a 90% success rate. The Pure Drive isn’t far behind, proving its reliability. Pure Aero trails are a bit less forgiving on the forehand.
Backhand Bonanza
The Pure Drive’s backhand total is a fortress at 87%. It doesn’t falter, even when the pressure’s on.
Aero and Clash are decent but don’t outshine the Pure Drive here.
Speed Factor
Aero wins in speed, hitting 89 km/h. It’s the choice for full swings, still in control. Pure Drive sits comfortably in the middle.
Clash brings up the rear with 81 km/h, expected with its flex.
Depth Delivery
Pure Drive excels in depth control. A hefty 90% of shots land just right.
Both Aero and Clash are respectable, but can’t match Pure Drive’s consistency.
In Summary
Pure Drive is your go-to for an all-around power game.
Aero steps up the challenge, rewarding those who spin.
Wilson Clash offers touch and comfort, along with decent power. It’s the racket for variety and those mindful of arm comfort.
Specs Side-by-Side: Pure Drive, Pure Aero, and Clash 100 v2
| Specs | Babolat Pure Drive | Babolat Pure Aero | Wilson Clash 100 v2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 100 in² / 645 cm² | 100 in² / 645 cm² | 100 in² / 645 cm² |
| Length | 27in / 68.58cm | 27in / 68.58cm | 27in / 68.58cm |
| Rec. String Tension | 23-27 kg / 50-60 lbs | 23-27 kg / 50-60 lbs | 21 – 26 kg / 50 – 57 lbs |
| Unstrung Weight | 300g / 10.6oz | 300 g / 10.6 oz | 300 g / 10.6 oz |
| Strung Weight | 318g / 11.2oz | 318g / 11.2oz | 312g / 11oz |
| Balance | 32cm/7 pts HL | 32cm/7 pts HL | 31.60 cm / 7 pts HL |
| Swingweight | 290 | 290 | 313 |
| Stiffness | 71 | 69 | 57 |
| Beam Width | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm | 24.5mm |
| String Pattern | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
Choosing between the Pure Drive and Pure Aero can be as tricky as a tiebreak; click here for our detailed showdown to find your perfect racket.
Swingweight Sensations
The Babolat siblings, Pure Drive and Pure Aero share a swingweight of 290, making them a breeze for beginners and juniors to swing.
They’re swift and sure, with enough heft to get the job done without wearing you out.
The Clash, at 313, feels a tad heavier in hand, but not so much that it loses its nimble nature.
Stiffness Standoff:
At 71 and 69 respectively, both the Pure Drive and Pure Aero show off their stiffness, a key to their power-packed performance.
But, fair warning—this might not play nice with your arm over time. These rackets won’t coddle you with comfort.
Clash: The Comfort King
Then there’s the Clash, the yoga master of tennis rackets with an RA of 57.
This is where touch, comfort, and finesse come into play. Slices, dropshots, volleys—you name it, the Clash delivers a plush feel.
It may not launch balls like its stiffer cousins, but it’ll be gentle on your arms.
Power Play Predictions:
The Pure Drive and Aero are the dynamos here, as their stats and stiff beams suggest.
But the Clash, with its lower power profile, supports your shots with subtlety and softness, as also seen in the playtest data.
So, for the power seekers, the Pure Drive and Aero are your go-tos.
But if you fancy finesse and want to be kind to your arm, the Clash is calling your name.
Wondering if your arm will love the Pure Drive? Explore our in-depth analysis!
Babolat Pure Drive Pros on WTA and ATP Tour
Here is a short table of WTA and ATP professionals with a Pure Drive racket:
| WTA Player | Racket Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kim Clijsters | Pure Drive | |
| KarolÃna PlÃÅ¡ková | Pure Drive | |
| Garbiñe Muguruza | Pure Drive | |
| Sofia Kenin | Pure Drive | |
| Agnieszka Radwańska | Pure Drive | Until end of 2016 season |
| Eugenie Bouchard | Pure Drive | In 2017 |
| Li Na | Pure Drive GT |
| ATP Player | Racket Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fabio Fognini | Pure Drive VS | |
| Andy Roddick | Pure Drive | |
| Carlos Moya | Pure Drive | |
| Juncheng Shang | Pure Drive 98 | |
| Jordan Thompson | Pure Drive GT |
Conclusion
In this playtest-driven review, the Babolat Pure Drive has proven to be a formidable ally for those seeking a blend of power and agility.
Its performance data underscores suitability for beginners and intermediates, with particular strengths in backhand stability and shot depth.
Advanced players should weigh their power against their control needs, while the nuanced comparisons with the Pure Aero and Wilson Clash offer a broader context for selection.
Ultimately, the Pure Drive stands out as a versatile racket, supporting a wide range of playing styles with its impressive, data-backed capabilities.