It is not easy to navigate the overwhelming offer of tennis racquets on the market. To help you pick the best gear for your needs, Tennis Warehouse gathered feedback from playtesters’ firsthand experiences. They reviewed a variety of racquets and classified them into the best choices for players of different levels and styles.
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Best tennis racquets for beginners
Those just starting out are advised to look for a light and comfortable racquet. Here is the best equipment for beginners.
All-around value: Head Ti S5 Comfort Zone, $79.95
The Head Ti S5 Comfort Zone offers the best value for money. It has just the right balance of features, a fast feel and user-friendly level of power. The model is also outstanding for learning and perfecting topspin.
Comfort and power: Prince O3 Legacy 120, $189
Players looking for a luxurious hitting experience, pure comfort and easy power shouldn’t look any further than the Prince O3 Legacy 120. It gives beginners a large margin of error and produces unmatched vibration dampening.
More control: Babolat Boost Aero, $99
The Babolat Boost Aero is exceptionally maneuverable, so it enables beginners to keep the ball in play and easily learn to play tennis. It lacks the big power of the previous two models, but it offers great control and helps you position the racquet effectively. Another perk is that it comes pre-strung for the affordable price of $99.
Best tennis racquets for intermediate players
Intermediate players need a racquet that complements their developing style, whether it be grinding out long points from the baseline or banging forehand winners from a dead sprint. Tennis Warehouse’s playtesters suggest a few models across different categories.
Best power & spin: Babolat Pure Drive, $239 & Babolat Pure Aero, $239 & Yonex VCORE 100, $245
The Babolat Pure Drive, a world best-seller in the last 20 years, is the undisputed king when it comes to light power frames. Recommended for players looking to swing big and load the ball with pace and spin. Read full review here.
The Babolat Pure Aero is focused on spin and power. This racquet model is weighted for intermediate players, but it is as good for the dedicated beginner and the advanced ball striker who is looking to go on offense. The Aero family has played a large role in creating a class of aggressive baseline tennis that has taken the tennis world by storm. Read full review here.
The Yonex VCORE 100 delivers easy power and spin-friendly response, which make it stand out in a rich offer of modern power racquets. New technologies help the racquet bend more optimally and the strings snap back powerfully during impact. Moreover, added comfort is provided by a vibration dampening mesh in the handle.
Honorable mentions in the power and spin racquet category for intermediate players include: Head Graphene 360+ Extreme MP, Dunlop FX 500, Tecnifibre T-Rebound 298 Iga and Prince Twistpower X100.
Best control & feel: Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v8, $249 & Head Radical MP 2021, $249
Whichever the surface the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v8 was tested on, the playtesters agreed that this model was perfect for players looking for exceptional control and feel. Updated in late 2021, the Blade 98 remains spin-friendly thanks to its easy maneuverability and grippy 16×19 stringbed. The racquet is especially recommended to players who like to hit the ball with full swings. Read full review here.
The Head Radical MP 2021 is a well-rounded pick for the intermediate and stronger player. This is a racquet with a long history that got a generous update in the 2021 version. Head increased the static weight and swingweight for the Radical MP, which translated into more stability. Built for control and feel, this racquet doesn’t skimp on power either. Read full review here.
Honorable mentions in the control and feel racquet category for intermediate players include: Babolat Pure Strike 100 3rd Gen, Prince Phantom 100G, Tecnifibre TF40 305 (16×19), Yonex VCORE PRO 100.
Best arm-friendly: Yonex EZONE 98 2022, $245 & Wilson Clash 100, $269
Naomi Osaka’s Yonex EZONE 98 2022 is one of the more user-friendly racquets on the market thanks to its ease of maneuverability adaptable to all playing styles, generous access to power, large sweetspot and great feel. It offers impressive comfort for a lighter racquet. This 7th generation EZONE is recommended to intermediate players that prefer the pop of a modern player’s racquet but without the stiff feel. Read full review here.
The Wilson Clash 100 is perfect for players looking for supreme comfort in a power-loaded racquet. When compared to the EZONE 98, our other racquet recommended in the arm-friendly category for intermediates, the Wilson Clash 100 is more powerful and makes hitting with depth easy. However, when it comes to stability, the EZONE 98 is better.
Honorable mentions in the arm-friendly racquet category for intermediate players: Head Boom MP 2022, Prince Twistpower X100, and ProKennex Black Ace 300.
Best tennis racquets for advanced players
Players with great experience need a racquet that complements their strengths, that have enough mass to drive the ball powerfully through the court or redirect higher levels of pace.
Best power and spin: Babolat Pure Aero Plus, $239
The Babolat Pure Aero line’s power, spin and maneuverability are undeniable, so it is making this list twice for a reason. The Babolat Pure Aero Plus is an excellent option for aggressive players who want to add boost to their already big swings. An extra length of this racquet provides more power and stability, making your biggest serves and groundstrokes even more dangerous. Read the full review here.
Honorable mentions in the power and spin racquet category for advanced players: Prince Twistpower X97 Tour, Wilson Blade SW102 Autograph, Yonex EZONE 98 Tour, and Babolat Pure Drive Tour 2021.
Best control and feel: Head Prestige Pro 2021, $259 & Yonex VCORE PRO 97 320, $260
Formerly called the Prestige MP, the Head Prestige Pro 2021 iteration combines superior control with loads of plow through. This update continues the remarkable ball feedback and precision of previous generations, but provides easier access to depth, making it a well-balanced and a bit more user-friendly racquet that offers pinpoint accuracy. Experienced players looking for a traditional tennis player’s racquet will appreciate little to no adjustment period. Read full review here.
The Yonex VCORE PRO 97D 320 combines buttery feel with effortless control. Playtesters loved how this racquet performed everywhere on court. Spin was easy to come by, and precision was nothing less than surgical. At net and on returns, the racquet felt more maneuverable than the weight suggested without giving up any stability. Advanced players with an aggressive game are going to love this racquet because of its precise, control-oriented nature.
Honorable mentions in the control and feel racquet category for advanced players: Wilson Pro Staff RF97 v13, Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro, Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18×20, and Head Pro Tour 2.0.
Best arm-friendly: Prince Phantom 97P, $199 & Head Gravity Pro 2021, $259
The Prince Phantom 97P, just like the entire Phantom line, is all about a buttery feel and pinpoint accuracy. This iteration adds a 97 square inch model to the Phantom family, perfect for players who loved Phantom racquets but needed a head size between 93 and 100 square inches. Players who will enjoy this racquet are those who are looking for classic control in a modern package with speedy swing and access to spin. Read full review here.
The Head Gravity Pro 2021 impressively balances control, feel and stability, making it a natural option for the player who wants a modern classic. With its 100-square-inch head, the racquet has an ample sweetspot, while its rounder shape allows a bit more access to spin than some other 18×20 string patterns. The Head Gravity Pro 2021 is built with a thin beam and low flex.
Honorable mentions in the arm-friendly racquet category for advanced players: Volkl C10 Pro, ProKennex Black Ace 315, Prince Phantom 97P, and Yonex VCORE PRO 97HD 18×20.
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