Carlos Alcaraz’s Racket: Is the Babolat Pure Aero 98 Right for You?

Pro Frame Specs

THEREALSETUP

Alcaraz's match frame is remarkably close to the retail version — nearly stock, with a few calculated tweaks. What makes it special isn't an exotic layup, it's the precision of customization stacked onto a world-class base frame.

Specs verified via equipment analysis by TennisNerd, ProStrung & ImpactingTennis. Minor variation across tournaments is normal for pro players.

CONFIDENCE HIGH

Head Size

98 in²

Tighter control vs 100in standard

Unstrung Weight

305 g

+5g lead → strung ~333g

Balance (strung)

32.2 cm

Slightly head-light for manoeuvrability

Swingweight

326–328

High stability at pro level

String Pattern

16×20

Open pattern = heavy topspin

Length

27 in

Standard length

String

RPM Team

Babolat full polyester bed

Tension

53–55 lbs

Crosses 1–2 lbs lower

Aerodynamic frame Flax fiber inserts +5g lead at throat

In His Own Words

"I was playing with quite a light weight for the pro tour. We tried those 5 grams and it felt pretty good. Honestly, it was fantastic. It helps because my shots are heavier." — Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2025

The Babolat Pure Aero 98's aerodynamic frame boosts racket head speed, while spin-specific grommets enable string snap-back for maximum topspin. Flax fiber inserts at key locations dampen vibration — giving Alcaraz elite feel on every strike.

Pro Customizations

WHATHE CHANGED

These are the deliberate, game-changing modifications Alcaraz and his team applied — each one targeted to a specific weakness or performance goal.

⚖️

Lead Tape at the Throat

Five grams of lead tape added at the neck of the frame. This increases the overall strung weight and raises swingweight — making the ball "heavier" off the strings without sacrificing swing speed. Particularly impactful on serve and return.

+5g

🎯

Low-Tension Poly Strings

Babolat RPM Team strung at 53–55 lbs — softer than many pros — gives Alcaraz a blend of spin, power and feel. Crosses are 1–2 lbs lower to promote snap-back and extra bite on the ball. Restrung multiple times per match at Grand Slams.

53–55 lbs

🏷️

Near-Stock Frame

Unlike most pros who use hidden pro-stock frames under cosmetic paint, Alcaraz reportedly plays remarkably close to the retail Babolat Pure Aero 98. Some speculation exists around a Pure Aero VS layup — but verified measurements match the production frame.

~Stock

The reasoning WHY THIS
RACKET?

Explosive Topspin Game

The 16×20 open string pattern of the Pure Aero 98 is engineered to generate extreme topspin — Alcaraz's signature weapon. The aerodynamic frame amplifies head speed so his violent swing translates into high-RPM shots.
Control Without Sacrificing Power

The 98 in² head and thinner beam provide tighter, more predictable responses than the 100in version — ideal for Alcaraz's off-the-rise, on-the-rise style where ball contact timing is everything.
Feel for Drop Shots & Touch Plays

Flax fiber inserts dampen unwanted vibration and improve feel — essential for the drop shots, slices, and net play that define Alcaraz as a modern all-court player.
Heavier Ball on Serve

The 2025 weight upgrade was specifically aimed at improving serve quality — generating more mass behind the ball while maintaining the wrist freedom his new serve mechanics require.

Buy It Yourself

BABOLATPURE AERO 98

$279 – $309

USD · Unstrung · Retail price varies by region & retailer

The retail Babolat Pure Aero 98 is the closest thing available to what Alcaraz swings. Unlike most pro players who use heavily modified pro-stock frames, Alcaraz's setup is strikingly close to what you can order online — making this one of the most accessible "copy the pro" purchases in tennis.

The main differences: you won't get the precise weight sorting, the customized lead tape position, or Alcaraz's exact string job. But the frame geometry, layup, and feel are essentially identical.

Also played by: Felix Auger-Aliassime · Holger Rune · Available in matched pairs (±1g) for club players.

Retail Technical Specifications

Head Size

98 in²

Precision sweet spot

Unstrung Weight

305 g

10.8 oz

Balance

31.7 cm

Slightly head-light

Swingweight

~316

Unstrung reference

String Pattern

16 × 20

Open for max spin

Length

27 in

Standard

Beam Width

23–26 mm

Variable taper

Stiffness (RA)

~70

Medium-stiff flex

Grip Sizes

L1–L4

EU 1 through 4

Technology

Flax Fiber

Shock absorption inserts

Frame Material

Graphite

+ woven flax

Retail Price

$279+

Unstrung, USD

Similar Rackets From Other Brands

THECOMPETITION

If the Pure Aero 98 isn't for you — or you want to try a different brand — these three rackets occupy the same performance category: 98–100 in² heads, spin-friendly patterns, and aggressive baseline profiles built for advanced players.

Wilson

Shift 99 v1

Best for: spin & easy power

The Shift 99 V1 is Wilson’s accessible take on spin-focused performance — combining lateral frame flex with a higher launch angle to generate heavy topspin with less effort. At 300 g, it swings faster and feels more forgiving than the Pro version, offering easier depth and acceleration. Compared to the Blade 98, it provides more spin assistance and a livelier response, making it a strong option for intermediate to advanced players who want modern spin without the demands of a heavier frame.

Head Size

99 in²

Unstrung Wt.

300 g

String Pattern

16×20

Stiffness (RA)

~67

Retail Price

~$249

Head

Extreme Pro

Best for: spin & aggressive baseline play

Designed for maximum spin and aggressive shot-making, the Extreme Pro is Head’s most powerful spin-oriented frame. The Auxetic construction enhances feel while maintaining a crisp, explosive response. Its 100 in² head and open 16×19 pattern generate a high launch angle and heavy topspin, producing deep, kicking shots with ease. Compared to the Speed MP, it delivers more raw spin and power, but requires greater control from the player due to its more aggressive response.

Head Size

98 in²

Unstrung Wt.

305 g

String Pattern

16×19

Stiffness (RA)

~66

Retail Price

~$259

Yonex

VCORE 98

Best for: heavy topspin, arm comfort

Arguably the closest spiritual match to the Pure Aero 98 on the market. The VCORE 98's isometric head shape enlarges the effective sweet spot without increasing head size, and the open 16×19 pattern generates exceptional topspin that rivals Babolat's offering. Yonex's VDM (Vibration Dampening Mesh) technology makes it notably more arm-friendly — a key advantage for high-volume hitters. Used on tour in customized form by Daniil Medvedev.

Head Size

98 in²

Unstrung Wt.

305 g

String Pattern

16×19

Stiffness (RA)

~65

Retail Price

~$305

At a Glance Comparison

Racket

Head

Weight

Pattern

Price

Babolat Pure Aero 98

Alcaraz's choice

98 in²

305 g

16×20

$279+

Wilson Shift 99 V1

99 in²

300 g

16×20

~$249

Head Extreme Pro

98 in²

305 g

16×19

~$259

Yonex VCORE 98

98 in²

305 g

16×19

~$305

✓

Who It's Perfect For

Advanced & intermediate players who already swing fast and want to maximize topspin production
Baseline players who like to hit hard, take the ball early and play aggressively
Players who value feel and feedback over pure power assistance
All-court players who need a versatile tool — net play, baseline rallies, and serve all benefit
Those who want a true "pro feel" without needing a custom pro-stock frame
Intermediate to advanced players moving up from a 100in head frame

✗

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Beginners or recreational players — the 98in head offers little forgiveness on off-center hits
Players with slower swing speeds who need the frame to generate power for them
Anyone with arm or elbow issues — the medium-stiff RA ~70 frame can transmit more vibration
Players who prefer a lighter, more whippy setup — at 305g unstrung it demands a strong swing
Serve-and-volley or touch players who prioritize feel over spin — the Pure Feel or VS line may suit better
Those on a budget — cheaper alternatives offer similar playability at lower cost

CARLOS ALCARAZ

THEREALSETUP