Babolat Pure Aero 2023 Review

Written by: Jonas Eriksson | August 3, 2022

The Pure Aero is one of the most-asked-for racquet reviews. So many players use this racquet. Here is my Babolat Pure Aero 2023 review.

Babolat Pure Aero 2023 Review

The Babolat Pure Aero 2023 is the 7th generation of one of the most popular racquets in the market. The idea behind this model is to give you plenty of power and spin. It’s a racquet that works from intermediate to advanced players, but a small caution is that it can be a bit stiff for players with arm concerns. So avoid using a high tension (53 lbs or higher) and a stiff string (polyester) if you can.

What’s new?

What’s new with this generation? I would say it’s a little bit of a throwback to the Aero Pro Drive. For most players, the denser string pattern will be a big improvement. You get better control and less string movement with the Babolat Pure Aero 2023 than the predecessor. However, the denser string bed makes it stiffer, so I had some arm concerns with RPM Blast strung at 53 lbs. It played better with better comfort when I changed it to Grapplesnake M8 1.30 at 47 lbs, for example. So consider your string choice and tension wisely if you’re worried about stiffness.

Technologies

Denser pattern – one skipped main string @8, similar to the Aero Pro Drives.

NF2 Tech flax technology – supposed to improve feel and vibration dampening. So-called flax inserts are wrapped at “strategic locations in the frame, create optimal shock absorption and fine-tuned sound quality for an exceptional playing experience,” according to Babolat.

The predecessor felt a bit more comfortable, probably due to added movement in the string bed. But I prefer playing with the 2023 version, thanks to improved control.

Specifications

Not much is changed in terms of specs compared to the previous generations.

Head size: 100 sq inches / 645 cm2
Weight: 300 g / 10.6 oz (strung 315-20g)
Balance: 32 cm / pts HL (strung 33 cm / 4 pts HL
String pattern: 16/19
Swing weight: 280-85 unstrung, 310-15 strung,
Stiffness: 65-66 RA strung (TW average)

How does it play?

Thanks to the denser string bed, this racquet offers better control and a more consistent response than the predecessor. We’re back to the more reliable string bed of the Aero Pro Drives (from the 2016 Pure Aero, the pattern became more open). Most Aero players will like this change and I think it’s a positive one.

I did however feel an increase in stiffness compared to the 2019, partly due to the denser string bed, but there has also been a slight increase in stiffness of the frame. With RPM Blast 1.25 strung at 53 lbs, my arm complained a bit (which rarely happens these days), but with a softer poly and a dropped tension to 47 lbs, the racquet felt okay to the arm. Your choice of string and tension remains essential to how the racquet feels and performs.

The feel on drop shots and touch was excellent. The extra control is noticeable and allows you to take bigger cuts at the ball confidently. I also liked the nice power on serves.

Overall, the Babolat Pure Aero 2023 plays very similarly to the Aero Pro Drives of 2010-2013. Simply a must demo for players looking to get back to that direct, controlled, and spin-friendly feel.

Who is it for?

Intermediate to advanced players looking for spin and power. Players with arm issues should probably look elsewhere.

Summary

The new Babolat Pure Aero 2023 pushes the iconic Aero line in the right direction. It’s a trip back to the models of 2010-2013 (APD GT), which so many players loved. If you’re looking for power and spin, this is a must demo, but players with arm issues should look elsewhere. And since the racquets are relatively stiff, consider that in your choice of string and tension. The denser string pattern allows for more control, while the racquet retains good spin potential and power when needed.

The new Babolat Pure Aero 2023 racquets will be released on August 25th. Check them out at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe, and Tennis Only.

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16 comments

  1. Any news on a long body model? Do they usually get released afterwards? On the Tennis Warehouse website I only see the standard and team models available for pre-order

  2. will we compare it with the pure aero VS ? as this one has 16×20 that gives also more control…

  3. Not that interesting review. Very standard cut and paste style. Babolat pure aero 2023 racquet balance is 7pt HL printed on the racquet itself but this review states Balance: 32 cm / pts HL (strung 33 cm / 4 pts HL.

  4. Not that interesting comment. Very standard cut and paste style. 7 hl is unstrung, 4 pts hl is strung.

  5. I’m playing with aero pro drive gt 2010 model, you mention that it’s very similar. I think I would prefer a bit more manuverable version, mine is 335gr strung (maybe quality was a bit off). Pure aero 2019 is 315gr strung so there is difference. Should I consider the new version or check the 2019, I’m concerned about your comments of less control. Thank you

  6. I have way too many rackets, but I played with my mates pure aero 2023 with solinco tour bite soft at around 50lbs. I usually string most of my rackets around 58lbs with luxilon savage and are classic type frames (eg prince phantom 100×18*20,Dunlop cx200+, head gravity pro etc) . I could not believe how easy this was to play with and it had decent control, whether I went for flat shots or Nadal style forehands. Now im considering this or the VS. interested to know the difference in your opinion.

  7. Thanks for this review TN. It has some very useful info. But, I’m a bit confused as to how the 2023 compare to the 2019 terms of stiffness. Can you please clarify? Thank you.

    Im reading here that thte 2019 is stiffer which would makes sense since it has a higher stiffness rating (67 > 65):
    “I think the new version has better control and is softer on the arm”

    But I’m confused by this other statement:
    “You get better control and less string movement with the Babolat Pure Aero 2023 than the predecessor. However, the denser string bed makes it stiffer”.

    This sounds like the new version feels stiffer than the predecessor. Are you comparing 2019 vs 2023 here, or does predecessor refer to a version other than the 2019 one?

  8. Hey Larry, thanks. I think it was a bit sloppily written, so I will adjust it. The new version is softer on the arm for sure, even if the denser string pattern makes the string bed feel stiffer. Not sure if that makes sense, but players usually respond to dense string beds because the less give they have makes them feel firmer. Both racquets are good, go 2019 for more power, and go 2023 for more control.

  9. Hi! I recently played with a areo prodrive GT (whatever the 2013 model was, black with the red in the middle) and I loved it! I tried the 2016 and 2019 pure aeros but they did not suit me at all. So now I’m looking for the 2013 frame, would you say the 2023 is close to that one? As I understand it’s basically a throwback to that model?

    Thanks!

  10. I’ve played with the 2013 GT French open for the past 3 years and I absolutely love it. I think that’s the model you are talking about. I’m looking to get a 2023 to preserve the 2013 as sometimes it’s hard to find. But it is very likely you can get lucky on eBay. I’ll come back to this if I grab the 2023

  11. I’ve played with the 2013 GT French open for the past 3 years and I absolutely love it. I think that’s the model you are talking about. I’m looking to get a 2023 to preserve the 2013 as sometimes it’s hard to find. But it is very likely you can get lucky on eBay. I’ll come back to this if I grab the 2023

Jonas Eriksson

Jonas has been known as "tennis nerd" mainly for his obsessing about racquets and gear. Plays this beautiful sport almost every day.