With the Tour model, Babolat adds a more advanced player's racquet to the Pure Strike 3rd Gen family. At 12 ounces strung and boasting a 330+RDC swingweight, this stick is ideal for the experienced player who wants stability and plow-through. The Tour has the same spin-friendly precision of Pure Strike 16x19, but the extra mass, while more challenging to swing, results in a heavier, more powerful ball. Like other members of the Pure Strike family, this racquet has a hybrid frame construction (called Control Frame Technology), which blends the control and feel of square beam with the speed and dynamism of a modern elliptical beam. This racquet also has FSI Power technology which features wider spacing between the upper cross strings for easier access to spin and pace. New to this frame is C2 Pure Feel, a material technology that combines cortex with a uniquely flexible viscoelastic rubber at 3/9 o'clock for added comfort and dwell time. From the baseline, the Pure Strike Tour doesn't get pushed around when your opponent's pace goes up. It feels wonderfully solid at impact, and it has the potential to generate dangerous levels of power and spin. Experienced players with sound mechanics will have the needed mass to send a simple block or outstretched flick deep into opposing territory. At net, the Pure Strike feels solid when redirecting higher levels of pace, and there is plenty of touch for hitting droppers and sharp angles. The extra mass also comes in handy on service returns where this stick feels very stable on blocks, chips and counterpunches. Aggressive servers who can get this stick moving fast will find the spin and precision to work the corners of the service box with pace. Ultimately, while the Pure Strike Tour is a demanding racquet, it provides experienced players with the ability to hit a very precise and heavy ball.
Previous Feedback
Comments: Grail racquet for 4.5+ players. It feels invisible after a few sessions, letting you focus on the ball. Feels heavy and solid, but swings easily and isn't sluggish at all. Doesn't seem to have any hot spots on the stringbed, but the extreme upper hoop feels noticeably firm, the solution, don't hit there. Easily the best racquet for me, and highly recommend a demo. I am a 5.0 all-court player, I have a two-handed backhand and a semi-western forehand. I strung this racquet with Pro Hurricane Tour 17 on the mains and Xcel 16 on the crosses, both at 52 pounds. I also have a Babolat leather replacement grip and no lead tape. This racquet feels perfect stock.
From: Kevin, 12/19/19
Comments: I really like this racquet. Offers a very good blend between power and control. I used the previous Pure Strike Tour, the 18x20 red and black one, found this one to be a superior upgrade. Feels more crisp with similar levels of control, despite having a more open string pattern. This racquet kinda reminds me of a blend between the Yonex Duel G 330 and RF97. It's worth a demo for sure.
From: Scott, 10/1/19
Comments: There's a lot to like with this 3rd Generation Tour. Despite the weight, this racquet is quite maneuverable making it easier to set up for groundless, reaction volleys, and serves. The addition of Cortex to the hoop definitely aids in added stability and reduced vibration, giving it a more muted feel. Response off the racquet feels pretty predictable which gives a sense of consistency, whereas the 16x19 offering felt whippy and would launch the ball unless you really came over or under the ball. Coming off an RF 97, the Tour felt like it was just easier to accelerate racquet head speed, giving me a little more confidence to go after the ball, even when on the defense. All in all, a solid update and a fun stick to play with!
From: Poodini, 8/28/19