Racquet Review: Babolat Pure Drive 98

Babolat Pure Drive 98

• Price: $279 / $559 (pair)
• Head Size: 98 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.4 oz.
• Balance: 4 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 324
• RA Rating: 69
• Beam Width: 21 mm / 23 mm / 21 mm
• String Pattern: 16x20

What’s New

The Pure Drive 98 adds an extra cross string for a 16x20 configuration. The denser pattern ups the frame’s command over the ball while taming some of the spin and power. The beam has also been squared off at the 2 and 10 o’clock positions of the hoop. The more elliptical shape is designed to increase stability and therefore result in more reliable targeting. And Flax Tape 2.0—an update of the frame’s natural fiber dampening technology—is positioned in the throat of the racquet to filter out harsh vibrations for better feel and comfort.

What Works

The idea of a more controllable Pure Drive has always been something of a paradox. The franchise has staked its reputation on being built for extreme power and ease of use. Which might be why even though it has a smaller head size, thinner beam and added weight, the Pure Drive 98 in all its forms has struggled to live up to that distinction. Yes, it has been the most restrained member of the Pure Drive family, but it still had something of a wild streak.

This latest PD 98 looks to finally turn that corner. With a tighter string pattern and a tweak to the beam, it brings a more precise playability to the court. When the situation calls for it, it doesn’t want for power, only it takes a little more effort and execution to do damage.

I haven't played with a Pure Drive in some time, but the newest version did all of the Pure Drive things that I've come to expect: easy power, manageable weight, and firm. Tester comment

Adhering to its new 16x20 setup, the new PD 98 has a lower launch angle. This does mean less affinity for putting spin on the ball, and shot depth doesn’t come quite as easily. The upshot is improved accuracy and proficiency at flattening out shots into tighter windows. It’s a worthwhile tradeoff; the previous model required some aggression management to stay consistent, but this update can be swung with greater abandon.

And when you connect the PD 98 can deliver a heavy ball. The stiff layup and respectable swingweight add up to a sturdy launching pad. Not only is it effective for putting pressure on opponents with a big serve or ground stroke, it has your back when pushed wide or back on your heels.

Even with the more conservative string pattern, it’s still spread enough for skilled players to find enough spin to give shots coverage, or angle an opponent off the court. Slice and kick serves generate plenty of action to keep opponents off-balance. Along with the pace and accuracy you can generate on flatter deliveries, it creates a fairly formidable serving stick.

The new Flax Tape 2.0 vibration dampening technology in the throat helps produce clean and solid impact. There are certainly other 98s in the weight class that have more feel and a kinder response at contact. But the PD 98 is more about productivity than aesthetics.

At net it maneuvers well and handles all the routine assignments with little fuss. It’s perfectly capable of digging out a low volley and directing it to a safe space. Because the ball is in and out of the string bed so quickly, more delicate angle and drop shots take a deft touch. The racquet could certainly perform for an all-courter, but probably does its best work from the baseline.

A final perk is Babolat continues to make the PD 98 available in matching pairs with a maximum weight difference of 1 gram. This is an attractive option for competitive players who require multiple frames and want their stock specs to be as identical as possible.

I was extremely consistent from the baseline whether hitting crosscourt, down the line or inside-out. Tester comment

What Needs Work

The PD 98 doesn’t have the same forgiving nature that the franchise is known for. The steps taken to lessen its power and up its control have worked, but it also narrowed the sweet spot. It feels more advanced than the previous model, requiring more swing speed and greater skill. This potentially shrinks the audience for the racquet, although the pool of users may appreciate the current playability that much more.

For some the stiff beam could be a feature or a bug. Even with the new dampening technology the racquet can still have a starchy feel, especially outside the sweet spot. The stiffness helps propel off-center hits so they’re not punished as much, but you certainly notice when it happens. It will be welcome by players who like rawer, less muted feedback, although perhaps a questionable fit for those with arm troubles. Poly users may want to consider softer or thinner models, or a hybrid setup.

The previous model played like a slightly toned-down version of the standard Pure Drive. This one has a more distinctive and measured approach. Tester comment

Bottom Line

The latest Pure Drive 98 turns its playability dials more toward control, but still brings plenty of firepower to the court for aggressive baseliners.