The Babolat Pure Drive Roddick, named after Andy Roddick, is a stronger version of the Pure Drive racquet. The Pure Drive Roddick boosts the Pure Drive line's power and stability for aggressive players. Its weight improves plowthrough, making it perfect for intermediate to advanced players who wish to dominate with explosive strokes.
In this Babolat Pure Drive Roddick Review we'll discuss its features, on-court performance, pros, disadvantages, and comparisons to other Pure Drive racquets.
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Babolat Pure Drive Roddick Review - Key features
- Head Size:100 sq. in. / 645.16 sq. cm.
- Length: 27in / 68.58cm
- Strung Weight: 11.2oz / 317.51g
- Balance: 12.99in / 32.99cm / 4 pts HL
- String Pattern:16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Last update on 2025-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Powerful and Stable Frame
The Babolat Pure Drive Roddick is much heavier than the Pure Drive, at 315 grams (11.1 oz). This extra weight increases plowthrough, enabling players to hit harder with less effort. Even on offcenter strokes, the larger frame improves stability and ball control. This feature helps aggressive baseliners improve groundstroke power and depth.
Comfortable Cortex Dampening System
While heavier and more powerful, the Pure Drive Roddick has Babolat's Cortex Dampening System to decrease vibrations and increase comfort. This technology reduces arm strain and cleans touch by filtering out vibrations. Power and comfort make this racquet ideal for high-level players who desire to play without strain.
16x19 String Pattern for Spin Potential
Players who seek spin will love the Pure Drive Roddick's 16x19 string pattern. The open string pattern helps the ball grip and create topspin on groundstrokes and slice on serves. Players that use spin to influence rallies and vary shots need this feature.
GraphiteTungsten (GT) Construction for Stability
The GT racquet combines graphite for lightness and tungsten for rigidity and stability. The fusion improves energy transmission and reduces frame flex, giving players greater control and accuracy. GT technology makes the racquet more durable for competitive play.
FSI Power Technology Increases Sweet Spot
Babolat's FSI Power Technology expands the sweet spot for more consistent power and forgiveness on offcenter strokes. While extended rallies need consistency, this technology makes the Pure Drive Roddick simpler to utilize under duress.
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick Racquet Court performance
Power
The Babolat Pure Drive Roddick is for power players. With the heavier frame and FSI Power Technology, players can easily shoot deep from the baseline. The extra weight provides forehands, backhands, and serves greater depth and speed, enabling players dominate from the back of the court. Players are more stable and controlled when returning big shots with the increased bulk.
Spin/Control
The Pure Drive Roddick is a power racquet with spin potential. The 16x19 string pattern generates high topspin on groundstrokes, making it easier to keep the ball within the baseline. The open string design improves slice strokes, letting players change speed and spin to confuse opponents. The GT structure gives players a firm, steady feel on touch, helping them stay precise during fast rallies.
Comfort and Feel
The Cortex Dampening System makes the Pure Drive Roddick comfortable to smash despite its weight. Players can stay in touch with the ball without arm strain or pain thanks to the dampening mechanism. This mix of power and comfort makes the racquet ideal for long matches or practice sessions, when strain reduction is crucial for performance and injury prevention.
Moveability
The 315g weight adds power and stability but reduces agility compared to lighter variants. Players may struggle to respond swiftly during rapid net exchanges or volleys. For baseline players, the added weight gives them leverage and strength, making it a compromise that favors aggressive play.
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick Pros and Cons
Pros:
The heavy frame gives serves and groundstrokes great force and plowthrough.
Cortex Dampening System decreases vibrations for arm comfort.
The GraphiteTungsten (GT) structure stabilizes the racquet, making offcenter shots easier.
Topspin and slice players will like the 16x19 string pattern.
For constant power and control, FSI Power Technology expands the sweet spot.
Cons:
The extra weight might hinder mobility, particularly near the net or during fast reflexes.
Extra weight needs superior technique and power, making it unsuitable for novices.
A lighter racquet may be easier to handle during quick exchanges.
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick Comparison to Similar Racquets
Babolat Pure Drive Pure Drive 100 vs. Roddick
At 300 grams (10.6 oz), the Babolat Pure Drive 100 is lighter than the Roddick at 315 grams. Weight gives the Pure Drive Roddick greater stability and plowthrough, but both racquets have great power and spin. Players wanting raw power and a solid feel may pick the Pure Drive Roddick, while those seeking agility and faster handling may prefer the Pure Drive 100.
Pure Drive Roddick vs. Pure Aero
With its aerodynamic frame for strong topspin, the Babolat Pure Aero emphasizes spin creation. The Pure Drive Roddick balances power with spin, whereas the Pure Aero is best for spin-heavy rally control players. The thicker frame of the Pure Drive Roddick gives depth and pace players additional stability.
Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph vs. Babolat Pure Drive Roddick
Roger Federer's 340-gram Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph racquet is hefty. Both racquets have great power and control, but the RF97 has greater accuracy and feel while the Pure Drive Roddick more forgiving and spin. Players who want greater power and spin may select the Pure Drive Roddick, while those who want flexibility and feel may prefer the RF97.
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick Racquet Review - FAQ
Is the Babolat Pure Drive Roddick beginner-friendly?
The Pure Drive Roddick suits intermediate to advanced players. Beginners may struggle to manage its heavier frame if they lack the muscle or expertise to wield it.
Who plays the Pure Drive Roddick best?
Aggressive baseline players who value power and depth should use the Pure Drive Roddick. Players who desire a sturdy, spin-friendly racquet with plenty of plowthrough might consider it.
How does the Babolat Pure Drive Roddick differ from the Pure Drive?
Pure Drive Roddick is heavy and more powerful than the normal Pure Drive, improving stability and plowthrough. The standard Pure Drive is simpler to handle and move, making it ideal for fast-reacting players.
Does the Pure Drive Roddick's higher weight impair arm comfort?
The Cortex Dampening System reduces vibrations, making the racquet pleasant despite its higher weight. However, arm-challenged athletes may choose a lighter racquet to reduce strain.
What string tension is best for Babolat Pure Drive Roddick?
Babolat recommends 5059 lbs string tension. Higher tension gives control and accuracy, while lower tension gives power and spin.