Innovative technologies

It’s hard to describe in simple terms just how the advances come about. Modern racket manufacture is a highly specialised scientific process, often making use of discoveries from the aerospace industry, and Babolat’s approach is evolution, not revolution. As such, the new Pure Drive keeps all the benefits of the 2018 model but brings some nice improvements everyone can feel.

The explosivity that comes from the added stability of the frame is one improvement. Another is the addition of ‘Smacwrap’ technology to enhance the feel. This is a kind of viscoelastic material integrated within the carbon layers at specific areas that acts as a vibration filtration factor without impairing the frame’s mechanical properties.

It allows the vibrations caused by the ball hitting the strings to be filtered, so the player feels those that contribute to the sense of a good ball contact, while the potentially harmful vibrations that can lead to problems with the arm’s tendons are minimised. The result is a better feel of ball on strings, and the satisfaction of a shot well struck.

The new Pure Drive’s inspiring design features a striking photo of a fork of lightning. Not only does it encapsulate the Pure Drive’s deep blue colour scheme, but it is a metaphor for the explosive power – instantaneous and unpredictable – that the new Pure Drive offers players of all levels. The two-tone blue is both warm and striking, making the racket aesthetically pleasing to look at as well as highly effective.

Continuing a great history

The Pure Drive was Babolat’s first racket in 1994, even though the company’s strings are as old as tennis itself. Success was instantaneous – Carlos Moya picked up one of the very first Pure Drives, loved the way it allowed him to hit great power off very short backswings, and within four years he was a Grand Slam champion with it.

The new Pure Drive is the 10th incarnation of the original racket. The racket’s DNA has stayed the same, and anyone who has played with a Pure Drive in the past 26 years will recognise the basic features in the new model. But the improvements have been continuous and this new release adds explosivity to power.

Much as Babolat talks about the Pure Drive as the power racket in the company’s range, it is effectively the all-rounder. Its light weight makes it very manoeuvrable, and some players opt for it more for the feel it offers on the volley than for its power from the back of the court.

Not surprisingly, the Pure Drive is a world’s best-selling racket, the racket of choice endorsed by many top pros and coaches, as well as juniors and club players. The last improvements will allow players at all levels to know they are making use of state-of-the-art technology, and the explosivity that is a feature of the new Pure Drive will allow for unpredictable winners.

Power for All, as the Pure Drive story embarks on its latest exciting chapter!