One of the sport’s most historic brands, Babolat’s tennis story began all the way back in 1875, when, utilising their expertise in the processing of natural gut for musical instruments and archery bows, Pierre Babolat and his team produced the first ever natural gut racket string.
A series of innovations followed, including the tension-resistant Babolat VS string in 1925, which remains popular today, through to the Cordynel – the world’s first electric stringing machine – in 1981. The Lyon-based brand are also responsible for some of the most technologically advanced synthetic strings on the market, such as the RPM and Xcel ranges. In short, they are the masters of strings.
But what about rackets? It might surprise you to learn that Babolat’s first range of rackets was released relatively recently, with another Pierre Babolat, great grandson of the family company’s founder, creating the Pure line in 1994.
Having cleverly gifted their frames to talented up-and-comers, Babolat’s name began to ring out on the pro circuit, chiefly thanks to the Pure Drive. After Carlos Moya won the French Open in ’98 using the power-focused racket, Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters became ATP and WTA No.1s with the same frame in 2003. A couple of years later, a youthful Rafael Nadal won his first Slam title, conquering Roland-Garros with the Aeropro Drive, which was specifically designed to suit his spin-based play.
Nowadays, Babolat split their rackets into three categories: the Pure Drive for power, the Pure Aero for spin, and the Pure Strike for control. Each series comes in a range of headsizes and weights to suit all ages, body types, and skill levels, with comfort-focused EVO editions available for players who prioritise fun and gradual improvement.
Why it’s important
A poorly sized tennis racket can both increase risk of injury and impede the growth of technical skills, so it’s vital for junior tennis players to find the right racket during the key stages of development.
By age/heightThe easiest way to tell what size will fit best is to simply use this chart to find the right racket length for a certain age or height. This should give a good indication of the general sizes to look for, but keep in mind that outliers who are particularly tall, short, strong or weak for their age may need to size up or down. If the junior player in question falls below these ranges for age or height, consider a 17-inch racket.
Which Babolat Racket Suits Your Playstyle?
Wondering which Babolat racket will suit your game? Read below as we give you the lowdown on each collection and which one is best for your style and level of play.
Babolat Girls Drive 25 Junior Tennis Racket
Play with explosive power using the Babolat Drive Junior 25 tennis racket in Estate Blue/Pink/White, designed to help junior players add some serious velocity to their shots.
Weighing in at 230g with a 100 sq in headsize, the Babolat Drive Junior 25 is ideal for hard-hitting younger players, helping them maximise their power without restricting movement.A closed 16/17 string pattern assists with control, while the shorter 25in length makes sure they can comfortably manoeuvre the racket.
Babolat
Babolat Drive
Known for its devastating power potential, the Drive series has been blasting opponents off the court since 1994. It’s Babolat’s longest-standing racket series and arguably its most influential, having played a significant role in the rise in popularity of larger headsizes over the years. That trend began with the Pure Drive, which remains the flagship racket in the series today, and extends to the more recreational rackets in the range, the Evo Drive and the Boost Drive. Whichever model you choose, whether you’re a pro or just playing for fun, power won’t be a problem when you’re armed with a Drive.
Power Racket
Power rackets typically have larger headsizes, thicker beams, and overall stiffer frames, making it easier to generate pace on the ball. They also tend to be more stable, offering more forgiving performance for off-centre hits.
Features
• Headsize: 645 sq cm / 100 sq in
• Weight: 230g / 8.1oz
• Balance: 315mm
• Length: 635mm / 25in
• Composition: Graphite Composite
• String Pattern: 16/17
• Grip Size: 000
• Please be advised that this racket will come strung unless the image displays otherwise.
Additional Information
- Quick Ref: 230282
- Man. Ref: 140443-348
How to choose the right tennis racket grip size? It starts right here.
Finding your perfect grip size isn't just about comfort - it's about unlocking control, confidence, and consistency on every swing. Whether you're ripping forehands with a Babolat Pure Drive or chasing control with the Wilson Blade, the right grip transforms your racket into a true extension of your arm.
This guide breaks it down step by step - from the "shake hands" test to the classic ruler trick - so you can dial in the grip that fits your game. We cover the difference between US and European grip sizes, how your playing style (spin vs control) affects your ideal fit, and why overgrips are the low-key MVPs when you're in between sizes. Plus, expert tips on injury prevention, grip maintenance, and when to switch it up.
Still unsure what tennis grip size to go for?
Start with our guide and shop confidently. Because when your racket feels right, everything else clicks into place.
👉 Read the full Tennis Grip Size Guide now at Pro:Direct Tennis
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