Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 Review

The third generation of the Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 comes with the playability that fans have come to know and love, along with a modernized feel. Described by Babolat as "the benchmark for the modern game", this edition is highlighted by the c2 Pure Feel and control frame technologies.Powered by SMAC, the c2 pure feel is a cutting-edge vibration filtration lay-up system that provides a pure feel on every shot. The control frame technology is developed to ensure maximum control, by combining the stability of a square beam frame with the dynamism of an elliptic beam structure. With these new technologies, The Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 delivers the signature control that fans have come to expect, along with a new dampened feel.

The Pure Strike has a great combination of power, spin and control, which gives the player confidence to hit a variety of shots from all areas of the court. The racket is more dampened than previous generations and the sweetspot is bigger, with a very forgiving string bed. It is more stable than the Pure Drive, and it is easier to generate racket head speed for backhands and groundstrokes. Groundstrokes are powerful with the Pure Strike, for slapping winners on the run and breaking the opponents rhythm.

The maneuverability is also there to hit at different launch angles and pull your opponents off the court. The only slight criticism for the Pure Strike in the groundstroke category is the tendency to overhit and place shots correctly. This can be easily fixed with some customization, and the Pure Strike is a very customizable frame.  

Backhand slices, depth, and fast racket head speed can push your opponent back in the court, which can lead to a lot of short balls coming your way. And with greater stability than the previous versions, The Pure Strike is a force to be reckoned with up at the net. The racket feels very solid, and off center shots are more forgiving as a result. The dampened feel can provide a disconnected sensation at times, for touch volleys or delicate shots, but it is easy to bring an aggressive game up at net with the Pure Strike. It is responsive for block, swinging, and punch volleys, and players can work their way forward finish off points with ease. The stability and plusher feel comes nicely into play here.

For serves, those who crave spin, power, and pinpoint precision should feel right at home with the Pure Strike. The open string pattern and the maneuverability can allow players to easily swing the racket up and through contact to generate effective serves, including the slice serve. The Pure Strike has enough mass to give flatter serves some 'pop' and  plow-through power yet it is mobile enough to swing and get optimum spin for second serves. In summary, it ticks all the right boxes for serves, and aggressive baseliners should love the fast precision it provides. 

Aggressive players will also love returning with the Pure Strike as the stable feel, controllable power and fast-swinging nature will motivate you to swing big and block balls. The feel at contact is great , and the control can give players confidence on their returns. Similarly to volleys, The sweet spot feels large and forgiving against big hitters, and the stability is reliable for a variety of shots. It is whippy enough to take big cuts at the ball, yet stable enough to defend with. There is easy access to spin for backhands and forehands and players can block balls easily against big servers. Unsurprisingly, The third-generation of the Pure Strike doesn't lose the main qualities of the previous versions. For aggressive, all court and counterpuncher players, the racket has a great combination of power and control, with easy access to spin.