I just hit hard but also with a lot of spin. Many people I hit with break within a similar timeframe. It's more common especially due to spin. Spin really eats into the string life but the stuff I use now keeps up very well.
Nothing against Babolat because i use them alot but in my experience, over the course of time Babolats have had the worst issues with stress fractures and cracks, most specifically the Pure Strike which i saw about 6 of them have in the same spot under the throat, also heard it about the Pure Aero 2016 models Also the matching racquets were only for the VS, not sure if they do it anymore, but they began only selling them as a pair only - and you couldn't buy them individually and were also charged at premium pricing because of the matching - the 1g tolerance is only for the static weight, not accounting for balance, so the swingweights could be completely off And that the 1g still falls within their tolerance of 7g +/- , where Yonex are mostly to spec and also their balance is usually close to advertised spec Not to mention they have kept the premium pricing on the individual sale now, you are almost paying pro stock price for a retail frame with bare minimum tolerance control lol
I feel you. And it would be a cool test to see if a MATCHED pair of Pure Aero 98's (which they do offer both on the website and TW) to see what specs actually line up. Only getting the weight matched would not be so meaningful. Weight and balance? Pretty great but still...I should compare a Matched pair to random yonex... Stay tuned ;)
@@ZeroLoveTennis I actually went through this process with TW when I was purchasing my Pure Aero 98s. TW website says the matched pair is matched to within 1g of each other but does not mention balance or SW at all. So I called TW at their Racquet Specialist Line and asked if the matched pair also accounted for balance and SW. I was told that the matched pair from Babolat only accounts for the weight of the racquets, which completely defeats the purpose of claiming "matched pair" IMO. I then did some research on the Talk Tennis TW forums and found that some users who had purchased the matched pairs of Pure Aero 98s received racquets that were definitely within 1g of each other, but had SW differences of up to 10 points in some cases. That's when I knew that getting the matched pair was pointless aside from saving a few $. I still wanted to purchase the racquets, so I went ahead and ordered multiple individual Pure Aero 98s and paid for the TW matching services, which does in fact match weight, balance, and SW. I do wish they checked twistweight as well, but that's a topic for another time :)
This gives me some ideas. But that's great to know. I might prove this for myself to settle it once and for all on my channel. It's a good and informative video idea.
I really respect you guys for the hard work ! AC you put out outstanding reviews and comparison ! I’ve never been myself a Babolat fan but I tried and loved the last iteration of PA and I tried a friend PA98 and it was really good so I grabbed a pair ( not matched ) from an online store in Europe. I. Must say I’ve been very lucky or the QC has got better … my 2 racquets ( they werent the Vs/sold in pair ) were just 2 racquets bought in one time ( strangely the price was lower than the “matched ones “ ) . Impressed … 0.4 gr difference , exact same balance with same string , just 0.3 cm head heavy from the faactory specs . I ended adding between 1.8 and 1.4 grams to the handle finishing with a perfectly matched racquets at 331 grams with string ,overgrip and damoeners and more important 32.5 balance finished which was my goal . 0.02 grams difference 🎉 I don’t have yet a SW machine but the result must be pretty even . As I said … Impressed
pretty crazy to be finding this video… trained at the Mouratoglou Academy last year, and since then (for the next 18 months), been on a racket journey as I’ve been playing ITFs trying to find the best set up to win at that level/find a racket catering to my game went from gravity pro to radical pro to extreme tour before signing with wilson.. went blade 98 to blade bro to then signing with dunlop… sx 300 tour has been great for playing clay ITFs/hardcourt USTA tournaments, but currently finding that it struggles to drive the ball through the court when playing players at the ITF caliber AND on hardcourt. when you need to take time away from the opponent so can totally relate to everything you said. picked this up 2 days ago for a client and after hitting a bit with it… found it a unique and unreal experience. feels like it can do it all love the content, keep goin bro 🤘🏼
Very cool story! Haha hopefully there's a way for you. I have some D1 buddies and they get free Wilson racquets so they play with them but I think they'd prefer something else. I wonder how many pro careers can be affected by a racket that isn't quite clicking. Sounds like you're a great player! This racket is truly something I haven't seen before. All in one without compromise. I mean, that's a slight exaggeration but it feels more true for this one than others.
Agree with your point about the inflated perception of Yonex "quality". This perception is entirely based on how matched rackets are, which is an easy problem to solve if you are willing to get a pro shop to match rackets for you (I am happy to pay for that service if necessary), or if you have to tools to do it yourself. I choose my rackets based on what suits my game play most, nothing else
Back in the late 2000s I used to play Yonex and happened to purchase 3 racquets that had sequential serial numbers. They were all within 1g of each other and balance was the same. You would have loved Fischer's zero tolerance racquets that were all perfectly matched to advertised spec. Pacific acquired them and I think they still manufacture racquets the same way.
I used to until I used what I use now. I'd actually sometimes break within 2-3 hitting sessions but it would always be within 4-5. Not 4g but literally just every string so probably that too, honestly. Nothing really came close to the durability I get with what I use these days. Maybe you know? I mention them in my content a lot. Certain strings by Toroline and ReString. They outlast everything by a lot.
About matching rackets. Babolat offers to buy 2 matched Aero 98 rackets from TW only as far as I know. First, you can’t get it anywhere you want. I live in 3rd biggest city in Sweden 20 min away from Copenhagen, Denmark. I have 1 shop in my city (Malmö) and couple more across the see in Copenhagen. None of them offer matched rackets. Moreover I have to wait months to get my hands on a single racket. I have to buy what they have. If there are some sticks available, there are only very few (2-3). And of course all of them waaaay apart. On the contrary though Yonex will much more likely be much closer in specs. It’s easier to get similar rackets from Yonex in real world. Second, Babolat offers only 2 matched rackets, but NOT on specs. So it can be way off specs, but similar to each other. Plus there matching static weight only. SW of these 2 “matched” can be 14g apart. But what if you need 3 or 5, 6 of them? You can get 2 pairs that are going to be different + one more just to try your luck lol. And all of them are going to be with different SW. It’s not sustainable. In reality their offer is all about marketing.
I checked on their website and they offer it. I might order some from TW that is MATCHED from Babolat, not TW, and see how matched it really is. I imagine it's only weight matched which is kind of meaningless so I look forward to calling Babolat out on that marketing if that's all it really is.
Have you hit with the regular Dunlop cx200? Or the head speed mp? If so what were your thoughts? Been surfing your channel but may have missed the vids :/
Don't think I did a Speed Review or a CX one but I have hit plenty with speed pro and CX 200 Tour 18x20. Stay tuned, hopefully some reviews come out for all those.
I loved so much about this racquet, the performance is honestly amazing. Ultimately I couldn’t switch due to the lack of a solid feel. The babolat feel just isn’t for me, but I think this is one of the best offerings from Babs in years and I think we will easily see ~20% of the college tour using this frame.
Haha you know I tried a couple that felt less solid but I bet it was a lower spec racket. I really like how mine feel around that 325 swingweight but I know what you mean if you mean that modern whippy racket feel.
Actually, I have experienced a broken racket for the 2020 Yonex Ezon 98 Tour. I usually stung it 55 lbs, and the frame at 6 points is sinking in. I still have the pictures, I can send you on Ins if you want to see them. after that, I've been thinking about tolerance and building quality. My Ezon 98 tour comes in with 0 off on spec. but I have never seen the frame caved in by string it at 55 lbs. I can't believe it happened.
About quality. You can look at this like: a racket has a number of qualities such as weight, balance, vibration dampening etc, parallel drilling so to speak. All these are qualities that affect the operation of the product and the experience of a consumer. Cus everything, paint, design, material and its quantity in different parts serve only one end goal - the experience of the client in achieving his goals. Its the set of these product qualities that will influence the quality of the user experience that results from the quality of the product. So it’s 100% legit to say “quality control”.
Which grip size did you choose for this racket? And which size did you play with Yonex Ezone? Did you find a difference in size between the two? And lastly do you agree that Babolat and Yonex is bigger than other brands in terms of their sizing of their grips?
Also, to your point re examples of racquets sold with defects indicating poor quality, as you mentioned I actually purchased an extreme auxetic mp that did crack (graphite, not paint) in the throat, and I’ve read others have had this issue as well. They did send me a new one back. I also had this experience with a pure strike two years ago - 2 year old racquet developed a serious crack in the head area which rendered the racquet unusable, as it grew to the point where my stringer said it was 50/50 that it would survive another string job. Outside of the warranty window unfortunately
I found the Pro to be good at both so I'm not sure I'd want to pick the MP over it anyway, I had no issue with spin or so on. However, the big grommets on the Speed series drives me crazy and it actually felt pretty tinny with my string of choice. But I gave it a good run
What would you say is the difference between your string setup as opposed to a full bed of Ytex Quadro Twist? I'm pretty sure YQT does everything you just mentioned...
Quadrotwist does not give me as much spin and it's definitely less durable but not any less than other polys like rpm blast or something similar. It's also a more elastic string, much more powerful than Zero or Wasabi. I actually always wanted to string quadrotwist up like 4lbs more than most strings. It's just not on the same level. It's a good string but if spin and durability are higher priorities, zero and wasabi just win. Other stuff might be more subjective but I don't think spin or durability is.
I've been playing with Shift pro with leather grip and find it solid but a bit heavy during long matches and too heavy for those quick approach shots. I've instinctively ordered a Pure Aero 98 and a set of restring zero 1.28mm and am so hyped after watching your videos. Cannot wait to test this racquet in a match. Really hoping I can make the switch and replace my Shift pros. I need to transition to a faster racquet head speed game and put those approach shots away.
Oh sweet! I would pick the pa98 over the Shift pro still. I would likely also pick the regular shift over the pro but the pa98 over either. PA98 is a really tough racquet to best. I feel like it's often the best choice in every category for the kind of racquet it is, if that makes sense. Hats off to babolat for that one.
I'm mainly using PureAero 98 and Gravity Pro. Can you recommend the string and tension of each racket? I think it depends on the open pattern and the dense pattern I'm thinking about this combination for Aero98, what would be good for Gravity Pro? Areo98 1. Wasabi pro 2. Resting zero , sync hybrid 3.resting zero, wasabi x Currently , aero98, rpm rough 17 52/50
Nice choice! I would lean on the Zero/Sync combo for the Gravity Pro. Or Zero wasabai X. It depends what qualities you want Do you want more spin since the Gravity pro isn't a spin monster? Or do you want to lean into it's control and touch? If the latter, sync crosses might be the way to go.
One question if possible. I am writing to you from Armenia. I am 33 years old (58кг 166-168cm height). I have wanted to learn to play tennis for a long time. I found a coach for myself, and today was my 9th lesson. I was able to play with him 10 times already😁😁😁. I really like the videos on your channel, and I've learned a lot from watching them too. So here's my question... Could you recommend 1-2 specific tennis racquets that are suitable for a beginner player like me but also that have really good quality? I can order them from the United States, so that's not a problem. Also, I believe a larger head size would be beneficial to easily hit the ball. Also what you think is it better for me to pick light weight version of a racquet or a standard one like 280gram or near 300? Was thinking about these ones.... 1 - Yonex EZONE 2 - Yonex VCORE 3 - Pure Aero Thank you in advance, would highly appreciate if you respond in a little elaborated way ) thanks again
Hello! Welcome to tennis and thank you for being a viewer. Good questions. It's always a little tricky to suggest your first racquet but it's also great to keep in mind that no matter what, you might change your mind pretty soon into developing your tennis. There may just be no avoiding that. That being said, used rackets can sometimes be cool but that's only if you are really budget conscious and want to resell for nearly what you bought it for. Ok, regarding weight, I think weight shouldn't be looked at as much as balance. I'd suggest something a big headlight. Many super light rackets are head heavy but light and feel very awkward to swing, in my opinion and also encourage some awkward mechanics that don't translate well as you get better. I'd personally pick Pure Aero over the EZONE. The 98 is still pretty powerful and well balanced all around. The VCORE, which model? I'd only suggest NOT the 95. You could also get a standard Pure Aero but my bias is towards those over an EZONE. f you have access to such equipment, it could be nice to measure a few options and pick the lower swing weight options OR at least the ones with a more HL balance. Sometimes that indicates a lower SW but it's not always that simple. I hope that helps!
I would say the Babolat Boost Drive 2021 would be best for you because it is light weight, cheap, and pretty similar to the pure aero. It also has a 105 sq inch head size. But, if you are a stronger person, and money is not a problem, the babolat pure drive or even the pure aero would be good
Agree I think the pure aero or drive etc is plenty of power. I think having more and lighter actually does more to hold a to-be-good player back than not. Too easy to overhit. Awkward to swing...
@@ZeroLoveTennis thank you very very very much! May i ask is there any way to lower the swing weight like maybe to lower tension of strings or go for more tolerate strings i have heard many times that polyester strings are not recommended because of higher probability of getting the vibration to your arm and getting some injuries like that tennis elbow etc?
I did at first and for a while, then I got a second demo and tried my customizations side by side with stock. Now both are to my taste. Tension seems to be around 50-52, still playing around with it. Just weighted it, they're both about 346g strung with dampener. Balance probably 10Pts HL but I am not exactly sure but I know they are both very close to one another.
Nice. Mine is mostly heavier in the handle so we probably have closer swingweight than the static weight would imply. I might add more later but I'm still testing these.
There is a difference between obsessive compulsive preferences and actual obsessive compulsive disorder. OCD is a serious diagnosis where the obesession and the compulsion become crippling to one's life in some capacity. Obsessive Compulsive preferences are simply things which we must have to make us feel like the things we have, buy, look at, are to our personal liking. It's certainly not a disorder, just personal preferences.😀
I agree. I just get "accused" of having it. Where if I actually do, that's not really cool to accuse someone of. Just say they're too picky instead of being disabled. It's an insult to the people actually dealing with it because it undermines the actual struggle.
@@ZeroLoveTennis it’s a euphemism ingrained in our lexicon. Like when we’ve told our friends they are “retarded” for doing something that we think is less than smart. Yeah, we sort of need to throw some of those phrases out. But hey, we all know how it’s being used in reference to your situation. All good.
Hi, i have a question, is pure aero 98 good enough for One Handed BH ? Like lets say if we compare it with the recommended racquets for OHbh like prostaff and blade ?
I've always figured it is still quite personal or adaptable either way. What makes a racquet good for OHBH? You should try, if you can, for yourself. I've never felt that a racquet is particularly better for this kind of shot than another in ways that are not adjustable with some weight and balance. I haven't heard too much about the Blade being a great OHBH Racquet but I do hear this about the ProStaff. How much is Federer bias vs actual unbiased experience...so hard to tell. The majority of my time with the OHBH was with a Gravity Pro and I murdered backhands then. However, I play with two forehands now haha, so what can I say. Something whippy with some heft is generally the way to go. Lots of handle weight and a bit more in the head tend to be the specs of a OHBH spec'd racquet, stock or not.
Hi I'm gona try the restring zero with my aero 98 following ur rec. Any thoughts on tension to get the best out of the string? I usually go with 56lbs (I want mainly control & spin with a full swing to not worry about it going wild) no elbow issues currently.
Very cool! Will you be trying with Wasabi X in the crosses? Or Sync? My lastest video is on that string and more if curious...I don't suggest Zero in a full bed anymore although it's great, I just have combos I like better now but anyway... I think 56 is a solid choice. I tend to string mid to higher 50's in the PA98. Zero tends to be about as crisp/firm as other strings (or more) less likely to be softer so idk what your reference string is but 56 is probably a good start for what you want. IF you try Wasabi X in the crosses (which I think is amazing, or Sync) that is even better (IMHO) My latest string video might provide you with my latest insights on these strings and more! Lmk if you see it and thoughts after if you have em. ua-cam.com/video/orGOucaATqg/v-deo.html
@@ZeroLoveTennis If u had to choose between zero & sync for a full bed which would u prefer. Will try the hybrid separately but curious on just ur full bed opinion
That's a stressful choice haha. It may actually depend on the racquet but I'd probably choose zero. I cannot stress enough how much I would prefer to use the Hybrid than a full bed of either, though! I call it ZYNC
I think that's always more likely with yonex How perfectly matched? You measured weight and balance and swingweight and twistweight? Generally something there will need to be adjusted even for yonex but they are generally tighter in that regard. I've seen plenty that were not matched as well.
Great as usual. How about a comparison between Restring Zero, Wasabi, Wasabi/ WX hybrid, wasabi / restring hybrid? Also what tensions and what diameter RS0? Seems like you’ve done a lot of the trial and error already, could save me some work (and string)
Great idea and it's coming soon! Had the thought today so your timing is really something. For now, I'll say it's hard to go wrong with these options and variations! Zero in mains, wasabi or wasabi X in cross or Wasabi mains/full Wasabi X cross. Wasabi X full TBD.
Elbow problems for me with multiple strings ( including crazy soft polys)…definitely something with racquet…have not experienced with other ones and now using prostaff x just fine with no issues…sadly had to let this go despite it’s being a good racquet
Fair enough. I find it comfortable enough but I wouldn't call it "soft" and the Dunlop SX 300 is coming in making me think there actually might be a viable super spin friendly racquet in the market for people looking!
It is more balanced in the traits I prefer, that's the important reason. Beyond that, the Whiteout has big grommets and I can see pretty crooked crosses in the sweetspot area and that drives me insane. So, either way you look at it, I prefer the PA98.
@@ZeroLoveTenniswhy are small grommets better? Do you find the pure aero comfortable for your arm? Do you find it quick and maneuverable if one has loopy strokes sometimes? Would it work well for one handed topspin backhands? Thanks
Small grommets probably manage a stringbed with more consistency and that is obvious on a visual level. Maybe not enough to feel it but it could be argued for sure but I'm not saying it actually matters, even if I think it does. Comfort kind of the same. Yes, very nice on loopy balls but largely due to how I balanced it. You could get a similar effect with the whiteout but I imagine more spin still with the PA98. It hits one handed backhands well for me!
Why do you prefer the pure aero 98 over the extreme tour? Both are spin 98 rackets. Will you try Grapplesnake paradox pro? M using it on the Percept 100 just recently. Playing better each time but to recent to tell. Still to try Zero and Wasabi. Have a set of Zero but have not used it yet.
Finally- regarding matching racquets - they only match w/r to static weight, not balance and swing weight. Many have written on tennis forums about swing weights being very different between the two matched racquets. Not very hard for a manufacturer to match only static weight!!
Agreed. Turns out their matched marketing is only weight. If anything it might make it harder to truly match the racquets if they weigh the same hahaha
my wrist would hurt playing H22, ezone 98, but absolutely no discomfort playing 4 hours match with pure aero rafa 2023 which has 73 stiffness. (same string, tension) Is stiffness really a big factor in wrist/ arm pain?
Stiffness is but things like Balance are very underrated. You can strain your wrist a lot over the course of many hitting sessions trying to rip forehands with the topspin motion rackets like the Pure Aero and so on encourage naturally. What helps a lot is adding weight to the handle, like an extra 10g or a bit more via a leather grip or something. Whatever means necessary...lead in the handle, silicone in the handle, etc. So I would say it's much more to do with balance than just stiffness. If you are properly relaxed through a shot, you aren't really tensing up so much during or through contact and a lot of that shock just dissipates instead of fighting your arm/wrist.
I play with Head Speed MP frames & the grommet holes are definitely small!!! If I ever switch brands… and that’s a big IF… I am a bit curious about Babolat.
@@ZeroLoveTennis Yes? LOL. At least to me they are. My frames have a 16x19 pattern and I just inspected them to make sure it wasn’t my imagination….the grommets are hugging the strings so I’d say yes. I do have 5 of an older model though … Speed GrapheneXT MP. They were selling for around $180 when I got my first few but now they are only around $100. I’ll possibly “upgrade” one day but didn’t want to break the bank too soon and they feel good to me. I’ve historically been a Babolat hater like you but I’ve also been curious. Even when I’m forced to change up I may stay with Head but who knows? I played in college but quit soon after graduation and when I realized I was not going pro. Classic case of burnout. So….. 29 years later… I wasn’t sure when I began my “comeback “ if I was going to take it seriously but I’m in love with the game again and hitting the ball well! Hence my questions to you about polys, etc. Catching up on the advancements in tech has been an adventure in itself! I recently customized by adding 3.5 grams of lead to the 3 & 9 o’clock positions & my Head frames feel even better!
Weow 29 yrs off! That's a hiatus!! Yeah your grommet might be pretty different. A lot of today's could nearly fit a chopstick in it so if yours don't look that big then it's not the same.
Kind of varies but usually #3. Sometimes #4 or #2 but the reasons being I want a lot of feel so I get big grip with super thin base grip. OR, I want handle weight so I build up a smaller grip from the outside. Sometimes I'm just working with what I have access to, demo wise. Depends on the racquet. If I'm buying, most likey #3 or #4 but it depends on how I want to go about weighing things up in the handle. If bigger, I gotta go inside of it and you can't always do that. Smaller generally favored for spinny style grips. I used to try and go as small as possible without suffering in some way. Now, I go as big as possible. I like the stability I have from a larger grip but if you go too big, you can notice the effect it has on how you want to hold a racquet for really spinny shots
@@ZeroLoveTennis thanks for the reply. I was just wondering whether I should go with the trend (smaller grip size) or whatever I feel more comfortable with. One thing I can feel is that when I mishit, I can feel my arm is more damaged with a smaller grips size but more maneuverable when smashing or serving. Really appreciate your comment! :)
Yeah that's a tricky tradeoff! Personally, my handle is custom molded to my hand via some funny layering I do with a specific kind of tape or mold. So my handles always feel like they were built just for me because they are haha. Maybe that's where true happiness is found. For me, that's the case.
I believe I have but they lost my interest pretty quickly. One little feature I don't like on them is the embossed graphics around the throat but also this indented section on the inner part of the throat, as well as an asymmetrical tapered section on the throat that literally means one side would be more flexy than the other. Not something you could tell, probably, just from playing but it really triggers my OCD if I have it. Also, parallel drilling/small grommets. I think some of the Technifibre options reveal a lot of crooked crosses. But I did want to like their 18/19 offering at some point. Just couldn't.
Yeah unless something came out in the last month or two I don't know about. And I can't really call it an issue but it is a design choice they made and I just disagree with it/or it bothers me.
Okay so regarding tolerance vs quality control - having a tighter tolerance is actually a measurement of quality. So although I agree with you re it isn’t everything, it is an objective example of one manufacturer having higher “quality” by selling racquets that have a tighter spec tolerance window. I also think they (Yonex) probably do have something different about their manufacturing process to ensure those tolerances are met. I think your speculation that they modify the ones outside of their tolerance range can be expensive and they probably have a process in place to avoid that, especially if you think about racquets that are over spec (ie, how to take weight out of something vs adding).
Totally fair comment and I agree. I just think assuming the racquet is better quality in all the other ways just because it's tolerance in terms of balance and so on is closer, is a stretch. Because that alone is not proof. Kind of like a waiter at a restaurant being more attentive with filling up your water cup doesn't necessarily mean the actual food is any better than the next place. But it certainly wouldn't mean it's worse! I'll find some comparisons to do for yonex/babolat soon. This video kind of asks me to now haha, I see that.
You should do a Yonex quality control check video, it would dispel a lot of my doubts. God, I have wasted so much money on buying rackets this last year!!
Awesome. Lmk your thoughts. Changed my world up to discover these. It's not every string by Toroline but quite a few, such as Ether and Wasabi. I highly suggest "Wasabi X" or ENSO (grey) or Snapper for the crosses with whatever mains you pick! PS don't confuse Wasabi and Wasabi X for the same string, they are different. Wasabi X is meant for cross, hence X. And don't forget the 20% off code: time410s same code gets you 10% off on ReString. If you get zero get the 17 gauge, it is so durable there is really no point in getting the 16 unless you like the weight/thicker feel. Strings like hyper G always offered less spin and broke in half the time for me so ReString and Toroline was a massive upgrade that was never offered on the market before. Was blown away at first but still am haha
Don’t take too seriously comments about OCD and stuff. If you care about parallel drilling and small grommets, it’s not of others business to judge. I personally like your videos and find interesting what you say about it, not necessarily agree 100%, but taking into consideration. Which is totally fine I guess
haha thanks. I don't really take them seriously. It's just an odd thing to say because either they think it's true, in which case it's a terrible thing to insult someone for (a disability) OR they don't think it's true and it's undermining people who actually live with a serious mental health issue. I just think it's in bad taste to say it. Just call me overly picky or something, ya know?
I just noticed my PD+ has parallel drilling and small grommets as well, I have a feeling I might like the PA 98, especially strung up with Zero, the spin and control must be amazing! With the MRT racket services for TW, they will match any two rackets to a matched set of user specs, not just the PA 98!
Nice! Yeah Babolat has been about that for some time, it turns out. Part of why I've come to respect that company more and more. Spin and control are very good! It's surprisingly good at both.
I think fine. Trying to see if I can think of someone who plays that way but at this second, I don't. If a whippy racquet is what you favor for that backhand, adding weight to the handle can really help.
Blade 98 doesn't. Newer gen has big grommets. Older gen has moderate application of parallel drilling but had smaller grommets. New one looks awful to my eye. Big grommets and parallel drilling. Especially notable on the crosses. That racquet was literally the example of the worst offenders haha. Have you not seem my short? Funny enough, the BLADE 104 Actually has small grommets and parallel drilling. Go figure... I haven't seen a blade 100 yet.
I have always loved the pure aero and always wanted to “play like Rafa” (haha) but I have play tested almost everyone of them and each time I have had wrist or shoulder pain. I wish I could’ve played with it. 😢
Like length wise or spacing wise? Spacing tighter width or length of cross probably about as proportional as the 98. I like it. So I wouldn't say narrow
If you REALLY want to go down the rabbit hole: try to get a Pure Strike Project One 7 (2nd gen) and a Yonex DR98+ and compare them to this one. You will be shocked
@@ZeroLoveTennis project is largely regarded as the Best Pure Strike ever, and rightfully so. Highly maneuverable yet powerful, the lastest version is too much focus on power. And the DR98+ is a strange combination of power and control, as if it breaks reality some how
I watched carefully until yonex quality control and babolat matched rackets.Yonex respects every single client like every japanese company does.They do it because they CAN.i dont know if a racket in the end has +3 grams and they take it away (thats funny) but i know i had 3 yonex rackets and only one had -1 gram (so why didnt they add it fron what you assume?) Anyway babolat can do it in china(???) but with extra cost for them so you can buy 2 rackets ,thats the deal!
It actually turns out (and I made a follow up video) that Babolat uses the term Matched very loosely and it actually is only weight matched. Seems pretty scammy to me to use that word and there is literally no point in selling a weight matched racket when balance and the rest isn't even considered.
PA98 string spacing is not symmetrical in the throat mains....which will make your OCD take off...measure the spacing in the throat... distance between strings should be same in throat then get wider as it gets closer to the frame...PA98 SPACING gets smaller then bigger and is all over the place
Hmm the spacing changing is fine, it's the crooked crosses that bother me. It doesn't bother me that certain crosses might have more space than the last. Sometimes I appreciate how strategic that is. It's really when you look at left side of that same cross and notice it's higher than the right side that drives me so crazy. If it's perfectly parallel to the string above/below it, that's really what matters to me. Haha, nice try tho XD I appreciate this comment.
@time410s mains spacing doesn't get progressively larger as it gets wider.... it gets smaller then bigger the. Smaller then bigger.....one side of racket doesn't match the other sides ....Just measure the mains spacing...I used a digital calipers....I'm also OCD so I sent racket back
Are you saying the same main on both sides would measure differently in spacing? Or just that the mains change spacing differently each time. As long as the left side is a mirror image of the right, I wouldn't be bothered. If you're saying the left half is different from the right half, I don't think that's true. So I'm confused if that's what you're saying.
@@ZeroLoveTennis he probably means that mains #2 and #3 and farther apart than #3 and #4, if you count the mains from the middle of the throat. But maybe its just an instance of crooked mains, assuming that the mains grommets are bigger and produce the same effect as crosses on some other frames
@time410s just measure the mains with digital caliper and chart on paper...start with middle 10 which Is sweet spot...I did it while restringing just the mains...I also measured from middle of grommet to middle of grommet without strings...don't worry your normal compared to me with this ocd stuff 🤪
I agree. I just disagree that it automatically means it's a better racquet. A big batch of percepts have been cracking recently so it's not as though yonex is immune or above QC issues either but I will hand it to them for using higher consistency across batches in a few metrics.
You overtalk in your videos/reviews. You overstate things in a longwinded way. It would be better if you shortened things and made your points a bit more concise.
Sometimes I agree. It's hard to be thorough and concise and be yourself and let things flow naturally and satisfy everyone. But I try. A lot of stuff often gets cut from the final edit.
@@ZeroLoveTennis I do content for another big tennis channel. I'm not going to say, but sometimes I want to watch your videos, but I have a hard time because honestly, it's really long winded, goes on and on. Sometimes repeats itself. But I think if you learn to edit yourself down, you'll find that people appreciate things that are concise hence everything turning into a more shorter format. Just pair it down, btw i'm actually a video editor by trade. So it's super important to just keep what's important and try to trim all the other material down. It's hard to sit through a 20-30 minute video especially if it's just one guy talking most of the time. You kind of get bored of it.
I feel ya. Yeah, as time goes on my content gets a bit more precise I would say. Ideally I plan it out but I often don't, or only loosely do. I appreciate the tips and the fact you watch. I think my yonex percept first impressions video is a better example of a video that's quicker with the points and the scenery moves more often. Probably a better watching experience overall visually and overall digestibility. To a degree, I let myself a little loose and see how things go instead of trying to plan for perfection every time before finding my rhythm. We're getting there!
@@ZeroLoveTennis Btw, you should really incorporate broll. Instead of having a static image of you talking just have more footage of you playing or something else where it doesn't bore the audience.
@@ZeroLoveTennis Also you tend to leave a lot of gaps in your speech like you're thinking of something to say. You should just script everything out. Listen to Marques Brownlee his videos have a lot of information, but none of them sound long winded. He also makes bullet points and just says everything in a very concise manner and doesn't repeat himself. Most youtubers script their dialgogue but it's getting so good you wouldn't know it was.
I had to make a follow up video! The TRUTH about Babolat's Matched Racquets: ua-cam.com/video/oH9l2JAOmk4/v-deo.html
How are you breaking strings in three to four hits? Are you stringing these things at like 75 lb? 😂
I just hit hard but also with a lot of spin. Many people I hit with break within a similar timeframe. It's more common especially due to spin. Spin really eats into the string life but the stuff I use now keeps up very well.
Nothing against Babolat because i use them alot but in my experience, over the course of time Babolats have had the worst issues with stress fractures and cracks, most specifically the Pure Strike which i saw about 6 of them have in the same spot under the throat, also heard it about the Pure Aero 2016 models
Also the matching racquets were only for the VS, not sure if they do it anymore, but they began only selling them as a pair only - and you couldn't buy them individually and were also charged at premium pricing because of the matching - the 1g tolerance is only for the static weight, not accounting for balance, so the swingweights could be completely off
And that the 1g still falls within their tolerance of 7g +/- , where Yonex are mostly to spec and also their balance is usually close to advertised spec
Not to mention they have kept the premium pricing on the individual sale now, you are almost paying pro stock price for a retail frame with bare minimum tolerance control lol
I feel you. And it would be a cool test to see if a MATCHED pair of Pure Aero 98's (which they do offer both on the website and TW) to see what specs actually line up. Only getting the weight matched would not be so meaningful. Weight and balance? Pretty great but still...I should compare a Matched pair to random yonex...
Stay tuned ;)
@@ZeroLoveTennis I actually went through this process with TW when I was purchasing my Pure Aero 98s. TW website says the matched pair is matched to within 1g of each other but does not mention balance or SW at all. So I called TW at their Racquet Specialist Line and asked if the matched pair also accounted for balance and SW. I was told that the matched pair from Babolat only accounts for the weight of the racquets, which completely defeats the purpose of claiming "matched pair" IMO.
I then did some research on the Talk Tennis TW forums and found that some users who had purchased the matched pairs of Pure Aero 98s received racquets that were definitely within 1g of each other, but had SW differences of up to 10 points in some cases. That's when I knew that getting the matched pair was pointless aside from saving a few $.
I still wanted to purchase the racquets, so I went ahead and ordered multiple individual Pure Aero 98s and paid for the TW matching services, which does in fact match weight, balance, and SW. I do wish they checked twistweight as well, but that's a topic for another time :)
This gives me some ideas. But that's great to know. I might prove this for myself to settle it once and for all on my channel. It's a good and informative video idea.
I really respect you guys for the hard work ! AC you put out outstanding reviews and comparison !
I’ve never been myself a Babolat fan but I tried and loved the last iteration of PA and I tried a friend PA98 and it was really good so I grabbed a pair ( not matched ) from an online store in Europe. I. Must say I’ve been very lucky or the QC has got better … my 2 racquets ( they werent the Vs/sold in pair ) were just 2 racquets bought in one time ( strangely the price was lower than the “matched ones “ ) . Impressed … 0.4 gr difference , exact same balance with same string , just 0.3 cm head heavy from the faactory specs . I ended adding between 1.8 and 1.4 grams to the handle finishing with a perfectly matched racquets at 331 grams with string ,overgrip and damoeners and more important 32.5 balance finished which was my goal . 0.02 grams difference 🎉 I don’t have yet a SW machine but the result must be pretty even . As I said … Impressed
pretty crazy to be finding this video…
trained at the Mouratoglou Academy last year, and since then (for the next 18 months), been on a racket journey as I’ve been playing ITFs trying to find the best set up to win at that level/find a racket catering to my game
went from gravity pro to radical pro to extreme tour before signing with wilson.. went blade 98 to blade bro to then signing with dunlop… sx 300 tour has been great for playing clay ITFs/hardcourt USTA tournaments, but currently finding that it struggles to drive the ball through the court when playing players at the ITF caliber AND on hardcourt. when you need to take time away from the opponent
so can totally relate to everything you said. picked this up 2 days ago for a client and after hitting a bit with it… found it a unique and unreal experience. feels like it can do it all
love the content, keep goin bro 🤘🏼
Very cool story! Haha hopefully there's a way for you. I have some D1 buddies and they get free Wilson racquets so they play with them but I think they'd prefer something else.
I wonder how many pro careers can be affected by a racket that isn't quite clicking.
Sounds like you're a great player! This racket is truly something I haven't seen before. All in one without compromise. I mean, that's a slight exaggeration but it feels more true for this one than others.
Agree with your point about the inflated perception of Yonex "quality". This perception is entirely based on how matched rackets are, which is an easy problem to solve if you are willing to get a pro shop to match rackets for you (I am happy to pay for that service if necessary), or if you have to tools to do it yourself. I choose my rackets based on what suits my game play most, nothing else
I'll see how close yonex really gets on my own tests soon!
Back in the late 2000s I used to play Yonex and happened to purchase 3 racquets that had sequential serial numbers. They were all within 1g of each other and balance was the same. You would have loved Fischer's zero tolerance racquets that were all perfectly matched to advertised spec. Pacific acquired them and I think they still manufacture racquets the same way.
They have a tolerance policy they still honor! I have yet to give them a chance. I can get them but IDK if they're my style. We shall see.
You were saying you break polys in 4 or 5 hits, probably not 4g right?
I used to until I used what I use now. I'd actually sometimes break within 2-3 hitting sessions but it would always be within 4-5. Not 4g but literally just every string so probably that too, honestly.
Nothing really came close to the durability I get with what I use these days. Maybe you know? I mention them in my content a lot. Certain strings by Toroline and ReString. They outlast everything by a lot.
About matching rackets. Babolat offers to buy 2 matched Aero 98 rackets from TW only as far as I know.
First, you can’t get it anywhere you want. I live in 3rd biggest city in Sweden 20 min away from Copenhagen, Denmark. I have 1 shop in my city (Malmö) and couple more across the see in Copenhagen. None of them offer matched rackets. Moreover I have to wait months to get my hands on a single racket. I have to buy what they have. If there are some sticks available, there are only very few (2-3). And of course all of them waaaay apart.
On the contrary though Yonex will much more likely be much closer in specs. It’s easier to get similar rackets from Yonex in real world.
Second, Babolat offers only 2 matched rackets, but NOT on specs. So it can be way off specs, but similar to each other. Plus there matching static weight only. SW of these 2 “matched” can be 14g apart. But what if you need 3 or 5, 6 of them? You can get 2 pairs that are going to be different + one more just to try your luck lol. And all of them are going to be with different SW. It’s not sustainable. In reality their offer is all about marketing.
I checked on their website and they offer it. I might order some from TW that is MATCHED from Babolat, not TW, and see how matched it really is. I imagine it's only weight matched which is kind of meaningless so I look forward to calling Babolat out on that marketing if that's all it really is.
Have you hit with the regular Dunlop cx200?
Or the head speed mp?
If so what were your thoughts? Been surfing your channel but may have missed the vids :/
Don't think I did a Speed Review or a CX one but I have hit plenty with speed pro and CX 200 Tour 18x20. Stay tuned, hopefully some reviews come out for all those.
I loved so much about this racquet, the performance is honestly amazing. Ultimately I couldn’t switch due to the lack of a solid feel. The babolat feel just isn’t for me, but I think this is one of the best offerings from Babs in years and I think we will easily see ~20% of the college tour using this frame.
Haha you know I tried a couple that felt less solid but I bet it was a lower spec racket. I really like how mine feel around that 325 swingweight but I know what you mean if you mean that modern whippy racket feel.
Actually, I have experienced a broken racket for the 2020 Yonex Ezon 98 Tour. I usually stung it 55 lbs, and the frame at 6 points is sinking in. I still have the pictures, I can send you on Ins if you want to see them.
after that, I've been thinking about tolerance and building quality. My Ezon 98 tour comes in with 0 off on spec. but I have never seen the frame caved in by string it at 55 lbs. I can't believe it happened.
Bummer! No idea why. I can't speak to anything about why something would fail in that way but sounds like it's time to replace that haha.
About quality. You can look at this like: a racket has a number of qualities such as weight, balance, vibration dampening etc, parallel drilling so to speak. All these are qualities that affect the operation of the product and the experience of a consumer. Cus everything, paint, design, material and its quantity in different parts serve only one end goal - the experience of the client in achieving his goals. Its the set of these product qualities that will influence the quality of the user experience that results from the quality of the product. So it’s 100% legit to say “quality control”.
I see that side as well. But I still think it's good to think of this side of it being tolerance based. Maybe quality is too general of a word for me.
Which grip size did you choose for this racket? And which size did you play with Yonex Ezone? Did you find a difference in size between the two? And lastly do you agree that Babolat and Yonex is bigger than other brands in terms of their sizing of their grips?
I might agree they seem bigger. Not sure why. I always get 4 1/2 these days but then I was a size down.
Also, to your point re examples of racquets sold with defects indicating poor quality, as you mentioned I actually purchased an extreme auxetic mp that did crack (graphite, not paint) in the throat, and I’ve read others have had this issue as well. They did send me a new one back. I also had this experience with a pure strike two years ago - 2 year old racquet developed a serious crack in the head area which rendered the racquet unusable, as it grew to the point where my stringer said it was 50/50 that it would survive another string job. Outside of the warranty window unfortunately
Bummer! I wonder if Yonex has any history of such issues. I would be slightly inclined to think it's less likely.
I wonder if matches rackets take into account swingweight & balance or is it just static weight?
Nevermind, just watched ur update 😅
Nice haha
Did you try speed mp? I think it also is good for both topspin and flatter shots
I found the Pro to be good at both so I'm not sure I'd want to pick the MP over it anyway, I had no issue with spin or so on.
However, the big grommets on the Speed series drives me crazy and it actually felt pretty tinny with my string of choice. But I gave it a good run
What do you think about the grommets of PA 98 compared to regular PA, do they break after a year of use like regular PA?
Hope I answered your question in the other comment about this but no observed differences in durability.
What would you say is the difference between your string setup as opposed to a full bed of Ytex Quadro Twist? I'm pretty sure YQT does everything you just mentioned...
Quadrotwist does not give me as much spin and it's definitely less durable but not any less than other polys like rpm blast or something similar. It's also a more elastic string, much more powerful than Zero or Wasabi. I actually always wanted to string quadrotwist up like 4lbs more than most strings.
It's just not on the same level. It's a good string but if spin and durability are higher priorities, zero and wasabi just win.
Other stuff might be more subjective but I don't think spin or durability is.
I've been playing with Shift pro with leather grip and find it solid but a bit heavy during long matches and too heavy for those quick approach shots. I've instinctively ordered a Pure Aero 98 and a set of restring zero 1.28mm and am so hyped after watching your videos. Cannot wait to test this racquet in a match. Really hoping I can make the switch and replace my Shift pros. I need to transition to a faster racquet head speed game and put those approach shots away.
Oh sweet! I would pick the pa98 over the Shift pro still.
I would likely also pick the regular shift over the pro but the pa98 over either. PA98 is a really tough racquet to best. I feel like it's often the best choice in every category for the kind of racquet it is, if that makes sense.
Hats off to babolat for that one.
I'm mainly using PureAero 98 and Gravity Pro. Can you recommend the string and tension of each racket? I think it depends on the open pattern and the dense pattern
I'm thinking about this combination for Aero98, what would be good for Gravity Pro?
Areo98
1. Wasabi pro
2. Resting zero , sync hybrid
3.resting zero, wasabi x
Currently , aero98, rpm rough 17 52/50
Nice choice! I would lean on the Zero/Sync combo for the Gravity Pro. Or Zero wasabai X. It depends what qualities you want
Do you want more spin since the Gravity pro isn't a spin monster? Or do you want to lean into it's control and touch?
If the latter, sync crosses might be the way to go.
One question if possible. I am writing to you from Armenia. I am 33 years old (58кг 166-168cm height). I have wanted to learn to play tennis for a long time. I found a coach for myself, and today was my 9th lesson. I was able to play with him 10 times already😁😁😁. I really like the videos on your channel, and I've learned a lot from watching them too. So here's my question... Could you recommend 1-2 specific tennis racquets that are suitable for a beginner player like me but also that have really good quality? I can order them from the United States, so that's not a problem. Also, I believe a larger head size would be beneficial to easily hit the ball. Also what you think is it better for me to pick light weight version of a racquet or a standard one like 280gram or near 300?
Was thinking about these ones....
1 - Yonex EZONE
2 - Yonex VCORE
3 - Pure Aero
Thank you in advance, would highly appreciate if you respond in a little elaborated way ) thanks again
Hello! Welcome to tennis and thank you for being a viewer.
Good questions. It's always a little tricky to suggest your first racquet but it's also great to keep in mind that no matter what, you might change your mind pretty soon into developing your tennis. There may just be no avoiding that.
That being said, used rackets can sometimes be cool but that's only if you are really budget conscious and want to resell for nearly what you bought it for.
Ok, regarding weight, I think weight shouldn't be looked at as much as balance. I'd suggest something a big headlight. Many super light rackets are head heavy but light and feel very awkward to swing, in my opinion and also encourage some awkward mechanics that don't translate well as you get better.
I'd personally pick Pure Aero over the EZONE. The 98 is still pretty powerful and well balanced all around. The VCORE, which model? I'd only suggest NOT the 95. You could also get a standard Pure Aero but my bias is towards those over an EZONE.
f you have access to such equipment, it could be nice to measure a few options and pick the lower swing weight options OR at least the ones with a more HL balance. Sometimes that indicates a lower SW but it's not always that simple.
I hope that helps!
I would say the Babolat Boost Drive 2021 would be best for you because it is light weight, cheap, and pretty similar to the pure aero. It also has a 105 sq inch head size. But, if you are a stronger person, and money is not a problem, the babolat pure drive or even the pure aero would be good
Agree I think the pure aero or drive etc is plenty of power. I think having more and lighter actually does more to hold a to-be-good player back than not. Too easy to overhit. Awkward to swing...
Diadem Nova
@@ZeroLoveTennis thank you very very very much! May i ask is there any way to lower the swing weight like maybe to lower tension of strings or go for more tolerate strings i have heard many times that polyester strings are not recommended because of higher probability of getting the vibration to your arm and getting some injuries like that tennis elbow etc?
Do you play with the PA98 stock? What’s the strung weight and balance? Also what string tension do you use?
I did at first and for a while, then I got a second demo and tried my customizations side by side with stock. Now both are to my taste.
Tension seems to be around 50-52, still playing around with it.
Just weighted it, they're both about 346g strung with dampener. Balance probably 10Pts HL but I am not exactly sure but I know they are both very close to one another.
@@ZeroLoveTennis that’s a heavy setup. Got mine anywhere from 322-336g weight spanned over 4 racquets
Nice. Mine is mostly heavier in the handle so we probably have closer swingweight than the static weight would imply. I might add more later but I'm still testing these.
There is a difference between obsessive compulsive preferences and actual obsessive compulsive disorder. OCD is a serious diagnosis where the obesession and the compulsion become crippling to one's life in some capacity. Obsessive Compulsive preferences are simply things which we must have to make us feel like the things we have, buy, look at, are to our personal liking. It's certainly not a disorder, just personal preferences.😀
I agree. I just get "accused" of having it. Where if I actually do, that's not really cool to accuse someone of. Just say they're too picky instead of being disabled. It's an insult to the people actually dealing with it because it undermines the actual struggle.
@@ZeroLoveTennis it’s a euphemism ingrained in our lexicon. Like when we’ve told our friends they are “retarded” for doing something that we think is less than smart. Yeah, we sort of need to throw some of those phrases out. But hey, we all know how it’s being used in reference to your situation. All good.
Exactly!
@@chuckfriebe843I'd say it's a dysphemism (the opposite to euphemism), but other than that I agree 100% with everything you said.
@@Maiqel ok, sure.
Hi, i have a question, is pure aero 98 good enough for One Handed BH ? Like lets say if we compare it with the recommended racquets for OHbh like prostaff and blade ?
I've always figured it is still quite personal or adaptable either way. What makes a racquet good for OHBH? You should try, if you can, for yourself. I've never felt that a racquet is particularly better for this kind of shot than another in ways that are not adjustable with some weight and balance.
I haven't heard too much about the Blade being a great OHBH Racquet but I do hear this about the ProStaff. How much is Federer bias vs actual unbiased experience...so hard to tell.
The majority of my time with the OHBH was with a Gravity Pro and I murdered backhands then. However, I play with two forehands now haha, so what can I say.
Something whippy with some heft is generally the way to go. Lots of handle weight and a bit more in the head tend to be the specs of a OHBH spec'd racquet, stock or not.
@@ZeroLoveTennis Thank you for the answer. Good explanation.
Welcome!
Hi I'm gona try the restring zero with my aero 98 following ur rec.
Any thoughts on tension to get the best out of the string?
I usually go with 56lbs (I want mainly control & spin with a full swing to not worry about it going wild) no elbow issues currently.
Very cool! Will you be trying with Wasabi X in the crosses? Or Sync? My lastest video is on that string and more if curious...I don't suggest Zero in a full bed anymore although it's great, I just have combos I like better now but anyway...
I think 56 is a solid choice. I tend to string mid to higher 50's in the PA98. Zero tends to be about as crisp/firm as other strings (or more) less likely to be softer so idk what your reference string is but 56 is probably a good start for what you want.
IF you try Wasabi X in the crosses (which I think is amazing, or Sync) that is even better (IMHO)
My latest string video might provide you with my latest insights on these strings and more! Lmk if you see it and thoughts after if you have em.
ua-cam.com/video/orGOucaATqg/v-deo.html
@@ZeroLoveTennis
If u had to choose between zero & sync for a full bed which would u prefer. Will try the hybrid separately but curious on just ur full bed opinion
That's a stressful choice haha. It may actually depend on the racquet but I'd probably choose zero. I cannot stress enough how much I would prefer to use the Hybrid than a full bed of either, though!
I call it ZYNC
@@ZeroLoveTennis
Thanks bro really appreciate it
welcome!
My 2 v core pro 97s are perfectly matched and I bought them 6 months apart from totally different sources
I think that's always more likely with yonex
How perfectly matched? You measured weight and balance and swingweight and twistweight?
Generally something there will need to be adjusted even for yonex but they are generally tighter in that regard.
I've seen plenty that were not matched as well.
Great as usual. How about a comparison between Restring Zero, Wasabi, Wasabi/ WX hybrid, wasabi / restring hybrid? Also what tensions and what diameter RS0? Seems like you’ve done a lot of the trial and error already, could save me some work (and string)
Great idea and it's coming soon! Had the thought today so your timing is really something.
For now, I'll say it's hard to go wrong with these options and variations! Zero in mains, wasabi or wasabi X in cross or Wasabi mains/full Wasabi X cross. Wasabi X full TBD.
@@ZeroLoveTennis looking forward to it! Thanks for the sneak preview
Elbow problems for me with multiple strings ( including crazy soft polys)…definitely something with racquet…have not experienced with other ones and now using prostaff x just fine with no issues…sadly had to let this go despite it’s being a good racquet
Fair enough. I find it comfortable enough but I wouldn't call it "soft" and the Dunlop SX 300 is coming in making me think there actually might be a viable super spin friendly racquet in the market for people looking!
Hi. Why do you like the pure aero more than the Solinco whiteout?
It is more balanced in the traits I prefer, that's the important reason. Beyond that, the Whiteout has big grommets and I can see pretty crooked crosses in the sweetspot area and that drives me insane. So, either way you look at it, I prefer the PA98.
@@ZeroLoveTenniswhy are small grommets better?
Do you find the pure aero comfortable for your arm?
Do you find it quick and maneuverable if one has loopy strokes sometimes?
Would it work well for one handed topspin backhands?
Thanks
Small grommets probably manage a stringbed with more consistency and that is obvious on a visual level. Maybe not enough to feel it but it could be argued for sure but I'm not saying it actually matters, even if I think it does.
Comfort kind of the same. Yes, very nice on loopy balls but largely due to how I balanced it. You could get a similar effect with the whiteout but I imagine more spin still with the PA98.
It hits one handed backhands well for me!
Why do you prefer the pure aero 98 over the extreme tour? Both are spin 98 rackets.
Will you try Grapplesnake paradox pro? M using it on the Percept 100 just recently. Playing better each time but to recent to tell.
Still to try Zero and Wasabi. Have a set of Zero but have not used it yet.
Ok I got my hands on the Aero 98 and I gotta say it’s a great update from the VS!
A little less harsh and slightly more stable right?
@@ZeroLoveTennis absolutely
I have a VS, added lead tape and am happy.
Nice. I want it on mine too. Only have 1 so idk how the QC varied but the 98 is a little heavier on average it seems.
@@joenobody8997 where did you put your lead?
V core pro 97 user. Thinking of switching to aero 98 or e zone 98. Great review
Go for it! I obviously think the PA98 is the better choice
This is a very thorough and comprehensive review
Thanks! I try.
Finally- regarding matching racquets - they only match w/r to static weight, not balance and swing weight. Many have written on tennis forums about swing weights being very different between the two matched racquets. Not very hard for a manufacturer to match only static weight!!
Agreed. Turns out their matched marketing is only weight. If anything it might make it harder to truly match the racquets if they weigh the same hahaha
I can attest to this. I bought a "matched" pair of PA98s and one is noticeably heavier to swing than the other unfortunately
I'll have to call them out in a future video
So your whole point about babolat is wrong....lol
my wrist would hurt playing H22, ezone 98, but absolutely no discomfort playing 4 hours match with pure aero rafa 2023 which has 73 stiffness. (same string, tension) Is stiffness really a big factor in wrist/ arm pain?
Stiffness is but things like Balance are very underrated. You can strain your wrist a lot over the course of many hitting sessions trying to rip forehands with the topspin motion rackets like the Pure Aero and so on encourage naturally. What helps a lot is adding weight to the handle, like an extra 10g or a bit more via a leather grip or something. Whatever means necessary...lead in the handle, silicone in the handle, etc. So I would say it's much more to do with balance than just stiffness. If you are properly relaxed through a shot, you aren't really tensing up so much during or through contact and a lot of that shock just dissipates instead of fighting your arm/wrist.
I play with Head Speed MP frames & the grommet holes are definitely small!!! If I ever switch brands… and that’s a big IF… I am a bit curious about Babolat.
They are? I know for sure the Speed Pro has them pretty big.
@@ZeroLoveTennis Yes? LOL. At least to me they are. My frames have a 16x19 pattern and I just inspected them to make sure it wasn’t my imagination….the grommets are hugging the strings so I’d say yes. I do have 5 of an older model though … Speed GrapheneXT MP. They were selling for around $180 when I got my first few but now they are only around $100. I’ll possibly “upgrade” one day but didn’t want to break the bank too soon and they feel good to me. I’ve historically been a Babolat hater like you but I’ve also been curious. Even when I’m forced to change up I may stay with Head but who knows? I played in college but quit soon after graduation and when I realized I was not going pro. Classic case of burnout. So….. 29 years later… I wasn’t sure when I began my “comeback “ if I was going to take it seriously but I’m in love with the game again and hitting the ball well! Hence my questions to you about polys, etc. Catching up on the advancements in tech has been an adventure in itself! I recently customized by adding 3.5 grams of lead to the 3 & 9 o’clock positions & my Head frames feel even better!
Weow 29 yrs off! That's a hiatus!! Yeah your grommet might be pretty different. A lot of today's could nearly fit a chopstick in it so if yours don't look that big then it's not the same.
@@ZeroLoveTennis 😂. MAJOR hiatus… serious sabbatical. But I had pro-am hoops to fill the gap for a while. Thanks for all of your feedback.
Which grip size do you use? Do you think smaller grip size would be more advantageous for PA 98?
Kind of varies but usually #3. Sometimes #4 or #2 but the reasons being I want a lot of feel so I get big grip with super thin base grip. OR, I want handle weight so I build up a smaller grip from the outside. Sometimes I'm just working with what I have access to, demo wise.
Depends on the racquet. If I'm buying, most likey #3 or #4 but it depends on how I want to go about weighing things up in the handle. If bigger, I gotta go inside of it and you can't always do that.
Smaller generally favored for spinny style grips. I used to try and go as small as possible without suffering in some way. Now, I go as big as possible. I like the stability I have from a larger grip but if you go too big, you can notice the effect it has on how you want to hold a racquet for really spinny shots
@@ZeroLoveTennis thanks for the reply. I was just wondering whether I should go with the trend (smaller grip size) or whatever I feel more comfortable with. One thing I can feel is that when I mishit, I can feel my arm is more damaged with a smaller grips size but more maneuverable when smashing or serving. Really appreciate your comment! :)
Yeah that's a tricky tradeoff! Personally, my handle is custom molded to my hand via some funny layering I do with a specific kind of tape or mold. So my handles always feel like they were built just for me because they are haha. Maybe that's where true happiness is found. For me, that's the case.
Have you/did you try any Tecnifibre racquets?
I believe I have but they lost my interest pretty quickly. One little feature I don't like on them is the embossed graphics around the throat but also this indented section on the inner part of the throat, as well as an asymmetrical tapered section on the throat that literally means one side would be more flexy than the other.
Not something you could tell, probably, just from playing but it really triggers my OCD if I have it. Also, parallel drilling/small grommets. I think some of the Technifibre options reveal a lot of crooked crosses.
But I did want to like their 18/19 offering at some point. Just couldn't.
@@ZeroLoveTennis What about the newest Iso frames, do they have the same issues?
Yeah unless something came out in the last month or two I don't know about. And I can't really call it an issue but it is a design choice they made and I just disagree with it/or it bothers me.
Okay so regarding tolerance vs quality control - having a tighter tolerance is actually a measurement of quality. So although I agree with you re it isn’t everything, it is an objective example of one manufacturer having higher “quality” by selling racquets that have a tighter spec tolerance window. I also think they (Yonex) probably do have something different about their manufacturing process to ensure those tolerances are met. I think your speculation that they modify the ones outside of their tolerance range can be expensive and they probably have a process in place to avoid that, especially if you think about racquets that are over spec (ie, how to take weight out of something vs adding).
Totally fair comment and I agree. I just think assuming the racquet is better quality in all the other ways just because it's tolerance in terms of balance and so on is closer, is a stretch. Because that alone is not proof. Kind of like a waiter at a restaurant being more attentive with filling up your water cup doesn't necessarily mean the actual food is any better than the next place. But it certainly wouldn't mean it's worse!
I'll find some comparisons to do for yonex/babolat soon. This video kind of asks me to now haha, I see that.
@@ZeroLoveTennis agreed!
You should do a Yonex quality control check video, it would dispel a lot of my doubts.
God, I have wasted so much money on buying rackets this last year!!
I am scheming up such a video as we speak :) probably one of the next uploads for sure!
this is a good racket, but you must choose string carefully. Solinco (soft) Hyper-G, Tourbite, and Luxilon alu power 110 are perfect match 50/50 lbs
I'm very happy with toroline and ReStrings offerings. Miles more so than with hyper G or lux especially.
@@ZeroLoveTennis okaayy i will try restring next! Thank youu
Awesome. Lmk your thoughts. Changed my world up to discover these. It's not every string by Toroline but quite a few, such as Ether and Wasabi. I highly suggest "Wasabi X" or ENSO (grey) or Snapper for the crosses with whatever mains you pick!
PS don't confuse Wasabi and Wasabi X for the same string, they are different. Wasabi X is meant for cross, hence X.
And don't forget the 20% off code: time410s
same code gets you 10% off on ReString. If you get zero get the 17 gauge, it is so durable there is really no point in getting the 16 unless you like the weight/thicker feel.
Strings like hyper G always offered less spin and broke in half the time for me so ReString and Toroline was a massive upgrade that was never offered on the market before. Was blown away at first but still am haha
Don’t take too seriously comments about OCD and stuff. If you care about parallel drilling and small grommets, it’s not of others business to judge. I personally like your videos and find interesting what you say about it, not necessarily agree 100%, but taking into consideration. Which is totally fine I guess
haha thanks. I don't really take them seriously. It's just an odd thing to say because either they think it's true, in which case it's a terrible thing to insult someone for (a disability) OR they don't think it's true and it's undermining people who actually live with a serious mental health issue. I just think it's in bad taste to say it. Just call me overly picky or something, ya know?
I just noticed my PD+ has parallel drilling and small grommets as well, I have a feeling I might like the PA 98, especially strung up with Zero, the spin and control must be amazing! With the MRT racket services for TW, they will match any two rackets to a matched set of user specs, not just the PA 98!
Nice! Yeah Babolat has been about that for some time, it turns out. Part of why I've come to respect that company more and more.
Spin and control are very good! It's surprisingly good at both.
How’s aero 98 for one handed backhand
I think fine. Trying to see if I can think of someone who plays that way but at this second, I don't.
If a whippy racquet is what you favor for that backhand, adding weight to the handle can really help.
Wilson Blade 98, 100 have parallel drilling and small grommets.
Blade 98 doesn't. Newer gen has big grommets. Older gen has moderate application of parallel drilling but had smaller grommets. New one looks awful to my eye. Big grommets and parallel drilling. Especially notable on the crosses. That racquet was literally the example of the worst offenders haha. Have you not seem my short? Funny enough, the BLADE 104 Actually has small grommets and parallel drilling.
Go figure...
I haven't seen a blade 100 yet.
I have always loved the pure aero and always wanted to “play like Rafa” (haha) but I have play tested almost everyone of them and each time I have had wrist or shoulder pain. I wish I could’ve played with it. 😢
Sorry to hear! And reply so late. I really like it
I play the Pure Drive 98 and love it. So stable. Great controlled power. I never tried the Aero 98!!
Interesting. Might be worth trying since they are good comparisons. Pure Aero a little more hefty
Compared to the PA100 , is the mains or crosses shorter? I cant hit with narrow frames is why i ask
Like length wise or spacing wise? Spacing tighter width or length of cross probably about as proportional as the 98. I like it. So I wouldn't say narrow
@@ZeroLoveTennis where did they remove the 2 inches?
Could be everywhere. So the mains and crosses are still relatively the same length. I didn't notice a big difference in head shape at all.
@@ZeroLoveTennis you mean couple mm smaller from everywhere...or the PA98B is just PA100 with a 16x20
I mean the shape might be nearly the same so yes maybe couple mm all around to add up to that difference.
Such great videos
Glad you like them!
If you REALLY want to go down the rabbit hole: try to get a Pure Strike Project One 7 (2nd gen) and a Yonex DR98+ and compare them to this one. You will be shocked
For that details specifically?
@@ZeroLoveTennis project is largely regarded as the Best Pure Strike ever, and rightfully so. Highly maneuverable yet powerful, the lastest version is too much focus on power. And the DR98+ is a strange combination of power and control, as if it breaks reality some how
I watched carefully until yonex quality control and babolat matched rackets.Yonex respects every single client like every japanese company does.They do it because they CAN.i dont know if a racket in the end has +3 grams and they take it away (thats funny) but i know i had 3 yonex rackets and only one had -1 gram (so why didnt they add it fron what you assume?) Anyway babolat can do it in china(???) but with extra cost for them so you can buy 2 rackets ,thats the deal!
It actually turns out (and I made a follow up video) that Babolat uses the term Matched very loosely and it actually is only weight matched. Seems pretty scammy to me to use that word and there is literally no point in selling a weight matched racket when balance and the rest isn't even considered.
ua-cam.com/video/oH9l2JAOmk4/v-deo.html here's a video on that misleading stuff from Babolat
I liked the new strike a bit more than this one because it felt more flexy.
You mean regular pure strike or the VS model?
@@ZeroLoveTennis vs
Excited for the new Pure Strikes!
PA98 string spacing is not symmetrical in the throat mains....which will make your OCD take off...measure the spacing in the throat... distance between strings should be same in throat then get wider as it gets closer to the frame...PA98 SPACING gets smaller then bigger and is all over the place
Hmm the spacing changing is fine, it's the crooked crosses that bother me. It doesn't bother me that certain crosses might have more space than the last. Sometimes I appreciate how strategic that is. It's really when you look at left side of that same cross and notice it's higher than the right side that drives me so crazy. If it's perfectly parallel to the string above/below it, that's really what matters to me.
Haha, nice try tho XD I appreciate this comment.
@time410s mains spacing doesn't get progressively larger as it gets wider.... it gets smaller then bigger the. Smaller then bigger.....one side of racket doesn't match the other sides ....Just measure the mains spacing...I used a digital calipers....I'm also OCD so I sent racket back
Are you saying the same main on both sides would measure differently in spacing? Or just that the mains change spacing differently each time. As long as the left side is a mirror image of the right, I wouldn't be bothered. If you're saying the left half is different from the right half, I don't think that's true. So I'm confused if that's what you're saying.
@@ZeroLoveTennis he probably means that mains #2 and #3 and farther apart than #3 and #4, if you count the mains from the middle of the throat. But maybe its just an instance of crooked mains, assuming that the mains grommets are bigger and produce the same effect as crosses on some other frames
@time410s just measure the mains with digital caliper and chart on paper...start with middle 10 which Is sweet spot...I did it while restringing just the mains...I also measured from middle of grommet to middle of grommet without strings...don't worry your normal compared to me with this ocd stuff 🤪
Best racket dude! You gotta buy it!
I want one so bad!!! Trying sell my rackets.
I haven't bought one yet but have had 2 demos for like a month haha. So...we shall see if I commit!
But have you even tried playing a match with it?
Matches aren't really my thing. I do sets on occasion.
Me whos an extremely pro babalot guy hearing him say he was a babalot hater:
I was resistant. Hater... Hmm maybe a little sometimes lol
if one product is less variable than another, it has a better quality control..
I agree. I just disagree that it automatically means it's a better racquet.
A big batch of percepts have been cracking recently so it's not as though yonex is immune or above QC issues either but I will hand it to them for using higher consistency across batches in a few metrics.
Dunlop SX 300 Tour 😊
I sort of wish but nahhh haha we had our time.
yo u look like dr. direspect. ur tall too
Oh wait I've been told this before haha. Was it you?
You overtalk in your videos/reviews. You overstate things in a longwinded way. It would be better if you shortened things and made your points a bit more concise.
Sometimes I agree. It's hard to be thorough and concise and be yourself and let things flow naturally and satisfy everyone. But I try. A lot of stuff often gets cut from the final edit.
@@ZeroLoveTennis I do content for another big tennis channel. I'm not going to say, but sometimes I want to watch your videos, but I have a hard time because honestly, it's really long winded, goes on and on. Sometimes repeats itself. But I think if you learn to edit yourself down, you'll find that people appreciate things that are concise hence everything turning into a more shorter format. Just pair it down, btw i'm actually a video editor by trade. So it's super important to just keep what's important and try to trim all the other material down. It's hard to sit through a 20-30 minute video especially if it's just one guy talking most of the time. You kind of get bored of it.
I feel ya. Yeah, as time goes on my content gets a bit more precise I would say.
Ideally I plan it out but I often don't, or only loosely do.
I appreciate the tips and the fact you watch.
I think my yonex percept first impressions video is a better example of a video that's quicker with the points and the scenery moves more often. Probably a better watching experience overall visually and overall digestibility.
To a degree, I let myself a little loose and see how things go instead of trying to plan for perfection every time before finding my rhythm.
We're getting there!
@@ZeroLoveTennis Btw, you should really incorporate broll. Instead of having a static image of you talking just have more footage of you playing or something else where it doesn't bore the audience.
@@ZeroLoveTennis Also you tend to leave a lot of gaps in your speech like you're thinking of something to say. You should just script everything out. Listen to Marques Brownlee his videos have a lot of information, but none of them sound long winded. He also makes bullet points and just says everything in a very concise manner and doesn't repeat himself. Most youtubers script their dialgogue but it's getting so good you wouldn't know it was.