Babolat Pure Drive Tennis Rackets

Babolat Pure Drive Rackets Range

The range consists of the standard Pure Drive weighing in at a classic 300g weight and a 100 sq in head size. This model suits the majority of intermediate and advanced players, but in all honesty, we have seen players of all standards and abilities use this racket.

It is so popular, and no one has ever complained that they did not like the racket. A racket for the ages indeed! 

The Babolat Pure Drive variations explained:

• Pure Drive: Standard model weight 300g, Head Size 100 sq.in, blend of power and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of players. It provides a larger sweet spot than control-orientated rackets, making it more forgiving on off-centre hits while still allowing for decent precision.

• Pure Drive Team: A lighter weight at 285g, Head Size 100 sq.in, good stability for powerful swings and helps with control, but it might require some upper body strength to handle effectively.

• Pure Drive Lite: Weight 270g, Head Size 100 sq.in, designed for players who want to experience the power of the Pure Drive series in a lighter and more manoeuvrable package.

• Pure Drive Super-Lite: Weight 255g, Head Size 100 sq.in, a very lightweight option compared to other Pure Drive models. This makes the racket extremely easy to manoeuvre and very forgiving on the arm, which can benefit true beginners just starting out.

• Pure Drive 107: Weight 285g, Head Size 107 sq.in, significantly larger than the standard Pure Drive (around 100 sq. in.). The larger sweet spot makes it more forgiving on off-centre hits, allowing you to generate decent power even with less than perfect technique.

• Pure Drive 110: Weight 255g, Head Size 110 sq.in, designed for players who prioritise explosive power and forgiveness on their shots. It boasts the largest head size within the Pure Drive series, making it a great option for beginners and intermediate players.

• Pure Drive 98: Weight 310g, Head Size 98 sq.in, designed for intermediate and advanced players who prioritise a balance of power and precision in their shots.

• Pure Drive Plus+: Weight 300g, Head Size 100 and 1/2 inch longer than standard.

For 30 years, the Pure Drive has been known as THE racket for players who want more power. The combination of power and versatility allows them to take risks and dictate play. For this new generation of the iconic Pure Drive, Babolat has extended the legendary power on every shot that competitive, demanding players have come to expect from this racket. While offering the best possible feel through a unique management of vibrations and unrivalled comfort.

The Evolution of the Pure Drive:

1994 - After a century dedicated to producing the best strings and accessories, Babolat decided on their first foray into tennis rackets to be the iconic Babolat Pure Drive, with its game-changing elliptical cross-section. Here at Tennisnuts, we were the first people to recognise that this would be a game-changing racket, and we were the earliest stockist of this racket in the UK. The racket actually helped to cement our reputation in the UK as the provider of all pro rackets from around the world.

1997 - This update brought about Carlos Moya's victory at the French Open in 1998.

1999 - The Woofer system is introduced, providing even more power to the racket while retaining the existing control. Produces an outstanding win for the French team on grass in Australia!

2002 - With this model, Andy Roddick sets the world record for the fastest serve at the time - 249 km/h. He also sets the trend for slightly longer rackets (0.5 inches) with the Pure Drive Plus. Kim Clijsters wins the US Open in 2003.

2006 - The cortex system is introduced, which helps in only allowing necessary vibrations for enhanced feel and is also brilliant for tennis elbow sufferers.

2009 - Kim Clijsters wins multiple majors with this model. Li Na becomes the first Asian winner of a grand slam at the French Open, with a global audience of 400 million.

2012 - New blue colour and enhanced Cortex system. Garbiñe Muguruza starts using the racket.

2014 - The smart PLAY racket introduced, bringing the pro stats through an app to anyone using the racket.

2015 - New stringing pattern based on analysis of smart data from the play model. Muguruza starts winning majors. 

2018 - Cortex inside the handle for ultimate feel and vibration control. SMAC aerospace technology was introduced. Fabio Fognini and Sofia Kenin join the stable of users. 

2021 - SMAC 2.0 introduced; Muguruza continues winning big tournaments, and a new generation of players starts using the Pure Drive, like Arthur Cazaux, Clara Burel and Karolina Plíšková.

2024 - The latest addition to this iconic racket is the 30th Anniversary model, with a new design incorporating all the blue colours that have been used over the years in this historical racket.

2025- The latest Babolat Pure Drive Gen11 retains the explosive power, spin and stability of the previous generation while introducing NF²-Tech 2.0 with 100% unidirectional flax fibres for improved vibration dampening, enhanced comfort, a more refined feel and better feedback, making it the most comfortable and connected Pure Drive to date without sacrificing its signature power.

This is the culmination of all the fantastic technology introduced by Babolat over the years for this iconic racket.