Racquet Review: Babolat Pure Strike 98 (16x19)

Babolat Pure Strike 98 (16x19)

• Price: $249
• Head Size: 98 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.4 oz.
• Balance: 4 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 332
• RA Rating: 63
• Beam Width: 21mm / 23mm / 21mm
• String Pattern: 16x19

What’s New

For this fourth generation of the Pure Strike, Babolat addressed the frame’s command and feel at contact. The racquet’s beam has been softened by 2-to-3 RA rating points to dial back some of the power so there’s greater control and comfort. NF2 Tech—natural flax fibers placed at strategic points in the racquet—filters out unwanted vibration. This improves the feel of the frame and produces a more muted sound at contact, which Babolat believes gives the user a better perception of control. The string pattern is tighter—dubbed FSI Control—to give a more predictable response and combines with Woofer system to extend dwell time. The extended contact between the ball and the strings provides greater connection to better manipulate shots.

What Works

It’s been quite a while since there’s been a new Pure Strike 98. As quickly as some frames get recycled, Babolat likes to practice patience. In fact, this is the frame’s first revamp of the 2020s. With all that time between editions, one might conclude the racquet underwent significant alterations. But that’s not the case. The latest PS 98 is not a wide departure from its past, more evolution than revolution. It stays true to the frame’s heritage, and where it does stray is a net positive.

The Strike is positioned as Babolat’s control line, but when compared to competing models with similar specs, the 98 resides more towards the power end of the spectrum. Its flex has been lowered from the previous generation, but that hasn’t robbed the racquet of any muscle. The combination of its unique hybrid beam—marrying the stability of a square shape with the speed and power of an elliptical structure—and high swingweight equals pretty heavy hitting. It’s the type of frame that responds well to the dictating swings and tactics of power baseline and serve-plus-one tennis.

However, while not a huge departure, this update applies that aggression with just a bit more governance. It’s dependable and forgiving enough to play reliable defense and counterpunch, with the capability of zeroing in on smaller targets. Topspin comes naturally out of the 16x19 string bed if you can muster the necessary swing speed, and slices take a bite out of the court. The racquet’s stable nature—it plays heavier than its weight—also lets you step inside the court to take the ball early and capably change directions.

A slightly tighter string pattern helps this cause, as does an improved feel over the outgoing model. The lower flex and new flax inserts results in greater comfort without numbing the response. Yet the racquet doesn’t play as soft as its stiffness rating would indicate. So players of previous models won’t miss some of those frames’ crisp and connected feedback. There’s a better sense of where the ball is on the strings, and how it will react at contact. This emboldens you to go after your shots with confidence.

Net play also benefits from these changes. The racquet feels solid and comfortable at contact; the type of frame that simply requires getting in front of the ball to be effective. It stands up well to pace and easily redirects hot shots with accuracy. The racquet seems better-suited for creativity with longer swings—rolling angles, lobs—but can hold its own when touch and forecourt play is required.

Just as the playability is similar to its predecessor, the cosmetic of the new Strike is nearly a doppelganger of the previous generation. The biggest difference—and upgrade—is the busy graphics on the outside of the throat have been replaced by a subtler “Strike” decal on one side, and an understated model callout on the other. A more refined look, befitting a more refined frame.

What Needs Work

Depending on personal preference, the high swingweight is either a feature or a bug. Some testers feel it hinders the frame’s performance at net and creates sluggishness through the service motion. Others praise how it adds ballast to the racquet, plow-through to shots and isn’t even that noticeable. In either case, it’s a characteristic that will have a major influence on one’s opinion of the Strike.

Control is another aspect that may be in the eye of the beholder. As stated earlier, it is a beefy and boisterous 98. There are several competing models in this class with their amps turned lower. In fact, a couple of other options in this very line—Strike 97 and Strike 100 (16x20)—are arguably more obedient. Players who handle this racquet easily and can put plenty of spin on the ball will probably find it to be perfectly dependable. Those who can’t may find it clubby and bit too energetic.

Tester Comments

• “It has a great balance of control and power, while still being reasonably forgiving for a narrower beam frame, even on off-center shots.”
• “Power, spin ... and control?! This one had it all for me.”
• “The tweaks to the feel were noticeable. Past versions have fallen short in that department, but this update has a really enjoyable response.”

Bottom Line

It’s still a lively hitter, and now it has bit more polish. The Pure Strike 98 doesn’t have a long history, but this could be the best one to date.