Since the first Pure Aero came out in 2003, named back then as the Aero Pro Drive, the racquet has been the benchmark for spin. Babolat was so serious about the Aero's focus on spin that it called it "the first racquet engineered specifically for spin." When Rafael Nadal won the first of his fourteen French Open titles using it, the racquet significantly boosted its reputation in that area. Over the years, many big names have gone on to play with the racquet in question, such as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and, more recently, Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Babolat lays particular emphasis on players when it develops new racquets. That is one of the reasons behind the growing popularity and success of the brand on the Tour. Its famous racquet lines have all been developed keeping in mind the needs of players and a particular playing style. For instance, with the Pure Strike, the company wanted a design that allowed for maximum control as well as great power. These requirements aligned perfectly with Dominic Thiem's game, which led to him being an active participant in the testing and development phase of the latest version of the racquet.
In contrast, the Pure Aero was intended to be a racquet that would enable players to use spin for defense and dictating points from the baseline. Naturally, this resulted in Babolat studying the game of a rising Nadal in detail back in the early-to-mid 2000s, working directly with the Spaniard to craft a racquet that would squeeze extra performance from players who use spin for offense.
However, times have changed since then, and Babolat has come a long way from when it released the first Aero. Continuous innovation, advancements in technology, and Babolat's experience in developing racquets have all significantly improved the quality and capabilities of racquets, and now we have the new Babolat Pure Aero 2023.
Babolat Pure Aero 2023 Racquets Generation
Released on August 25, 2022, the new generation of Pure Aero will offer different versions to cater to different play styles.
The "Fast Spin" players who take the ball on the rise just after the bounce need to go for the Pure Aero 98. "Strong Spin" players, meanwhile, are the ones who strike the ball at the peak of bounce. They will have to settle for the Pure Aero. What's more, such players can have the lighter Pure Aero Team or Pure Aero Lite as well. As for the "Heavy Spin" players, the Pure Aero Rafa launching in 2023 will do the job. As the name suggests, this racquet is for players who hit the ball as it comes down after the bounce.
Babolat Pure Aero 2023 Technologies
Designing the best Pure Aero meant Babolat had to use new racquet technologies
A new string pattern, the FSI SPIN, enables more significant string movement and RPMs for maximum spin. The NF2 TECH in the new racquets uses shock-absorbing fiber materials to increase control. Likewise, the SWX Pure Feel employs SMAC tech material in the graphite frame shaft for better feel and sound. With the AEROMODULAR 3, an entirely new aerodynamic frame allows for a faster swing and greater spin.
Babolat Pure Aero 2023 Specifications
- Head Size: 100 square inches
- Weight (Unstrung): 300g
- Weight (Strung): 315g
- Length: 27"
- String Pattern: 16 x 19
- Stiffness: 69
- Recommended String Tension: 50-59 lbs
- Recommended Strings: RPM Blast and RPM Rough
