One of the most used racquets in the world, the Babolat Pure Aero is renowned for its spin, power, and control. This racket has been used by legends including Rafael Nadal and is made for ball bashers who enjoy a lot of heavy topspin and driving shots.
Scroll down if you prefer to skip the text, but to really get the most out of the Pure Aero, a good string setup is a must. With all that power in the racket itself, it goes best with control-oriented polyester strings—or hybrid setups focusing on spin, durability, and feel.
In this guide, we will explore the best string choices for the Pure Aero, helping you find the perfect setup based on your playing style, comfort needs, and performance goals.
What Is the String Pattern for Pure Aero?
The Babolat Pure Aero comes with a 16×19 string pattern (open string pattern), which allows for maximum spin and maximum power on your shots. The strings are allowed to move freely, which contributes to better snapback and increase bite on the ball, making it the ideal option for a heavy topspin player.
Suitable for other aggressive baseline play, a 16×19 pattern offers a nice balance between adjustment and forgiveness. It also helps create more depth in shots, yet still with a responsive feel. If you’re a player looking to dominate with spin and power, the Pure Aero’s 16×19 string pattern is a major advantage!
Best String Choice for Pure Aero
Let’s explore some of the best strings for Babolat Pure Aero.
1. Best Overall: Babolat RPM Blast (16G or 17G)
Why It’s a Great Choice
- Ideal for Spin & Control
- Used by Rafael Nadal
- Towards durability and Ideal for Baseliners
It is the gold standard for all Pure Aero users. The co-polyester construction and octagonal shape dig into the ball, with extraordinary spin potential. The textured coating enables the strings to snap back quickly to increase spin generation without compromising control.
- Best for: Heavy topspin players, aggressive baseliners
- Feel: Firm and crisp
- Durability: High
- Tension Recommendation: 50–55 lbs
- Gauge Recommendation: 16G for durability, 17G for increased spin
2. Best for Spin: Solinco Hyper-G (16L or 17G)
Why It’s a Great Choice
- Square-shaped for extra bite
- Good blend of control & power
- Maintain tension more effectively than RPM Blast
If you want more sound than RPM Blast, Solinco Hyper-G is a very good alternative. This unique four-sided polyester string maximizes grip and bites for improved topspin and sharper angles. It’s a fraction softer than RPM Blast, meaning it’s easier on the arm while still offering plenty of control.
- Best for: Spin-oriented players
- Feel: Medium-firm, noticeably softer than the RPM Blast
- Durability: High
- Tension Recommendation: 48–54 lbs
- Gauge Recommendation: 16L or 17G
3. Best for Comfort & Power: Babolat RPM Soft
Why It’s a Great Choice
- Better than normal polyester
- Good spin with a softer feel
- Less stress and strain on the arm compared to RPM Blast
If full polyester setups are just too stiff for your taste, RPM Soft is a hybrid-like co-poly that offers additional comfort and power without sacrificing much in terms of spin and control. It’s an excellent pick for intermediate players who want some of the characteristics of polyester without brittleness.
- Ideal For: Those wanting comfort with some spin
- Feel: Soft and responsive
- Durability: Medium (not as durable as RPM Blast)
- String Tension: 50–55 lbs
- GAUGE RECOMMENDATION: 16G for durability, 17G for enhanced feel
4. Best Hybrid Setup: Babolat VS Touch (Mains) + RPM Blast (Crosses)
Why It’s a Great Choice
- The ideal match of power, spin & feel
- Incredible touch & comfort
- Great for advanced players
A hybrid string setup gives you the power and comfort of a natural gut blended with the control and spin of polyester. The Babolat VS Touch (Natural Gut) in the mains provides performance, power, and feel, and RPM Blast in the crosses gives the spin and durability needed. This is the same makeup that Rafael Nadal uses, so that makes it ideal for high-level players looking for the best of both worlds.
- Best for: Players at an advanced level requiring maximum feel and performance
- Feel: Very cushy and plush to responsive (The feel depends largely on the tension of string and gauge.)
- Durability: High (more so with natural gut in the mains)
- Tension Recommendation: 55–60 lbs for natural gut, 50–54 lbs for RPM Blast
- Gauge Recommendation: 16G or 17G for the best blend of power and spin
5. Best for Durability: Luxilon ALU Power (16L)
Why It’s a Great Choice
- Exceptional tension maintenance
- Crisp, powerful, and precise
- Durable & widely used on the pro tour
For those seeking the ideal combination of durability and feel, look to Luxilon ALU Power. It’s stiffer than RPM Blast, thus providing more control and tension stability. Most touring players choose ALU Power due to its lively response and durability.
- Best for: Those looking for a very durable string that works for advanced play for control.
- Feel: Crisp and powerful
- Durability: Very high
- Tension Recommendation: 50–55 lbs
- Gauge Recommendation: 16L for a good mix of durability and playability
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Strings for the Babolat Pure Aero
1. String Type
- Polyester (Best for Spin & Control): Polyester strings help generate more spin and control, making them ideal for players who hit with a lot of topspin.
- Hybrid Setup (Best for Feel & Power): Mixing natural gut with polyester gives you a balance of power, comfort, and control.
- Multifilament (Best for Comfort & Power): If you need a softer string that helps with arm comfort and power, multifilament strings are a good alternative.
2. Gauge (Thickness)
- 16G (1.30mm): More durability, less spin
- 17G (1.25mm): More spin, less durability
- 18G (1.20mm): Maximum spin, lowest durability
3. Tension
- Higher Tension (53–58 lbs): More control, less power.
- Lower Tension (48–52 lbs): More power, better spin potential.
Final Thoughts
This is our overall guide to the best string choice for Pure Aero. The Babolat Pure Aero is designed for powerful, spin-heavy tennis, so the right string setup can make a huge difference in performance.
- If you want the best overall experience, go with Babolat RPM Blast.
- If you prefer maximum spin, Solinco Hyper-G is an excellent alternative.
- For more comfort and power, try Babolat RPM Soft or a hybrid setup with a natural gut.
- If durability and control are your top priorities, Luxilon ALU Power is the best pick.
Choose wisely and dominate the court with your Pure Aero!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended string tension for the pure drive?
The recommended string tension for the Babolat Pure Drive is 50-59 lbs (23-27 kg). Lower tension (50-53 lbs) offers more power and comfort, while higher tension (55-59 lbs) provides better control and precision. A balanced choice is 53-55 lbs, with polyester strings working best at the lower end of the range.
Is 300g tennis racket too heavy?
A 300g tennis racket is considered a medium-weight racket, suitable for intermediate to advanced players. It offers a good balance of power, control, and stability.
For beginners or juniors, 300g might feel slightly heavy, making maneuverability harder.
For stronger players, it provides stability and shot precision without being too demanding.
If it feels heavy, consider a lighter racket (280-290g) for easier handling. If you need more power and stability, a heavier racket (305g+) might be better.
Why is the Pure Aero so popular?
The Babolat Pure Aero is popular for its exceptional spin, power, and maneuverability. Its Aero Modular Beam and 16×19 string pattern maximize spin, while its stiff frame generates explosive power. Endorsed by Rafael Nadal, it’s a top choice for aggressive baseline players who rely on heavy topspin.
