Speed. Spin. Accuracy.
Featuring the smallest head size, tightest string spacing, and thinnest beam in the Pure Aero family, the Pure Aero 98 delivers truly impressive command over the ball. As such, it gives aggressive players the confidence to swing big and hit their targets with pace. In addition to its controllable power, the Pure Aero 98 packs a sub-325 swingweight, giving it easy acceleration on groundies and quick handling at net. It also shines on serve, where the combination of power and accuracy makes it easy to keep your opponent off balance. For 2026, Babolat reengineers the geometry of the shaft to reduce wind drag, giving this speedy racquet an even more explosive feel, making it easier to whip up spin, generate pace, or reset the point with an outstretched flick. Other updates include the latest version of NF2 Tech, a dampening technology that uses flax fibers in strategic locations to provide a softer, more arm-friendly ride. As with the previous generation, this update has FSI Spin Technology, which combines Babolat's time-tested Woofer system with strategically placed Spin Grommets to increase dwell time and string movement, generating greater spin and a more responsive feel on angled contact. Ultimately, this update to the Pure Aero 98 continues to be an obvious option for experienced players who want a spin-friendly weapon that rewards full swings with impressive accuracy. The boost in speed is a nice bonus.
Specifications
| Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.4oz / 323g | ||||
| Balance: 12.79in / 32.49cm / 6 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 322 | ||||
| Stiffness: 66 | ||||
| Beam Width: 21mm / 23mm / 22mm | ||||
| Composition: Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Grey/Yellow | ||||
| Grip Type: Syntec Pro | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 46-55 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
Babolat Has Went in a Different DirectionThe new 2026 updated PA98 is geared towards a higher caliber player/play-style than it's 2023 predecessor, which is objectively great for college/high performance juniors and 4.5+ ntrp players, but the 2023 PA98 offered a lot to even the lower levels of players that this model has taken away (in favor of extra control/stability when you have a fully developed swing and very, very consistent swing speed).
Taking this down to a 1/5 if you are below a 4.5 ntrp and a 4/5 or 5/5 if you are very advanced.
Not neccesarily a bad thing since they have the PA100 line that is the intended line for the players below that margin, it was just very insane to see how good the PA98 2023 was at reaching across almost the entire spectrum of players.
Taking this down to a 1/5 if you are below a 4.5 ntrp and a 4/5 or 5/5 if you are very advanced.
Not neccesarily a bad thing since they have the PA100 line that is the intended line for the players below that margin, it was just very insane to see how good the PA98 2023 was at reaching across almost the entire spectrum of players.
Bat out of HellCurrently playing with PD 98, which allows me to hit as big as I want, I mean really mash the ball with full strokes and just hit with total abandon. I tried both the 100 and 98 previous PA versions and found them a bit clunky to be honest. I had thought this new version would just be a bit quicker through the air and a bit easier to use.
It plays nothing like the old model. First it feels much heavier than the 326g strung weight (RPM Blast) in the hand. It just feels so solid for some reason. Some of the play testers said it is whippier than the old model, but I found it slower than the old model when hitting flat or straight up 90 degrees. However if you step out to the ball and hit low to high it just takes off. It is really really quick through the air with a full stroke.
I can’t remember the ball ever exiting the string bed so quickly with anything I have played with. Not even a RF Autograph. The ball is on the opponent before they have had time to react. Everyone I have hit with really disliked the pace and spin the frame generates and struggled to cope. The ball absolutely flies even compared to what I can hit with a PD when I am thrashing the ball. The frame is an absolute treat with a one handed backhand.
If you can hit with a full swing you will love this frame. It is like nothing I have ever hit with before, everything else just seems anaemic.
It plays nothing like the old model. First it feels much heavier than the 326g strung weight (RPM Blast) in the hand. It just feels so solid for some reason. Some of the play testers said it is whippier than the old model, but I found it slower than the old model when hitting flat or straight up 90 degrees. However if you step out to the ball and hit low to high it just takes off. It is really really quick through the air with a full stroke.
I can’t remember the ball ever exiting the string bed so quickly with anything I have played with. Not even a RF Autograph. The ball is on the opponent before they have had time to react. Everyone I have hit with really disliked the pace and spin the frame generates and struggled to cope. The ball absolutely flies even compared to what I can hit with a PD when I am thrashing the ball. The frame is an absolute treat with a one handed backhand.
If you can hit with a full swing you will love this frame. It is like nothing I have ever hit with before, everything else just seems anaemic.
Big MistakeThey took the best performing racquet in tennis and made it kludgy. Swings slower than the '23 Aero 98 and the '20 VS.
Totally numb feedback, just as stiff as the VS, and less powerful than both predecessors. An error. Also the paint job is still about as ugly as the weird digital camo from '23.
Totally numb feedback, just as stiff as the VS, and less powerful than both predecessors. An error. Also the paint job is still about as ugly as the weird digital camo from '23.
Not as goodThe previous version is better. This new one doesn’t generate as much spin and power I feel
Paint Job IssueAs others have stated on Reddit, this racquet has an issue with the neon vinyl stripes.
After a few shanks, the strips are coming off. The racquet has yet to touch the ground.
In my opinion, unacceptable for $300+ racquet.
I do love this racquet otherwise though. Just sad I spend so much money on these for them to look 3 years old after 5 sessions
After a few shanks, the strips are coming off. The racquet has yet to touch the ground.
In my opinion, unacceptable for $300+ racquet.
I do love this racquet otherwise though. Just sad I spend so much money on these for them to look 3 years old after 5 sessions
MehWe did find this racquet slightly more user friendly than the 2023 PA98. Not sure if my demo was slightly lighter in swingweight as friends said it was slightly more difficult to maneuver. The new 2026 version definitely does not have the same pop/power/ spin/ heaviness of the previous version
and feels very different. A big step backwards in my opinion. Unless babolat just wanted to head in a different direction. Hopefully babolat has the next 2029 version play much closer to the 2023. The good news is you can still buy the 2023 PA98.
Try the 2026 100 pure aero as that was very nice to hit with.
and feels very different. A big step backwards in my opinion. Unless babolat just wanted to head in a different direction. Hopefully babolat has the next 2029 version play much closer to the 2023. The good news is you can still buy the 2023 PA98.
Try the 2026 100 pure aero as that was very nice to hit with.
Too stiff for my armI saw the stiffness bumped up on this version still went ahead and bought one. Tried with multiple strings (Mach 10, Krishbaum orange, Tourbite 17) but none of them helped me. Technifibre biphase xone helped me but took off the spin part.
Used it for 3 weeks my tennis elbow coming back after 2 years (I have Ezone 98 - 2026 and Wilson blade 98 V9, never had any issue with arm pain).
It’s not worth of a bearing an upcoming injury, so sold it offline.
Used it for 3 weeks my tennis elbow coming back after 2 years (I have Ezone 98 - 2026 and Wilson blade 98 V9, never had any issue with arm pain).
It’s not worth of a bearing an upcoming injury, so sold it offline.
Incredible racquetI'm an older 5.0 player that used to be a 6.0. This is an incredible racquet. I have a one handed backhand and my previous racquets have been: PS-85&90, PS-97RF. Honestly among those racquets only the PS85 was revolutionary. The PS90 IMHO was an attempt to keep the PS85 alive but it was never an easy racquet to play with for most people but for it worked for me having a one hander...I use the currently Clash 98 V2. I finally decided to try a Babolat. Obviously extremely different from Wilson...All I have to say is that this racquet is truly impressive in control and stability. Very powerful. The racquet I used was strung at 50. I don't recall ever liking a racquet so much in just a few minutes. You know exactly where the ball is going to go. It's so stable and predictable that I can't compare it to anything else.
I can only imagine the many more tournaments Federer would have won if he had designed/chosen a racquet like this
I can only imagine the many more tournaments Federer would have won if he had designed/chosen a racquet like this
Great racquetI used to play with Head racquets, especially the Head Speed MP. However, for other reasons, I decided to try out the new Pure Aero. And yeah, it was a good choice. Great access to spin, very comfortable, and an excellent feel at impact.
This thing is INCREDIBLEFirst things first --this is NOT the 2023 Aero. It does play and feel very similar enough with a few notable changes:
1. This has significantly greater feel than the 2023 version. Not only is it better on touch and slice shots, but it is also much softer on the arm without surrendering too much by way of power which often times feels like a board.
2. Access to spin is much better with this 2026 model. This does some of the work for you but I've found that when you push it, you can hit shots with incredible arc that fall out of the sky providing great depth and margin.
I am a former D1 player who has played all my life and I suspect for anyone not at least at the 4.5 level, you probably won't notice too much of a difference between this model and the 2023 version aside from overall stiffness of the frame but for players who can generate greater swing speed, this racquet will offer you both enhanced comfort and more importantly, significantly more control than achievable with the Aero 2023.
Happy hitting!
1. This has significantly greater feel than the 2023 version. Not only is it better on touch and slice shots, but it is also much softer on the arm without surrendering too much by way of power which often times feels like a board.
2. Access to spin is much better with this 2026 model. This does some of the work for you but I've found that when you push it, you can hit shots with incredible arc that fall out of the sky providing great depth and margin.
I am a former D1 player who has played all my life and I suspect for anyone not at least at the 4.5 level, you probably won't notice too much of a difference between this model and the 2023 version aside from overall stiffness of the frame but for players who can generate greater swing speed, this racquet will offer you both enhanced comfort and more importantly, significantly more control than achievable with the Aero 2023.
Happy hitting!
