Babolat Pure Drive+ (16x19) 2025-4 1/2

Babolat adds another chapter to one of the game’s most dangerous players’ racquets. With its extended length, powerful beam construction, and open string pattern, the Pure Drive Plus gives aggressive players the ability to overwhelm their opponents with heavy pace. In addition to giving you extra leverage on groundies, this racquet’s extended length translates into an unmistakable boost in power on serves. Although not as nimble as the standard Pure Drive at net, this extended-length racquet comes around surprisingly fast in the front court, making it a formidable all-court weapon. For 2025, Babolat adds its NF2 Tech 2.0, which uses flax fibers in the throat to dampen harsh vibrations (a welcome feature, considering the stiff beam). This model also inherits FSI Power from the previous generation, consisting of a bundle of technologies that enable the string bed to transfer more energy to the ball. Other features include Babolat’s HTR System, a layup strategy that stiffens the hoop in a way that not only enhances power but creates more stability and less frame noodling on off-center impact (think rebound control). Ultimately, this update keeps a good thing going. Although you’ll appreciate the enhanced dampening and comfort, the star of the show remains its dangerous combination of power and spin.