The Babolat Aero Pro Drive 112 versus the Babolat Pure Aero – two of the most iconic and popular tennis rackets ever made. As a long-time player, you’ve likely faced the debate of which one will give you the blend of power, spin and control best suited to your playing style. I’ve playtested both of these legendary frames extensively, and there are subtle but impactful differences that could make one model the clear choice for you.
Here, in plain terms, is how these high-tech, aerodynamic race cars of the tennis world stack up. You’ll be on the way to making an informed decision before heading to your tennis store to demo them on court.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Racquet | Pure Aero | Aero Pro Drive 112 |
| Power | 9.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Spin Potential | 10/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Control | 8.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Comfort | 8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Ideal Player Type | Aggressive baseliner/Developing attacker | Attacking Baseliner |
| Skill Level | Intermediate – Advanced | Intermediate – Advanced |
Babolat Pure Aero Overview
The Babolat Pure Aero has achieved true legendary status, selected by pros like Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. It made its debut back in 2004 and changed the game with its aerodynamic, speed-focused design. More spin, more power and optimized swing speed were the ingredients that made the Pure Aero a modern icon.
The latest model incorporates Babolat’s FSI Technology in the handle, designed to deliver more vibration dampening. Micro gel-filled pockets absorb unwanted vibration for enhanced comfort and feel. The L2 technology in the tapered beam adds another dimension of stability and power.
Overall, for intermediate and advanced players seeking an aggressive, spin-friendly weapon with easy access to power, the Pure Aero should be high on your list to demo. Let’s look at some of the standout technical attributes:
Key Features
- Headsize: 100 sq inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Weight: 11 oz unstrung
- Swingweight: 324 strung
- String Pattern: 16 Mains x 19 Crosses
- Balance: 33.7 cm / 4 pts HL
- Beam Width: 23-26-23mm
- Material: Graphite FSI Power Feel
Babolat Aero Pro Drive Specs
As a direct competitor to the Pure Aero, the Babolat Aero Pro Drive 112 also utilizes aerodynamic design for a similarly fast feel. First introduced in 2013, the APD has been used and endorsed by pros including Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, Sloane Stephens and Agnieszka Radwanska.
The latest version packs a little extra power and spin compared to its predecessors thanks to the Speed Flex Bridge in the upper half, designed for a more energetic response at contact.
Not quite as spin-friendly as the Pure Aero, the APD 112 trades a little of that potential for a more penetrating, flatter trajectory that aggressive baseliners love. The balance seems to swing faster than the specs would indicate. Overall, this is an excellent choice as a confidence-boosting racket for intermediate through advanced players. The key technical specs:
Key Features
- Headsize: 112 sq inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Weight: 10.6 oz strung
- Swingweight: 316 strung
- String Pattern: 16 Mains x 20 Crosses
- Balance: 33.5 cm / 4 pts HL
- Beam Width: 23-26-23 mm
- Material: Graphite CX2 Technology
Comparing Key Performance Attributes
Now that we’ve looked under the hood, let’s compare some key performance attributes between the Aero Pro Drive 112 and the Pure Aero to help you determine the best match.
Power
With both utilizing Babolat’s Aeromodular technology to optimize frame aerodynamics, exceptional power is a strength. The APD 112 does feel a touch more powerful thanks to slightly thicker beam dimensions and higher swing speed from its balance point. It seems to just explode through the ball at contact.
The Pure Aero, with a more head-light balance isn’t far behind and has no problem generating heavy pace. The spin potential gives it a different type of power – allowing you to take faster cuts while controlling the ball. Both have excellent power, so it’s a matter of the flavor you prefer. Offensive baseliners may gain that extra edge opting for the APD 112.
Spin Potential
If maximizing spin is the priority, the Pure Aero wins handily, mostly due to its more open 16×19 string pattern. Those extra main strings move more, grabbing the ball with vicious topspin. From the first hit you’ll notice the Pure Aero bites the ball for faster rotation.
That’s not to say the APD 112 is spin-deficient. At 16×20 with a dense pattern, spin potential remains quite high. The flatter trajectory simply means less ball rotation compared to the Pure Aero. For players looking to dictate with penetration more than shape, the APD is an excellent choice.
Control
The Pure Aero offers a slight edge in control – lighter weight, more head-light balance and spin potential provide confidence taking faster cuts at lower-percentage angles. The ultra quick swing style however won’t suit all player types. It requires great timing and preparation to keep it on track.
The APD 112 offers outstanding precision for its power level – a great blend of plow through and stability. The dense 16×20 pattern provides a consistent response even with high swing speeds. If you sometimes spray balls from having “too much racket”, the APD 112 provides a little more innate control.
Also watch the review video of Babolat Pure Aero!
Comfort
With ample cushioning systems designed into each frame, including Babolat’s FSI dampening technology, both provide very solid comfort levels for their stiff frame constructions. At a slightly lighter static weight however, the Pure Aero gets the comfort edge here. The livelier feel doesn’t seem to come with any increased vibration.
Both frames still sit on the firmer side, giving that “crisp” sensation on ball impact. If you like a softer, muted racket response these may not be ideal. But that stiffness adds stability bringing extra energy back into each shot. For their purpose as spin-friendly power racquets, both achieve good comfort.
Player Testimonials
Here are a few comments from playtesters who have hit extensively with both the Aero Pro Drive 112 and the Pure Aero:
“I felt like I could go for winners much easier with the APD 112. My shots penetrated through the court more. The Pure Aero required me to generate my own pace a bit more but I got more action on the ball.”
“The Pure Aero took a bit more effort wielding it around. Great once I adjusted to it but if I was a little sluggish that day I’d spray a few as it twisted around if I wasn’t precise. Loved it for heavy spin though. Easier time adjusting to the APD.”
“I could block balls back more easily with the APD 112 – less effort required. The Pure Aero seemed feistier so I had to take a more assertive swing to control it. Both very nice rackets.”
“My elbow bothered me more with the stiffer Pure Aero. Cushioning helps but it still felt more jarring on misses. No issues with the APD. I was surprised since it also feels crisp.”
FAQs
For more power and spin, opt for the Pure Aero. The Pure Drive offers a blend of power, comfort and control but can’t match the aerodynamic power of the Aero.
The Pure Aero VS. was discontinued. The standard Pure Aero incorporates technologies from the VS., providing a similar experience in a simplified package.
It’s popular because the aerodynamic frame shape lets players easily generate heavy power and spin. Fast swing speeds and biting topspin make it very offensive-friendly for aggressive play.
The Pure Aero has technologies to dampen vibration but its flexible frame can still feel harsh compared to more muted rackets. Not the most arm friendly but shouldn’t cause issues for most intermediate+ players.
Also Read: Joola Perseus Vs. Hyperion: A Detailed Comparison
The Verdict: Ideal Player Types
The Pure Aero and Aero Pro Drive 112 attract slightly different player types while sharing similarities as aerodynamic power racquets.
The Pure Aero shines for aggressive baseliners and developing juniors looking to model their games after pros like Nadal and Thiem. The emphasis is heavy topspin for control, loaded with power potential to hit forcefully through the court – fearlessly aiming for lines.
It suits forward court players seeking an attacking weapon. The head-light balance pays off most for intermediate to advanced players with fluid swings – allowing them to whip the racket head violently through contact.
The APD 112 favors power baseliners focused more on penetration than shapespin. With a boxier head and dense string pattern it fires flat missiles within the margins. Attacking style players who use spin more selectively will appreciate the stability and plow-through as they redirect pace or step into the court on shorter balls. Serves and volleys players can benefit from the mix of power, stability and maneuverability.