The Babolat Pure Strike 97 is built for experienced players who value precision above everything else. With its compact 97 square inch head, thin beam, and 16×20 string pattern, this racket is designed to reward clean ball striking and aggressive shot placement rather than providing effortless power.
Compared to the Pure Strike 98 and Pure Strike 100, the Pure Strike 97 offers an even more connected feel and greater directional accuracy. It demands good timing and full swings, but players who consistently hit the center of the string bed will appreciate the exceptional control and confidence it provides.
Babolat Pure Strike 97 Score
| Power | 7 |
| Spin | 9 |
| Control | 10 |
| Comfort | 9 |
Racket Specifications
• Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
• Head Size: 97 sq in / 625.8 cm²
• Weight (Strung): 11.7 oz / 332 g
• Balance (Strung): 12.59 in / 31.98 cm / 7 pts HL
• Beam Width: 21 mm / 22 mm / 21 mm
• Construction: Graphite
• String Pattern: 16×20
• Stiffness (RA): 63
• Swingweight: 321
• Recommended String Tension: 48-57 lb / 22-26 kg
Performance
Comfort and Feel
The Pure Strike 97 delivers one of the best feeling rackets in Babolat’s current lineup. Thanks to its lower stiffness and updated vibration dampening technologies, impact feels clean and solid without becoming harsh. Even though it is clearly a player’s racket, it is more comfortable than many control frames in the same category.
The smaller head size creates a very connected response. You immediately know where the ball contacts the strings, making touch shots, slices, and volleys feel exceptionally precise. Players who enjoy shaping points with variety rather than relying on raw power will appreciate the feedback this frame provides.
Power and Control
Control is where the Pure Strike 97 separates itself from most modern rackets. The compact head and dense 16×20 pattern produce a lower, more predictable launch angle, allowing aggressive players to swing confidently at full speed while keeping the ball inside the lines.
Power is available, but it has to be created by the player. The racket doesn’t offer the effortless depth of a Pure Drive or Pure Aero. Instead, it rewards proper footwork and full acceleration through the ball. When struck cleanly, groundstrokes feel heavy and accurate, especially on flatter drives and penetrating backhands.
Despite its control-oriented nature, spin is easy to generate because of the racket’s quick handling. The head moves rapidly through contact, allowing players to produce plenty of topspin when using modern strokes. At the net, the head light balance makes the racket surprisingly maneuverable, while the overall mass provides excellent stability against hard hit passing shots.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding precision and control | Small sweet spot |
| Excellent feel and feedback | Requires advanced technique |
| Stable against heavy pace | Produces little free power |
| Comfortable for a player’s racket | Less forgiving on off-center hits |
| Fast through the air despite its weight | Demanding during long matches |
Who Should Use This Racket
The Babolat Pure Strike 97 is best suited for advanced players with long, confident swings who generate their own pace. It is an excellent option for aggressive baseliners, all court players, and competitors who prioritize accuracy over easy power.
Players with a one handed backhand, strong net game, or flatter ball trajectory will especially appreciate the racket’s precise response. Beginners and intermediate players, however, may find the smaller head size and lower power level difficult to use consistently.
Final Verdict
The Babolat Pure Strike 97 is one of the most precise rackets available today. It rewards clean technique with exceptional accuracy, impressive stability, and a connected feel that few modern frames can match.
If you’re an experienced player looking for maximum control without sacrificing maneuverability or comfort, the Pure Strike 97 is an outstanding choice. It demands commitment on every swing, but the level of confidence it provides when attacking the ball makes it one of the finest control rackets in Babolat’s lineup.