In addition to being a great collectible, this is a must buy for those who want to see what it feels like to swing a tour level racquet
Introducing the Pure Aero Rafa Origin, the racquet with the closest specifications to Rafa's customized racquet. Unlike the standard Pure Aero, the Rafa Origin doesn't put any dampening technology between player and ball, giving it the kind of direct ball feedback that advanced players crave. Additional features include Babolat's iconic Aeromodular beam and Woofer grommet system. This racquet also comes with a firm 69+RA, providing a crisp, powerful and stable response that has attracted generations of players. What defines the Rafa Origin, however, is its 365+ RDC swingweight, making it very challenging to swing but giving it the needed heft to absorb and redirect the highest levels of pace. The high swingweight offers massive plow through power which is perfect for hitting punishing groundstrokes and serves. The flip side is that ripping heavy spin-loaded angles like Rafa takes additional care with both timing and technique. Those who can leverage this racquet's mass will find dangerous levels of pace from the baseline and rock solid stability at net. In addition to being a great collectible, this is a must buy for those who want to see what it feels like to swing a tour level racquet. Get this rare collectible while supplies last. Specs below based on two samples.
Specifications
| Head Size: 100 in2 / 645.16 cm2 | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.9oz / 337g | ||||
| Balance: 13.38in / 33.99cm / 1 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 371 | ||||
| Stiffness: 70 | ||||
| Beam Width: 23mm / 26mm / 23mm | ||||
| Composition: Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Pink/Yellow/Black | ||||
| Grip Type: Babolat Syntec Pro | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 50-59 pounds | ||||
| Specs based on two samples |
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Customer Reviews
Ex Pro D1I'm a former D1 player, with a two handed backhand, western grip forehand and decent topspin on both sides. No problem with the weight since I used the original Aero with lead at 3, 9 and 12 o'clock, with similar swingweight to the Rafa. I really appreciate the elimination of the Cortex, which provides more feel. Dampener not needed on this one since the frame absorbs vibration really well. No way can you play with this racquet with a one handed topspin backhand, but it does slice really well with the one hand. You really need a western grip for the forehand to get your forearm behind the racquet, and hit way out in front. You will really struggle with this stick with an eastern grip. Unreal stability at the net. Great power on serves. Unreal stability on return of serves and no vibration on off-center hits (think less tennis elbow). You really need to play with this racquet for several months / four to five days per week to build up forearm strength. Recommend plenty of push-ups and other weight lifting. I strung this racquet with RPM Blast in a 15L gauge, which for some reason feels softer and more powerful than the 16 gauge version. However, the 15L makes the swingweight a bit more. I actually extended these racquets by 1/4" and added some tail weight. If you have a smooth swing, without a quick snap through, but rather a long swing which accelerates into the hit, turn your shoulders, and use your legs, you will not have any problems. The racquet forces you to hit properly, which will make you a better player.
DependsHigh-level player's racquet. This is a footwork frame and requires impeccable mechanics. While some 4.5 players might have some good days with it, I think this is out of range for most recreational players 4.5 on down. After an hour it starts to feel like a 2x4. I have always liked heavy sticks - the Yonex Vcore 330s, the RF, the Wilson 90s - but this was just too much. And to me, the feeling was a tad harsh.
Don’t be delusionalUnless you’re on the tour, forget it. Especially you weekend warriors. Yes, great when the stars align. But absent perfect technical abilities, you’re kidding yourself.
Unreal powerWhatever racquet you played with that you thought had great power multiply that by 10 and you get a sense of how the ball comes off this thing.
I have been playing with what I used to think was a head heavy racquet (blade pro at 309 grams unstrung) so I made the transition to the swing weight reasonably quickly. However, everyone else I let try it thought it swings like a baseball bat. However, once you get a feel for it though the amount of pace you can put on the ball is unreal. Everything you hit is just so heavy. My flat serves during practice just kept going through the fence which I haven't done in years due to getting older.
It takes some time to get used to it, but this racquet is revolutionary in terms of spin, power, and the ability to just hit an ultra-heavy ball. There is absolutely nothing on the market to compare it to. The only thing is you just have to play with it for a month to get it dialed in, but wow is the effort ever worth it. The mass and way it is distributed in many ways swings the racquet for you. Really all you do is set the thing in motion with your body and make sure you aren't attempting to arm the ball and you will get great results. Also, on paper this thing looks like an arm or shoulder killer but in reality, it has to be the most comfortable tennis racquet I ever played with zero arm or shoulder issues.
Outstanding racquetThis is a great enjoyable racquet to play with.
Initially was apprehensive on seeing the reviews about Swing weight on whether I would be able to play with it or not. But the curiosity to play with something similar to Rafa's specs overtook the fear.
The racquet was easy to play with. I think it has do with the balance of the racquet. Did not seem heavy to swing. The stability was excellent. Especially at the volleys and baseline. The only adjustment I had to make was with the Serve. The timing will be different from other racquets.
Unmatched RacketSpin, power, confidence, consistency, stability: UNLOCKED
Awesome Racquet!!After using it for months, this racquet is not really that heavy as it seems, the stiffness is not that harsh (coming from Clash 98, I have added an additional half overgrip underneath the overgrip as personal preference to filter vibration). Racquet is powerful and very easy to swing, with the swingweight it is surprising very forgiving on those hard to retrieve wide shot, serve is great (find it heavy at first 5 sessions, after that gotten used to it), volley is easy. Compare to the RF97 this racquet is way more forgiving given its thicker beamwidth, larger headsize/sweatspot and aerodynamic of the racket makes a large difference. Usually I tend to modify my racket with lead tape to get my comfort feel but this racquet surprising do not need any mod. Strung with Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable at 43lb, Yonex dampener and 1.5x overgrip.
AmazingAmazing feel for the ball really strong on forehand topspin and power allows amateur players to make that jump.
Rafa racquetIt has balanced weight, power, spin. Serve is like bomb due to heavy swing weight. I am able to return heavy opponent balls. I am using RPM blast string 15L @55 lbs.
The legendary version of the Pure Aero TourI have loved hitting with the PAT 2016 since it came out and nothing else tempted me. And despite being a Rafa fan a paint job over a standard Pure Aero isn’t tempting to me for the sacrifice in heft from the PAT. Enter this extra bad version. Obviously the swingweight is higher but the static weight is the same so my brain feels like it is the same racquet. But get sloppy and you’ll gas your muscles in no time at all, and it is a bit more demanding because you need to coordinate timing and big motions to get this thing to be worth the weight. However as you get used to it you can in fact muscle this racquet for a critical moment if you really want to step on the gas for a winner. It’s a more sophisticated racquet than 2016 PAT, dare I even say more user friendly. It’s incredibly stable and despite the high RA rating feels plush to me and the bomb like sounds coming off of it are a treat despite the comfortable feel. It finally has a knife like feel when hitting slice and is a tank at net that really makes it a well rounded in addition to the incredible velocity and heaviness of serves and groundstrokes. It’s the best Pure Aero ever made if you can wield it and I don’t care it’s got Rafa’s name on it it’s so good I would have bought this without it. But the collectible factor is a nice bonus so even if you can’t swing it you can hang it up and it’ll look nice.
AWESOME!! Not that heavy as it seemsNot really a Rafa fan but bought it with respect for Rafa and the pretty colors!
When I pick up the racquet it is surprising light (weight is not that high). When I swing surprising it is not that heavy as it seems. I got one size smaller and added 2 yonex overgrips (a habit of mine as it increase makes a bigger grip and filter some shock as I have sensitive hands). Not sure is it because its more headlight now hence I do not really feel the swingweight was really 365+++. I am surprised it is pretty easy to swing and feels like swinging an RF 97 but is more forgiving as the sweetspot is higher and the larger beamwidth gave more power + the racquet is aero dynamic. String wise maybe I will have another review as mine was the default string.
Very comfortable and I do not really feel the stiffness coming. Volley is okay, single handed backhand feels good, forehand wise getting used to as my launch angle is higher (might be due to string tension and type that I am not used to), serve I find it lacks the extra weight at the hoop (this is the strange part, maybe is due to the 2 overgrips I have put on). The extra swingweight does tire your body faster than a light one, and of course timing needs to adjust as it's slower. Might try for few more sessions and see if I need maybe 2 grams at 12 on the hoop for easier serves. Then I will try a stiffer poly once the string breaks.
Worthy of it's nameFrom time to time a special racquet shows up, this is one of them. Deviation of + 4-5RA from what Nadal used made me skeptical, but having played this I do think there is worthwhile Nadal-ish experience here for a fan and also just a very solid racket for someone wanting to try a big swingweight spec.
370SW the highest stock in recent memory, but it is balanced in a way that feels swift and willing to load. Spin and depth is dependable and effortless if you work with the weight - load wrist lag with unit turn, relax on release. Beware though, this thing will not let you get away with trying muscle it, as your wrist will tell you from time to time. There is a discipline, patience and rhythm that you have to follow to get the best result, more so than in other frames. There is a steep learning curve here, but if you can ride this wave your opponent will have a consistently heavy ball to deal with.
Abrupt serving is similarly out of the question. You have to give time for the frame to fall and come around, let it come through and not try to force it into the ball.
Finally, the feel - less muted than the 2023 version, more communicative, but still fairly comfortable due to the weight. Slices and volleys feel very good if you have good anticipation of where the ball is going, but you'll feel this frame's momentum disagreeing if you scramble for a quick change in direction.
VAMOS! Origin DeliversI picked up two of these and they were right on spec. Hit with them last night and was very impressed!
For context, I’m a former D1 player, 6’5”, 230 lbs, and this racquet is absolutely sensational. I had zero issues playing with the frame or it’s swing weight. It’s effortless to generate spin, power, and penetration on ground strokes. The racquet (like majority of players sticks) rewards good footwork, early preparation, and sound stroke mechanics.
Note that for recreational players, club level players, and advanced juniors, a racquet like this has the potential to cause serious arm injuries. This is especially true if you have a history of arm pain, poor technique, or unwisely string it with a full bed of poly at high a tension. 55 lbs would be an absolute maximum in my opinion.
Serves were exceptional, specifically flat and slice. Because of the racquets head heavy nature, it is more challenging to hit kick serves. The racquet head really comes down fast. This is likely why you see Rafa rely so heavily on slice serves as opposed to kick serves.
Volleys were crisp and stable. However, the head weight makes the racquet tougher in reflex oriented exchanges—maneuverability is a challenge. Nadal chokes up on his grip to help minimize this.
It’s wonderful that Rafa was so involved in the development of the Origin. It’s hard to admit, but the paint job has grown on me. Love that they honored Rafa, his fans, and have finally put out a racquet mirroring his specs.
Good luck out there on the court, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun.
VAMOS.
Awesome PowerI just demo'd this racquet. Tons of power. It swings great. It does not feel as heavy as the swing weight says.
The Real DealFinally a real one. You can feel it in every swing.
My Rafa Origin rips!
EXPLOSIVE WITH TOUCHI'm a 4.0 lefty man...
Tried it out in social doubles at my club today, I am not usually a Babolat guy and was impressed by this racquet. The head heavy feel (I'm used to very head light) translated to easy power on serves and volley especially. I was impressed by its handling on my one handed backhand which usually hates 100 inch frames; I was able to carve out an around the post pass shot with plenty of spin to bring it in! Overall extremely impressed one of the best stock racquets I've ever tried! If I bought one I would put a leather grip on to get a little more weight on the handle!
Swinging the BeastOrdered this racquet from TW and it arrived promptly the next day strung, thank you TW! My comments and spec preference are based on my game and hitting style. After feeding/hitting with the frame for an hour in a drill, I knew it needed some weight in the handle for my game. I added some weight and played 4 sets the next day and I was serving bombs, overhead smashed were spot on, slices were skimming over the net and volleys (half, drop, drive and swinging) all were perfect, even groundies were acceptable. The only issue I was having at the end was returns on the FH side, which is more of an indictment on me then the frame (I was decelerating due to fatigue from the weight of the racquet. The frame had the feel that has been removed from current day models and it took a bit to enjoy that again. If I had my druthers I would not have such a high SW, my frames are usually in the 340's not 370 but I found it fun to play with was able to play at a good level. I will not be switching to this as my every day stick but I will play with it time to time for the fun of it. The color scheme grows on you after a bit. It is for sure a little pricey and should come with a warning, "Play at your own risk"! :))
