Great comparison.. Thanks.. I am in my 50's and a six month beginner and i wish you can dedicate a video for racquete recommendation for beginners.. Thanks
Currently using the 2019 Pure Aero. Looking for a little more power. Was looking into the PA Rafa or going to a Pure Drive/ Pure Drive Team/. I play with a heavy top spin. Also looked at the Clash 100.
Hello Kristian, It is possible to make the racquet more comfortable with adding a soft multi, but it would only be able to do so much due to the nature of the frame. The Pure aero Rafa of this generation, is a lighter more player friendly version of the Pure aero Origin. Which was designed with no dampening to give players that raw feeling. - Richard
@@RacquetGuys certainly, i'm not looking for the softness of a boom mp, but for something that doesn't bother my arm. i play 1 hour twice a week at amateur level, do you think i could handle it comfortably? i tried it once and big problems it didn't give me any, in fact, i played well.the only thing is that after 30 min i felt it heavy, both because of the balance and maybe because of the mono strings it had on. the balance i could set it back with weight in the handle or leather grip. hybrid or multi strings side? which one and at what tension? would the PA 2023 maybe be better? or the PA team? the other problem i have is that i swing a lot, i always want to push, i can't play slow and the other racquets it's like they don't follow me. the rafa maybe could be good? or which one? my level is intermediate amateur. thank you so much!
I have a couple of the old school Aero Prod Drive frames (easily 12 years old, lots of white, with the yellow and black). I have added weight to the head with these to get more plow. I frequently blow through strings (hybrid Luxilon Alu Power / Wilson NXT power, may need a cheaper alternative, I spend a ton on strings), and perhaps need a third frame, what would be most comparable??
Hello SolowSports, A lot of people think that the aero is best from the baseline to generate huge RPMs, but it really is a versatile racquet. I love how much action and feel I get from this frame from other parts of the court as well! - Richard
You guys didn't mention anything regarding the 16x19 pattern where the 2 rackets differ. The Rafa is the same as the 2019 model where is the new Pure Aero has a slightly tighter string bed which would partly explain why you're having a higher launch angle in the Rafa.
Hello there, The previous Version of the Rafa was more cosmetic, I found that it plays exactly like the PA 2019 just with a different look. The new PA RAFA 2023 has actually changed the specs of the frame. They had changed the balance of the frame along with the static weight this year. Making it a lighter more player friendly version of the origin. - Richard.
I really love your reviews guys. There is a great sense of transparency regardless of you guys working in a business that relies on selling these sticks. Now comparing these, I am even more curious about how the 2019s compare to them. Is there anyway you guys can make that video before Babolat stop producing them? Anyhow, thank you as always. Cheers! M
Hello Munditmum, Having to compare these two frames to the PA 2019 is quite interesting. Both of these frames actually have some characters in the 2019 PA. The PA 2019 is quite similar to the PA2023 when it comes to specs balance and how it feels when it swings through the air. But doesn't have the same amount of dampening and control. The 2023 had changed their stringbed milling to make it tighter than the previous generation. Where As the 2019PA I would say has a similar stringbed spacing to the RAFA 2023. When it comes to the PA2019 I would say that it has more power than the PA 2023 but with more of a stiffer feel not just do to the higher stiffness but response off the stringbed. But doesnt feel a raw and undampened as the RAFA 2023. For some I think that they might have an easier time playing with the 2019 version of the PA rather than the RAFA2023 due to the balance of the frame even though it comes in 10g lighter. But I would say if you looking to experiment I really think that doing some customization to the RAFA2023 could make that frame perform quite well. - Richard
@@RacquetGuys Thank you Richard! Much appreciate the response. I wasn't aware that the PA2019 was stiffer than the news ones. I am actually thinking of leaving the PA alone and going with Pure Drive +. I tested the Pure Drive Plus and found that it took away from the loopiness of my topspin forehands and penetrated the court much better. I had the test racquet with RPM Blast @ 50pds, just like my 2019PAs. The Pure Drive + added 5-10mph to my flat serves as well but had much less control. Would love to hear what you think about my thoughts above when you get a chance and thanks again for the very thorough explanation above. Cheers, M
Currently im using the PA 2019 (yellow one) thinking im gonna upgrade to the new racquet. is it worth if im upgrade to this racquet? i always play spin and flat power serve. Needs suggestion, thhank you. Great review btw, cheers
Hello Reyhan, The 2023 is going to be a noticeable change. Compared to the model you have currently the 2023 model is going to have more control due to the tighter milling of the string bed, and is going to have les vibration with the slightly lower flex and softer feel of the frame. Im sure with both racquet you are still going to get the same spin, it really just depends on if you are going to be looking for a slightly softer feel with some more control. - Richard
You have a great forehand, despite the gigantic swing path. First you lift the racquet to the sky, then you make a massive circular motion back, and then you do the racquet drop and accelerate to get the lag. And miraculously you don’t hit late. Impressive!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Seems like the Rafa could use 5-10g of lead tape on the handle to make it a tad more head light and to add some stability. Could be fun to tweak the balance and weight.
Hello there, With the Rafa 2023 being only 290 grams its honestly a great platform for people to customize into a racquet with there preferred specs. - Richard
Hi guys, great content, I am looking to by a new racquet and I'm torn between the Wilson Blade 100 and Babolat Pure Aero 100. Any opinions? A video would be great.
Hello there! I would have to say it really depends on what you are looking for an prioritize in your racquet. I would also have to ask what racquet you are coming from currently and why you would be looking to switch racquets? - Richard
Hello Jesus, I think that would really depend on if you are comparing the PA 2023 to get current gen Ezone 100 or the Gen6. I find that if you are looking for a frame that is going to give you a softer feel upon impact with a little bit more control that you would go with the PA 2023. I find that the Current Gen7 Ezone 100 feels a little bit stiffer and offers more power. -Richard
You guys are the first to my knowledge that address that RAFA 23 is good at flattening out the ball. All the other reviewers just complained about the stability. Would you guys say the spin is the same for the RAFA as PA 2019 Yellow one? Looked like the ball didn't jump up quite as high as with the PA 19 you reviewed a while back.
Hello there, I would personally have the say that, I felt that I was getting more movement on the RAFA 2023 than the PA 2019. I really do believe that due to the balance of the frame that it allows you to hit a much heavier ball. It would take some time adjusting to, but once you do its something that you would really enjoy. After hitting with the Origin, I had actually adjusted my currently customized racquets to match those specs. After being able to hit a much heavier ball and there was no way I was not going to take advantage of that. - Richard
Great comparison.. Thanks.. I am in my 50's and a six month beginner and i wish you can dedicate a video for racquete recommendation for beginners.. Thanks
Currently using the 2019 Pure Aero. Looking for a little more power. Was looking into the PA Rafa or going to a Pure Drive/ Pure Drive Team/. I play with a heavy top spin. Also looked at the Clash 100.
Using multi-filament on the Rafa, could you get that comfort that is missing? Tipo xcel,xalt or velocity.. thanks
Hello Kristian,
It is possible to make the racquet more comfortable with adding a soft multi, but it would only be able to do so much due to the nature of the frame. The Pure aero Rafa of this generation, is a lighter more player friendly version of the Pure aero Origin. Which was designed with no dampening to give players that raw feeling. - Richard
@@RacquetGuys certainly, i'm not looking for the softness of a boom mp, but for something that doesn't bother my arm. i play 1 hour twice a week at amateur level, do you think i could handle it comfortably? i tried it once and big problems it didn't give me any, in fact, i played well.the only thing is that after 30 min i felt it heavy, both because of the balance and maybe because of the mono strings it had on. the balance i could set it back with weight in the handle or leather grip. hybrid or multi strings side? which one and at what tension? would the PA 2023 maybe be better? or the PA team? the other problem i have is that i swing a lot, i always want to push, i can't play slow and the other racquets it's like they don't follow me. the rafa maybe could be good? or which one? my level is intermediate amateur. thank you so much!
I have a couple of the old school Aero Prod Drive frames (easily 12 years old, lots of white, with the yellow and black). I have added weight to the head with these to get more plow. I frequently blow through strings (hybrid Luxilon Alu Power / Wilson NXT power, may need a cheaper alternative, I spend a ton on strings), and perhaps need a third frame, what would be most comparable??
What string & tension did you use?
Serve and volley was smoooooooooooooth. Especially with the baseline dominant Aero.
Hello SolowSports,
A lot of people think that the aero is best from the baseline to generate huge RPMs, but it really is a versatile racquet. I love how much action and feel I get from this frame from other parts of the court as well! - Richard
@@RacquetGuys agreed!!
You guys didn't mention anything regarding the 16x19 pattern where the 2 rackets differ. The Rafa is the same as the 2019 model where is the new Pure Aero has a slightly tighter string bed which would partly explain why you're having a higher launch angle in the Rafa.
Vs Head speed/gravity pro ? Looking for arm friendly
Just thought of you guys last night and wondered when you'll review the new RAFA 2023 :)
How does this current Rafa compare to the older model? Are the changes major or just dampening feel?
Hello there,
The previous Version of the Rafa was more cosmetic, I found that it plays exactly like the PA 2019 just with a different look. The new PA RAFA 2023 has actually changed the specs of the frame. They had changed the balance of the frame along with the static weight this year. Making it a lighter more player friendly version of the origin. - Richard.
Please tell me I want to buy 2023 rafa what tension you use for this string.(main tension and Cross tension ? Bls
Hello Paul,
For the playtest all of our racquets are strung with Head Hawk Touch 17g @51lbs - Richard
I really love your reviews guys. There is a great sense of transparency regardless of you guys working in a business that relies on selling these sticks.
Now comparing these, I am even more curious about how the 2019s compare to them. Is there anyway you guys can make that video before Babolat stop producing them?
Anyhow, thank you as always.
Cheers!
M
Hello Munditmum,
Having to compare these two frames to the PA 2019 is quite interesting. Both of these frames actually have some characters in the 2019 PA. The PA 2019 is quite similar to the PA2023 when it comes to specs balance and how it feels when it swings through the air. But doesn't have the same amount of dampening and control. The 2023 had changed their stringbed milling to make it tighter than the previous generation. Where As the 2019PA I would say has a similar stringbed spacing to the RAFA 2023. When it comes to the PA2019 I would say that it has more power than the PA 2023 but with more of a stiffer feel not just do to the higher stiffness but response off the stringbed. But doesnt feel a raw and undampened as the RAFA 2023. For some I think that they might have an easier time playing with the 2019 version of the PA rather than the RAFA2023 due to the balance of the frame even though it comes in 10g lighter. But I would say if you looking to experiment I really think that doing some customization to the RAFA2023 could make that frame perform quite well. - Richard
@@RacquetGuys Thank you Richard! Much appreciate the response.
I wasn't aware that the PA2019 was stiffer than the news ones. I am actually thinking of leaving the PA alone and going with Pure Drive +. I tested the Pure Drive Plus and found that it took away from the loopiness of my topspin forehands and penetrated the court much better. I had the test racquet with RPM Blast @ 50pds, just like my 2019PAs.
The Pure Drive + added 5-10mph to my flat serves as well but had much less control.
Would love to hear what you think about my thoughts above when you get a chance and thanks again for the very thorough explanation above.
Cheers,
M
Currently im using the PA 2019 (yellow one) thinking im gonna upgrade to the new racquet. is it worth if im upgrade to this racquet? i always play spin and flat power serve. Needs suggestion, thhank you.
Great review btw, cheers
Hello Reyhan,
The 2023 is going to be a noticeable change. Compared to the model you have currently the 2023 model is going to have more control due to the tighter milling of the string bed, and is going to have les vibration with the slightly lower flex and softer feel of the frame. Im sure with both racquet you are still going to get the same spin, it really just depends on if you are going to be looking for a slightly softer feel with some more control. - Richard
You have a great forehand, despite the gigantic swing path. First you lift the racquet to the sky, then you make a massive circular motion back, and then you do the racquet drop and accelerate to get the lag. And miraculously you don’t hit late. Impressive!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
What does the “Pure” mean in the pure aero?
Seems like the Rafa could use 5-10g of lead tape on the handle to make it a tad more head light and to add some stability. Could be fun to tweak the balance and weight.
Hello there,
With the Rafa 2023 being only 290 grams its honestly a great platform for people to customize into a racquet with there preferred specs. - Richard
Hi guys, great content, I am looking to by a new racquet and I'm torn between the Wilson Blade 100 and Babolat Pure Aero 100. Any opinions? A video would be great.
Hello there!
I would have to say it really depends on what you are looking for an prioritize in your racquet. I would also have to ask what racquet you are coming from currently and why you would be looking to switch racquets? - Richard
@RacquetGuys looking to prioritise top spin and control. Currently using the 2015 version of the Babolat pure drive.
If i have a pure aero is it worth to buy pure aero rafa??
3:31 Nice shot!
Yonex ezone 100 or babolat pure aero 2023 ?
Hello Jesus,
I think that would really depend on if you are comparing the PA 2023 to get current gen Ezone 100 or the Gen6. I find that if you are looking for a frame that is going to give you a softer feel upon impact with a little bit more control that you would go with the PA 2023. I find that the Current Gen7 Ezone 100 feels a little bit stiffer and offers more power. -Richard
You guys are the first to my knowledge that address that RAFA 23 is good at flattening out the ball. All the other reviewers just complained about the stability. Would you guys say the spin is the same for the RAFA as PA 2019 Yellow one? Looked like the ball didn't jump up quite as high as with the PA 19 you reviewed a while back.
Hello there,
I would personally have the say that, I felt that I was getting more movement on the RAFA 2023 than the PA 2019. I really do believe that due to the balance of the frame that it allows you to hit a much heavier ball. It would take some time adjusting to, but once you do its something that you would really enjoy. After hitting with the Origin, I had actually adjusted my currently customized racquets to match those specs. After being able to hit a much heavier ball and there was no way I was not going to take advantage of that. - Richard