2022 Gear Guide: Babolat Racquets—Pure Strike 103 and Pure Strike VS

Seven racquet companies, two frames from each. One is sure to be a perfect match for your game.

HOW WE TEST: Several samples were requested of every racquet reviewed. Each model was either strung with the manufacturer’s recommended string and tension, or such a string was provided, to optimize the frame’s perfor-mance. Racquets were then distributed to our playtesters located throughout the country. Each tester was encouraged to try a racquet for as long as it took to get a feel for its particular playing characteristics, including power, control, comfort, maneuverability and overall playability. In addition to forming their own opinions, they sought assessments from playing partners, students and cus-tomers. A special note of thanks to Kevin Brandt, Mitchell Case, James Golden, and Kin Roseborough for their valuable contributions.

Babolat

Pure Strike 103

• PRICE: $219 (Buy)
• HEAD SIZE: 103 SQ. IN.
• LENGTH: 27 IN.
• WEIGHT: 10.5 OZ
• BALANCE: 4 PTS. HL
• SWINGWEIGHT: 296
• RA RATING: 63
• BEAM WIDTH: 21 MM / 23 MM / 21 MM
• STRING PATTERN: 16X19

Player Profile:

Doubles Vet/Transitioning Junior

Tester Quote:

“If it were a car, I’d totally buy it—nothing fancy, but it’s reliable and delivers enough performance in every category.”

How It Tested:

+ A new, larger head size in the Pure Strike family that scored high marks for maneuverability and consistent response.

+ Unlike many light frames that camou-flage low static weight with a high swin-gweight, this racquet was well-balanced and smooth.

+ Lower-powered than most 100+ square inch frames, this frame’s command and feel allowed for more varied shots and tactics.

- Had trouble repelling a heavy incoming ball; 4.0+ players will probably need to add mass for best use.

Pure Strike VS

• PRICE: $269/SINGLE; $538/PAIR (Buy)
• HEAD SIZE: 97 SQ. IN.
• LENGTH: 27 IN.
• WEIGHT: 11.7 OZ.
• BALANCE: 6 PTS. HL
• SWINGWEIGHT: 320
• RA RATING: 64
• BEAM WIDTH: 21MM / 22MM / 21MM
• STRING PATTERN: 16X20

Player Profile:

Pure Ball-Striker

Tester Quote:

“Touch and control are right there with the best player’s frames on the market. Once you get a feel for it, it does exactly what you expect it to do.”

How It Tested:

+ Right down to the leather grip, this is the first Babolat frame in quite some time with a more classic, flexible and comfort-able response.

+ Steady at the baseline and a natural at net, the precise targeting created oppor-tunities to exploit every inch and angle of an opponent’s court.

+ A bonus for serious competitors and racquet customizers: It can be purchased in pairs, with the frames having a maxi-mum weight difference of 1g.

- Don’t expect much help. Pocket-sized sweetspot + low inherent power = tiny margin for error.