Babolat’s racquet lines consistently offer versions that fit every play style and level. This philosophy is unchanged with the introduction of the Pure Aero Team. More than just a name change to the AeroPro line, this frame packs a host of new advancements. The AeroModular2 shaft design improves the already impressive aerodynamics. The FSI Spin string pattern and oblong grommets work in tandem to boost power and spin. Babolat has also improved the feel by moving the Cortex piece inside of the frame itself. The Team model has all of these innovations in a light, easy to swing setup. Here’s an overview of my on court time with the Pure Aero Team.

Groundstrokes
Off the ground, the Pure Aero Team was lightning fast. Its light 10.6 oz strung weight and mildly head light balance made accelerating it through contact a breeze. I was able to add a ton of racquet head speed for great pace from both sides. The swingweight was also solid for a frame in this weight class so I found good depth on my shots and didn’t leave too many balls sitting short. The 100 inch head had a sizeable sweet spot and I was impressed with the consistent power level at the top of the string bed where I most frequently made contact. There was plenty of spin off both sides and I was able to vary my margin with ease. I hit a fairly flat backhand so I enjoyed the ability to put a bit more air under the ball off that side until I found a ball I could drive. This version did lack the raw finishing power of the heavier models but it still had enough to give me confidence stepping in for short balls. My backhand slice was a little weaker as the loss of weight didn’t allow me to drive through and skid the ball low as much. Accuracy was on par with other models in the line. I actually hit a better medium pace ball with this version so I could steadily move the ball closer to the lines with more confidence.

Volleys & Serves
The quick feel of the Pure Aero Team continued to be on display at the net. It was incredibly fast and maneuverable, allowing me to get the better of most quick exchanges. I found aggressive ball rewarded as the frame has enough pop to finish off high volleys with ease. Defensive volleys were a bit tougher as the reduced mass didn’t absorb pace as well as heavier versions. I also found touch volleys to float a bit more. They just didn’t have the weight behind them to stay down all the way. The maneuverability also helped me create a lot of angles with my volleys, ensuring my opponents were compromised even if they managed to get to the ball.

Serving with the Pure Aero Team was a speed lover’s dream. It accelerated through the top of contact with incredible ease. This translated into great pace on my first serve, even if it lacked the shot heaviness of the other models. I also found solid accuracy with this model, something I struggled with on the other ones. I was able to move my first serve around the box and utilize a mix of wide and up the T serves to keep people guessing. The quick feel and spin friendly pattern ensured I had plenty of action on kick and slice serves. I saw great results dragging opponents wide with slice serves and then kicking the serve back into the middle later in games.

Feel/Comfort
Feel was an area of great improvement across my time with the Pure Aero line. The Team, while still a stiff frame, played with a nice crisp response that felt clean even on off center shots. While I still prefer more flexible frames, I felt more connected to the ball than I had with any previous versions. The improved response created more confidence to mix touch shots in from the baseline, something these frames haven’t traditionally been known for. I had no comfort issues as the integrated Cortex did an admirable job of tuning out unwanted players.

Overall
Intermediate players and developing juniors who want a light, quick swinging frame that packs a lot of pop and spin will enjoy the Babolat Pure Aero Team. The light weight makes it an aggressive tool at the net and players with mid level swing speed who want a strong weapon that can provide power and spin from all areas of the court should take a strong look at the Pure Aero Team.

About the Reviewer: Matt Locke currently serves as the Junior Programs & Development Coordinator for USTA-Idaho and is an active USTA League and Tournament player.