Overview
Updated with a new dampening technology, the Pure Strike 18x20 3rd Gen is ideal for experienced players, especially if they crave a rock solid feel at impact combined with the surgical and laser-like precision of a traditional 18x20 string pattern. Like the previous generation, the Pure Strike 18x20 has a hybrid frame construction (called Control Frame Technology), which blends the control and feel of square beam with the speed and dynamism of a modern elliptical beam. This stick also has FSI Power technology which features wider spacing between the upper cross strings for slightly easier access to spin and pace. New to this frame is C² Pure Feel, a material technology that combines cortex with a uniquely flexible viscoelastic rubber at 3/9 o'clock. The upshot is an even more dampened feel than the previous generation with slightly better pocketing. On groundstrokes, this racquet's low-powered precision provides big hitters with the freedom to attack the ball without fear of over-hitting. It also packs a higher swingweight than the previous generation, which means it plows through the ball more effectively, and it doesn't get pushed around when your opponent's pace goes up. Although the 330+RDC swingweight is demanding, the extra mass comes in handy when redirecting the pace of a big first serve, volleying against heavy power or driving the ball through the court. You'll also have plenty of touch for dropping the ball short. Finally, with this racquet's low-powered precision, aggressive servers will have the license to swing big and select ambitious targets. All in all, the Pure Strike 18x20 3rd Gen is perfect for the player who wants the undeniable precision and feel of a classic player's racquet. The higher swingweight provides a nice bonus to those in search of stability.
Previous Feedback
Comments: This racquet does a lot of things well. I am a low-level 4.5 that was looking for a more stable racquet at net that I could maneuver better for forehands (think inside-in). I had been playing with the Yonex DR 98 which serves awesome and keeps stuff in play with full strokes, but has really no put-away power and poor stability at net. The 18x20 Purestrike is a wand at times. However, I had it strung at 55 RPM Blast and it killed my elbow. I tried some hybrid setups but couldn't control it; am currently using 51 ALU Power with good results, may try upto 53 or the similar Volkl Cyclone (which I use in my Yonex). Super stable at net, stable on returns, just need to dial in tension w/out re-triggering my sensitive elbow.
From:Matt, 2/3/20
Comments: Awesome racquet for the 4.0 player and higher.
From: Joe, 1/29/20
Comments: After playing with RF97 all year long, I decided to move on, tried Gravity Pro, Vcore Pro 310, and Blade in both 18x20 and 16x19 pattern. This Pure Strike 18x20 really out shines everything, the launch angle is way more controllable than 16x19 Strike, because my technique dictates what I wanna achieve when it comes to variety of shots. Heavy topspin comes very easily too. The sweetspot feels way better than Gravity and Vcore Pro, Gravity has a flex in the throat like the Ezone XI98 but Pure Strike feels like a Pro Staff, firm feedback and great control. A lot of people worry about the power when it comes to selecting a racquet, but honestly if you're a true 4.5+ player, power is your least concern.
From: Henry, 11/13/19
Comments: This racquet provides best of both worlds from spin and power, to great control. One of the best racquets Babolat has made in the recent years focusing on the sharp control. This racquet is suited for strong intermediate to experienced players, making it a very good choice for those who have mastered many different shots.
From: Pete, 10/28/19
Comments: I loved this racquet. I started playing tennis again in 2013 and used the Aero Pro Drive. I moved from 4.0 to 4.5 with that racquet. I loved it all the way up until I couldn't get another one. I bought two Pure Drives in 2016, played with them for a year and never liked them thoroughly. I also bought the previous Pure Strike, the first one that was white, 18x20 and 16x19 and couldn't get used to either one. Though my son loved the 18x20 and played singles in high school with it. This new Pure Strike felt great so I bought two. My son liked it too so he started using my other one. We both really liked it so I bought a third. We loved it. Sadly both his new Pure Strike and my new Pure Strike started developing stress fractures at the corners of the throat.
From: Michael, 10/26/19
Comments: Lots of control but lacks power and spin. Not easy on your shoulder. I was not happy with it on serve, but volleys were good.
From: Dan, 10/8/19
Comments: Same as the first generation, great control, especially if you have a flat swing. It might be a little head light so you can swing faster. It is low powered so you need a good long swing. This racquet is great overall.
From: Paul, 9/27/19
Comments: I love the Pure Strike. I was using the old version for several months and am very happy with the new. It definitely has better control and my forehands are deeper, harder, and hitting the spots better than before. Love this racquet.
From: Bilal, 9/22/19
Comments: After extensively demoing many different players' racquets such as Prince's, Yonex's, Blade 98 and 100L, Clash 98, and Gravity, I chose this racquet. It's got power, but with control and feel. With a proper swing and good contact, it rewards you with solid pop. On volleys, it almost does the work for you. There is great bite on backhand slices and high balls are easier with the extra power. It's not heavy, but the balance compensates with plow. It doesn't hit a heavy ball like the heavier racquets I used to play with. It feels dampened, but I also use a large dampener to make it even more muted. I lent it to a friend and he felt some tingling in his elbow probably because of the stiffness, he plays with a Clash 100. Aesthetically, it's the right balance of subtle but graphic, but that's subjective. I'm a middle-aged 5.0. My earlier racquets were the Pro Staff 85, Dunlop MuscleWeave 200, and Volkl PB10 mid, heavily weighted.
From: Peter, 9/20/19