Mike has been testing the Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 2020 version over the past few weeks: a fine control tool with a punch and improved comfort.
Tested racket:
Brand: Babolat
Model: Pure Strike 16×19 2020
Blade size: 98 sq/inch
Weight: 305 gr
Balance: 32.0 cm
Stringing pattern: 16×19
Length: 27 inches
RA: 66
Stringing: Diadem Solstice Power 17 at 22/22 kg
The Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 2020 edition is now available in our webshop, including a free string of your choice!
Tester:
Name: Mike
Playing strength: 4/4
Player type: somewhat classic player, flat groundstrokes, generates little spin himself. Had shoulder problems in the past.
Racket history player: Head Ti Fire, Babolat Pure Drive, Prince EXO3 Rebel Team, Wilson Steam 100 BLX2, Head Graphene Radical MP and the Prince Textreme Warrior 107. Recently the Diadem Elevate 98 in use.
Test scores:
Power: 7.5
Control: 8
Spin: 8
Comfort: 7
Agility: 7.5
Touch: 7
Intro:
I have also previously predecessor of this Pure Strike 16×19, also known as 'Project One7' . In this review, among other things, the comparison with that racket, but also with the recently tested by me Wilson Blade 98 16×19 V7.0 . Also my current racket, the Diadem Elevate 98 is very much in line with these frames.
Baseline:
From the baseline you quickly notice the solid character of this racket. The racket is nice and stable and you get what you put in. It is not the most difficult racket on the market, but your timing has to be right and you need an average to fuller swing to be able to optimally control this racket. Then this Pure Strike 16×19 2020 gives good guidance and control. The previous version played just like this version quite directly. However, this new version feels a bit more comfortable without losing its direct playing feel. In my opinion a great development, because the previous version was quite stiff.
The ball rotation came off easily from the baseline, slice backhands are nice and tight to cut. Under pressure I found the racket a little less manoeuvrable than the Blade 16×19 V7.0, but that may also be a matter of getting used to it. Furthermore, the improved vibration damping and stability were noticeable. The racket is not pushed away as quickly when it goes a bit faster.
Service:
The service is always a good indicator for me when I test rackets. I am not a great server and a little help from the racket is nice. The serves were very controlled, but I did not get that extra 'punch' in the ball that I normally look for in a new racket, but that is more my fault than the racket. The kick and slice serves were easy to play.
Just:
At the net, this Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 2020 lacked a bit of touch. The weeks before I played with the new Wilson Blade 98 16×19 V7.0 and that is quite a difference in terms of feeling at the net in favor of the Blade. Nevertheless, the racket is nice and stable, especially when parrying hard balls. The racket does its job well there, perhaps even better than the new Blade. It just depends on what you like of course. The maneuverability was good, but the racket was not as quick to get into position as my Diadem Elevate 98, which is a pleasure at the net. I would say that the Pure Strike 16×19 performs reasonably well at the net, but is not as strong as from the baseline.
Power/control Babolat 16×19 2020:
With this racket it is control over power, although the racket does have the necessary punch. But in the line-up of Babolat with a Pure Aero and Pure Drive this is by far the most control-oriented racket line. You get what you put in, so to speak: you will have to have your timing and stroke in order to play well with this racket. But if this is the case, you can use the mass of the racket to also deal out a lot. You will need some muscle for that.
Comfort/arm friendliness:
A big compliment to Babolat for making a relatively stiff racket like this so comfortable. The comfort and vibration damping are definitely improved compared to the previous version. A good thing!
Bottom line:
The Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 has had a good update in my opinion, with improved stability and comfort being particularly noticeable. However, the racket retains its direct playing feel, with the frame performing particularly well from the baseline.
The Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 2020 edition is now available in our webshop, including a free string of your choice!