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.
Babolat Pure Aero
Emulate the ultimate master of spin with Babolat Pure Aero tennis racket, as endorsed by Spain’s baseline dominator, Rafael Nadal.
Developed in collaboration with 17-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, the new Babolat Pure Aero is the ultimate racket for players with a spin-based game – if you like to slowly constrict your opponent with relentless topspin, there simply isn’t a better racket.
The 2019 edition Pure Aero features a slightly more flexible frame than previous rackets, while the Cortex Pure Feel dampening system has been moved from the shaft to the sides of the racket head. The racket also marks the introduction of the third iteration of Babolat’s Aeromodular technology – Aeromodular3 – which sees a redesigned bumper head with strategic string positioning further reduce drag.
The 100 square-inch head and open 16/19 string pattern remain from previous versions, so you’ll still be dominating from the baseline with the perfect combination of power and spin. Meanwhile the racket’s new yellow and black paintjob is classic Babolat, and was personally selected by Rafael Nadal himself.
Please note that this racket comes without a protective head cover.
Babolat
Spin Racket
Spin rackets typically have open string patterns – fewer strings with more space between them – to allow the strings more “bite” on the ball and make it easier to produce spin. They often have specially designed grommets that increase the effect, along with aerodynamic frames for faster racket speed through the air.
Features
- Weight: 300g / 10.6oz
- Headsize: 645cm2 / 100 sq.in.
- Flexibility: 71ra
- Length: 685mm / 27in
- Balance: 320mm
- String Pattern: 16/19
Additional Information
- Quick Ref: 189981
- Man. Ref: 102354
