Babolat Pure Strike 100 16x20 Gen4 Tennis Racquet

The Babolat Pure Strike 100 16x20 (Gen4) is a unique addition to the 2024 lineup. It bridges the gap between the player-friendly Pure Strike 100 (16x19) and the more demanding Pure Strike 98.

By adding a 20th cross string and increasing the weight slightly, Babolat has created a "surgical" 100-square-inch frame that prioritizes directional control and stability over pure raw power.

Gen4 Improvements & Feel

1. The 16x20 String Bed: The extra cross string serves a specific purpose: it lowers the "launch angle." This means the ball doesn't fly as high off the strings as it does on a 16x19, allowing you to swing flatter and more aggressively without fear of the ball sailing long.
2. NF²-Tech (Flax Inserts): Just like the rest of the Gen4 line, this racket features natural flax fibers in the handle and frame. This is a major upgrade over the Gen3 (Project One7) because it removes the "tinny" or overly stiff vibration, replacing it with a more dampened, classic feel.
3. Enhanced Stability: Because it is 5g heavier than the standard 100, it handles heavy pace from opponents much better. It feels more "solid" at the net and during return of serves.

Performance breakdown 

1. Precision: Exceptional for a 100 in² head. It allows for "point-and-shoot" accuracy usually reserved for 95–97 in² rackets.
2. Spin: While it has 16 mains, the 20 crosses slightly limit string snap-back compared to a wide-open pattern. You will get plenty of spin, but it is "controlled spin" rather than the explosive RPMs of a Pure Aero.
3. Power: It requires a bit more "user input" than the 16x19 version. You need to provide the swing speed to get depth, as the dense pattern naturally holds the ball back.

Who is this for?

The Pure Strike 100 16x20 is the "sweet spot" for:

• Intermediate to Advanced players who love the forgiveness of a 100 sq. in. head but find standard 16x19 patterns too "launchy" or unpredictable.
• Aggressive Baseliners who hit with a flatter trajectory and want maximum confidence when aiming for the lines.
• Former 98 sq. in. users who are looking for a slightly larger sweet spot as they get older or play longer matches, without sacrificing the control they are used to.

Key Technical Specifications

• Compared to the standard 16x19 model, this version is slightly heavier and offers a denser string bed for a lower launch angle.

Head Size: 100 in² (645cm²)

Weight (Unstrung):  305g (10.8 oz)

String Pattern:  16x20

Balance (Unstrung):  310mm / 10 pts Head Light

Swingweight:  ~322 (Strung)

Beam Width:  21 / 23 / 21 mm

Stiffness (RA):  68