There is a fresh bunch of Babolat racquets on the market. It is a cosmetic update of the Strike series, called Babolat Pure Strike Carbon Grey.
We have seen plenty of cosmetic updates around the US Open 2025. The Yonex Percept Midnight, the HEAD Speed Legend, the Tecnifibre Tfight ID and the Babolat Pure Strike Carbon Grey racquets (link to check them out at TW).
The Pure Strike is Babolat’s control line, which still has a more aggressive flair than racquets like the Wilson Blade and the HEAD Radical. The racquets have a slightly higher stiffness and will give you a bit more power for attacking players. Hence the name Strike.
We really enjoyed the Babolat Pure Strike 2024 racquets (as said, this is just a cosmetic update, click the link to read our review) and these are obviously not different.
Purchase the Pure Strike Carbon Grey from our partners here:
- Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada)
- Tennis Warehouse Europe (10% off with code TNERD10)
- Tennis Only (AU)
- Racketspecialisten (Sweden)
- Tennis Point (UK): (Germany, Spain, Italy, France).
Technology
Babolat’s fourth-generation Pure Strike lineup, launched in early 2024, includes NF²?TECH (flax fiber vibration damping) and Frame?String Interaction Control (enhanced ball feel through tighter stringing and woofer integration).
Along with the core white/red “standard” finish, Babolat now introduces a grey “carbon grey” finish—sometimes referred to as “steel cosmetic”—offered across several models including the 97, 98?16×19, 98?18×20, 100, 100?16×20. This aesthetic doesn’t alter performance—each grey-framed model offers the same specs and sensation as its white counterpart.
Pure Strike racquets in grey carbon
| Model | Head Size | String Pattern | Target Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Strike 97 | 97?in² (626?cm²) | 16×20 | Speedy, surgical hitters, bring your own power |
| Pure Strike 98 16×19 | ~98 in² | 16×19 | Spin-friendly with precision |
| Pure Strike 98 18×20 | ~98 in² | 18×20 | Extra control & stability (SW) |
| Pure Strike 100 | 100 in² | 16×19 | Forgiving power + spin |
| Pure Strike 100 16×20 | 100 in² | 16×20 | Speed + dynamic control |
| Pure Strike Team | 100 in² approx. | 16×19 | Lightweight, maneuverable control |
My favorite?
I am currently revisiting this line of racquets and enjoy them all, but my personal faves are the 16/20 pattern ones. The 97 for max precision (the most control-oriented racquet in the Babolat line-up) and the 100 16/20 for a good mix of control and forgiveness. A very versatile frame if you ask me.
We will create a video review revising the Babolat Pure Strike 2024 racquets in this new Carbon grey cosmetic, so stay tuned!
For some reason the Pure Strike 100″ 16 x 20 is much softer in RA/stiffness than the 100″ 16 x 19. So its not only one extra string thats different.
The 97″ (former known as Pure Strike VS) Actually has quite an open string pattern. The PS 97″ is actually more a 97.5″ . PS 97 has same headsize as the Pure Storm which was sold as a 98″ but actually a 97.5
PS VS/97 is not so controlled actually and has alot of spin. You can also easily not string the top string as its very close to the edge of the frame and it will make more lively.