Babolat Pure Drive: which model suits you?
The Babolat Pure Drive is Babolat's power series: a frame built for speed and depth on the ball. The seven models differ mainly in weight (255 to 305 g) and head size (630 to 690 cm²). Start by picking the weight you can still swing through cleanly in the final set.
The Pure Drive models at a glance
What weight and head size mean for your game
- Weight: up to 285 g you'll still swing through in time even after two hours. From 300 g you stand firmer against heavy balls, but you need a long, committed swing.
- Head size: the strung surface area. The larger it is, the bigger the sweet spot – the zone where a hit gives you the best blend of control and power. 630 cm² demands a clean centre strike, 690 cm² forgives a lot more.
The series is built for power. If your elbow speaks up regularly, comfort rackets take noticeably more harshness out of the shot.
Pure Drive, Pure Aero or Pure Strike?
The Pure Drive delivers pace from the baseline, the Pure Aero is built for spin, meaning balls with heavy rotation, and the Pure Strike puts feel and control front and centre. You'll find all three lines among the Babolat tennis rackets, and if you're torn between two models, the racket advisor can help you decide.
Good to know
All Pure Drive models ship unstrung. So you choose the string yourself – which also decides how stiff the frame feels: comfort strings take the edge off. You'll find the full range among the Babolat strings.
What grip size do I need for the Pure Drive?
Grip size is the circumference of the handle. The Pure Drive comes in sizes 0 to 4, though not every model in every size: the S Lite in 0 to 2, the Pure Drive + in 2 to 4. If you're between two sizes, take the smaller one – you can pad out a grip that's too thin with a Babolat overgrip, but a grip that's too thick can't be made narrower.
Can I try the Pure Drive before buying it?
Yes. Every Pure Drive model except the S Lite is available as a demo racket, meaning the same frame to play with before you decide. You'll find them among the Babolat demo rackets.
Is the Babolat Pure Drive suitable for beginners?
With the lighter models, yes: the S Lite and the Lite don't demand a pronounced swing, which is why they're also listed among the rackets for beginners. The 300 g and 305 g frames, on the other hand, call for technique and conditioning – otherwise the racket arrives late to the ball.