Even with the more conservative string pattern, it’s still spread enough for skilled players to find enough spin to give shots coverage, or angle an opponent off the court. Slice and kick serves generate plenty of action to keep opponents off-balance. Along with the pace and accuracy you can generate on flatter deliveries, it creates a fairly formidable serving stick.
The new Flax Tape 2.0 vibration dampening technology in the throat helps produce clean and solid impact. There are certainly other 98s in the weight class that have more feel and a kinder response at contact. But the PD 98 is more about productivity than aesthetics.
At net it maneuvers well and handles all the routine assignments with little fuss. It’s perfectly capable of digging out a low volley and directing it to a safe space. Because the ball is in and out of the string bed so quickly, more delicate angle and drop shots take a deft touch. The racquet could certainly perform for an all-courter, but probably does its best work from the baseline.
A final perk is Babolat continues to make the PD 98 available in matching pairs with a maximum weight difference of 1 gram. This is an attractive option for competitive players who require multiple frames and want their stock specs to be as identical as possible.
