Why Paying £260 for a Babolat Pure Aero 98 Might Not Be Worth It: The Case for Second-Hand Tennis Rackets

The Babolat Pure Aero 98 is one of the most talked-about rackets in modern tennis. Designed for players who want heavy spin and control, it’s a premium frame used by advanced players around the world.

But with a price tag of around £260 brand new, many club players are starting to ask the same question:

Is it really worth paying full price?

For a lot of players, the smarter option is actually buying second-hand tennis rackets. Not only can you save a huge amount of money, but you’ll often get a racket that performs just as well as a brand-new one.

Why New Tennis Rackets Are So Expensive

Modern rackets like the Babolat Pure Aero 98 include advanced materials, aerodynamic frame designs and vibration-reducing technologies. Brands also release updated versions regularly, which keeps demand high.

However, the performance difference between new models and recent versions is often very small for the average player.

For club players and intermediates, the biggest improvement usually comes from practice and technique, not from buying the latest racket release.

The Benefits of Buying Second-Hand Tennis Rackets

Save a Lot of Money

One of the biggest advantages is cost. A racket that sells for £260 new can often be found second-hand for £120–£180, depending on its condition.

Many rackets are only used a handful of times before being sold, which means you can sometimes buy a nearly new frame for half the price.

Quality Is Often Still Excellent

Tennis rackets are built to last. Unless a frame has been cracked or severely damaged, it can remain playable for many years.

Small scratches or cosmetic marks rarely affect performance, so buying used doesn’t mean sacrificing quality.

It’s the More Sustainable Choice

Every year, thousands of perfectly good rackets are replaced simply because a new model has been released. Buying second-hand helps extend the life of these rackets and reduces unnecessary waste.

It’s a small decision that helps make tennis a more sustainable sport.

Where to Find Good Second-Hand Tennis Rackets

There are plenty of places to find quality used rackets. Online marketplaces like Vinted often have players selling rackets that no longer suit their game.

When buying a used racket, it’s always worth checking:

The frame for cracks

General wear and tear

The condition of the strings and grip

Most of the time, replacing the grip or strings is all that’s needed to make a second-hand racket feel almost brand new.

Final Thoughts

The Babolat Pure Aero 98 is a fantastic racket, but paying £260 for a brand-new frame isn’t always necessary.

For many players, buying second-hand is the smarter option. You’ll often get the same performance for half the price, while also helping reduce waste in the sport.

Sometimes the best upgrade for your game isn’t buying new gear — it’s simply making a smarter purchase.

FAQ

Is buying a second-hand tennis racket worth it?

Yes. Many second-hand tennis rackets are still in excellent condition and can cost 40–60% less than buying new. As long as the frame isn’t cracked, the racket should perform just as well as a new one.

How much should a used Babolat Pure Aero 98 cost?

Most second-hand models typically sell between £120 and £180, depending on condition and whether they include new strings or grips.

Do tennis rackets lose performance over time?

Not usually. Tennis racket frames can last many years if they are not cracked or structurally damaged. The parts that wear out most often are the strings and grip, which are inexpensive to replace.