Babolat Pure Drive 98 2025 Racquet 4 1/2 (#4)

Originally launched in 2019 under the VS moniker, the Pure Drive 98 is defined by its controllable power. In addition to offering the most compact and surgical head size in the Pure Drive family, this stick gets updated with a tighter 16x20 string pattern, giving players the needed control to swing bigger when loading the ball with pace and spin. For 2025, Babolat adds comfort with an updated version of NF2 Tech, a dampening technology that uses flax fibers in the throat to smooth out 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 racquet to transfer more energy to the ball (think easy power). Other features include Babolat’s HTR System, a layup construction 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). In addition to its enhanced dampening, the 2025 Pure Drive 98 continues to offer an irresistible combination of speed, power, spin, and precision.