Racquet Review: Babolat Pure Strike 100 (16x20)

• Price: $259
• Head Size: 100 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.4 oz.
• Balance: 7 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 319
• RA Rating: 61
• Beam Width: 21mm / 23mm / 21mm
• String Pattern: 16x20

What’s New

The Pure Strike 100 (16x20) is a brand-new member of the family. It has an extra cross string and lower flex than the PS 100 (16x19) for enhanced feel and control. Just as with the other models in the fourth generation of the franchise, the racquet has NF2 Tech—natural flax fibers placed at strategic points in the racquet—to filter out unwanted vibration. The string setup is tighter—dubbed FSI Control—to give a more predictable response and combines with the Woofer system to enhance dwell time. The extended contact improves the connection between the ball and the strings to better attack and manipulate shots.

What Works

When you a get a new 100 square-inch frame from Babolat, thoughts of howitzer serves and rifled forehands start flowing through head and hitting arm. However, this entry into the Pure Strike lineup is more brains than brawn, especially when compared to the stiffer 100 (16x19), and even to the smaller Strike 98 (16x19), which carries more swingweight and a bigger punch.

That’s not to say the 100 (16x20) has little power; it’s just of the more controlled variety. Full swings are rewarded with good pace and depth. Some of that tempered response is thanks to the additional cross string and the frame’s lower stiffness rating—the lowest in the entire Strike range. It also gives the racquet the softer, comfortable feel of a more classic, flexible racquet. It doesn’t feel too noodle-y or unstable, or flex out wildly on contact.

The head-light balance and manageable swingweight make the frame rather quick through the hitting zone. It’s not difficult to ramp up the swing speed to put some extra emphasis on certain shots, nor to really brush up the back of the ball or cut under it to add extra spin, which the frame does quite well given its string pattern. You can roll a tight angle, or use the good feel to drop the ball short in the court. The playability of the frame seems well-suited to players who like to move the ball around the court and counter-punch off their opponent’s aggression.

Serving follows a similar script. The racquet is not infused with the inherent power of some its competitors, but players with smooth deliveries will be able to generate enough pop to cause trouble. It’s also a pretty straight shooter, capable of hitting targets with regularity. The speedy head can put tons of life into kick serves that jump above an opponent’s shoulders.

At net, the frame’s quickness and welcoming feel clicks when volleying. It’s a breeze to get into position and has respectable stability in most situations. It doesn’t do the work for you, but you can drive volleys into the court without too much effort. The control and touch are both up to task when it comes to taking pace off passing shots to drop volleys just over the net.

What Needs Work

Some testers, especially long-time Babolat users, had trouble warming up to the racquet’s more traditional response. It can feel anemic at times—particularly when stretched—and isn’t as user-friendly as many of the brand’s other frames. For instance, when returning serve, it doesn’t feel substantial enough to consistently block or chip the ball back, yet is out of its comfort zone when forced to go bigger.

When ball speeds are moderate, it’s less of an issue. However, a racquet with this combination of weight, flex and balance is begging for more mass when producing and defending bigger hitting. Fortunately, these same specs are ripe for customization. Polyester string users may also benefit from experimenting in thinner gauges and lower tensions.

Tester Comments

“The quick, whippy head had enough mass to drive through first serves, but the kick serve is where it really excelled for me, with action equal to the Strike 97 and other player’s frames I’ve tried this year.”

“Amazing on slice groundstrokes and I loved volleying with it. Plush feel is always a plus.”

“Pure Strikes don’t always live up to their reputation as Babolat’s control racquets, but this one most certainly does.”

Bottom Line

The Pure Strike 100 (16x20) adds a new wrinkle to the franchise. If you’re looking for a quick, comfortable and predictable all-court frame, this one hits the sweet spot.