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.
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 Pure Drive Team Tennis Racket
Experience truly explosive power with the Babolat Pure Drive Team Tennis Racket in Blue, designed for regular players looking to unlock extra force in their shots, and part of the 11th generation of the Drive series that now features Babolat’s NF2 Tech to introduce premium feel.
Designed for players wanting to find more power in their aggressive strokes, the Babolat Pure Drive Team Tennis Racket delivers high levels of touch and feedback to encourage the development of racket swing technique. Weighing 285 grams, the Drive Team is a more manoeuvrable and comfortable option than the more advanced Drive 98, Drive, and Drive + while still packing a hefty punch. The 100 square inch headsize and 16/19 string pattern opens up the racket to allow players to call upon a wide range of shots, both powerful and technical. The racket’s Frame String Interaction Power system allows the strings to move dynamically and therefore increasing their contact time and energy return on the ball. The High Torsional Rigidity system prevents the racket from rotating or twisting upon impacts, keeping energy from the swing focused directly onto the ball.As introduced in the 2023 Pure Aero, the racket uses NF2 Tech to reinforce the frame with flax fibre inserts that filter vibrations to give you the best sense of feedback from your shots. The more positive intrinsic feel gives you the confidence to push the ball closer to the lines, putting your opponent on the back foot so that you can dictate rallies.
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.
Control Racket
Control rackets usually have closed string patterns – essentially, more strings per area – to increase ball contact and give you more control over your shots. They tend to have thinner beams to allow more flex and often utilise material technologies to make you feel more connected to the ball.
Features
• Endorsed by Kim Clijsters
• Head size: 645 sq cm / 100 sq in
• Length: 685mm / 27in
• Unstrung weight: 285g / 10.1oz
• Balance: 320mm
• Stiffness: 72 RA
• Composition: Graphite
• String pattern: 16/19
• NF2 Tech places flax inserts at strategic locations in the frame create optimal shock absorption and sound quality for an exceptional playing experience
• Frame String Interaction Power combines an open string pattern, diamond-shaped grommets, and a Woofer system to enhance the energy return of the strings and increase the contact time between the ball and the strings, giving you more power and feel
• High Torsional Rigidity (HTR) system has been added to the frame's composition to increase impact stability and energy return
• Elliptic Frame structure optimises stability at the throat of the racket to maximise the energy return of the strings and to deliver more power
• Racket ships unstrung
• Please note that all Babolat Pure Drive rackets come without a protective head cover
Additional Information
- Quick Ref: 1025229
- Man. Ref: 102554-100
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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