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The Babolat Pure Drive Cortex follows the legacy of the Pure Drive Team. Like its predecessor, this racquet features the woofer technology which allows for the grommet to act as pistons. This permits the strings more versatility and the player more forgiveness when miss-hits occur. Making its debut on the frame series, the cortex system adds a built-in dampener within the neck below the throat. This allows the player to have greater feel and less harmful vibrations that could potentially hurt the player overtime, and, of course, a new, stunning paintjob.

Ground Strokes

While playing with this frame, the cortex system permitted an optimum touch performance that allowed for easy shot placement. I found that, while hitting forehands, that I was able to take full, fast-paced swings and hit beautiful winners to make easy points and to take pressure off myself during match play. I also found that it was very easy to keep a rally going with its versatility and performance. When hitting on backhand, the great amount variance between spin and power run through your brain. I usually prefer to hit mostly flat, hard shots, which, in this case, was supremely efficient, but surprisingly so was the extreme topspin balls that added the extra pace and multiplied my effort, and added more pace to equal an exquisite groundstroke that became my main weapon during long points. This racquet is a solid performer in the groundstroke department.

At the Net

While playing at the net, I found that this racquet was very maneuverable and easy to make contact due to the 100 square inch head size. I was able to setup easy put-aways with this frame and add the extra punch that is sometimes needed to win points. Hitting overheads came natural and allowed for easy variance of spin or power during contact. I thought that it was a great net performer and would be a great choice for serve-and-volley players well.

Return Serve

On the serve return, players will find it easy to hit hard, flat serves back with almost no swing due to the great deal of power and control imbedded within the frame. Spin serves tended to need some finesse, but were relatively easy to return overall. The racquet performed great when a spun-in second serve was released, and could easily smash the ball down-the-line. This racquet acted quite well on serve return.

Serve

Probably the most important weapon within a player’s game. This racquet bleeds power that provides optimum pace and “umph” needed to earn aces when in tough situations. I chose to use more spin and swing with less force because of the extra bite this racquet provides. When playing a match and under pressure, I only double-faulted twice in two sets, when usually going for about an average of 3 or so, really allowed me to keep an iron grip on my service game.

On the Whole…

This racquet is a great successor to the famed Pure Drive Team. Many players will be attracted to its pulsing power and superb control. The Cortex system allows for an even greater feel than ever seen on previous Babolat frames, and, when paired with the Woofer technology, grants supreme feeling of nirvana on contact. This racquet will be a great choice for any player’s game.

Reviewed by: Arman Nikkhoo

To purchase the Babolat Pure Drive Cortex click here