Reviewing the 2021 Babolat Pure Drive

Solidifying itself as the No. 1 racquet in tennis, French tennis manufacturer Babolat is set to unveil its latest Pure Drive 2021. Known as “the” racquet that transcends every playing style and allows for beginners to top level players to maximize their skill sets, the newest Babolat Pure Drive for 2021 has only become better with age.

Providing both the stability and power that is required to gain this sort of popularity, the latest rendition of the Pure Drive provides more feel and a smoother ride on almost every shot.

Let’s now take a look at how the 2021 Pure Drive held up with the our play-test.

GROUNDSTROKES:

Known as a spin-friendly frame that provides enough punch for the beginner to avid level player, the 2021 Pure Drive was impressive from the back of the court. It provided great depth of shot that has become synonyms with this line, but what was even more impressive from the previous version was the larger sweet spot that made almost every shot seem like it was hit centered and clean.

You won’t be sacrificing any potency or plow-through with the new Pure Drive, as it still remains one of the heftiest hitting racquets in the game.

VOLLEYS:

Becoming a more all-court players racquet with every new generation of this line, the Pure Drive was a dream to hit with at net. We would definitely recommend adding some lead tape to the frame (stock version still weighs in 10.6 oz), as deeper volleys will be achieved easier on a regular basis. That said, touch and consistency of shot were found constantly with what seemed like an even bigger sweet spot than the previous version.

Pure Drive 2021 STRUNG SPECIFICATIONS:

SERVING:

I still feel that players will be hard-pressed to find a better serving racquet on the market than the Pure Drive or even the Pure Aero. Both racquets provide ample pop and spin to any desired serve, but what the Pure Drive does better than the Pure Aero is allow for a crisper contact point through the ball. This could be because the Pure Drive feels like a slightly less stiff frame (even though it’s not), but I also believe that the feel of the Pure Drive is better than the Pure Aero. (To clarify, I am a regular user of the Pure Aero Tour as it’s my main racquet of choice. Thus, I know the racquet very well).

All in all, from topspin to slice or raining down aces down-the-tee, the latest Pure Drive is as efficient as they come when stepping up to the line.

RETURNING:

Allowing for ease and consistency when returning serve has always been an asset of the Pure Drive series. Whether your in position to blast a return, or if you’re stretched out and looking to stab the ball back into the court, the Pure Drive has usually been your best friend when it comes to returning. The latest iteration of the Pure Drive provides the necessary plow-through and control when blocking back a first serve or taking a nice cut at a second delivery. As with most modern day racquets, we would recommend stringing this frame at a max of 50-52lbs, although we typically like the Pure Drive or Pure Aero strung at about 45lbs. Spin remains an essential part of returning with the Pure Drive as shots will usually sail over the baseline if hit too flat.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:

Pound-for-pound, the Pure Drive will remain the best selling racquet in the world as Babolat didn’t make any drastic changes that its current followers will not enjoy. It remains very easy to use from a beginner standpoint, and provides the more advanced player with the power and feel that is needed to succeed.

The new cosmetic of the Pure Drive is also a bonus for its fan-base, and we see no reason why it won’t continue to be a hit around the globe.

To purchase the all-new Pure Drive for 2021, check out the following stores below:

Babolat: Here

Tennis Giant (Canada): Here

TennisWarehouse (USA): Here

TennisWarehouse-Europe: Here