The Babolat Pure Strike 97 suits aggressive players who want accuracy, control, and stability. This racquet from the renowned Pure Strike line is perfect for intermediate to expert offensive players due to its innovative innovations. With a 97squareinch head size and 18×20 or 16×19 string patterns, the Pure Strike 97 feels solid, letting players control rallies. This Babolat Pure Strike 97 Review covers the racquet’s characteristics, performance, pros, disadvantages, and comparisons to comparable models.
Babolat Pure Strike 97 Review – Key Features
- CONTROL: Want to hit the ball with confidence? The Babolat Pure Strike 97 Tennis Racquet (4th Gen)...
- FEEL: Do you like to feel the connection between your hands and your racquet at the moment of...
- TECHNOLOGY: Control Frame Technology for maximum control, combines the stability of a square-section...
- SPECIFICATIONS: Head Size: 97 sq.in.; Strung Weight: 11.5 oz: Length: 27 in.; Balance: 310mm;...
- READY FOR THE COURT: Choose to have your new Babolat racquet strung with Babolat 16 gauge syn gut at...
Last update on 2025-02-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Babolat Pure Strike 97 offers control, accuracy, and responsiveness. A detailed look at the racquet’s best features:
97SquareInch Head Size
Though smaller than 100squareinch frames, the racquet’s 97squareinch head offers better control and accuracy. Advanced players who demand precise precision would love this size. The smaller head makes the racquet more responsive and connects players to the ball.
Two String Pattern Options
The Pure Strike 97 has two string patterns:
18×20 string pattern for players who want greater control and a firmer reaction. This thick pattern improves directional accuracy, particularly for flat shotters.
16×19 string pattern for spin and power players. This wide design improves ball bite, allowing players to topspin or slice their smashes.
Control Frame Tech
Babolat’s Control Frame Technology uses a square beam and elliptical construction for stability and accuracy. The frame’s firm, sturdy feel on impact helps players retain control during quick rallies or offcenter strokes. This racquet’s frame keeps players linked to the ball, making it simpler to regulate stroke velocity and direction.
Pure Feel
The C² Pure Feel technology in the racquet reduces vibrations and provides a firm, responsive feel. This function is crucial for players who desire racquet input but wish to prevent arm fatigue and discomfort from excessive vibrations.
Stabilizer Technology
Stabiliser Technology adds high-density carbon fibres to the Pure Strike 97’s frame. This stabilises the racquet, particularly on offcenter strokes, improving players’ responsiveness and control in fast-paced exchanges. It also makes the racquet feel solid with strong hitting.
Weight and Balance
Unstrung, the Pure Strike 97 weighs 305 grammes and has a 320-mm headlight balance. This setup is simple to swing and generates quick racquet head speed because to its manoeuvrability and control. The headlight balance facilitates rapid net reflexes and stable groundstrokes and returns.
Babolat Pure Strike 97 Racquet Court performance
Control
The Babolat Pure Strike 97 is all about control. Smaller head size and Control Frame Technology let players to position shots accurately, making it ideal for aggressive baseliners and allcourt players who desire to influence play. Flat, penetrating shots are simpler with the 18×20 string pattern’s increased directional control. The 16×19 string pattern is still controloriented, but it gives greater leniency and spin for unpredictable players.
Power
The Pure Strike 97 is designed for control, but it still has enough power for rapid swingers. The racquet’s weight and stability provide power, particularly on groundstrokes. Compared to the Babolat Pure Drive, this frame may lack power for players who want a more powerful racquet.
Spin
Spin-friendly 16×19 string design on Pure Strike 97 makes topspin and slice simpler, particularly from baseline. The open string design improves string movement, increasing ball bite and spin. The 18×20 variant is better for flat, controlled strokes and may be harder to create high topspin.
Stability
Stabiliser Technology and headlamp balancing make the Pure Strike 97 stable. During quick exchanges, the racquet stays stable, giving firm contact. The stable frame lets players smash aggressive strokes without worrying about the racquet twisting or giving way on offcenter strikes. This stability helps during high-velocity rallies and serve returns.
Maneuverability
The Pure Strike 97’s headlamp balance makes it manoeuvrable despite its control and stability emphasis. The racquet’s low weight and rapid responsiveness make it easier to respond at the net or on fast returns. The racquet’s speed and agility will appeal to net players and fast-paced rallyers.
Comfort and Feel
The Pure Strike 97’s C² Pure sensation technology provides a hard and comforting impact sensation. Good feedback from the racquet helps players feel connected to the ball without excessive vibrations. This blend of comfort and feel is ideal for players who seek a forceful reaction while protecting their arms throughout extended rallies.
Babolat Pure Strike 97 Pros, Cons
Pros:
Great Control: The smaller head size and Control Frame Technology provide players precise control, making it ideal for controlling play.
SpinFriendly: The 16×19 string design allows powerful topspin or slicing, particularly from the baseline.
Stable Frame: Stabiliser Technology makes the racquet stable enough for rapid, aggressive strokes.
Manoeuvrable: The perfect balance and light weight make the racquet comfortable to swing for rapid net reflexes and speedy rallies.
C² Pure Feel technology provides a pleasant, responsive racquet for lengthy matches by reducing vibrations.
Cons:
Moderate Power: Racquet-based players may find the Pure Strike 97 insufficient.
Not for Beginners: The racquet’s concentration on control and accuracy makes it better for intermediate and advanced players with technique.
Stiffer Frame: The racquet’s strong frame provides outstanding control, but players who prefer a softer, more flexible racquet or have arm pain may not like it.
Babolat Pure Strike 97 Comparison to Similar Racquets
Babolat PureDrive
Compared to the Pure Strike 97, the Babolat Pure Drive is more powerful. The Pure Drive has more power and spin, while the Pure Strike 97 has more control and accuracy. The Pure Drive is great for those who prefer power and spin, while the Pure Strike 97 is better for control and stability.
Wilson Blade 98
Another feel- and precision-focused control racquet is the Wilson Blade 98. The Blade 98 is softer and more flexible than the Pure Strike 97. Touch and control players may choose the Blade 98, while stability-seeking players may prefer the Pure Strike 97.
Prestige MP Head Graphene 360+
The Pure Strike 97 and Head Graphene 360+ Prestige MP have comparable control and accuracy. A smaller 95squareinch head size gives the Prestige MP greater accuracy but less forgiveness than the Pure Strike 97. The Pure Strike 97 has a wider sweet spot and greater mobility for aggressive players, while the Prestige MP is for ultimate control.
Babolat Pure Strike 97 Racquet Review – FAQ
Can novices use the Babolat Pure Strike 97?
Control and accuracy make the Babolat Pure Strike 97 ideal for intermediate and advanced players. Beginners may find it too difficult since it demands superb technique and rapid, full swings to maximise its benefits. Starting players should use the Babolat Pure Drive, which is more forgiving.
What string tension is suggested for Babolat Pure Strike 97?
The Babolat Pure Strike 97 recommends string tension between 5059 lbs. Players who want greater power and a softer feel may string the racquet at 5053 pounds, while those who want
Stringing higher (5659 pounds) provides better control and reaction.
How do the Babolat Pure Strike 97 and 100 compare?
The Babolat Pure Strike 97 features a smaller head (97 square inches) than the 100, giving it greater control and accuracy. Forgiving and with greater power and spin, the Pure Strike 100 is more accessible to more players. Players who value precision and stability should choose the Pure Strike 97, while the 100 provides greater variety.
Can the Babolat Pure Strike 97 spin?
Topspin and slice are effortless with the Babolat Pure Strike 97’s 16×19 string design. Spin-dependent rallyers will like the Pure Strike 97’s ball bite and movement, particularly from the baseline.
Is the Babolat Pure Strike 97 comfortable?
The Pure Strike 97 has C² Pure Feel technology, reducing vibrations and improving comfort. A solid frame, decent comfort, and feedback make the racquet appropriate for extended bouts without overpowering the player with vibrations.
Conclusion
The top-tier Babolat Pure Strike 97 is for aggressive players who prioritise control, accuracy, and consistency. Its reduced head size, string patterns, and innovative frame technology make it excellent for intermediate and expert players who want to dominate play from all around the court. The Pure Strike 97 balances control, power, and spin for flat, piercing groundstrokes or big topspin rallies from the baseline. While it may not have the same strength as the Pure Drive, it rewards players with good technique and an aggressive approach.