Updated with a new dampening technology for 2024
Babolat adds another chapter to the Pure Strike 98 16x19! Like previous generations, this update is made for players who want a control-oriented racquet that has enough pop to finish points. It also has more spin potential than its 18x20 counterpart, making it easier to execute the full range of angles and trajectories. Other specs include a 330 swingweight, which not only keeps the racquet stable against higher levels of pace but also translates into impressive power on full cuts. For this update, Babolat adds FSI Control technology, which features tighter string spacing for an even more precise and predictable trajectory. To help with comfort, Babolat updates this racquet with NF2-Tech (flax fibers) in the shaft while keeping the head free of dampening agents to provide more direct ball feedback. As with previous generations, this frame benefits from Control Frame Technology, which blends square and elliptical cross sections to enhance stability and ball feedback. Ultimately, with subtle updates to the feel, the Pure Strike 98 16x19 remains a great option for experienced players looking for a stable racquet with controllable power and great feel.
Specifications
| Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.4oz / 323g | ||||
| Balance: 13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 330 | ||||
| Stiffness: 64 | ||||
| Beam Width: 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | ||||
| Composition: Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: White/Coral | ||||
| Grip Type: Babolat Syntec Team | ||||
String Pattern:
|
||||
| String Tension: 48-57 pounds |
Videos
Similar Racquets
Other Items to Consider
Customer Reviews
MarvelousTried this out and ended up getting a second. Previous racquet was a VCORE Pro 97. Loved that racquet but wanted a little bit more pop from my control racquet in the same weight or lighter frame. This racquet has that pop and then some. Very versatile yet sturdy. Pretty good on the one handed backhand and excellent from the baseline. Serving is also exhilarating, best racquet of 2024.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Good fitThis racquet is my to go-to. It’s got a good weight and good for my topspin and power shots. I’d recommend this as the starter racquet from beginner to intermediate.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Nice upgrade from previous versionNice upgrade from previous version
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Purestrike 3rd Gen 16x19I just would like to inform you regarding my experience with my Pure Strike 3rd Gen 16x19 which was given to me as a gift from my friend he bought in the U.S. I like the power it generates in my serve and groundstrokes but the problem is every time I use it I use to suffer a tennis elbow. The reason behind as per my observation is in the impact you can feel it transmit directly to your elbow.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 4th GenThis racquet is phenomenal. Nothing but amazing. Not muted like the third generation of the Pure Strike. Babolat really hit it out of the park this time around. I feel like this racquet doesn’t get enough praise in 2024 or in general, but it definitely checks off all the boxes in terms of power, control, comfort, and feel as well as touch. Although it’s a control frame, this frame still provides great pop as well as huge amounts of topspin. Hitting serves with this racquet is super fun and amazing. Groundstrokes are also solid and stable throughout playing whether it be simple rallying or in match play. I also love how whippy, fast, and maneuverable this racquet is in stock form. Not too heavy and not too light which is the perfect middle ground in my opinion. Pair this with the right string and you’ve got yourself an overall great frame to play with. I paired this with Tecnifibre Razor Soft 17 gauge at 52 pounds and the arm/shoulder pain I used to experience from the previous generation is pretty much nonexistent now. I was also told that pairing this frame with any of the Babolat polyester strings would also enhance the playability of this racquet so that’s also something to consider. Maybe a hybrid setup at a lower tension as well to help provide more comfort without sacrificing power. I come from a history of playing with the Aero Pro Drive/Pure Aero for many years and although I got great power and spin with those frames, I was always in discomfort due to the high stiffness of the racquet. I had to quit using the Aero line due to all of my shots sailing out as well. But this racquet pretty much gave me exactly what I was looking for with all the attributes it provides, as well as being able to play my aggressive game from the baseline and taking big cuts at the ball, knowing that my shots are well controlled and won’t sail out to the fences. I would say this racquet is pretty much in competition with Wilson’s Blade line and that this frame beats out the Blade 98 V9 overall. Definitely worth trying or demoing. You won’t regret it!! Hoping they also come out with some different themed paint jobs for this racquet in the future even though the classic white/red is a nice touch.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 2024Amazing frame. One of the best 98 racquets I’ve hit with in a long time. Strung it up with Wilson Revolve Spin 1.30mm at 52 pounds and it played amazing. I’ll be using this frame for a long time. I was using the Dunlop CX200 which is is a really good frame but needed just that extra pop which I now get with the Strike.
Made the switchI love my Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13, but I felt like I hit a plateau and wanted a new frame to help work on other areas of my tennis. After hitting with this racquet, I decided to make the switch (and installed a leather grip)! This frame felt very forgiving for its specs and I love the balance of effortless power/spin and control that I had. For some very odd reason, the feel of this frame reminded me of the Babolat Drive Z Lite Cortex from 2009, except much more heft of course! I highly recommend giving this racquet a try, especially for those who want a large sweetspot and a lovely pop feel. I currently strung this racquet with Tecnifibre Black Code 17 gauge at 47lbs.
