Raphael Nadal: Babolat 2017 Pure Aero

Babolat gives the legendary AeroPro Drive a big makeover, starting with the name. This version is called the Pure Aero and it boasts a more aerodynamic beam along with a higher swingweight. The result is a racquet that trades a little bit of maneuverability for some ball crushing momentum and a welcomed boost in stability, plow-through and comfort. There’s also some serious power to be had for those who can swing this stick fast. Armed with FSI Spin Technology the Pure Aero features wider spacing between the crosses for increased ball bite (see big spin). Babolat has also enlarged some of the grommet holes, allowing the strings to absorb more vibration and snap the ball out of the stringbed with extra RPMs (see even bigger spin). Although this update has a speedy 11.3 ounce static weight, it swings a tad heavier than its predecessor from the backcourt. The added heft not only helps keep the racquet steadier through impact, it also produces a lethal combination of pace and spin on full