Babolat Pure Drive 98 (Frame Only) Gen 11 Tennis Racket (2025)

First introduced in 2019 under the VS moniker, the Pure Drive 98 stands out for its controllable power and precision. Boasting the most compact head size in the Pure Drive series, this racket now features a tighter 16x20 string pattern, providing players with the control needed to unleash aggressive shots loaded with pace and spin.

For 2025, Babolat enhances comfort with an updated NF2 Tech, incorporating flax fibres in the throat to reduce harsh vibrations—a valuable upgrade given the racket's stiff beam.

Colour: Blue 

Our view of the 305g Pure Drive 98 model: 

At 305g weight and a 98 square inch head size, this model in the range is aimed squarely at better players who prefer a heavier swing weight and a smaller head for that extra bit of control that good players demand.

Range Technology : 

• Lower RA Stiffness: Improves comfort without sacrificing the powerful, connected feel.
• NF² Tech: Features flax fibres in the throat to dampen vibrations, delivering a smoother, more comfortable hitting experience.
• FSI Power: Maximizes energy transfer for effortless power and spin.
• HTR System: Reinforces the hoop to enhance stability and reduce frame wobble on off-centre hits, ensuring more control and consistency.

Our View of the Range:

The Pure Drive range is one of the classic racket ranges of all time. It has been through several re-designs over the years while maintaining the overall characteristics of the racket. The latest Gen 11 models are an improvement on the previous models because they have a softer feel with the flax fibres in the throat of the rackets, which makes them more arm-friendly. The other main difference is that the frames are less stiff, which again improves comfort without affecting the feel that better players demand in a racket. 

FAQs

• How does the FSI Power technology in the Pure Drive 98 benefit my game?
  FSI Power technology expands the sweet spot, delivering more power and forgiveness on off-centre hits.

• Who is the Babolat Pure Drive range best suited for?
  The Pure Drive range suits players seeking a versatile blend of power and spin, ideal for aggressive baseline play.
• What is NF² Tech and how does it improve the Pure Drive rackets?
  NF² Tech uses natural flax fibres in the frame to reduce vibrations and enhance shock absorption, resulting in better comfort and feel.

Babolat Pure Drive 2025

Technology

NF²-TECH 2.0

Optimal filtration of vibration

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New 2.0 natural flax fibres - 100% unidirectional linen fabric provides greater mechanical strength in the direction of the fibers resulting in optimal filtration of vibrations. Flax patches located in the racket's throat filter out negative sensations, ensuring comfort in your hand.

FSI Power

Power through synergistic technology

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Frame String Interaction Power combines an open string pattern, diamond-shaped grommets and a Woofer system ensures a longer contact time between the ball and the strings, enhancing the energy return of the strings resulting in greater power and feel when you hit the ball.

Elliptic Frame Technology

Maximum energy return

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The elliptical frame structure maximizes the energy return of the strings by optimizing stability at the racket's throat, delivering more power.

HTR System

Increased impact & energy return

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The frame's composition includes the High Torsional Rigidity (HTR) system to increase impact stability and energy return.