Updated with a new dampening technology and softer feel for 2024
Babolat adds another chapter to its most control-oriented racquet. Like previous versions of the Pure Strike 98 18x20, this traditional player's racquet is defined by its dense string pattern and laser-like trajectory, making it great for driving the ball through the court. It also packs a 332 swingweight, which gives it excellent stability against heavy hitters while also rewarding strong players with enough mass-based pop to impose their will. 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 puts 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 this update, Babolat keeps a good thing going. Experienced players looking for a stable racquet with phenomenal control will love this one.
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: 332 | ||||
| Stiffness: 63 | ||||
| Beam Width: 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | ||||
| Composition: Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low | ||||
| Stroke Style: Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: White/Coral | ||||
| Grip Type: Babolat Syntec Team | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 48-57 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
Animal of a racquet, great at net and…All around. This racquet really takes the best parts of the strike and the unique string pattern (18x 20) has it play more like an Aero rather than traditional gen 2 and gen 3 strikes.
Best feeling racquetThis is an excellent racquet for great control and power. However, it is quite string sensitive so it should be paired with a shaped, low powered string (Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour, RPM Blast, Tour Bite). I also string low 46-48 pounds and added some weight to the butt cap. Phenomenal racquet!
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Somehow even better than beforeI’m a 4.5/5.0 player in my mid-40’s. I’ve been playing with the pure strike 18 x 20 for over 10 years, and somehow Babolat makes subtle improvements every single generation. The accuracy, power and feel are all 5-10% better than before. The launch angle is a bit higher, but the spin is naturally a bit heavier too, so it evens out to a reliable deep groundstroke. This racquet continues to be one of the most accurate and consistent out there, due in part to the dense string pattern. Most importantly: they’ve magically dampened the feel a fair bit. I have a one handed backhand, and periodically suffer with tennis elbow as a result of hitting more slices than I probably should. This gen 4 is noticeably more comfortable than the gen 3. And the slice has a bit more bite and control than before.
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Great feel amongst modern framesTested a bunch of racquets and this had the best feel with precise power (18x20). The feel was very crisp yet muted allowing me to string at a higher tension than normal. I added even more weight at 3 & 9, and at the grip. Other racquets for best feel in my opinion: Pro Staff, Pure Aero Rafa Origin, Pure Drive (a little bit harsh so string in the 40s). Head Speed Pro has great feel (couldn't connect with it for some reason). Head Gravity Pro and Radical Pro had decent feel and were easy to play with. Wilson Shift also great feel but didn't play well with it.
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Great racquetGreat racquet, I like the head heaviness
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Nice racquet overallAfter playing with this racquet for over two months, it has become my favorite. Its stiffness feels like a perfect balance between the Speed MP and the Pro Staff 97. I regularly play more than 10 hours a week, and it remains comfortable on my arm. I initially strung my racquet with Babolat Natural Gut and Luxilon Alu Power Rough, then later re-strung it with Solinco Hyper-G, at 55 pounds. The racquet performs exceptionally well on volleys and is very quick to maneuver, particularly well-suited for one-handed backhands. The head weight is slightly lighter than a typical balanced racquet, which can make two-handed backhands feel a bit less solid. However, when hitting a one-handed backhand, it delivers a powerful feel, as if you're truly driving the ball into the court. For those who frequently hit aggressive forehands, this racquet really shines: by focusing on body rotation and weight transfer, it generates ample topspin with decent racquet head speed, allowing the ball to clear the net effortlessly. That said, the 18x20 string pattern might not be ideal for generating intentional topspin, especially during defensive shots from the baseline. Similarly, it excels at flat serves but may be less effective for kick serves. Overall, I highly recommend the new Pure Strike 18x20, especially for intermediate to advanced players with an aggressive playing style.
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Same Strike 18/20...with upgradesI recently replaced my Gen 3 Strike 18/20 with this new version. It IS softer than the Gen 3 and definitely dampened in comparison. I strung my Gen 3s at 43 pounds. To approximate the performance, I've had to take the tension up to 50-52lbs in the new version. This version has noticeably more power BUT, at the adjusted tension, is slightly more precise and controlled. I also get considerably more spin. The biggest improvement is that it is much easier on the arm. I was hesitant to update as I had only been using my Gen 3 since March 2023, but now that I have them, it was worth it.
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Still stiffStill stiff, maybe a hair better than the previous gen. If you have tennis elbow or shoulder pain, then stay away. It does have better control and power.
Good racquet but still a bit stiffGood stick but the RA is definitely not 63.
