Offering a more plush feel for 2024
Babolat added another chapter to the Pure Strike 97 (formerly called the Pure Strike VS). Boasting the thinnest beam and most compact head in the Pure Strike family, this racquet delivers mindless accuracy on full cuts. It also moves extremely fast for its weight, making it great for whipping up spin, hitting shots on the run or reacting quickly at net. Compared to the previous generation, this update offers better pocketing along with a more plush feel off-center, especially in the upper hoop where the previous gen was a tad brassy. The Pure Strike 97 also comes with FSI Control technology, which tightens the string spacing for an even more precise and predictable trajectory. To help with comfort, Babolat adds NF² Tech which uses flax inserts in the shaft to help dampen harsh impact vibrations. Like the previous generation, this frame benefits from Control Frame Technology, which blends square and elliptical cross sections to deliver a stable hitting experience with excellent ball feedback. Ultimately, this racquet continues to be an obvious option for experienced players who want a speedy modern player's racquet with surgical targeting and great feel. The fact that it's even more comfortable than its predecessor is a nice bonus.
Specifications
| Head Size: 97 in² / 625.81 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.7oz / 332g | ||||
| Balance: 12.59in / 31.98cm / 7 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 321 | ||||
| Stiffness: 63 | ||||
| Beam Width: 21mm / 22mm / 21mm | ||||
| Composition: Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: White | ||||
| Grip Type: LEATHER! | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 48-57 pounds |
Product Details
Model Number: 101531
This speedy player's racquet combines surgical targeting with plush comfort. Headsize: 97in². String Pattern: 16x20. Standard Length.
Videos
Customer Reviews
Babolat's version of the Pro StaffMost people who get this will likely miss out on its true potential. Do not play this with the recommended stock settings. You need to customize it.
DO NOT play with a poly. It must be with the tried and true VS Gut + Alu Power Rough combo. DO NOT play with the stock leather grip, swap it out with the classic Fairway leather grip. DO NOT string it low. You need to add about 4-6 grams of tungsten/lead weight at the 11 and 1 o'clock, and 3 and 9 o'clock positions. This should bring swing weight in the range of 336-340.
This legend demands a full stroke, full effort, solid footwork, excellent preparation, and impeccable timing at contact, to unleash WINNERS on both wings of the court. Sorry, but this racquet is only for 5.0+ players. All other levels or lazy strokes, please look elsewhere, because this legend is very unforgiving and has no free power. It demands you to upgrade your game, only then you will transcend to 5.0+ levels.
Game ChangerAre you ready to take your tennis game to the next level? Look no further than the Babolat Pure Strike 97. This racquet isn't just a tool – it's a game-changer. Imagine wielding a racquet that offers pinpoint accuracy and formidable power in every stroke. With the Pure Strike 97, you'll experience unmatched finesse and performance on the court. Say goodbye to missed shots and hello to precision like never before. But that's not all – this racquet is designed for stability and maneuverability, ensuring seamless transitions between shots. Whether you're defending against a tough opponent or launching a powerful attack, the Pure Strike 97 has your back. And let's talk comfort. Babolat's advanced technology minimizes vibrations, keeping you focused and comfortable even during the most intense matches. No distractions, just pure concentration on your game. Don't settle for mediocrity. Elevate your game with the Babolat Pure Strike 97.
2017 Babolat Pure Strike VS Tour remains kingPrefer the 2017 Babolat Pure Strike VS Tour as the best Pure Strike model, however within today's racquets the Pure Strike 97 is the closest available. I tested the Pure Strike 97 and feel that it is better than the previous two generations of Pure Strike which were a significant departure from the 2017 VS Tour.
Unlock Your Full PotentialGet ready to elevate your game to new heights with the Babolat Pure Strike 97! This racquet isn't just a tool; it's a game-changer that brings out the best in your tennis skills.
Precision & Power: Feel the surge of control and power as you unleash your shots with pinpoint accuracy. The Pure Strike 97's head size strikes the perfect balance between control and forgiveness, delivering explosive power with every swing.
Versatility: Whether you're dominating the baseline or charging the net, this racquet adapts to your style effortlessly, empowering you to play with confidence and finesse.
Swing Weight: To unlock its full potential, increase the swing weight and feel the difference in power and precision. This adjustment takes the Pure Strike 97 to a whole new level, giving you the edge on the court.
Conclusion: The Babolat Pure Strike 97 is more than just a racquet; it's your key to unlocking peak performance on the tennis court. Are you ready to unleash your full potential? Grab the Pure Strike 97 and experience the difference for yourself!
Best racquet after trying manyEasy to maneuver with great control and more forgiveness for 97" racquet. Easy to create topspin because of its headlight balance. You have to go for bigger shots in order to make the racquet show its full potential. But it's really fun to use. Very impressed.
Game ChangerThis 97 is by far and away the best racquet I have ever tried from Babolat.
It’s a player's frame through and through that does everything well. A truly phenomenal blend of control and precision, packed with excellent spin potential and modern pop. Like all player frames, the 97 rewards solid footwork, sound mechanics, and a fully accelerated swing.
The updates to the frame are great improvements from the Strike VS. Specifically, I found this model to be more stable, responsive, and plush feeling than its predecessor. I am normally a cynic when it comes to “new tech” but this update really impressed me. The long wait for the Strike updates was certainly worth it.
With that being said, in stock form, it still plays a little too zippy and head light for my liking. I added lead to the hoop, beefing up the swing weight to 340 and the end result was incredible— Plow through with surgical precision, explosive spin potential, and consistent depth.
To me, the extra mass and increased swing weight are the keys to unlocking the full potential of this frame. For advanced players who like customization, this is a great platform racquet as the stock specs have ample room for tinkering.
To conclude, The 97 is 100% a must try for advanced players looking to take their game to the next level. I strung mine with RPM Blast at 54 lbs.
Very excited to switch to this frame. Great update from the Babolat team. Cheers.
Pretty good improvementsPretty good improvement from the previous version in my opinion. The sweet spot and vibration of the frame feels more forgiving, and because of that it was easier to let the ball sink into the net and to control the pace better. The only downside I found is that there isn't enough improvement on the tip of the frame. It definitely feels better when you hit higher up on the string bed, but I think you'll still need to add some lead tape. Overall, it was a fun racquet to try and I would recommend this for aggressive players who prefer a very open string bed (doesn't feel like a 16x20), and have a full swing style.