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Babolat Pure Drive

HOW IT TESTED:
At 11.5 ounces, the Pure Drive Roddick is about a half-ounce heavier than the original and almost identical in weight to what Andy Roddick uses. That gives you the first clue about this frame—it’s for advanced players who have the muscle to move it through the contact zone. Pure Drive fans will notice how the extra weight keeps the frame from buckling under pressure, particularly on volleys and returns. The Pure Drive Roddick, which also comes in an extra-long model, excels at helping players hit a heavy ball with pace and spin. Plus, because it’s stable, it delivers more control off the ground. There’s also a new vibrationfiltering technology, the Cortex System, just above the handle that’s designed to reduce bad vibes without deadening the frame’s feel. (Note: The original Pure Drive is also available with or without the Cortex System.)

BOTTOM LINE:
If you can handle the heft, the Pure Drive Roddick will give you more power, control, and stability.