Babolat Pure Aero tennis rackets have been known for over twenty years for their extremely powerful, spin-oriented character. This racket family has always been inextricably linked to the King of Clay: Rafael Nadal. And nowadays, it is linked to another Spanish great: Carlos Alcaraz. With the introduction of the GEN9 collection, Babolat levels up its spin machines once again. In 2026, the focus is not only on power and spin, but also on a more refined sense of control over the ball.
Whether you play competitive tennis or are looking for your first racket, the Pure Aero GEN9 family has a suitable weight for every player. In this article, we discuss key technologies, the change in frame construction compared to previous generations, and what you will notice on the court. We also help you determine which of these brand-new spin machines might suit you best.
What makes the Babolat Pure Aero GEN9 tennis rackets unique?
Before we look at the different models, it is important to understand what sets the ninth generation Pure Aero apart from the rest. For instance, it features distinctive technologies and a new frame design.
NF2-Tech 2.0
This is the new and improved version of the original NF2-Tech. This innovation, in the form of natural flax fibers in the throat of the frame, efficiently filters the vibrations during ball impact for extra comfort, while retaining the essential feel.
FSI Spin
An open string pattern for ultimate spin. Thanks to extended contact between the ball and the string, the Woofer System delivers maximum spin, plenty of feel, and superior control and comfort.
Aeromodular4
For the Pure Aero GEN9 rackets, Babolat has designed a new aerodynamic frame shape. The heart of the racket has been optimized to swing through the air even faster and generate more spin and power. At the same time, the adjustment contributes to an improved sense of control.
In our opinion, the most striking feature compared to previous generations of the Babolat Pure Aero is undoubtedly the new frame. Whereas previous versions had a recognizable shape with sharp angles at the core, the GEN9 features a redesigned one. As a result, it feels even more aerodynamic and also slightly more flexible. This results in improved maneuverability and extra feel. Did you previously miss a fraction of control with the Pure Aero rackets? Then this new version might just be something for you!
Which Pure Aero GEN9 model do you need?
The racket family includes various models, each with its own combination of weight, balance, and other important specifications. Therefore, it is crucial to make the right choice that suits your level and meets your expectations.
Babolat Pure Aero 98 GEN9 – spin, power, and precision for advanced players
This is the heaviest, most control-oriented model. With a smaller head, a thinner frame (21-23-22 mm), and a 16x20 string pattern, the Aero 98 GEN9 offers extra precision and the most refined feel of all options within the latest Pure Aero collection.
- Weight: 305 grams
- Ideal for: experienced, attacking tennis players wanting to generate maximum spin and power with racket head speed, but simultaneously need just that little bit of extra control and feel over the ball.
Babolat Pure Aero GEN9 – ultimate spin and power for many
Due to the extremely popular combination of specifications: 100 sq inch racket head, 300 gram weight, 32 cm balance, and 16x19 string pattern, this model is suitable for many tennis players. The 23-26-23 mm frame with technological implementations provides an exceptional combination of spin, power, and feel.
- Weight: 300 grams
- Ideal for: some strong beginners, up to very experienced players who want to dictate the game with powerful spin shots
Babolat Pure Aero Team, Lite & Super Lite GEN9 – for spin and power with extra maneuverability
For players looking for a lighter racket than the 305- and 300-gram models, three variants are available. Which weight suits you best depends on the balance between maneuverability and stability you require. The lighter the racket, the easier it is to maneuver, but the less stable it feels when hitting the ball.
- Team (285 grams): The Pure Aero Team GEN9 is suitable for beginners to (lightly) advanced players who want to experience maximum spin and power and prefer a racket that is slightly easier to maneuver.
- Lite (270 grams): Its 270-gram weight makes the Pure Aero Lite GEN9 ideal for ambitious juniors transitioning to their first adult racket, or for beginner-to-intermediate tennis players looking for a highly maneuverable racket that makes it easy to add speed and spin to their shots.
- Super Lite (255 grams): The lightest model in the Pure Aero GEN9 racket family. As a result, it is extremely maneuverable. Ideal for children seeking the lightest possible first adult racket, or for recreational tennis players who prefer a frame that allows them to execute their swings as quickly as possible.
Why switch to the GEN9?
Thanks to updates implemented by Babolat, the Pure Aero GEN9 rackets perform better in terms of aerodynamics, feel, and control. Furthermore, because the new frames swing through the air faster, you can add extra spin and power to your shots. Finally, vibration damping is more effective while retaining feedback during ball impact.
This makes the Pure Aero GEN9 rackets very interesting for tennis players of all levels who want to add as much spin and power as possible to their shots with an aerodynamic, comfortable frame that provides an optimal connection to the ball for extra precision.
Colleagues experienced more ball feel and extra racket speed with the GEN9 Aero 98 and 100 compared to previous generations of Pure Aero. For them, this led to improved confidence with attacking, powerful spin shots, as well as with delicate slices and drop shots.
As you can expect from us, Tennis Only has demo rackets of the Babolat Pure Aero GEN9 available in-store and online (for Dutch and Belgian residents). This way, you can try out this new generation before making a final decision!
Frequently asked questions
Is there really a difference between this version and the previous one?
Yes. This new generation of Pure Aeros actually plays differently from the previous one. During testing, we found it easier to execute fast swings, with greater comfort, feel, and control over the ball.
Are you very attached to the playing characteristics of the previous generation Pure Aero? Then we recommend trying the GEN9 to see whether the new version meets your expectations as well.
What is the difference between the Aero 98 GEN9 and the Aero GEN9?
Although these two models differ in weight by only 5 grams, there are other very important specifications that distinguish them from each other. The frame thickness of the Pure Aero 98 GEN9 is 21-23-22 mm, whereas that of the "standard" Pure Aero GEN9 is 23-26-23 mm. The head size, string pattern, and balance point also have an influence.
The Aero 98 GEN9 has a head size of 98 sq inches, a 16x20 string pattern, and a balance point of 31.5 cm. The Aero GEN9, respectively: 100 sq inches, 16x19, and 32 cm. It is specifically these characteristics, in combination with the frame thickness, that make the Aero 98 GEN9 significantly more control-oriented, thus offering even more precision and feel than the Aero GEN9.
| Player | Seeking | Pure Aero |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced tennis player | More control in a spin-oriented frame | 98 GEN9 |
| (Lightly) advanced tennis player | Maximum spin and effortless power | GEN9 |
Which string fits the Pure Aero GEN9 best?
This naturally depends heavily on your own preferences. Are you looking for a string with extra control and spin potential? Then the Babolat RPM Blast is a very popular choice. Would you prefer a bit more comfort combined with spin and control? Then the Babolat RPM Team is better suited.
Do you play with one of the lighter models and rarely, if ever, break strings? Then benefit from extra comfort and power with the Babolat Xcel or the AddiXion+.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the Babolat Pure Aero GEN9 racket family, the French tennis brand proves once again that it can design and produce exceptional spin machines. With models for every level, you too can benefit from your ideal combination of spin, power, feel, and comfort.
To fully experience the Pure Aero GEN9 series, we invite you to visit us in-store to handle the rackets personally or test them on-court. Alternatively, you may conveniently order a demo racket through our online store (for customers with a delivery address in the Netherlands or Belgium) to ensure the perfect fit for your game.