The Babolat Pure Drive Tennis Racquet Review (10th Gen)

The Babolat Pure Drive racket is  mostly associated with Andy Roddick, but it can also be seen in the hands of other incredible players like Fabio Fognini, Garbine Muguruza, Karolina Pliskova, and Julia Georges. There is a reason this is one of the best-selling racquets over the last decade, and we will explain to you why. We have done all the research on why this is such a highly recommended racquet and why it should be on your wishlist. To learn more, just keep reading.

babolat pure drive review

 

Babolat Pure Drive Review: Specs


To begin with, let’s explore its specifications.

Specifications

Head Size: 100 sq in 645.16 sq cm
Length: 27 in 68.58 cm
Unstrung Weight: 10.6 oz 300 g
Balance: 12.99 in HL 32.99 cm HL
Swing Weight: 321
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

Babolat Pure Drive Tennis Racquet - Strung w Babolat Syn Gut, White, 16g - Mid-Range Tension (4 1/2" Grip)
  • READY FOR THE COURT: Your new Babolat Pure Drive Tennis Racquet comes strung with...
  • POWER: You want power, stop looking around. Whatever your skill level is, power is...
  • EXPLOSIVITY: You wish you had an extra pop when things get tough, here comes...

Babolat Pure Drive Review: Core Features


Now that we know mains specs of Babolat Pure Drive, we can dive into details. What is this racket famous for?

Cortex Pure Feel

The use of this technology manages vibrations and provides the player with excellent feedback on every shot. In doing this, the Cortex technology helps in providing great feel and control, letting you know when you hit the ball right, as well as when you mishit. The consistency between the feel of the shot and the actual result makes the racquet so appealing.

babolat pure drive review

EVO Elliptic Beam

Designed with an EVO Elliptic beam makes it easier to manoeuvre. Paired with being less than 11 oz and the incredible frame design, the result is a racquet that cuts through the air, reduces drag, and responds well to any shot. In saying this, if you prefer playing on the baseline, you will find the racquet’s handling both refreshing and encouraging.

It is the perfect fit for groundstrokes, whether you hot topspin or flat – it does not matter. Moreover, you can also generate great racquet head speed on your serve.

FSI Power String Technology

The newly-optimized FSI Power String technology helps in encouraging more power and spin to come from the racquet, especially when you are hitting groundstrokes.

The Pure Drive has a large head size for an advanced racquet as well as a 16 x 19 string pattern, which helps create a lot of friction on contact with the strings, generating more spin than that of most racquets that have a denser string pattern. This technology also helps in improving the sweet spot and allows players to hit hard and accurate even if the shot is slightly off-centre.

Why is The Babolat Pure Drive So Good?


The Babolat Pure Drive’s popularity and effectiveness stem from a combination of innovative features and consistent performance improvements over the years:

1. Versatility: It caters to a wide range of players, from beginners to professionals, and adapts well to various playing styles, whether you’re aggressive at the baseline or prefer volleys at the net.

2. Power: The racket has a reputation for delivering explosive power without requiring an excessive swing effort. This is due to its aerodynamic frame and optimized string pattern.

3. Spin Potential: The design of the Pure Drive, coupled with the FSI (Frame String Interaction) technology, allows for increased string movement and hence, better spin potential.

4. Feel and Comfort: GT technology, which is a combination of graphite and tungsten in the frame, ensures a solid feel on ball impact, reducing unwanted vibrations and enhancing comfort.

5. Consistency: Over the years, while Babolat has introduced updates and new technologies to the Pure Drive series, they’ve maintained the racket’s core characteristics. This consistency ensures that players who love the racket can stick with it over the years, even as they transition to newer versions.

6. Modern Technology Integration: Babolat often integrates the latest in tennis technology into the Pure Drive series. For instance, the Cortex Pure Feel system enhances the racket’s dampening properties, providing a unique sound and direct feel during the ball strike.

In summary, the Babolat Pure Drive is lauded for its power, spin, versatility, and technology integrations, making it a favorite among many tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

babolat pure drive in the hand

The Best Racket to Improve Your Tennis Game


Who is the Pure Drive racquet best for? Simply put, you should at least demo this racquet if you are serious about improving your tennis game.

It does not matter if you are a competitive or recreational player, the Babolat Pure Drive is the ultimate racquet if you plan on improving your overall tennis game quickly. The Pure Drive was designed to help players that have any skill level get the most out of their ability. This is unlike most racquets that are only good for one skill level.

With all that being said, this would be a great racquet to add to your collection, no matter what skill level you are in and what skill level you wish to achieve. It is a convenient and trustworthy racquet. If you will improve your game at a rapid speed, this racquet should be put in your hand.

Does Nadal Use Pure Drive?


No, Rafael Nadal does not use the Babolat Pure Drive. Although Nadal began his journey with the Pure Drive, he played a pivotal role in the evolution of the Pure Aero and continues to contribute to Babolat’s product development and innovation. Find out what racket does Rafael Naval use
He has been famously associated with the Babolat AeroPro Drive series, specifically the Babolat Pure Aero, for much of his career.
The racket’s aerodynamic shape and specific characteristics complement Nadal’s heavy topspin game. While he endorses the Pure Aero model, it’s worth noting that the actual racket he uses may have custom modifications to suit his specific preferences, which is common among professional tennis players.
rafael nadal babolat racket

Can a Beginner Use a Babolat Pure Drive?


Yes, a beginner can use the Babolat Pure Drive. The racquet is known for its versatility, catering to a wide range of players from professionals to beginners. For beginners, the Pure Drive offers a good balance of power and control, which can be beneficial as they develop their technique and strokes.
Its lightweight nature and forgiving frame also make it easier for new players to handle and maneuver. However, it’s always recommended that beginners test a few racquets to find the one that feels most comfortable and suits their individual playing style.
Although, if you’re a beginner I recommend you to check out Babolat Boost Aero Review (it’s cheaper and better adapted for beginners) + find all the best beginner rackets: Best Budget Friendly Entry-level Tennis Rackets

Are You Ready For Babolat Pure Drive Racket?


The Babolat Pure Drive stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of power, control, and technological advancement in the world of tennis rackets. Its versatility appeals to players across all skill levels, from novice enthusiasts to professional athletes.

Through its innovative design and consistent performance, the Pure Drive not only underscores Babolat’s commitment to enhancing the tennis experience but also solidifies its reputation as a must-have racket for anyone serious about elevating their game. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your play, the Babolat Pure Drive is a worthy companion on the court.

Do you want to find more Babolat rackets? Here are the most popular models:

 

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About Mark Bailey

I’m Mark Bailey. I’ve been in the racket sports industry for 11 years and counting! You could say I’m a bit of a racket guru. I have experience with tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis at an international level. My blog is all about providing you with tips to improve your game as well as sharing my experiences from different tournaments around the world. In addition to this, when there’s snow on the ground (in winter) I like to take advantage of it by going snowboarding in France! And even when there’s not any snow left… My Labrador Rocky always needs walking!

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