This intermediate-friendly companion to the Rafa Origin offers an easier path to power and spin
Introducing the Pure Aero Rafa, the lighter, faster companion to the Rafa Origin. At under 11 ounces strung, this stick makes it easy for intermediate players to load the ball with pace and spin. Like the heavier model endorsed by Nadal, the Pure Aero Rafa does not put a lot of technology between player and ball, resulting in a more "connected feel" at impact (think control). From the baseline, this stick is not only fast enough for whipping up spin or resetting the point with an outstretched flick, but it also gives you the advantage of a near-even balance, which helps keep the racquet more stable (and comfortable) through impact. The user-friendly combination of speed and stability continues at net where the Pure Aero Rafa comes around fast to deliver a wonderfully solid feel for its weight class. In addition to Babolat's iconic Aeromodular Beam and Woofer Grommet system, this racquet comes with FSI Spin Technology, which features wider cross spacing for a tighter grip on the ball. Ultimately, the Pure Aero Rafa is not only perfect for the intermediate player looking to go on offense, but it should also tempt the more advanced ball striker looking for a lighter spec with fewer tradeoffs in the stability department.
Specifications
| Head Size: 100 in² / 645.16 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 10.7oz / 303g | ||||
| Balance: 13.38in / 33.99cm / 1 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 323 | ||||
| Stiffness: 69 | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Swingweight changed from 319 to 323 on 4.13.23 based on additional samples measured |
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Customer Reviews
Great racquetI’ve been playing with this racquet since the day I got it. It has a great feel to it and seems to be very accurate and powerful. I love the weight of it and it wasn’t too expensive either. I highly recommend it.
purchased for my grandsonMy grandson was so surprised he loves his racquet!!
Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Racquet 2023I love the Racquet. I wish I could sign-on and order the same thing so that I have 2 identical racquets in my bag. But there's a glitch in the system, I called the 1-800 number and they confirmed that. I can't sign-on and I can't reset my password. I'm computer literate but can't review my prior orders on this website. I'll have to shop elsewhere.
TennisThis is the best Racquet with its dynamic speed and spin giving effortless spin for attacking shots
GreatI love the racquet I produce a lot of top spin
Fun stick that plays a lot like the 2019 PAVery spin friendly and a fun stick to hit with. It plays a lot like the 2019 Pure Aero, so if you were a happy user of the 2019 version but not the 2023 version, this could be a good racquet to switch to. It hits very high bouncing topspin that gives the opponents all kinds of trouble, just like the 2019 Pure Aero, but it’s much easier to swing with more connected feel.
The bestPerfect racquet balance
Love this racquetThis is my third Rafa Babolat racquet. Love everything about it.
Rafa racquetVery good racquet for a beginner
Excellent for meAfter restringing with the Solinco Tour Bite, I was getting great feedback and spin. When playing someone with pace, it was easier to maneuver than my Yonex Vcore 97HD. Made me more mindful of my technique when I have to generate my own pace and topspin.
Not my Cup of Tea, but Still GoodI bought this as my first Babolat and was not familiar with the feel they are known for. The racquet is light but nearly head heavy, and it feels like swinging a plank of wood (whether that’s good or bad is personal preference). Personally I didn’t find it very comfortable and opted to not make this my main racquet. I think a dedicated player can make this racquet work, especially if you don’t like a plush/overly-forgiving feel. The cosmetics are an absolute bonus in an era of fairly uninspired racquet color/design.
I absolutely love this racquet!!I absolutely love this racquet, it has the best control, and it gives me so much spin and I just love that it was so worth the money and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Fun to look at, Fun to play withThis racquet looks great, even better in person than online. I strung this with synthetic gut at 54 lbs, and I feel like I get great power and spin generation. The 100 square inch head is very maneuverable, despite the racquet feeling a bit heavier than the light weight mentioned in the specs. It is not the plushest swinging racquet in the world, and sometimes I've come away with slight shoulder soreness, but I think it has more to do with me really trying to swing for spin when I play with this. Would I buy it again? Absolutely.
Power and SpinBetter than the regular Pure Aero. Its 290g unstrung weight is deceptive. While it is lighter, it's 3 points more head heavy than the regular Pure Aero which makes it both whippy and powerful. This is the perfect racquet to put a leather grip on. It adds +10g to the weight overall which brings it in line with other similar racquets at the 300g watermark, and makes it more head light.
I should also mention that the regular Pure Aero 2023 at 66 RA gave me distinct wrist pain, while I haven't had an issue with this racquet's higher 69 RA which was weird. Having said that, I should mention that sometimes my arm is a bit sore after 2+ hours of usage but I've been using it for months and it wasn't anything that made me pause using it.
Nice frame but didn't love the balance.The near even balance made the frame too slow for my taste. I added some weight in the handle for a more head light balance. It now swings more quickly and with more whip. Settled on 11.5 oz strung and 5 points head light.
Love the paint job!
Very very thank u!!Love this !!! And thank u for very care and fast delivery!!!
Power and attitudeCome for the racquet, stay for the color. Pure Aero Rafa is going to have you hammering top spin ground strokes like the king of clay. Excellent balance of power and control, with a soft touch. Add in the retro late 80's florescent colors and you're gonna feel like Agassi at Roland Garros in 1990 rocking the Hot Lava. If you're playing at some old school, stuffed shirt, kinda club this is gonna have the old guard off their game before the first serve is hit. Bringing the heat and the attitude to the court with the Pure Aero Rafa.
.It was what I wanted I would get tighter string next time but it was good
Great for beginner to intermediate!Amazing racquet for all. Provides great spin and solid power even for beginners! Pair those traits with its lightweight, and its easy ability to control, and you’ll have a new favorite racquet.
Highly recommendedFor those who want a reliable racquet
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ReviewGreat racquet. It is aesthetically pleasing with good control and power. Highly recommend, it will take adjusting if you are used to an extended length, but it was worth it.
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Tennis racquet reviewI would highly recommend this product to everyone that plays tennis
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Great racquet for intermediate playerI’m turning 2.5 into 3.0, this 290g unstrung racquet is perfect. Provides more spinning.
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LightnessVery nice racquet, lightweight and comfortable compared to an older Babolat it replaced. Outstanding shipping, packing, etc. as always from TW. A unique, usable memorabilia racquet that hopefully wont be Rafa's last!!!
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A great beginner racquetI bought this for my brother (15) who is just starting out in tennis. Even though he has limited experience playing, he much prefers this over the Pro Staff I was loaning him. The easy access to power and spin are highlights of his. He also loves the reaction of off center hits, so it's very forgiving. He's a quick dude, as he plays soccer as well, so shots on the run where positioning isn't great, still come off the racquet very well. To my dismay, as an all court player, his passing shots are looking more and more like the racquet's namesake. Give it a demo, it's a great stick.
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Less power more controlI've been using the 2021 model, this new model feel more stiff, less power, less spin, but with more control
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FabulousCool and dynamic, I highly recommend them! You won't regret it! Colors are everything!
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Tennis-warehouseThe racquet is good, but the customer service provided by Tennis warehouse is excellent! I recommend Tennis Warehouse to everyone who appreciates great service.
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Good racquetI like it.
My new favoriteThis racquet is great for Intermediate to Advanced recreational tennis players.
Best Racquet I Have Used So FarI have gone back and forth between Wilson, Head, and Babolat. I have never been able to find a racket that has control on both my backhand and forehand while also giving me so much power until I tested this racquet. I get compliments on it all the time and it has single handedly saved my 3.5 rating tennis game! I couldn't recommend this product enough! Especially if you have tennis elbow, its a lighter racquet and absorbs shock very well.
ExcellentRecently bought and have played with this racquet. If I could give 10 stars I would. My style of play is aggressive baseline and net playing. This racquet is excellent in my opinion and worth every penny. From shot placement, power, spin and serving I have nothing negative to say about this racquet.
Freaking amazing feeling racketI am concerned about the power of the frame having seen the TW reviews, but after I tried it, realized that it was no issue at all. The spin keeps the ball in and give great confidence is cutting the ball from all angles of the court.
Coming from 100 inch Pure Aero 2023, and wanting to experience the Rafa-style racquet, this racquet clearly didn't disappoint. This racquet is no ordinary 290g racquet. It feels much heavier to swing - heavier than my pure aero 2023, and I believe will require an intermediate level of skill to fully utilitize its potential. I feel tired after swinging this for 1hr of intensive rally, and started to be lazy in my strokes, then mistakes starts to appear (like all racquets when I’m tired).
Overall very surprised by the stability, power, spin, and control (yes - I feel confident in the control maybe because of the spin).
And the feel…it’s very different from the Pure Aero 2023. Not in a bad way, but very interesting sensation. You have to try to experience it. And no elbow issues despite the stiffness rating.
