Easy Power: Your Guide to the Babolat Evo Drive
It’s one of the most popular tennis rackets we sell, and with good reason. Read on to find out whether the Evo Drive is right for you.
Here are PDT, we’re huge fans of Babolat’s EVO range. If you’re unaware, EVO rackets are the more arm-friendly versions of their Drive, Aero, and Strike frames, designed to promote comfort while still giving you access to the series’ signature characteristic.
For the Drive, that means ample power with less strain on the body. It’s a gamechanger. Using the Evo Drive, even if you’re not physically the strongest player, you find yourself able to hit blistering winners with ease. It adds a whole new set of shots to your arsenal, opening up the court, making the game more fun, and helping you improve your overall level.
There are three spec options available, all of which have a 70 RA stiffness rating. That’s slightly softer than the Pure editions, offering a bit more flex to reduce pressure on your arm. If you want to experience the Drive series but find the Pure Drive too stiff, the Evo Drive could be the answer. Let’s run through the range.
Evo Drive Tour
The closest racket to the Pure Drive in terms of specs, the Evo Drive Tour is the obvious choice for players who favour stability and are capable of wielding its still fairly hefty 285g (unstrung) frame. It is, essentially, a more flexible, more affordable version of the Pure Drive. That slightly lower 70 RA stiffness makes a significant difference to the feel and performance of the racket, though – you get the inherent power of the Drive series, but it’s a little bit easier to keep under control. The 102 sq in headsize is forgiving without being overbearing, and the string pattern is a spin-friendly 16/19. Ideal for improving intermediate players and anyone who likes the Pure Drive but wants to give their arm some respite.
Headsize: 660 sq cm/102 sq in
Weight (Unstrung): 285g/10oz
Balance (Unstrung): 320mm
Stiffness: 70 RA
Length: 685mm/27in
Composition: Graphite
String Pattern: 16/19
Grip: Syntec Evo
Evo Drive
Increasing the headsize to a larger 104 sq in with an open 16/17 string pattern, the Evo Drive offers even more easy power and very forgiving performance. The weight’s lowered to 270g (unstrung) to help you manoeuvre the bigger frame, while the balance and stiffness remain the same as the Tour. It’s a racket that’s specced for power and playability – you’ll have no trouble producing big shots with the Evo Drive. The trade-off is that you sacrifice a bit of precision compared to the Tour, but that’s why there are different versions, right? We therefore recommend the Evo Drive for recreational players who want to hit winners with little physical effort.
Headsize: 670 sq cm/104 sq in
Weight (Unstrung): 270g/9.5oz
Balance (Unstrung): 320mm
Stiffness: 70 RA
Length: 685mm/27in
Composition: Graphite
String Pattern: 16/17
Grip: Syntec Evo
Evo Drive Lite
The name says it all, really. Same specs as the Evo Drive, but 15g lighter – that’s the Evo Drive Lite. So, still plenty of built-in power from the 104 sq in headsize, forgiving performance for off-centre hits, and some welcome spin potential from the 16/17 string pattern. It’s a good all-round, power-based frame that’s easy to swing and extremely comfortable to play with. A great option for junior players looking to make the step up to adult frames, older players who perhaps don’t have the arm strength they used to, or anyone with a short, compact swing who prefers a fast feel through the air.
Headsize: 670 sq cm/104 sq in
Weight (Unstrung): 255g/9oz
Balance (Unstrung): 320mm
Stiffness: 70 RA
Length: 685mm/27in
Composition: Graphite
String Pattern: 16/17
Grip: Syntec Evo
FAQs
What is Babolat Evo Drive?
It’s the EVO version of Babolat’s Drive series of rackets. EVO editions use comfort-focused materials and specs while still giving access to the series’ signature characteristic. For the Drive, that’s power.
Is Evo Drive a stiff racket?
At 70 RA, it’s quite a stiff racket, yes, but not as stiff as the Pure Drive and therefore slightly easier on the arm. Lots of players who like the Pure Drive but find it’s too stiff for them switch to the Evo Drive Tour.
Shop the full Babolat Evo Drive collection here and share some pics of your new racket with us @prodirecttennis