Babolat came out with a series of tennis racquets that are different versions of the Babolat Pure Strike line. The new line includes Babolat Pure Strike VS, Babolat Pure Strike VS Tour, and Babolat Pure Strike 18×20. The racquets may appear similar in many ways, but they do have some crucial differences that help you tell them apart.
What I want is to discuss the Babolat Pure Strike 18×20 tennis racquet. Reportedly, it’s one of the best Babolat racquets for intermediate players on today’s market, so I had to try it myself. I had a chance to play with it for a while, and also gather different information about it from many people who also used the same racquet.
The racquet’s features and technical specifications speak a lot about its quality and overall performance. Since it’s a racquet made for intermediate players, it has to be a perfect balance of a powerful and comfortable racquet. Plus, it has to be able to help you improve your game and tennis skills.
It’s a versatile racquet that fits the most different type of players that are on a somewhat intermediate gameplay level. Regardless of your technique, the Babolat Pure Strike 18×20 tennis racquet will give you all the attributes you need to upgrade your overall performance.
Take a minute to read all the info about the Babolat Pure Strike 18×20. You’ll find all you need to know from specifications, features, the good and the bad things about the racquet as well as the overall feel it provides.
Features and specifications:
When I say that Babolat improved their previous Pure Strike line, I mean it. They’ve added a few new technologies and features to enhance the quality of the racquet. First, there’s a matter of the grommets of the Pure Strike 18×20. Precisely, newly added PEBAX to the grommets composition has more than one benefit. PEBAX absorbs energy, which means it dampens impacts on the frame and grommets. Plus, the material is 20% lighter than the most materials that are usually used to make racquet frames.
Also, another thing I’ve noticed is the increased torsional stability. Babolat constructed the frame with their new Stabilizer technology that provides most of that balance. It’s unlikely that the racquet would twist in your hand even during most of the off-center shots. Given the fact that the racquet works this way, it’s ideal for people who like stable swings.
Another innovative technology featured in this Babolat racquet is the X-Sider technology. More precisely, it’s the thinned inside of the frame. The positions at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock are thinned to provide 10% larger sweet spot. This means the racquet is more forgiving and will perform well even in off-center shots.
The racquet comes with a 18×20 string pattern that’s quite dense and usually considered a closed string pattern. Although you won’t get as much spin as you would with the 16×19 pattern, this string pattern generates enough spin whenever you need it. However, the racquet comes unstrung, so make sure to consider that right off the bat. Stringing it isn’t anything unusual, but even if you don’t know how to do that step yourself, you can always have it strung at a local shop.
Most of the customers who ever played with the Babolat Pure Strike 18×20 loved its frame. Technical specifications of the frame are quite impressive, too. Its weight is 11.4 ounces when unstrung, with 7 points head light. Plus, its flexibility is rated at 66. Once you string the racquet, you’ll get 12.48 ounces, and 2 points head light. You will notice the difference in the strung vs unstrung frame.
Either way, the frame is hefty, sturdy and solid in every sense of the word. Its construction allows it to be impressively stable during all incoming shots. It absorbs all the speed and weight with ease without you having to try too hard or even twist your hand. As an intermediate player, you’ll have to spend some time getting used to the racquet and the feel it provides. Still, once you get used to it, you’ll be impressed with the maneuverability and performance.
I would say that the Babolat Pure Strike 18×20 isn’t very suitable for servers because of its frame. If you’re not that concerned about your serves as for some other aspects of your game, then this racquet might be the best choice for you.
Overall, the Babolat Pure Strike 18×20 is one of the best Babolat racquets for intermediate players, and for a reason. Its many features, new technologies, and impressive specifications make the racquet quite remarkable.
The good:
- Maneuverable
- Comfortable
- Powerful
- Has great control
- Innovative technology
The Bad:
- Not as much spin
Final verdict:
It doesn’t get much better than this for an intermediate player. This Babolat racquet has all the qualities you’d need as someone who’s looking to improve their skills. After using the racquet for a while and speaking to many people who chose Pure Strike 18×20 as their racquet of choice, it’s safe to say that it provides enough power and overall quality of performance.
There’s always a matter of preference regarding spin, control, and power. Some people like comfort more than anything, while others focus on control and power a bit more. The racquet can give you all of that, once you get used to how it feels and performs.
Overall, the Babolat Pure Strike 18×20 racquet is one of the best Babolat racquets for intermediate players. Its specifications, combined with the innovative technology, make one great racquet that fits most playing styles. Also, it’s easy on the arm, and you won’t mind having long hour training even if it’s every day.
If you’re looking for a tennis racquet that’s powerful, lightweight, and easy to use and control, then this is the right model for you. Babolat is a brand of trust that has been around for quite some time making some of the most quality tennis equipment. Their Pure Strike 18×20 comes highly recommended by many intermediate and professional tennis players.
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