Introducing the most surgical member of the Pure Aero family
Babolat adds another chapter to the most controlled and surgical member of the Pure Aero family. Formerly called the Pure Aero VS, the Pure Aero 98 gives big hitters a powerfully precise weapon. Compared to the standard Pure Aero, this racquet features a more compact head along with a denser string pattern and a thinner, more flexible beam. The payoff is extra control, which comes in handy on bigger cuts or when targeting the lines. That said, this stick still packs enough pop to put your opponent in check. For 2023 Babolat adds NF² Technology which uses flax inserts at 3/9 in the head to soften ball impact. Babolat also updates its FSI Spin technology with slightly tighter string spacing. The result is greater control (and confidence) when maximizing stroke speed in the service of power and spin. With some nice updates to the response, the Pure Aero 98 delivers the spin and power of a modern player's racquet but with the control and feel needed to fully engage with your targets.
Specifications
| Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight:11.4oz / 323g | ||||
| Balance: 12.79in / 32.49cm / 6 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 327 | ||||
| Stiffness: 65 | ||||
| Beam Width: 21mm / 23mm / 22mm | ||||
| Composition: Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors:Black/Yellow | ||||
| Grip Type: Syntec Pro | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 50-59 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
An extraordinary racquetI have been playing tennis regularly, once a week, for about two years. In this process, I used Wilson Clash V1 100, which is a 295 gram racquet. At the end of two years, I realized that due to the Clash's technology, I could not transmit the power I was transmitting to the ball to the other side as much as I wanted. For this reason, I needed to switch to a harder racquet. As a result of my research, I wanted to buy a Babolat Pure Aero and wanted to make differences in my game by reducing the head size to 98. After I started using the Pure Aero 98, I noticed that the racquet had an incredible feel. Also, finding the sweetspot of the 98 head was not as difficult as I expected. It can correct small errors with successful technology. I think that the 7% wider area situation in Yonex is also valid for this racquet. I customized my Wilson Clash V1 100 racquet and increased it to 312 grams. I did not need any customization on the Pure Aero 98 305 grams. I measured the total weight at 340 grams, including the racquet, overgrip, dampener, and a head protection band that I added to the Pure Aero 98. These values have a tremendous impact on me as a mid-level player. The main differences I feel in the Pure Aero 98 are the ability to make quick effects on the ball, the swing creating a real Aero effect through very little air friction, controlled volleys, and high feeling. Individually, I found that playing the ball to the other side's baseline in baseline games was a bit more difficult and required some getting used to, compared to Clash. I should point out that this only applies to long rallies where you have to stay defensive.
Very good racquet in the right handsThe Pure Aero 98 is a very good racquet if you have the tennis skill to handle it (i.e. high 4.0+). It's still a spin machine that Pure Aero's are expected to be, but the power level is noticeably more controlled. The volleys and slice can get the job done and help set up your shot. The ball precision is fairly good, and I can predict where my shots are going. The serves have effortless pop and spin. This racquet completely shines if you like to hit heavy, deep topspin shots at your opponents. Since the sweetspot is noticeably small, you need to be able to make good contact with good racquet head speed. If you can do this, you will be rewarded with a precise, powerful weapon that will give your opponents a nightmare to deal with.
Amazing racquetThe Aero 98 is an excellent update in the versions of the Aero. It is very light and faster for more topspin, control and power. Thanks to Tennis Warehouse for delivering a quality racquet.
Racquet hits amazing!This racquet hits amazingly well. Spin, power and control; it has it all. My wife keeps asking to grab this racquet over her own and uses it as a benchmark for all other demo racquets. My only real complaint is that it is a bit harsh to hit with and I did have some arm pain when starting to use it. I adjusted my technique a bit and then put in Solinco Hyper-G Soft at 48lbs, and it feels much better. I'd give it a 4.5/5 just for the harsh feel, especially on mishits.
Excellent Tennis Raquet & PurchaseI purchased 3 of these Pure Aero 98 racquets for my oldest son who is on the varsity tennis team. He loves them - reports they play really well - light & nimble and is glad he has them. Great racquets and purchase!
Great racquetI have been using the Ezone 98 and I love it. Compared to the Ezone, the new Pure Aero 98 gives me a similar feeling, except it is not as muted. One thing that makes me personally like this one more is the grip shape. The grip feels slightly more rectangular than the Ezone's, which is very rounded. Hard to spot the difference visually from the butt cap, but the handle does feel different. The rectangular grip shape gives me a bit more stability when I hit topspin on both forehands and backhands.
Best racquetRecently I upgraded to Pure Aero 98. It’s been a fantastic experience so far. I was little hesitant on how it would affect my game when it comes to spin but it exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend this racquet.
Best Tennis RacketLove this racquet, switched from Rafa’s Aero.
Great racquetI have 2. Great overall. Good balance of control and power. Great for 4.0+ player who can generate their own pace and want ultimate control.
Best control + spin racket I’ve hadThis racquet hits the sweet spot between control and power! I was using the 100 sq inch Pure Aero before but switched to the 98 because of the more control i get while retaining the signature aggressive spin from the 100 sq inch. It’s also more stable than the Head extreme tour which makes it easier to use on volleys.
Improvement on the VSI really like the Pure Aero VS and was not looking to switch but had to after I demoed the 98. The slightly higher weight on the 98 was the reason I changed. It really made a difference for me especially on my one handed backhand. I'm in my 50's still trying to play like I have 2 good knees, but I can still manage some good ground strokes. I can't always produce the needed swing speed on every shot so the extra weight on the 98 is a benefit for me.
Incredible RacquetGood for all kinds of play. Groundstrokes, volleys, serves & control, etc.
Real Power!!I been using Babolat Aero most of my life so I switch to 98 to see how it goes, at first was a little strange but them everything change more power in the serves and strokes. I will be using 98 for a long time that is for sure.
Exceeded ExpectationsI'm a 4.0/4.5 player. I had played with the VS, other Aeros as well as Yonex and other rackets. I was looking to replace my Prince Composites I had been using since the 80s. Demoing is hard because there isn't much time with each racket to really settle in on the nuances, but overall I liked the VS. I had a little slight hesitation, as it did feel a little stiff and lack some feel, but I was about to move forward with the VS because I was tired of demoing and didn't think I would find the perfect racquet. I also do have some arm issues. But after hearing about the 2023 98s, I decided to hold out hoping that there could be some improvements to the VS which refined it. I am glad I did. I love this racquet. There is a lot more feel to the 2023 98, less stiff and has a lot more pop or power IMO. The control is great, the spin was great. (and I play with lots of spin, top and back). It may take me some time to hit the sweet spot more consistently because I am coming from a larger head, but when you do hit it, you get all those things, control, power, and spin. I didn't get to serve with it yet as I am recovering from surgery and didn't want to stretch like that, but overheads felt really good and volleys good too. I love my decision and importantly my arm didn't hurt more after playing a hard hour as it did before I played.
My search for a new racquet is over!What do you want in a racquet? Controllable power, precision, spin and feel all in one? That's the Pure Aero 98!
its an awesome racquetPure aero 98 feels pretty solid, very nice. Sweet sweetspot.
Magic racquetSuper happy -- good balance, spin, power and incredible control.
Just the right amount of control and feelThis racquet has considerably more control than the 100 sq inch version. I love that added control and feel at net. It still has plenty of pop and spin, so it’s a great balance in my opinion. I highly recommend this aero 98 racquet!!
AmazingI've tried a lot of racquets from Wilson Pro Staff to the new Ezone from Yonex. This racquet is like the Ezone 98 and the Wilson Blade had a baby. Amazing control with ability to change directions well that allows me to hit both one-handed and two-handed backhands but also has enough power that I don't have to over-swing to get good pace on the ball. And all my hitting partners said there was a much more noticeable amount of spin on my shots then with my Ezone and Wilson rackets.
Highly recommend. My tennis racquet search is over.