We are about one month away from the Babolat Pure Drive 2025 launch. One of the most iconic racquet lines gets its 11th generation.
The Babolat Pure Drive 2025 is the follow-up to the Pure Drive 2021, which was a good racquet but quite firm and lacked a little dampening for comfort. Babolat has tried to solve this in the new Pure Drive using the popular NF2-tech (flax fibers) of the Babolat Pure Aero 2023. We have been testing the new Babolat Pure Drive 100 and the Babolat Pure Drive 98, but due to media embargos you will have to be patient on our review. This will be released closer to launch date in January.
Below you can see our YouTube video featuring the new Babolat Pure Drive. You can also check out our Instagram.
Our first impressions review will be posted for our YouTube members and Patreon paid subscribers first.
The Pure Drive 2025 will be available from Tennis Point Germany!
The Pure Drive 2025 will be available from Tennis Point Spain!
30 years of power
The Babolat Pure Drive is an icon in the game. I have tried every single generation since the Babolat Pure Drive Original that came out in 1994 alongside the Babolat Soft Drive. Earlier this year (2024), they released the 30th Anniversary edition, which was a stunner. As you can see with the new cosmetic, it is a little more lively and youthful. But in person the overall look is appealing, even though it is a bit of a throwback to the 2018 Pure Drive.
Since I am sure you reading this have tried several Pure Drives, let me know which is your favorite in the comments below!
I like the earlier Pure Drives a lot for their lower stiffness and more raw feel, but also the stiff-as-a-brick 2012 edition is great, for example. I think I played best with the 2009, but it was a little bit tough on the arm.
That is why I think the NF2 tech of the new Babolat Pure Drives is very welcome. Another change we can mention is that the Babolat Pure Drive 98 has a 16/20 string pattern instead of the 16/19 of the outgoing version.
If you want to buy the new Babolat Pure Drive when it is released, please consider doing so from our friends at Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada), Tennis Warehouse Europe or Tennis Only (AU).
Looking for new gear?
Get your tennis racquets from Tennis Only.
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Looking for new gear?
Get your tennis racquets from Tennis Warehouse Europe!
Use the code TNERD10 for a 10% discount right now.
Looking for new gear?
Get your tennis racquets from Tennis Warehouse.
Our recommended tennis store for North America!
Babolat Pure Drive 2025 specifications
Let us look at the different racquets on offer for the Babolat Pure Drive 2025.
Babolat Pure Drive
The icon. The one you buy if you don’t know what to get. Powerful, easy to use, softer than the predecessor but still packing enough pop to hit winners from the baseline. It also gives you extra few mph on serve.
| Head Size: 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm |
| Strung Weight: 11.2oz / 318g |
| Balance: 12.99in / 32.99cm / 4 pts HL |
| Swingweight: 317 |
| Stiffness: 66 |
| Beam Width: 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| 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 / 19 CrossesMains skip: 7T,9T,7H,9H |
Babolat Pure Drive 98
The smaller head size and 16/20 string pattern offer great control for advanced players who want a faster-swinging racquet. This also has a slightly different mold than the predecessor. Our take: an improvement over the stiffer 2021 version.
| 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: 323 |
| Stiffness: 67 |
| 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 |
Babolat Pure Drive Plus
The extended length for those who want to maximize serve power. Might be tricky for one-handers to get the contact point right, but the extra swing weight till give you even more power.
| Head Size: 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
| Length: 27.5in / 69.85cm |
| Strung Weight: 11.2oz / 318g |
| Balance: 13in / 33.02cm / 6 pts HL |
| Swingweight: 325 |
| Stiffness: 69 |
| Beam Width: 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| 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 / 19 Crosses Mains skip: 7T,9T,7H,9H |
Babolat Pure Drive Team
The Pure Drive Team is the lighter model, which is easier to swing and use, but does not pack quite the same power and stability as the standard Pure Drive.
| Head Size: 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm |
| Strung Weight: 10.6oz / 301g |
| Balance: 12.85in / 32.64cm / 5 pts HL |
| Swingweight: 308 |
| Stiffness: 67 |
| Beam Width: 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| 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 / 19 Crosses Mains skip: 7T,9T,7H,9H |
2025 will be a big year for racquets
Besides the highly-anticipated release of the Babolat Pure Drive, there are also a bunch of exciting racquets from leading brands (this is what is brewing for January!)
Tecnifibre Tfight
HEAD Gravity
Wilson Clash
Dunlop SX
Yonex Ezone
If you are looking for a new racquet, January 2025 will give you lots to demo and possibly also some difficult choices. We have tried all these racquets and the good news is that they are all quite good, the bad news is that it will be tough to decide which one works best for your game!
Let me know in the comments which racquet you are most excited about!
I know you cannot comment yet but would you suggest getting current one or waiting to demo new one first of you catch my meaning. Thanks!
I am coming back into tennis. When i was younger i used the 2013 Pure drive back in highschool. I really loved that racquet! Excited to try out the 2025 version as i am using the 2021 generation right now!
Love this video… All the best testers!!
Great job!
That paintjob is hideous!
I have been using an early Andy Roddick Pure Drive, probably Mk 2 or 3, for the last 20 years. It’s now vintage but performs just like it was new. I’ve decided to upgrade after all these years to the new model. I’m sure that I will love it!