Babolat Pure Drive 98 (2025) Review

Written by: Jonas Eriksson | January 31, 2025

The Pure Drive stands for raw power. But what happens if you put that into a smaller head-size racquet? Here is our Babolat Pure Drive 98 (2025) review.

The Babolat Pure Drive 98 was released as the Babolat Pure Drive VS in 2019. The first edition had promise, but like with many first generation products, there were some things to improve. The feel was kind of brassy and stiff and the sweet spot pretty small.

This is the third generation of the Pure Drive 98 and I would argue it is the best one so far. However, it is still a lot more demanding than its bigger brother, the Pure Drive 100. Compared to the Yonex Ezone 98, you need a little more game to play with this one.

The main ambassador for the Babolat Pure Drive 98 is Juncheng Shang.

What’s new?

The Babolat Pure Drive 98 2025 is the follow-up to the Pure Drive 98 2021. The main thing that Babolat has sought to work on is comfort. They have introduced the NF2-Tech, which worked so well for the Babolat Pure Aero 2023. They also seemed to have reduced the stiffness a tad. The racquet overall feels more gentle on the arm and also more forgiving when you hit outside the sweet spot.

One significant update, besides a re-engineered beam, is that it now has a 16/20 string pattern, while the previous 98s were 16/19.

What’s still there is FSI Power tech, which is supposed to assist in transferring more energy to the ball (the Pure Drive is all about power, after all). And the HTR system, which is supposed to stiffen the hoop for better stability and power.

In terms of feel, it is a tad more dampened than the previous generation and I would say, a little less powerful.

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Video review

We made a video review on our YouTube channel also dealing with the Babolat Pure Drive 100.

Specifications

The smaller head size and 16/20 string pattern offer great control for advanced players who want a faster-swinging racquet.

Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight: 11.4oz / 323g
Balance: 13.18in / 33.48cm / 3 pts HL
Swingweight: 326
Stiffness: 69
Beam Width: 21mm / 23mm / 21mm
Composition: Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Stroke Style: Medium-Full
Swing Speed: Medium-Fast
Racquet Colors: Blue
Grip Type: Babolat Syntec Pro
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 20 Crosses
Mains skip: 7T,9T,7H,9H

Playability and performance

The controlled aspect of this racquet over the 100 is evident straight away. You get a lot more precision, but also you’re punished straight away for sloppy footwork and preparation.

This edition of the Pure Drive 98 feels softer on impact than the predecessor. It’s clear that the NF2-tech is working well here. But although off-center hits lack the harshness of the 2021 Pure Drive 98, they still don’t have any interest on them. Meaning you are not getting much in terms of help from the frame. This racquet is made for more advanced players who like to attack the ball, but prefers a lower trajectory than what the popular Pure Aero 98 provides.

At first I loved this frame and felt like it was a possible switch for me over the Aero 98. Over time, I have preferred the 100 as it is easier to use. I feel like this one requires almost pro level technique to shine, while the 100 has a large demographic.

It’s been a bit up and down. I still like it, but it’s important not to string too high in this one to open up the sweet spot and get a bit more free power. You will also feel the extra weight compared to the regular 100. It is only 5 grams on paper, but it has a slightly higher swing weight and feels a tad heavier to swing.

I think it’s one of those hate/love racquets. Some players I tried it with (all high-level) absolutely loved it, while some others were uninspired.

As I wrote above, for forgiveness in a powerful 98, I do prefer the Ezone 98, while I prefer the Pure Drive 100 over the Ezone 100.

Pros and Cons

+ Improved comfort and control over 2021

+ Better control than the 100

— Small sweet spot

Who is it for?

As I wrote above, this racquet requires quite the player. If you are an aspiring pro, strong junior, or already on the tour, then this interesting as it gives you more power than a Blade, for example.

However, if you are a club player, you probably need to be very strong and advanced to benefit from this one.

For most players wanting power, I think the Pure Drive 100 is the way to go.

Where to buy it?

If you want to buy the new Babolat Pure Drive 98, please consider doing so from our friends at Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada), Tennis Warehouse Europe or Tennis Only (AU). You can of course, also check it out at Amazon or your local tennis shop. We get a small commission if you purchase anything from the links above, so we appreciate it if you do that (but no pressure :)).

Summary

I enjoyed doing this Babolat Pure Drive 98 (2025) review. I can see the user group quite clearly. But I think it is one of those “niche” racquets with a love or hate response to it.

It’s simply a demanding one for advanced players who want some more help than most other 98 sq inch racquets.

Heavy ball strikers will probably love the extra control from the 16/20 pattern and the serve still has some punch to it.

But it’s not a forgiving or finesse-style frame, you need to know what to expect from this Pure Drive 98.

Have you tried this racquet? What are your thoughts?

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Jonas Eriksson

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