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Rafael Nadal’s Racquet, Strings, Grip & More
Gear Guide
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Rafel Nadal is one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes who’s won a record-tying 22 Grand Slam titles, including an astonishing 14 on clay courts at Roland Garros, cementing himself as one of the greatest ever.
Although there’s no denying his talent, grit, and passion, Rafa’s gear, including his trademark yellow racquet and black strings, have played a significant role in his success, helping him maximize his trademark heavy topspin, precision, and power.
This guide reviews Nadal’s essential equipment, including his racquet model, specs, strings, tension, and more, so you can explore it all and dive deeper to determine if it’s a good fit for you.
| Type | Gear Rafa Uses |
| Racquet | Babolat Pure Aero |
| Strings | Babolat RPM Blast |
| Dampener | Babolat Custom Damp Feel |
| Grip | Babolat Syntec Pro |
| Overgrip | Babolat VS Original Feel |
| Shoes | Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage Rafa |
| Bag | Babolat Pure Aero 12 Pack |
| Apparel | Nike Court Rafa |
| Hand Tape | Mueller Pro Strips |
Article Contents
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Racquet
Strings
Shoes
Apparel
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Racquet
Like most pros on tour, Rafael Nadal’s actual racquet differs from the one he endorses through Babolat, his sponsor, so we’ll look at each individually and share how and why they differ.
Actual Racquet
Rafael Nadal uses the Babolat AeroPro Drive, the predecessor to the Pure Aero, which Babolat designed for him early in his career and launched in 2004. Here’s a look at the current specs for his racquet.
| Rafa’s Actual Racquet | Babolat Aeropro Drive |
| Head Size | 100 in² (645) cm² |
| Length | 27 in (68.58 cm) |
| Strung Weight | 12.1 oz (343 g) |
| Balance | 3pts HL (33.5 cm) |
| Stiffness | 72 |
| Swingweight | 360 |
| String Pattern | 16 x 19 |
| Grip Size | 2 (4 1/4) |
| Dampener | Babolat Custom Damp Feel |
| Replacement Grip | Babolat Syntec Pro (Black) |
| Overgrip | Babolat VS Original (White) |
However, Rafa’s first Babolat racquet was the Soft Drive, which he used early as a professional before transitioning to the Pure Drive.
Besides adding a few grams of weight to the frame to enhance power and stability, his AeroPro Drive remains unchanged. The first addition came in 2012, with 3 grams added to the top of the racquet’s head, then another 2 grams in 2017 in the same location, for a total of 5 grams.
For such a lengthy career, it’s impressive that he’s stayed with the same racquet. However, some fans will be surprised to learn that Rafa did try switching racquets in 2015 during a drop in form.
Fans first spotted the black prototype at the Monte Carlo Masters in April, which included Babolat’s Frame String Interaction (FSI) Spin pattern that featured more space between cross strings 5 through 12 for more bite.
However, the test didn’t pan out as he switched back to his old racquet ahead of the Roland Garros, where he eventually lost to Novak Djokovic during the quarterfinals.
At this stage, you may be wondering where and how to buy the exact model Rafael is using. Unfortunately, getting your hands on an AeroPro Drive isn’t easy. Babolat retired the original model’s production in 2007 when they released the second-generation racquet. The combined interest that has come with the model following his success makes it difficult for players and fans to purchase.
Your best bet is regularly browsing websites that resell racquets like ProStockTennis, and marketplaces like eBay.
Unless you’re a professional tennis player sponsored by Babolat, in which case, they’ll custom-make them for you.
Endorsed Racquet
Nadal endorses the Babolat Pure Aero, the evolution of his original AeroPro Drive, which has become one of the best-selling tennis racquets due to his success, delivering exceptional spin and power.
However, Rafa doesn’t use the latest model. Instead, Babolat custom paints his AeroPro Drive to look like the newest version, so you’ll notice his racquet’s appearance always reflects the latest model sold.
The main reason this happens is that players don’t typically change racquets often. Once they find a good fit, they’ll stick with it for the long haul and only, if necessary, make minor customizations over time, especially if they’re finding success, as is the case with Nadal.
Here are the specs for the latest version of the Babolat Pure Aero.
| Rafa’s Endorsed Racquet | Babolat Pure Aero |
| Head Size | 100 in² (645) cm² |
| Length | 27 in (68.58 cm) |
| Strung Weight | 11.2 oz (318 g) |
| Balance | 4pts HL (33 cm) |
| Stiffness | 67 |
| Swingweight | 324 |
| String Pattern | 16 x 19 |
| Grip Size | 2 (4 1/4) |
| Dampener | Babolat Custom Damp Feel |
| Replacement Grip | Babolat Syntec Pro (Black) |
| Overgrip | Babolat VS Original (White) |
Comparing his AeroPro Drive to the latest Pure Aero, here are the differences you’ll spot in the specifications.
| Spec | Actual | Endorsed | Difference |
| Strung Weight | 12.1 oz (343 g) | 11.2 oz (318 g) | 0.88 oz (25 g) |
| Balance | 3pts HL (33.5 cm) | 4pts HL (33 cm) | 1 pt (0.5 cm) |
| Stiffness | 72 | 67 | 5 |
| Swingweight | 360 | 324 | 36 |
On the surface, these may seem like minor differences, but they’re substantial, and the added weight is typical among the pros who use it to stabilize the racquet when facing heavy pace from an opponent. Furthermore, Nadal’s AeroPro Drive uses a different construction, materials, and tech, which impact the racquet’s feel.
However, don’t let the differences in specs deter you. The current model of the Babolat Pure Aero is an excellent frame and one of my picks for the best tennis racquets. Plus, its specs, including a manageable weight and lower stiffness for comfort, are better suited for most players.
Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Origin
More recently, Babolat released the Pure Aero Rafa Origin, a signature model much like Roger Federer’s Wilson RF97, which aims to provide players with the closest off-the-shelf match to his racquet. Here are the specs.
| Rafa’s Signature Racquet | Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Origin |
| Head Size | 100 in² (645) cm² |
| Length | 27 in (68.58 cm) |
| Strung Weight | 11.9 oz (337 g) |
| Balance | 1pts HL (34 cm) |
| Stiffness | 70 |
| Swingweight | 371 |
| String Pattern | 16 x 19 |
| Grip Size | 2 (4 1/4) |
| Dampener | Babolat Custom Damp Feel |
| Replacement Grip | Babolat Syntec Pro (Black) |
| Overgrip | Babolat VS Original (White) |
Although the specs aren’t spot on, it’s close. The construction is similar to the original, including a lack of dampening technology that Babolat introduced with its modern frame versions.
As a result, you can purchase this frame while it lasts and customize it for a close match if you don’t mind extra work.
Babolat Since Nine
Rafael Nadal started using Babolat racquets when he was nine, opting for the Soft Drive before transitioning to the Pure Drive for a short period and finally landing on the AeroPro Drive.
His partnership with the brand is so long-standing that you’ll be hard-pressed to dig up any photos of him using anything but Babolat.
Strings
Rafael Nadal uses a shaped polyester tennis string called Babolat RPM Blast in a thicker 1.35 mm (15L) gauge, strung with a tension of 55 lbs (24.95 kg). Rafa uses it because of its excellent spin and controlled response, opting for a thicker guage to enhance string bed stiffness.
| Babolat RPM Blast | Spec |
| Gauge | 15L / 1.35 mm |
| Length | 40 ft / 12 m |
| Composition | Co-polyester Monofilament |
| Color | Black |
Babolat introduced the string in 2010 to a handful of players, including Rafa, Francesca Schiavone, and Samantha Stosur, who were spotted using it in June of that year with great success at the French Open.
Beforehand, Nadal used Babolat Duralast and Pro Hurricane Tour (rebranded to RPM Hurricane) in the polyester string family.
Starting the 2022 season at the Australian Open, Rafa switched to a thinner 1.30 mm (16) gauge version of RPM Blast, which would have reduced stringbed stiffness, offering a bit of extra bite and feel while slightly increasing the trajectory or launch angle of the ball.
Although durability is lower with a thinner string, this was likely not a concern for him as he regularly switches racquets throughout his matches. At this stage, it’s unclear whether or not he stuck with the change or returned to the thicker gauge.
Babolat RPM Blast is an excellent string, and it’s one of my picks for the best on the market, but it has its downsides. Notably, it’s stiff and lacks power, comfort, and tension maintenance. The combination can lead to arm discomfort for some players and require players to frequently restring, which is worth considering if you’re considering it.
If you like the idea of the string but are concerned with comfort, one option is to string it as a hybrid with a natural gut or a multifilament.
Vibration Dampener
Outside of his strings and tension, you’ll also notice that he plays with a Babolat Custom Damp vibration dampener. It’s unique because the dampener has a small rubber insert for maximum vibration reduction or removed for added feel, which Nadal uses when playing.
If you’re looking for more options, check out my vibration dampener guide, which includes my favorite picks.
Grip
When it comes to Rafael Nadal’s grip, there are a few different elements to consider, including the size of his grip, the type he wraps the handle with, and how he holds the racquet. Let’s look at each separately.
Size
Rafa uses a smaller 4 1/4-inch grip, equal to a size two. Although you can use a few methods to achieve an ideal fit, it’s ultimately a personal preference, and he’s a great example of that fact.
| Size | Inches | Millimeters |
| 00 | 3 3/8 | 98 |
| 0 | 4 | 102 |
| 1 | 4 1/8 | 105 |
| 2 | 4 1/4 | 108 |
| 3 | 4 3/8 | 111 |
| 4 | 4 1/2 | 114 |
| 5 | 4 5/8 | 118 |
| 6 | 4 3/4 | 121 |
Standing six feet tall, Rafa could undoubtedly use a larger grip size, but he opts for a smaller one because it’s less cumbersome, and he prefers the feel and added control over the racquet.
Replacement & Overgrip
Nadal wraps the handle of his racquet with a black Babolat Syntec Team replacement grip, combined with a tacky white Babolat VS Original overgrip for maximum comfort and control.
The Babolat Syntec Team is the standard grip that Babolat applies to most of their racquet handles when you buy them. The quoted grip size includes the bulk added by that grip, while an overgrip is wrapped over the top and increases the handle by 1/16 of an inch or a half size.
Rafa replaces his overgrips before every match while his physio wraps his feet to ensure he has the best grip possible while playing.
Forehand Grip
To produce his trademark power and topspin, Nadal uses a semi-wester forehand grip, the most popular used by professional tennis players.
As a left-handed player, Nadal places the palm side of his index finger’s knuckle against the sixth bevel of his racquet’s handle, then closes his fingers around the handle to secure it.
You’ll also notice that he holds the butt cap of the racquet in the palm of his hand rather than choking up, allowing him to manipulate the racquet more easily for enhanced wrist action and topspin.
Interestingly, Rafa is naturally right-handed, but his coach and uncle encouraged him to learn as a lefty to make it more difficult for his predominantly right-handed opponents.
Backhand Grip
Nadal uses a standard two-handed backhand grip, with his left hand in a continental grip and his right-hand forming an eastern grip.
To form this grip, you’ll first place your left-hand index finger’s knuckle on the eighth bevel at the bottom of the handle and close your fingers. Next, you’ll put your right-hand index finger’s knuckle on the third bevel above your left hand and wrap your fingers.
Doing so allows Rafa to create ample topspin while flattening the shot out when necessary to hit through the court.
Volley Grip
On volleys, Rafael Nadal uses a standard continental grip. However, one distinction worth noting is that he holds the racquet higher on the handle for better control, which may be a side effect of using a smaller grip.
A grip size that better fits your hand remains more stable and reduces the likelihood of the racquet twisting in your hand on contact.
Serve Grip
For serves, Nadal uses a standard continental grip, ubiquitous on the professional tour for men and women. The grip allows players to hit all different types of serves without changing their hand position.
Shoes
Throughout his career, Rafa’s speed and movement on the court have served as trademark assets, helping him stay in points longer and get to shots that would have been unthinkable for many players.
To help him move his best, Rafael Nadal relies on the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage, a shoe designed to meet the demands of his aggressive playing style and one of my picks for the best. They’re a bit heavier at 15.6 ounces or 442 grams in a men’s size 10.5, but plenty of stability and durability comes with the weight.
A few years after the shoe’s initial release, Nike officially branded them as a signature shoe with ‘Rafa’ embroidered on the heel.
Bag
When Rafa arrives at the court for a match, he brings two bags: a Babolat Pure Aero 12 Pack racquet bag and a medium-sized Nike duffle bag with the Rafael Nadal raging bull logo embroidered on the side.
Nadal carries six racquets in his Babolat Pure Aero bag, numbered in order, so he always knows which one he’s using. Usually, he starts playing with the racquet he warms up with, then alternates racquets periodically on changeovers throughout the match as needed.
His Nike bag usually contains a change of clothes, extra wristbands, headbands, socks, and a fresh pair of shoes to change into if the conditions permit doing so.
If you’re searching for a new bag, check out my in-depth guide and top picks with a few brands you’ve likely never encountered.
Apparel
Rafa’s clothing sponsor is Nike from head to toe, wearing the brand’s shirt, shorts, socks, underwear, wristbands, and headbands.
Due to his success, Nike has created an entire line of tennis apparel with his raging bull logo dedicated to the star athlete.
As you may have noticed, Nadal’s apparel changes with the season, with new drops usually leading up to each Grand Slam event. That said, if you spot him wearing something you like, you’ll need to jump online quickly to see if it’s available for order.
Watch
One of the most famous pieces of gear that Rafael Nadal wears on the court is his Swiss-made Richard Mille watch, which has received several updates over the years, all worth over a million dollars.
Here’s a list of those we’ve spotted him wearing on the court:
- RM 027
- RM 21-01
- RM 21-02
- RM 21-03
- RM 21-04
One of the unique aspects about these watches is that they’re incredibly lightweight, with his original model weighing less than 20 grams. They’re also highly shock resistant to stand up to the rigor of play.
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