Tested racket:
Brand: Babolat Model: Pure Strike 16x19 2020 Leaf size: 98 sq/inch Weight: 305 gr Balance: 32.0 cm Stringing pattern: 16x19 Length: 27 inches RA: 66 Stringing: Diadem Solstice Power 17 on 22/22 kg The Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 2020 edition is now available in our webshop, including a free string of your choice!Tester:
Name: Mike Playing strength: 4/4 Type of player: more classic player, flat groundstrokes, generates little spin. Had shoulder problems in the past. Player's racket history: Head Ti Fire, Babolat Pure Drive, Prince EXO3 Rebel Team, Wilson Steam 100 BLX2, Head Graphene Radical MP and the Prince Textreme Warrior 107 , among others. Recently started using the Diadem Elevate 98 .
Test scores:
Power: 7.5 Control: 8 Spider: 8 Comfort: 7 Agility: 7.5 Touch: 7
Intro:
I have previously also been able to test the predecessor of this Pure Strike 16x19, also known as 'Project One7' . In this review, I will compare it with that racket, but also with the Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V7.0 that I recently tested. My current racket, the Diadem Elevate 98, is also very similar to these frames.
Baseline:
From the baseline you will quickly notice the solid character of this racket. The racket is nice and stable and you get what you put into it. It is not the most difficult racket on the market, but your timing must be in order and you need an average to fuller swing to optimally operate this racket. Then this Pure Strike 16x19 2020 provides good steering and control. The previous version played quite directly, just like this version. However, this new version feels a bit more comfortable without losing its direct playing feel. In my opinion, an excellent development, because the previous version was quite stiff.
The ball rotation came easily from the baseline, slice backhands are nice and tight. Under pressure I found the racket slightly less manoeuvrable than the Blade 16x19 V7.0, but that may also be a matter of getting used to. Furthermore, the improved vibration damping and stability was noticeable. The racket is not pushed away as quickly when it goes a little faster.Service:
The service is always a good indicator for me when I test rackets. I'm not a great server so a little help from the racket is nice. The services 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's fault. The kick and slice services, on the other hand, were easy to play.
Just:
The net lacked a bit of touch with this Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 2020. The weeks before I played with the new Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V7.0 and that is a nice difference in terms of feel 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 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'd say the Pure Strike 16x19 performs decently at the net, but isn't as strong as it is from the baseline.
Power/control Babolat 16x19 2020:
This racket requires control over power, although the racket still has the necessary punch. But in Babolat's line-up, which also includes a Pure Aero and Pure Drive, this is by far the most control-oriented racket line. So to speak, you get what you put into it: you will have to have your timing and stroke in order to enjoy playing with this racket. But if this is the case, you can use the mass of the racket to distribute heavily. So you just need some muscles for that.
