Stephan has tested the new Babolat Pure Aero 2023 for us! Read his very extensive review here, which includes a comparison with the previous version and the Pure Aero VS.

Tester:

Player name: Stephan Couzijn Level: 5/6 Player type: all-court player, eastern grip, one-handed backhand, fairly flat shots Own racket: Yonex EZONE DR 98, Wilson Clash 100, Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour. Player's racket history: Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95, Wilson Six-One 95, Head Radical, Dunlop Aerogel 300 Tour, Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, Wilson Pro Staff 95, Wilson Juice Pro, Yonex EZONE DR 98, Wilson Clash 100, Head Gravity MP, Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV, Prince Synergy 98. The new Pure Aero 2023 is now available in our webshop, including free stringing of your choice.

Intro:

The trusted weapon of the king of clay, Rafael Nadal, has received a major update with the Pure Aero 2023. Not only has the design of the paint job changed, with the "New Blast Graphic" and the return of the familiar fluorescent yellow (no more banana color), but according to Babolat, the string pattern has also become more compact. The stiffness of the frame has also gone down one notch or at least remained the same as the RA value of the Pure Aero 2019. I already thought the 2019 version of the Babolat Pure Aero was a huge improvement over its predecessor. Thanks to its slightly lower RA value, it felt much closer to the Aero Pro Drive from 2013 (my personal favorite). However, I felt that this greatly improved 2019 version still had just a little too much power. I am very curious to see whether the more compact string pattern will help me with more control and whether I will even take a trip down memory lane to my beloved Babolat Aero Pro Drive.

Review:

Before I explain how the new Babolat Pure Aero 2023 plays, I'll take a look at the biggest changes in design and technology. As I have already said in other reviews, I always think the "fancy" names for new technological applications are a bit over the top (no one understands what they mean). This Pure Aero is no different. Babolat has applied NF2 Tech Flax technology, which stands for "Natural fiber filtration". In plain English, Babolat has added material in several places in the frame to better dampen vibrations and sound. More striking is the glossy finish, just as we saw with the Babolat Pure Aero VS. Where we have been used to a matte finish for a long time, Babolat has now chosen to continue the line with a glossy finish. I am curious to see whether that also gives a different feel. Enough rambling about technological gadgets, it is high time to go hit some balls.

Baseline Babolat Pure Aero 2023:

As expected, the Pure Aero 2023 plays wonderfully from the baseline. Lots of spin potential and more than enough power. I can easily accelerate with my forehand. It is easier than with the Babolat Pure Aero VS that I recently tested. Of course, this is due to the slightly lower weight and the head size of 100 instead of 98 sq/inch. In my opinion, the new Pure Aero 2023 has more controlled power. Don't get me wrong, it is still a power and spin monster, but I have far fewer unforced errors than with the previous version. Especially as a result of the more compact string pattern. At the same time, I immediately notice that the stiffness of the racket is also noticeable due to the denser string pattern. It is not unpleasant because the new technology does its job, but it is something to take into account if you have a sensitive arm like I do. That is why I advise using a softer string or stringing the RPM Blast relatively low (for example, 22 kilos). That will immediately provide relief without compromising performance. I can also easily hit through the ball with my one-handed backhand and give the ball rotation. I still find the Aero shape of the frame difficult for my one-handed backhand. The frame is thicker at the throat where I hold the racket to set up for my backhand, but that will not be an issue for two-handed players. I can also produce slices and drop shots perfectly well and they feel the same as its predecessor. However, I do notice that the feel is finer than the previous version, which could feel a bit hollow and tinny. The Babolat Pure Aero 2023 has much less of that, which I consider a major plus. The glossy finish will also have an effect on the feel. I cannot fully explain what exactly it is, but it feels good in any case. Furthermore, it is noticeable that the launch angle is higher, which means I have to set my grip more in the spin position to prevent the ball from flying too high off my racket. After this adjustment, the balls fly with a lot of rotation off my racket and I can get them in the lines just fine. In short, nothing but praise from the baseline. Especially the improved control will be highly appreciated by players who previously found the Pure Aero too powerful.

Net game:

The Babolat Pure Aero 2023 is naturally not a 'fuller racket', but as Adrian Mannarino shows, you can hit volleys perfectly well with it. I notice that with the weight and balance of the frame, I can easily put volleys away. The Babolat Pure Aero 2023 is not as razor-sharp at the net as a Wilson Pro Staff or a Head Prestige MP or a Prince Tour, but those are really different rackets. The Babolat Pure Aero 2023 does what it needs to do at the net. Just put balls away. No subtle "no look" balls, but just "no nonsense" solid volleys. The racket is heavy enough to parry hard incoming balls and not too heavy to remain able to move quickly. In short, a solid pass for this baseline monster at the net. Compared to its predecessor, I notice little difference other than the more dampened feel.

Serving:

Serving with a power racket like the Babolat Pure Aero 2023 is always a pleasure. You can literally hammer with it. In the past, I played with the Babolat Pure Aero Tour, with which I hit my hardest serve ever. With this Pure Aero 2023, you can serve just as well, but with a little more control. The slice and spin serve also come off perfectly well. Thanks to the more compact string pattern, I seem to have more control than with the previous version. As with all power frames, you have to be careful not to hit them all just a little too long. Especially when it gets exciting during a match and you have to hit a second serve on set point, it can still fly off the racket. Then you realize that a Pure Aero is not a control frame by nature. Giving the ball a little more effect does wonders. With other more control-oriented frames, I have more confidence that I can simply hit the ball in with enough speed. With the Pure Aero, I have to take my foot off the gas to remain consistent, but that is probably also due to my technique. In short: opponents will also take a step back when you serve with the Babolat Pure Aero 2023.

Conclusion:

The feel of the Babolat Pure Aero 2023 is very close to the Aero Pro Drive of yesteryear. An absolute compliment to Babolat. Many long-time Pure Aero fans will be very happy with this. To put it to the test, I took out my old Aero Pro Drive and played both rackets side by side. If I ever have to replace my Aero Pro Drive, now is the time with the arrival of the Pure Aero 2023. The rackets play almost identically. However, you do notice that the technology has not stood still: the Pure Aero 2023 is a much more refined version of the raw and direct Aero Pro Drive. This also means that the Babolat Pure Aero 2023 can be played by a much broader group of players. In short: this racket is a must-demo for all Aero fans. Especially players who have played with the old versions will not be disappointed and may even consider switching to this beautiful new version. The new Pure Aero 2023 is now available in our webshop, including free stringing of your choice.