Racquet Review: Babolat Pure Drive Gen 11 put to the test by Akasha Urhobo

Tennis players are creatures of habit. They find a racquet they love and stick with it. That’s why Akasha Urhobo, a lifelong Babolat player, was initially hesitant to try the new Babolat Pure Drive Gen 11 lineup. “I've been a hardcore Pure Strike stan ever since I was around 10,” she admitted. But after putting the new lineup to the test, she had plenty to say about these fresh frames.

For those unfamiliar with Akasha, she’s a rising star in South Florida’s tennis scene, boasting a career-high WTA ranking of No. 289 and a staggering 21 Battle of Boca titles. Her father and coach, TJ Urhobo, brings his own credentials to the court, having played Davis Cup for Nigeria. Together, they provided an expert breakdown of Babolat’s latest racquet innovation.

Above: Akasha Urhobo. Source: MNO Tennis.

Let’s start with the backbone of the series: the Babolat Pure Drive 300. Weighing in at 300 grams, it’s designed for players seeking a balance of power and versatility. “I felt like I was playing with my own racket,” Akasha said after testing it. “The control is just a bit different with the 98 and the extended, but the 100 felt very natural to me.”

Then there’s the Pure Drive Plus, which adds extra length for more power and reach. This model particularly stood out to Akasha, who thrives on an aggressive serve-and-volley style. “As a serve-and-volleyer, I love the extended,” she noted. “It really brings out the colors of my game.” The added leverage helped her generate more pop on her serves and greater reach on volleys, making it a top contender for her arsenal.

The final piece of the puzzle is the Pure Drive 98, a precision-focused racquet with a 98-square-inch head. It’s built for advanced players who demand pinpoint accuracy. “I felt more control with it,” Akasha explained. “If I had to play a match with longer points, this would be the racquet I’d want.” The smaller head size make it a great option for players looking to dictate points with surgical precision.

Above: Babolat Pure Drive Gen 11s. Source: Babolat.

Her father, TJ Urhobo, echoed her sentiments, particularly favoring the Pure Drive Plus for its added reach. “I've always loved Babolat rackets, but so far, I'm leaning toward the extended version,” he said. “It gives you that extra reach and helps with transitioning to the net.” That extra length made a significant difference on serves as well. “As far as snapping the wrist, it works perfectly,” he added. “It gives that extra edge.”

While both Akasha and TJ gravitated toward the Pure Drive Plus, they acknowledged that each racquet in the lineup is best suited for a specific purpose (and type of player). TJ pointed out that the Pure Drive 98 is a true player’s racquet. “You’ve got to hit the sweet spot almost every time to really feel like you're striking the ball,” he explained. Meanwhile, the Pure Drive 100 offers a more forgiving feel. “Almost any player can pick it up and feel comfortable,” he said. “It’s great for those who need a little more room for off-center shots.”

When it came to returns, Akasha found the Pure Drive Plus especially useful. “I usually have to scramble throughout every point, and I’m good at sliding on every surface,” she said. “Not having to really reach out as much for my returns felt good.” For her aggressive style, the extra reach allowed her to take bigger cuts at the ball while maintaining stability.

Above: Akasha and TJ Urhobo review the Babolat Pure Drive Gen 11s with Florida Tennis' DJ Mad Linx at the Sunrise Tennis Club in Sunrise, Florida. Source: Florida Tennis.

For club players, TJ recommended experimenting with all three frames before making a decision. “Doubles players will love the extended version for its reach, while baseline players might need more time to adjust,” he noted.

So, which Babolat Pure Drive Gen 11 is right for you? If you’re a player who values power and forgiveness, the Pure Drive 100 might be your best bet. If you prefer a extra reach and pop, the Pure Drive Plus is a standout. And if precision and control are your top priorities, the Pure Drive 98 delivers an elite-level experience.

Whichever racquet speaks to your style, you can check out the Babolat Pure Drive Gen 11 lineup at Tennis Plaza stores in South Florida or online at TennisPlaza.com.

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Written by Florida Tennis Entertainment Director DJ Mad Linx.