Babolat Pure Drive Review and Playtest

Since you stumbled across this article, the chances are that you are a tennis enthusiast. But can you consider yourself a true fan if you have never heard of the Babolat Pure Strike tennis rackets? Since the series launched in 1994, these rackets have been widely successful all across the world. Players love them for their power, pure feel, versatility, and playability. 

That’s why when Babolat Pure Drive came out, the expectations were very high. The company promised that this racket delivers high levels of power and comfort, with new updates engineered to make it a true weapon in the field for a wide range of players.

To find out if Babolat Pure Drive is really as great as they make it, I bought it and tried it myself, so you don’t have to. Keep reading if you want to find out what I have to say about it because I do have some very strong opinions and an honest review. 

Babolat Pure Drive 2021 Specifications

The technical specifications of the Babolat Pure Drive are very similar to the previous models of this line. This racket comes in a standard length of 27 inches, with an 11.2 oz (318 g) weight when strung. The head size is 100 sq. in, with a large sweetspot, which is definitely very appealing for beginners, in particular. It has a 4-point balance, in a 33 cm which makes it slightly headlight, a feature that offers players easy swings. 

This Pure Drive Babolat is made of graphite composition, which makes it highly durable. It has an open 16 x 19 string pattern, which helps to generate a lot of spin and speed. Surprisingly, it is stiffer than one would expect from a recreational level racket but nonetheless is very comfortable for the arm. 

The brand has used some new technologies to improve the racket’s playability while still staying consistent with the previous models. 

• HTR System improves stability, energy absorption, return, and power by optimizing the graphite lay-up in the racket’s frame.
• SWX Pure Feel refines the racket’s shaft to reduce vibration and impact. This is the main reason why these rackets provide a unique dampened feel, and a distinctive sound, with each shot. 
• FSI Power is the combination of an open 16×19 string pattern with diamond or hexagon-shaped grommets, which provides a higher level of power, a larger sweetspot, more spin, and easier movement of the racket’s strings. 
• Elliptical Geometry increases power while at the same time helping to reduce twisting and bending. 

Babolat Pure Drive specifications:

• Head size: 100 sq. in / 645.16 sq. cm
• Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
• Weight: 11.2 oz / 318 g
• Balance:4 pts HL / 33 cm
• Swingweight: 320
• Stiffness: 72
• Beamwidth: 23 mm / 26 mm / 23 mm
• Composition: Graphite
• String patterns: 16 main / 19 crosses 

Groundstrokes – Score: 8.8

I could feel the high levels of power since the beginning of the playtest. Babolat Pure Drive tennis racket is no joke when it comes to generating strength and spin while still allowing a great sense of control over the ball. It is similar to the 2018 version, but the updates of this racket are so refreshing, which helped me to connect almost immediately with the racket. 

It provides fast and powerful swings, allowing a great depth of the shots. This racket is highly precise as well because it is quite easy to dictate where the ball goes from anywhere on the court, helping to close the points fast. 

The sweetspot felt nice, and the racket was quite forgiving. Compared to other versions, Babolat Pure Drive 2021 definitely feels more comfortable for the arm by doing a great job of absorbing vibration and shock. 

I think this racket is a great fit for an aggressive baseliner, and it will help you generate heavy topspin, keep a fast pace, and put the opponent in defensive mode. The backhand slices were what I enjoyed the most during the playtest. 

Overall, I think that Babolat Pure was a true weapon on the baseline, especially if you aim for easy power. However, if control and stability are what you are mostly looking for then you better keep looking elsewhere. 

Volleys – Score: 8.5

Up in the net was where I could really tell the difference between the new updates made with Babolat Pure Drive compared to other previous models. Even though I would not classify this as a volleyer”s racket, the large sweetspot and exceptionally high levels of power made me feel much more confident and at ease when close to the net. 

The racket is easy to maneuver, feels crisp, and is highly responsive.

During the playtest, I found myself directing the ball with ease and adding depth to each shot. I found the balance and the weight of the Pure Drive Babolat to be just right, allowing a great blend of power and control. One thing that stood out to me was how stable this racket is, making it easier to block the opponent’s back balls, which was a nice surprise.

On another note, this racket could definitely needs some more consistency. Even though it is a great option to master your skills up in the net, it’s not the best for more advanced players who need to deal with more difficult pickups. Also, I would not recommend this racket for double players either. However, I found Babolat Pure Drive to perform very well at volleys, suitable for a wide range of players.

Serve – Score: 8.8

Serves were my favorite with this racket and could as well be the best attribute of Babolat Pure Drive. As a fan of aggressive serves, I loved how easy it was to tap into the high level of power. Because this racket is easy to maneuver, adding speed to your swings is quite effortless. It generates heavy spins and clean shots. 

Thanks to the new updates, Babolat Pure Drive has a nice feeling of control, and it even allows a higher margin of error. Even during more challenging second serves, this racket gives a boost of confidence to every player. 

If you are aiming to hit with your slice of kick and increase the power of your shots, this racket might be the perfect choice for you. It will help you put the opponent on the defense quite quickly, especially if you naturally hit a massive serve. 

With the new updates and the power enhancement, I can see why the Babolat racket is appealing to a wide range of players with different levels of skills and styles, especially when it comes to the serving. 

Returns – Score: 8.5

It makes the games feel fun, that is all I have to say about Babolat Pure Drive 2021 when it comes to returns. It’s so easy to play with, and you barely feel any difficulty responding to the opponent, even with the toughest balls. The returns don’t feel too rushed or late due to the added stability of the racket. 

You won’t need as much the high levels of power at the returns, an element which you might even need to control, but nonetheless, you won’t be pushed around with this racket. The depth of the shot, when blocking a return from the opponent, offered extra time to recover. I found this racket to be particularly great with forehand slices. 

At the second serve return, the racket truly comes alive, and you’ll have the opportunity to unlock the true potential of this racket. The heavy spin, the high maneuverability, and the soft response are very impressive, all of which make the returns one of Babolat Pure Drive’s best attributes. However, I must warn you this is not a racket for advanced players who prefer control over power, so please be aware of that. 

Overall – Score: 8.65

I have to admit that Babolat did a great job with this racket, exceeding expectations. It’s hard to keep up with the high standards they themself have set with such a successful racket line, so kudos to the brand. 

Babolat Pure Drive 2021 delivers all the promises of great performance and playability. It offers high levels of power, which players can tap into with ease. The new updates provide a satisfying sense of stability and control. This racket is a baseliner dream, but also easy to weaponize up in the net. It is versatile, maneuverable, and has a soft response. 

This is a great racket for a wide range of players, especially for those who need a boost of power in their game. It allows the players to generate heavy topspin as well as powerful, fast swings. However, If you are an advanced player or a professional aiming for control and precision, then you might want to consider other options. 

Babolat Pure Drive is overall a great tennis racket, which would make an excellent choice for experienced beginners and intermediate players who are looking for an upgrade.

Different Models

It should not come as a surprise to any that Babolat came up with different models of Pure Drive racket. Even though they share a lot of similarities in design and performance, they have different characteristics, which can appeal to a wide range of players. If you are considering buying one, take a look at my review first to find out what fit you best.

Babolat Pure Drive Lite

If the Babolat Pure Drive weight is a bit too much, then Babolat Pure Drive Lite is the best option for you since it delivers all the great attributes in a lighter frame. The head size of this racket is 100 sq. in, with a standard 27 inches length, and it weighs only 10 oz.

This tennis racket has an amazing blend of power and control and offers a large sweetspot. The new technology the brand has used during the manufacturing process helps to significantly reduce the shock and vibrations, making it more comfortable. 

Considering the low weight, it offers a decent level of stability, even though at moderate levels. Babolat Pure Drive Lite is able to generate a lot of spin and speed, performs well in all areas of the court, and is easy to maneuver. This is a great tennis racket for junior players and beginners who are still learning the basic techniques of the game. 

Specification 

• Head size:100 sq. in / 645 sq. cm
• Length: 27 inches / 68.58 cm
• Weight: 10.0 oz / 293 g
• Balance: I pts HL / 337 mm
• Swingweight: 301
• Stiffness: 68
• Beamwidth: 23 mm /26 mm /23 mm
• Composition Graphite 
• String patterns 16 main / 19 crosses 

Babolat Pure Drive VS

Babolat Pure Drive VS is the long-awaited racket for all those players who love the boost of power but are more control-oriented in their game. It generates a lot of spin and speed, allowing long, powerful swings with great depth. 

One thing that really stands out with this racket is the precision during the shot, thanks to the new technology used to enhance its features. It is easy to maneuver and performs well in all areas of the court. 

This racket has a crispy feeling and is quite easy to connect with it from the very start. Outside of the sweetspot, it might feel a little stiff, but overall this is a great racket. It’s a great fit for intermediate and advanced players.

Specification 

• Head size: 98 sq. in / 630 sq. cm
• Length: 27 inch / 685 mm
• Weight: 10.6 oz / 300 g
• Balance: 4 points HL / 32 cm
• Swingweight: 290
• Stiffness: 70
• Beamwidth: 21 mm /23 mm /21 mm
• Composition Graphite 
• String patterns: 16 main / 19 crosses

Babolat Pure Drive 110

Babolat Pure Drive 110 offers an impressive amount of power, surpassing even the Pure Drive version. The raw speed is impressive, which can transform this racket easily into a weapon on the court. If you are looking for a racket that will supercharge your volleys, serves, and groundstrokes, Babolat Pure Drive 110 delivers an amazing performance all around the court. 

The oversized head makes the racket more forgiving compared to the other versions and allows a higher margin of error. The new technology used by the brands reduces the shock and vibrations, making it more comfortable for the arm. This Babolat racket is a great choice for double players but not a great fit for beginners though. 

Specification 

• Head size: 110 sq. in / 709.68 sq. cm
• Length: 27.6 inches / 70.1 cm 
• Weight: 9.5 oz / 269 g
• Balance: 3 pts HL / 33.96 cm 
• Swingweight: 298 
• Stiffness: 70
• Beamwidth:24 mm / 26.5 mm / 23.5 mm
• Composition: Graphite 
• String patterns: 16 mains / 19 crosses 

Conclusion

There is a reason why the Babolat racket line is so successful and hyped up by millions of tennis fans all across the world. These new updates of them have improved and refined their golden formula while still keeping the same high standards as the previous models. 

Overall, Babolat Pure Drive and the other version that followed are great rackets with impressive power levels, speed, and comfort. The new technology used during the manufacturing process has optimized its features with subtle but easy-to-spot changes.

If I had to pick a favorite, Babolat Pure Drive is the one that stood out the most to me during the playtest, even though the other ones have similar characteristics too. Hopefully, this guide will help you to narrow down your option and decide if one of these rackets are a good fit for you. 

FAQs

The FAQs below include common questions about the Babolat Pure Drive tennis racket. You may find these questions and their answers helpful as you prepare to use hit the court with a new Babolat racket.