If you were more of an intermediate player, would you recommend the 16x19 even if playstyle is not very top spin dependent? Wondering if the higher launch angle would be more forgiving and the extra spin friendliness would help me progress in my strokes as well as result in better overall play.
Thiem went to play with the 16 x 19 100" version the last year of his pro carreer. So go for that one. Pure Strike 100 16 x 19 is your best pick if intermediate. Its more forgiving and give you a bit more power for free. the 98 16 x 19 is plenty controlled for advanced players. the 18 x 20 is quite head heavy and is for very high level players that needs extra control.
Best racquet ever. I'm State Senior Champion in Spain and after 4 years playing with Pure Strike 16/19 I realized I was wasting my time. Customized with silicone at handle and lead at 3 and 9. You get more spin and speed without sacrificing control. Playing tennis takes on a new dimension with RPM POWER. It's the greatest evolution in tennis strings after the appearance of the gut and copolyester. It's a type C copolyester that does not require pre-stretching (it is stretched at the factory) and whose maximum recommended tension is 23kg (25 has Thiem, but he's a professional). It has a high playability and maintains tension excellently. It allows for very high effects, facilitating topspin and under spin. The contact and connection with the ball is maximum. The gut and nylon strings also needed to be repositioned with the fingers, and it wasn't a problem; what's more, in some cases, it's a great way to stay focused during points. Dominic Thiem really uses it, and we are talking about a tennis player who has the best Babolat technology at his disposal. He switched from gut with RPM Blast, then colored versions of the same string, and finally opted to use experimental HEAD string to get his victory at Indian Wells (defeating Federer). After that, he gave the step to RPM POWER and has not taken a step back, obtaining the best sporting successes from him and his first Grand Slam. That string does not need to be edged to produce the highest Revolutions Per Minute, as can be seen in Thiem's beastly way of powering the ball now, who actually uses that string (The fans should be grateful for that). I have visited the Babolat string factory and had the string used by Nadal in my hand. When it was yellow, he used Babolat Duralast (Moyá also in another color). On the yellow string, it was printed in black PRO HURRICANE NADAL. That yellow string had no edges and produced a beastly effect, thanks to the fact that the polyester grabs the ball on contact and makes it rise very easily. The problem is that it loses tension and playability in a very few minutes, with the aggravation that it is very hard and causes shoulder injuries in the long run (Nadal and Moyá were affected). Later another black string was created for Nadal, but that is not RPM Blast. That string of Rafa, has RPM NADAL 1.35 written in white and has no edges (it is cylindrical and does'nt have eight faces). That black string is no longer made of polyester, but of copolyester, which is a material that reaches more speed, and arm friendly. According to the technicians who make Babolat strings, using 8 faces on textured strings is the best option. Profiles with fewer edges (4-sided or 5-sided), facilitates the topspin effect for amateurs, but sacrificing precision. It is because those geometries (4 or 5 faces) at the time of stringing can be more or less twisted. This greater or lesser twist can make the edges more alive or less in some areas of the string bed. Those textured strings are only valid for amateurs, but the professional cannot depend on these random variables.
The launch angle is much different from the 16x19. I play with the pure strike 18x20 which has a much lower launch angle but more control than the 16x19. The 16x19 can play a little bit inconsistent at times.
Other review says that it’s a bit muted. I’m using the Ezone 98 but want something more raw-feeling, Ezone is fairly comfortable but the slightly dampened feel kinda bothers me, how does the Strike compare?
Which string you are using here. As I too have babolat pure strike 100 racquet and Rmp blast string. But I don't feel comfortable with string. Kindly recommend good string for Babolat pure strike 100 / 300gms for women
Thanks to your technical advice I have bought four Babolat Pure Strike 18/20. I think it is the best racket I have ever owned by far. I used to play with the 16/19, but the 18/20 is better in all aspects. Greater speed and ease of creating effects. I am using it with Babolat RPM Power 1.25. You have been correct in all the analysis you have made of the racket.
Great video. How was the stiffness? I had Project One 16 x 19 and found it so stiff. Restrung with hybrid (Gut mains at 53, Poly cross at 50) and that was really nice setup. BUT the cost of gut is a bit much. You have a single handed backhand. Do you prefer heavy headlight sticks or it does not matter?
Hey Sundar - honestly wasn’t bad at all. That’s a nice setup, but yeah it can get quite pricey haha. I’ll generally go for head light, but it’s not a huge deal for me
Excellent review Karu! I have recently acquired the Pure Strike Tour, the heavier version 320g with a 315 mm balance…narrowly edged out the new Head Radical Pro. I’m wondering if you’ve hit with this or demoed this before and, if you have, what your thoughts about it are.
Que legal que eh brasileiro! Parabéns pelo canal e pelos reviews!!! Mto bom👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎾 Cara queria sua opinião se puder, testei a pure strike 16x19 e gostei bastante, mas fiquei na dúvida sobre a 18x20 ja que uso uma blade antiga que tb eh 18x20, e gosto bastante. Valeu parabéns e obrigado!
Valeu Rodolfo! Cara eu testei ambas a 18x20 e a 16x19 (no mesmo dia que a blade também). O vídeo tá aqui se quiser assistir: th-cam.com/video/kNMnL5XVrx8/w-d-xo.html. Acho que a 18x20 vai ficar mais parecida com a Blade, mas te dando mais potência sem perder muito do controle. A 16x19 já é uma raquete mais pra colocar bastante spin mais alto (na minha opinião), então é bem diferente da Blade
why do you want to go hybrid? ezone 100 should be comfortable and have plenty of power. Multifilaments provide you comfort and power but loose spin and durability
@@mteca5093 I also have a DR100. Good stick. It's easy to add weight to go to a "tour" spec. You can get this on Amazon for about $10. Add at 9 and 3 for the "tour" feel: search for Tecnifibre ATP World Tour Lead Balancer Tape. Each strip is 2g. Cut the strips in half with scissors if you want to add less weight. They are easy to add and to remove from your racquet and do no damage to it. You can also easily peel the Technifibre logo off the tape, so it looks generic. Make sure to add equal amounts of weight to both sides of the inner hoop of the racquet at 3 o'clock and both sides of inner hoop of the racquet at 9 o'clock.
Great review!! I am currently trying to switch from the babolat pure aero 2019 because I reckoned I didn't the extra power, testing my friend's 18x20 CV Blade (exact same one in your other video) for 2 weeks so far, while at the same time testing the purestrike gen 3 18x20 of another friend's for 2 sessions (no demo in indonesia). Between the two, I know that the Purestrike has more power, but does it have significantly less control over the blade? One of the sessions I hit with both. The blade had dunlop black widow 18 at 49lbs, the purestrike had lux alu power 16 at 52lbs, and it felt like the blade had higher tension for some reason due to the power the strike generated (probably the strings). What is your thoughts on the control difference between the two rackets? Thanks! Cheers xx
Thank you Nevin! I think the strings could be accentuating the difference in feel between the two rackets, but I also had that same feel. I’m not sure what your level is, but I feel like as long as a player can execute shots with top spin, the difference in control will not be significant. I actually didn’t feel much of a difference in terms of control, but I had more access to power with the Babolat
@@KaruesellHQ Thanks for the input! It might be due to the string setup that I felt that way, I know the strings for the blades were new but the PS's string are quite old and could have caused tension drop thus accentuating the difference between the two. In terms of level, I would say between a 4-4.5, and definitely did not have a hard time adjust to the 18x20 from the open 16x19, in terms of spin I was able to generate as much spin as I desire (glad I wasn't too dependent on that spin machine), but I love how I can flat out the ball seemingly easier with these more controlled rackets. Unfortunately, in Indonesia there are no v7 18x20 for the blade so my choice in racket is between the 16x19 v7 and the pure strike 18x20. I've heard that the blade v7s are even lower powered than the cv 18x20 (even the 16x19 v7s), but would going with the pure strike 18x20 be a safer choice, considering that it provides more access to power and yet not much difference in control? Thanks so much!
I’ve tried the 16x19 but 98 sq in, so I’m assuming yours will be a little different. I’d say the 16x19 will give you a bit better feel / touch, but the 18x20 will give you more control and let you swing more freely
Thiem definitely isn't using a babolat pure strike mould as we know it, he moved from a head prestige with much lower flex and that was more polarised. Babolat will likely have just made him a prestige clone as I know he still uses the head grip shape for example. No pro would play a babolat made in the last decade they are all designed for amateur players, stiff with high twistweights for inconsistent ball strikers.
OK send me the proof and I'll believe you. I personally don't think he'd switch his specs so dramatically after coming from an old prestige like I said. Any proof it's a genuine Thiem frame and not just a retail one he's signed for auction?
The materials/technology, shape, and aerodynamics of the racquet are made by Babolat of course. The main difference is that Domi is using the 1st edition of pure strike, made with his prostock details, and also he uses lead tape to match his needs. I don't think so that there is anything to do with Head Prestige, even if he was playing with it in the past. If the situation is as what you are describing, then Rafa is playing with the Pure Drive (even with the aerodynamic design clearly shown on his racquet), because this is the racquet he started playing with when he turned pro, and Stan would still playing with a Prestige as in the past, despite the actual Isometric Head of his Yonex Racquet. Even Roger, recently changed his racquet from 90 square inches head to 97 to adapt on the modern game. Come on... I think so the situation is not as bad as you are describing. Sometimes, changes need to be done in order to become better or adapt on the situations.
Lol you should go become a pro tennis coach! If you can make such assumptions based on 3 shots I hit during a RACKET REVIEW you must be really good 😂 also I don’t really have to worry about college tennis much, since I’m 26 and already played in college for 4 years
If you were more of an intermediate player, would you recommend the 16x19 even if playstyle is not very top spin dependent? Wondering if the higher launch angle would be more forgiving and the extra spin friendliness would help me progress in my strokes as well as result in better overall play.
Thiem went to play with the 16 x 19 100" version the last year of his pro carreer.
So go for that one. Pure Strike 100 16 x 19 is your best pick if intermediate. Its more forgiving and give you a bit more power for free.
the 98 16 x 19 is plenty controlled for advanced players. the 18 x 20 is quite head heavy and is for very high level players that needs extra control.
Best racquet ever. I'm State Senior Champion in Spain and after 4 years playing with Pure Strike 16/19 I realized I was wasting my time. Customized with silicone at handle and lead at 3 and 9. You get more spin and speed without sacrificing control.
Playing tennis takes on a new dimension with RPM POWER.
It's the greatest evolution in tennis strings after the appearance of the gut and copolyester.
It's a type C copolyester that does not require pre-stretching (it is stretched at the factory) and whose maximum recommended tension is 23kg (25 has Thiem, but he's a professional).
It has a high playability and maintains tension excellently. It allows for very high effects, facilitating topspin and under spin. The contact and connection with the ball is maximum.
The gut and nylon strings also needed to be repositioned with the fingers, and it wasn't a problem; what's more, in some cases, it's a great way to stay focused during points.
Dominic Thiem really uses it, and we are talking about a tennis player who has the best Babolat technology at his disposal. He switched from gut with RPM Blast, then colored versions of the same string, and finally opted to use experimental HEAD string to get his victory at Indian Wells (defeating Federer). After that, he gave the step to RPM POWER and has not taken a step back, obtaining the best sporting successes from him and his first Grand Slam.
That string does not need to be edged to produce the highest Revolutions Per Minute, as can be seen in Thiem's beastly way of powering the ball now, who actually uses that string (The fans should be grateful for that).
I have visited the Babolat string factory and had the string used by Nadal in my hand. When it was yellow, he used Babolat Duralast (Moyá also in another color). On the yellow string, it was printed in black PRO HURRICANE NADAL. That yellow string had no edges and produced a beastly effect, thanks to the fact that the polyester grabs the ball on contact and makes it rise very easily. The problem is that it loses tension and playability in a very few minutes, with the aggravation that it is very hard and causes shoulder injuries in the long run (Nadal and Moyá were affected). Later another black string was created for Nadal, but that is not RPM Blast. That string of Rafa, has RPM NADAL 1.35 written in white and has no edges (it is cylindrical and does'nt have eight faces). That black string is no longer made of polyester, but of copolyester, which is a material that reaches more speed, and arm friendly.
According to the technicians who make Babolat strings, using 8 faces on textured strings is the best option. Profiles with fewer edges (4-sided or 5-sided), facilitates the topspin effect for amateurs, but sacrificing precision. It is because those geometries (4 or 5 faces) at the time of stringing can be more or less twisted. This greater or lesser twist can make the edges more alive or less in some areas of the string bed. Those textured strings are only valid for amateurs, but the professional cannot depend on these random variables.
So you wasted your time with the 16 x 19 and went and bought the 18 x 20?
amazing video man! This channel its just to good!
I liked the tour version better. Felt more stable on off center shots. Nice review!
Thank you!
just put lead on it.... like Thiem does. the regular is easier/better to custom.
Theim do not use the tour as that is to heavy to custom.
Wilson blade 98 v8 18x20 or babolat pure strike 18x20 3gen….??? For the agresive player baseliner
The launch angle is much different from the 16x19. I play with the pure strike 18x20 which has a much lower launch angle but more control than the 16x19. The 16x19 can play a little bit inconsistent at times.
I agree. Tested the 16x19 and while I felt the ball a little more in my hands, I was more erratic
Other review says that it’s a bit muted. I’m using the Ezone 98 but want something more raw-feeling, Ezone is fairly comfortable but the slightly dampened feel kinda bothers me, how does the Strike compare?
I have personally not tried the Ezone 98 (Gui), and Karue hasn’t tried the Pure Strike. That could be a nice comparison video for the near future
Did you switch eventually?🙂
Many thank for this sincere video. If you dont mind describe in future video about some certain grips and racket models suitability.
Thanks!
Which string you are using here. As I too have babolat pure strike 100 racquet and Rmp blast string. But I don't feel comfortable with string. Kindly recommend good string for Babolat pure strike 100 / 300gms for women
Thanks to your technical advice I have bought four Babolat Pure Strike 18/20.
I think it is the best racket I have ever owned by far. I used to play with the 16/19, but the 18/20 is better in all aspects. Greater speed and ease of creating effects.
I am using it with Babolat RPM Power 1.25.
You have been correct in all the analysis you have made of the racket.
Great Review! Really enjoyed, thanks for that
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. How was the stiffness? I had Project One 16 x 19 and found it so stiff. Restrung with hybrid (Gut mains at 53, Poly cross at 50) and that was really nice setup. BUT the cost of gut is a bit much.
You have a single handed backhand. Do you prefer heavy headlight sticks or it does not matter?
Hey Sundar - honestly wasn’t bad at all. That’s a nice setup, but yeah it can get quite pricey haha. I’ll generally go for head light, but it’s not a huge deal for me
Excellent review Karu! I have recently acquired the Pure Strike Tour, the heavier version 320g with a 315 mm balance…narrowly edged out the new Head Radical Pro. I’m wondering if you’ve hit with this or demoed this before and, if you have, what your thoughts about it are.
Which one is better? This rackquet or Head radical mp?
Que legal que eh brasileiro! Parabéns pelo canal e pelos reviews!!! Mto bom👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎾 Cara queria sua opinião se puder, testei a pure strike 16x19 e gostei bastante, mas fiquei na dúvida sobre a 18x20 ja que uso uma blade antiga que tb eh 18x20, e gosto bastante. Valeu parabéns e obrigado!
Valeu Rodolfo! Cara eu testei ambas a 18x20 e a 16x19 (no mesmo dia que a blade também). O vídeo tá aqui se quiser assistir: th-cam.com/video/kNMnL5XVrx8/w-d-xo.html. Acho que a 18x20 vai ficar mais parecida com a Blade, mas te dando mais potência sem perder muito do controle. A 16x19 já é uma raquete mais pra colocar bastante spin mais alto (na minha opinião), então é bem diferente da Blade
My Tennis HQ muito obrigado! Assisti o rewiew me ajudou bastante! 🙏🏻🎾
Top!
Hi! What hybrid set of strings would you recommend for the wilson clash 100 and the yonex e zone DR100?, 4.0-4.5 player, Thanks
why do you want to go hybrid? ezone 100 should be comfortable and have plenty of power. Multifilaments provide you comfort and power but loose spin and durability
I use the babolat pure strike 18x20, too, but look at the new ezone 100 tour before making the switch.
100 tour came out ???
Will make sure to do so. Thanks for the tip James
@@mteca5093 My bad, ezone 98 tour, and yes it's out. Call tennis warehouse for a demo.
@@ReidVV uffffff im not good with 98... im using a dr100 and was hoping for the 100tour to seitch too
@@mteca5093 I also have a DR100. Good stick. It's easy to add weight to go to a "tour" spec. You can get this on Amazon for about $10. Add at 9 and 3 for the "tour" feel: search for Tecnifibre ATP World Tour Lead Balancer Tape. Each strip is 2g. Cut the strips in half with scissors if you want to add less weight. They are easy to add and to remove from your racquet and do no damage to it. You can also easily peel the Technifibre logo off the tape, so it looks generic. Make sure to add equal amounts of weight to both sides of the inner hoop of the racquet at 3 o'clock and both sides of inner hoop of the racquet at 9 o'clock.
Great review!!
I am currently trying to switch from the babolat pure aero 2019 because I reckoned I didn't the extra power, testing my friend's 18x20 CV Blade (exact same one in your other video) for 2 weeks so far, while at the same time testing the purestrike gen 3 18x20 of another friend's for 2 sessions (no demo in indonesia). Between the two, I know that the Purestrike has more power, but does it have significantly less control over the blade?
One of the sessions I hit with both. The blade had dunlop black widow 18 at 49lbs, the purestrike had lux alu power 16 at 52lbs, and it felt like the blade had higher tension for some reason due to the power the strike generated (probably the strings). What is your thoughts on the control difference between the two rackets? Thanks! Cheers xx
Thank you Nevin!
I think the strings could be accentuating the difference in feel between the two rackets, but I also had that same feel. I’m not sure what your level is, but I feel like as long as a player can execute shots with top spin, the difference in control will not be significant. I actually didn’t feel much of a difference in terms of control, but I had more access to power with the Babolat
@@KaruesellHQ Thanks for the input! It might be due to the string setup that I felt that way, I know the strings for the blades were new but the PS's string are quite old and could have caused tension drop thus accentuating the difference between the two. In terms of level, I would say between a 4-4.5, and definitely did not have a hard time adjust to the 18x20 from the open 16x19, in terms of spin I was able to generate as much spin as I desire (glad I wasn't too dependent on that spin machine), but I love how I can flat out the ball seemingly easier with these more controlled rackets.
Unfortunately, in Indonesia there are no v7 18x20 for the blade so my choice in racket is between the 16x19 v7 and the pure strike 18x20. I've heard that the blade v7s are even lower powered than the cv 18x20 (even the 16x19 v7s), but would going with the pure strike 18x20 be a safer choice, considering that it provides more access to power and yet not much difference in control? Thanks so much!
I would say so!
My Tennis HQ Thanks alot for the advice!!
So which racquet did you finally buy? I am considering Pure strike or Head Speed Pro 18x20, have you ever compared both racquets?
i have the 3rd Gen 16 x 19 100 sq in, does it feel any different between these 2 models ? I mean in terms of hitting feel ?
I’ve tried the 16x19 but 98 sq in, so I’m assuming yours will be a little different. I’d say the 16x19 will give you a bit better feel / touch, but the 18x20 will give you more control and let you swing more freely
great review!
Thanks!
Do you usually string at 54?
Is this the most open 18x20
Thiem definitely isn't using a babolat pure strike mould as we know it, he moved from a head prestige with much lower flex and that was more polarised. Babolat will likely have just made him a prestige clone as I know he still uses the head grip shape for example. No pro would play a babolat made in the last decade they are all designed for amateur players, stiff with high twistweights for inconsistent ball strikers.
OK send me the proof and I'll believe you. I personally don't think he'd switch his specs so dramatically after coming from an old prestige like I said. Any proof it's a genuine Thiem frame and not just a retail one he's signed for auction?
The materials/technology, shape, and aerodynamics of the racquet are made by Babolat of course. The main difference is that Domi is using the 1st edition of pure strike, made with his prostock details, and also he uses lead tape to match his needs. I don't think so that there is anything to do with Head Prestige, even if he was playing with it in the past. If the situation is as what you are describing, then Rafa is playing with the Pure Drive (even with the aerodynamic design clearly shown on his racquet), because this is the racquet he started playing with when he turned pro, and Stan would still playing with a Prestige as in the past, despite the actual Isometric Head of his Yonex Racquet. Even Roger, recently changed his racquet from 90 square inches head to 97 to adapt on the modern game. Come on... I think so the situation is not as bad as you are describing. Sometimes, changes need to be done in order to become better or adapt on the situations.
can u do the vcore 95? plz
Will add it to the list. Thanks for the suggestion!
What is your accent?
What accent? Lol jk I’m from Brazil
your drop shots have way way too much air time. those will get destroyed in college tennis
Lol you should go become a pro tennis coach! If you can make such assumptions based on 3 shots I hit during a RACKET REVIEW you must be really good 😂 also I don’t really have to worry about college tennis much, since I’m 26 and already played in college for 4 years
Those high balls will get torch by people like us all the time.