I recently tested the new Dunlop FX 500 2026 and also the Babolat Pure Drive 2025 alongside each other. I thought they would make an interesting comparison for players seeking easy power in their racket of choice. I strung both with Babolat RPM Blast, both at 52lbs. Both are about 300g although the Babolat was over spec slightly. I was only demoing the Dunlop for two weeks, so didn’t add any additional weight to it (so 3g variance between them in reality).
Tech & specs
Dunlop FX 500
The FX 500 is built around easy power, comfort and accessibility.
- Head size: 100 sq in
- Weight: 300g unstrung
- Balance: ~320 mm
- String pattern: 16×19
- Beam: 23 / 26 / 23 mm
Babolat Pure Drive
The Pure Drive is the benchmark power racquet in this category.
- Head size: 100 sq in
- Weight: 300g unstrung
- Balance: ~320 mm
- String pattern: 16×19
- Beam: 23 / 26 / 23 mm
On-Court Comparison
Power
Immediately I was taken aback by the power from the FX 500, this really is just raw power. I am glad for that reason I went with RPM Blast which alongside spin, offers excellent control. Pure Drive still offered excellent power but actually felt tame in comparison to the Dunlop. I think it would be interesting to try at higher tensions in the Dunlop to see if I can reign in that power a bit as it was a bit too hard to handle at times. Pure Drive felt more balanced overall.
- Pure Drive: explosive, balance power
- FX 500: easier, more controlled power(sometimes felt too much to handle)
- The Pure Drive gives you that nice responsive feel, while the FX 500 gives you depth from the baseline which can catch your opponent off guard.
Verdict: Pure Drive is what I would describe as more explosive, whereas the FX 500 just delivers all out power. I think with a softer round poly like Poly Tour Pro or Head Lynx this would be uncontrollable.
Control
This is where the Pure Drive edges it and just feels all round better balanced. I felt I could trust my shots a lot more vs the FX500.
- More precision with the Pure Drive but still plenty of pop
- Pure Drive is better on aggressive faster swings
- Pure Drive felt more stable on defensive shots
- The FX 500 can feel slightly looser when you really go after the ball and I struggled to know where my shots were going at times.
Verdict: Pure Drive wins here for sure. Just feel like you get a better trade of wit the power and control vs the FX500.
Feel & Comfort
There are some slight differences here for me. Both offer decent feel and comfort but the FX500 is a bit more dampened and I wonder if that is why I struggled on controlling the depth at times. Pure Drive feels that bit more crisper and just more connected somehow.
- FX 500: smoother, more dampened feel
- Pure Drive: crisp, more direct response
- The FX 500 is noticeably more comfortable, while the Pure Drive gives more feedback
Verdict: FX 500 wins for comfort and feel but it is a subjective thing. I actually preferred the more crisp direct feel of the Pure Drive.
Spin
Both generate spin fairly easily but I would say the Pure Drive edges it here. I think with the more connected feel, you can shape the ball easier and learn to trust the depth. The Dunlop does give you good spin but at times it can be hard to know how much is good clean technique or the strings. You lose that feedback vs the Pure Drive.
- Pure Drive: heavier spin with more bite
- FX 500: easier, more neutral spin
Verdict: Pure Drive wins for spin in my view but I wouldn’t say either racquet are all out spin merchants anyway.
Pros and cons
Dunlop FX 500
Pros
- Very easy power and depth
- Comfortable, arm-friendly feel
- Forgiving across the stringbed
- User-friendly for a wide range of players (but some may find power too much)
Cons
- Less control on bigger swings
- Not as precise as Pure Drive in my view
- Spin is solid but not standout
Babolat Pure Drive
Pros
- Explosive, aggressive power (but you never lose control really)
- Good spin and feels maneuverable
- Strong stability and good control for a 100 sq inch
Cons
- Crisp feel may not suit all players
- Firmer feel vs FX500 (but still not harsh)
- Less forgiving for flatter hitters (may struggle with generating any spin)
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Who Each Racquet Suits
Choose the FX 500 if you:
- Want easy power and that is your priority
- Prefer a more comfortable feel
- Need forgiveness and plush feel (vs crisp direct response)
Choose the Pure Drive if you:
- Want decent power but with explosiveness
- Play aggressive baseline tennis (but crave that crisp feedback)
- Generate spin already with good clean technique
- Prefer a crisp, direct response (vs dampened more muted feel of the FX500)
Final Thoughts
The Pure Drive is generally considered the benchmark for explosive, aggressive baseline players. It has good all round access to spin control and power. It would definitely suit intermediate players and maybe lower advanced level.
The FX 500 is all out power, which for some players this is exactly what they need. It can feel a little too much to handle at times though. If you like to play baseline tennis and can generate your own spin and power, go Pure Drive. If you want far more easy power and a more muted feel, the FX 500 is the smarter choice.
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