With the arrival of the new Babolat Pure Aero, it felt like the right time to revisit our Babolat rankings. And honestly, this wasn't easy.

Babolat's current lineup is arguably the strongest it's been in years. Between the Pure range updates and some seriously underrated frames sitting outside of it, narrowing this down to five meant going back to one straightforward question: which rackets did I genuinely enjoy using the most?

This isn't a list of the "objectively best" Babolat rackets. It's a ranking based on playability, feel, and real time on court — and who I think each frame actually suits. We've also tested all of these over on youtube.com/@PH-Tennis if you want to see them hit before committing to anything.

Right, let's get into it.

5. Babolat Evo Drive – The Underrated All-Rounder

This one tends to surprise people, mostly because it sits outside the headline Pure range. But the Evo Drive earns its place here.

At its price point, the comfort and stability are genuinely impressive. The feel is forgiving, the power is accessible, and it's an easy racket to pick up and play well with from the off. For intermediate players getting out once or twice a week, it makes a lot of sense — probably more sense than some of the flashier options they might be considering.

It's not a tour-level frame and it doesn't pretend to be. But it's very good at exactly what it's designed to do, and at this price it represents real value.

4. Babolat Pure Strike 97 – Precision With Surprise Pop

On paper, this one shouldn't suit me. Smaller head size, heavier build, more of a tour spec than I'd typically reach for. And yet it's brilliant.

The Pure Strike 97 feels far more manoeuvrable than you'd expect. It doesn't feel demanding or punishing — it feels connected. There's a slightly cushioned sensation at contact that gives you a touch of dwell time without losing that crisp Babolat response. Control is obviously there, but what caught me off guard was how much pop it gives back. More than you'd expect from a precision-focused frame.

Indoors, this racket genuinely comes alive. If you're training consistently and want a control-first racket that still offers something in return, it's a serious option worth trying.

3. Babolat Pure Aero 98 – The Spin-Control Machine

Arguably the best racket Babolat currently makes from a pure performance standpoint. The Pure Aero 98 blends spin and precision beautifully — the slightly thinner beam in the newest generation gives it a more connected feel, and it's extremely manoeuvrable for what it is. If you like to play with shape and heavy rotation while still being able to dictate direction, this racket delivers.

It sits at three for me personally because I found it slightly underpowered straight out of the wrapper. A lower tension and a more powerful string setup would unlock more depth. But for players who prioritise spin-based precision and aren't relying on free power, this is an outstanding frame — and for many players it would comfortably be number one.

2. Babolat Pure Aero 2026 – The New Contender

The new Pure Aero 100 at 300g is genuinely exceptional. Manoeuvrable, stable through contact, and with fantastic access to spin. The launch angle is slightly higher than some traditional control frames, but it's predictable — once you're dialled in, it's extremely easy to play with.

Defensively it holds up well, and on shorter swings it still produces depth. From the baseline it feels modern and aggressive without ever feeling wild or unmanageable.

What impressed me most is that this isn't a cosmetic refresh. New mold, meaningful improvements, a noticeably more refined feel. If you're currently playing with an older Pure Aero generation, demoing this one should be at the top of your list.

It just missed out on the top spot for one reason.

1. Babolat Pure Drive – Still the Benchmark

Yes, again.

The Pure Drive stays at number one, and it comes down to one thing: raw, usable power. On serve it gives you free pace. In doubles it absolutely thrives. At the net it's quick and explosive. For aggressive players who want to take time away from opponents and counterpunch from the front foot, this racket just feels alive in a way that's hard to replicate.

It suits shorter, punchier swings and flatter ball striking, but there's enough spin potential there to adapt. Over time you learn how to manage its power and turn it into a genuine weapon rather than a liability.

For my game — particularly in doubles — it gives me more than anything else in this list. That's why it stays at the top.

Which One Is Right for You?

Intermediate player after comfort and value — the Evo Drive makes a lot of sense. Control-focused competitor who trains regularly — the Pure Strike 97 is a gem that often gets overlooked. Baseline player who builds points with spin and precision — the Pure Aero 98 is outstanding. After a modern, balanced spin-power frame — the new Pure Aero 100 is superb. And if explosive power is the priority, especially for aggressive or doubles tennis, the Pure Drive is still incredibly hard to beat.

As always, this is a personal ranking based on enjoyment and playability — not a universal verdict. The best racket is simply the one that fits how you actually play.