Progression II 200. As you read through these, keep in mind that your string selection will influence some of these attributes. In 2023, and for the seventh year in a row, Im naming the Babolat Pure Strike 1619 the best overall tennis racquet despite some notable new frame releases and more than 300 total on the market today. Despite the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Pros well-balanced performance, there is some give-and-take. You could flip that statement and say that this racquet is unlikely to offend anyone. I did find that control suffered a bit with the ball getting away from me here and there. All in all, the Prince Textreme Tour 100P remains an approachable tennis racquet thats perfect for players seeking all court performance. The latest generation of the Dunlop FX 500 pairs up a 100 in head with an open 1619 string pattern and weighs in at 11.2 ounces strung with a 4 pt head light balance that results in a highly manageable swingweight of 314. This racquet is ideal for beginners looking for an extra large sweetspot. Simultaneously, the 98 in head and a slightly thinner beam gave me the control I desired to direct the ball and hit my spots. With that in mind, the latest generation of the RF97 maintains the same specs as the prior generations because Federer hasnt changed them. Don't get us wrong, though. Head Graphene Speed S - Best Maneuverable Head Racquet 4. Power Here are the most common gauges and who we'd recommend each for: 15/1.40mm: Thickest gauge; best for advanced players looking for maximum durability and control. As you can imagine, players who love to hit with topspin and grind out points from the baseline are an excellent fit for the racquet. Power Despite the frame delivering plenty of topspin, it lacks in this department but will work well for players that prefer to flatten the ball out. Babolat Pure Strike 3rd Gen Head Speed MP Babolat Pure Aero Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 Head Gravity Pro 2021 Yonex EZONE 98 Babolat Pure Drive 2021 Wilson Pro Staff RF97 v13 Autograph Wilson Clash 100 v2 Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310 As you research and evaluate tennis racquets, youll likely encounter specifications or attributes that retailers showcase to help players compare racquets and decide on a good fit. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Touch and Feel Its also a very approachable racquet for beginners, combined with its 100 in head and 11.2-ounce strung weight. Maneuverability The flexible frame allows players to control the ball with greater precision. The head light balance was particularly beneficial up at the net, where I never felt like I was forcing the racquet into position. For players with flatter mechanics, a dense string pattern can help with control. Returns Your email address will not be published. At 11.1 ounces, it feels solid, but with its 4-point head light balance, it swings effortlessly. dedicated reviews for many of the racquets, A Comprehensive Guide to Multifilament Strings, Tennis String Gauge and Its Impact on Performance. Best Babolat Tennis Racquets Babolat Pure Aero ADVANCED PLAYERS PICK 9.5/10 Our Score Check On Amazon With a strung weight of only 11.4 ounces, less weight in the racquet head at 6 points head light, and a lower 320 swingweight, its a user-friendly tennis racquet that most players should find easy to maneuver. Control One thing to keep in mind is that Pure Drive is one of the stiffer frames on the market, so players with tennis elbow should carefully consider that before purchasing this racquet. Heres a list for quick reference: The Head Speed MP 2022 is the latest evolution of a popular racquet from Head, endorsed by players on the ATP and WTA tour, including Jannik Sinner, Bianca Andreescu, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and many more. Another thing to keep in mind is that this racquet is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to stiffness. Start by jotting down whats working and whats not working with your current racquet so you can use that information to help scout your next frame. I enjoyed the power of this frame most at the baseline. On all orders over $75! Returns This comparison must respect some total ordering, meaning that for any two values x and y: If x is less than y, then y must be greater than x. For starters, the 300 RS comes with a 98 in head and a manageable 11.2-ounce weight. Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis. As with other racquets, you might expect a little bit of give and take along the way, and the Volkl V-Feel 8 Pro is no exception. A high power level and easy access to topspin define the Pure Drive, making it a fantastic choice for baseline tennis players and big servers. While the Extreme MP isnt the most powerful racquet on the market, it holds its own and rivals some of the best in this category. As a result, its a strong performer from the baseline. Girls and Boys Varsity Squash teams finished their season at the Philadelphia U.S. High School Squash Nationals last weekend. Its well-suited for all-court play and performs well across the board, making it an incredibly versatile racquet that instills confidence. Why it's the best: Another racquet with a long history, the Radical MP gets a bit of a bigger update. A comparator is an object that compares two values and determines whether one is greater than the other, or whether they are equivalent. Check Price at Amazon. Not only did it feel solid at impact, but it gripped the ball and gave me the confidence to swing big with a high margin for error, knowing the ball would drop back into the court. With a smaller 98 in and a moderate stiffness rating of 65, the EZONE 98 delivers great control without completely giving up on the power front, especially when combined with a stiffer poly. The heavy weight of this racquet helps generate power and increases stability on volleys and returns. This year the TFight 300 RS makes the cut as a slick-looking and approachable mid-weight racquet that performs from all areas of the court while providing plenty of access to topspin and power. Babolat 2018 Pure Drive Team Tennis Racquet $199 10% OFF $179. However, the Pure Stike is unique because it maintains its high marks up at the net with volleys. One of the first things youll notice is that the Head Speed MP feels great in your hand. Finally, Wilson strays from their standard color scheme used across many of their racquet lines and uses a chameleon style paint job thats dynamic and shifts colors depending on the light. Whether hitting groundstrokes, volleying up at the net, serving, or returning serve, the EZONE 98s moderate 11.4oz weight and 6pt HL balance when strung make it easy to maneuver and quickly get the racquet into position. However, with the latest EZONE 98, Yonex maintains its Linear Tech Grommet System with several grommet holes drilled straight through to improve the racquets power and comfort. Best Tennis Strings Wilson Champions Choice Duo Tennis String Babolat RPM Blast Black 17g Strings Solinco Hyper-G Heaven High Spin Poly String Head Rip Control Tennis String Wilson NXT String Tourna Big Hitter Black7 Luxilion ALU Power 125 Tennis Racquet String Set How to Choose Tennis Strings Types of Tennis Strings Important Features to Consider New to the 3rd generation of this racquet is a thin rubber material applied to the frame at three and nine oclock to give the racquet a softer, more dampened feel. However, to aid comfort, Tecniifibre introduces their X-Damp system visible at the bottom of the racquets handle to reduce shock and vibration by 36%. Babolat Pure Aero 2019 - Best Top Spin Tennis Racquet 5. Head Speed IG 26 Junior Tennis Racquet - (Best Racquet For junior players) Head speed junior racquet was updated in 2019. As a fast-swinging frame with a 1619 string pattern, this tennis racquet allowed me to produce loads of topspin with plenty of power. Furthermore, most of the racquets I recommend in this guide come in multiple versions with adjustments to some of these variables, optimizing performance for one of the two groups. With its 100 in head, open 1619 string pattern, and head light balance, the Clash swings fast and allows you to generate tons of topspin. With improved maneuverability over the original Wilson Burn, I found that this upgraded version performed well on returns and had respectable stability. For added strength, Babolat also made use of its carbon-fiber GT technology in the head. Again, the frames 100 in head and 1619 string pattern help deliver that topspin, which I found came easily and helped me keep my opponent on their toes. I was even more delighted when I approached the net, as the racquets flexible frame helped maintain control and direct the ball where I needed. Selecting the right tennis racquet can dramatically influence your success and progression as a tennis player. The racquet also uses Wilsons String Mapping Tech for a bit of added control, which tightens up the center mains for a more dense string bed and sweet spot to improve control and feel. Exclusive Offers Sent Right to Your Inbox. The racquet also uses Wilsons Crush Zone grommet system, which compresses and rebounds when striking the ball for extra power and dwell time for control. Another area in which the RF97 stood out to me was hitting with slice. Head Graphene 360 Radical MP - Best Controlled-Power Head Racquet 3. C2 Pure Feel Like the previous generation, the EZONE 98 maintains its Oval Pressed Shaft. Not only is the racquet easy to maneuver, but it packs a punch up at the net, which helped me to put away my shots as I moved forward. Of course, the Babolat Pure Drive comes loaded with various features to help you perform your best on the court. Join the conversation with other members of the community. I enjoy hitting with this updated frame that feels less harsh than the last model. For 2023, the VCORE 98 makes my list, and Im super excited about what the updated racquet brings to the table while still delivering the same speed and spin I loved in the prior model. Find more on our Control Racquets Gear Guide, Read our Best Comfort Racquets Gear Guide. Comfort Power The dynamic specs are measured during the impact between a ball and racquet. As a result, its a fast swinging racquet, a crucial attribute for players looking to enhance topspin. Typically, the more experienced a player becomes, the more control theyll seek from their racquet because precise placement or directing the ball exactly where they want it to go becomes increasingly important. Today famous players that use HEAD tennis racquets include Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Matteo Berrettini, and Alexander Zverev on the men's side and Ash Barty, Maria Sharapova and Sloane Stephens in the women's game to name a few. Control Wonder how we choose best gear recommendations? Head constantly releases quality racquets, and there are hundreds of different ones to choose from. The Head Gravity Pro 2021 is one of the latest additions to the Head family of tennis racquets that delivers control, stability, and comfort. Without a doubt, this racquets central and enduring feature is control, resulting from a time-tested formula with unique attributes common to Pro Staff models. As mentioned, Wilson did away with Countervail, which improved comfort and reduced vibration and fatigue, but it reduced feedback and changed the feel, so Im happy to see this update occur. Comparators. Groundstrokes The Bladex 900 Sun MAX is dressed with gold colorways, while the Moon racket in blue colorways. THE BEAM. However, despite the change, the racquet retains its top grip taper handle design for improved feel when hitting a two-handed backhand and their red ergonomic butt cap for comfort. Wilson Clash 100 Tennis Racquet. No matter where you are on the court, the Head Radical MP 2021 moves easily to ensure your racquet is in position. The racquet is solid off the ground and gave me the confidence to swing through the ball and hit my spots. I was able to create tons of racquet head speed effortlessly, and together with the more open string pattern and more generous sweet spot, it helped me produce a considerable amount of topspin that would leap off the ground, making for a super fun playtest. Overall, the racquet has a dampened, low-vibration feel, making for a pleasant and comfortable hitting experience. The Sweet Zone Tool graphically displays the regions of the stringbed on each racquet with power potential that is greater than or equal to 20, 30 and 40 percent. Topspin The Girl's tournament was structured into six divisions. Most likely strung to the upper range for control. Both are released 3U and 4U edition. I found fantastic performance with the Babolat Pure Aero at the baseline through the combination of power and topspin. I enjoyed the power from the back of the court, where the racquet felt perfectly suited for trading big groundstrokes with my opponent. In a sense, power potential measures what the racquet does. View All V-Feel Rackets Pro and Classic Volkl has some brilliant classic and pro frames to choose from. However, theres no substitute for developing your own opinion by hitting with a racquet of interest and experiencing it first hand. Power A complete guide for beginners, intermediates and advanced players (Updated July 2022). The Clash 100 weighs in at only 10.9 ounces strung, with a 7 point head light balance. Low-Medium $269 Approx Price Check Latest Price Head Speed Pro 2022 Head Size: 100 in 2 / 645.16 cm 2 Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm Strung Weight: 11.5 oz / 326 g Swing Weight: 326 kg/cm 2 Beam Width: 23 / 23 / 23 mm Stiffness: 62 RA String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses Composition: Graphene 360+/Graphite Balance: 6 pts HL Power Level: Low $259 At times, I felt the racquet could use a bit of added stability. I hope you enjoy the resources. The result is more power, spin, and comfort when striking the ball. Dunlop Sports Nitro Adult Tennis Racket, 27" Length. Here are the three racquets you should be looking at. With the help of this guide, Id encourage you to narrow down 3-5 that appeal to you and then research them further. Required fields are marked *. With a control-oriented players racquet like the Head Gravity Pro 2021, its no surprise that youre giving up power and maneuverability. The first racquet to make the list is the Head Graphene 360 Radical MP, endorsed by players . Head tops it off with their Dynamic String Pattern, which decreases the spacing between the eight mains at the racquets center for improved control without giving up the benefits of its 1619 string pattern. However, many players still ask for my opinion and recommendations on racquets worth considering, so I decided to make it official and keep a running list of my favorite tennis racquets each year. Click any of them to jump to that frame and learn more about why it made my list of the best tennis racquets. On the flip side, this racquet won't feel quite as stable as our other top intermediate arm-friendly pick. Stability This racquet has good control and is very solid. Fans of the previous versions of this racquet need not worry, however. *Price comparisons are based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") or Original Selling Price. The 100 in head, open 1618 string pattern, and a slightly higher flex rating of 66 combine to produce plenty of pop and more than enough grip to enhance your topspin. The frame is on the stiffer end of the spectrum with an RA or stiffness rating of 71 and a thicker 24 mm beam. Differences. Head Graphene Touch Instinct MP - Best Spin-Friendly Head Racquet 6. Although it may be a great fit, youll do much better if you take a step back, learn about the racquet they endorse and compare it to available options before purchasing. All in all, the Head Speed MP 2022 is a fast-swinging and easy-to-maneuver frame that allows for aggressive play with plenty of topspin from the back of the court. However, some racquets make generating pace significantly easier. 1. The net result is a racquet that can deliver substantial topspin and considerable pace. Heres a table highlighting some of the differences. Ive written a lot about tennis racquets to help players better understand the nuances of racquet specifications and performance, and the positive feedback about those resources humbles me. 5 Point Friday Post Contents [ Close] Best Tennis Racquet For Intermediate Comparison chart. Power I felt connected with the ball and confident in my approach, enabling me to hit with finesse and accurately direct the ball. New Lower Price. The Wilson Blade 98 1820 v8 also takes advantage of parallel drilling, which is simply the process of drilling specific grommet holes parallel independent of the frames arc. Heres why I dig with the Head Extreme MP. Doing so will provide you with comfort while also helping reduce the risk of injury. Out on the court, all of Princes ingredients come together nicely and deliver great control. On the surface, it doesnt provide the easy-to-access pace that other racquets provide because its power derives from its weight combined with sound technique. It is manufactured by graphite composition. Here are our top picks. Heres why I loved playing with the Head Graphene 360+ Instinct MP. Once you identify the style of play you prefer, you can look for racquets that perform well in the areas that matter most. Finally, the VCORE Pro 97 features a lock booster system that tightens the grommet spacing toward the upper part of the racquets head and grooves within the grommets channel to help secure the string and increase control. They have a long history of creating control oriented rackets, and their famed Pro Staff and Hammer lines in the 1980s and 1990s were used by some of the greatest tennis players of all time.. Wilson rackets were honed in the serve a volley era, so they are designed from the ground up . Keep reading for tips that will help guide you regardless. Although its three points lower than its predecessor, its still high and may pose a challenge for players suffering from arm discomfort. Undoubtedly, the racquets defining features center around its ability to generate topspin. My top pick is the younger sibling to this racquet, the Babolat Boost Drive. Head also increases the static weight and swingweight for the Radical MP, which translated into more stability. Orders over $50 will ship for free! The Wilson Blades slightly smaller 98 square inch head size, tighter 1820 string pattern, stable 11.4-ounce weight, and low 60 stiffness rating combine to deliver solid control from all areas of the court. Spin Whether I was serving, hitting groundstrokes, approaching the net, or hitting volleys, the racquet felt incredibly stable and lent itself to consistent shot-making with a high level of accuracy. I enjoyed transitioning to the net with the VCORE 98. There's a reason it landed on this list twice. A straight beam, head heavy widebody, this ultra-light titanium model has more power than the Ti S5 but more control than the now discontinued Ti S7. 4. Of all the properties listed, the most interesting is the power potential. Is it better than the v7 Read More Pro Staff RF97 v13: In-depth Review & Playtest As a racquet with a mid-range weight that will appeal to many players, I felt that the most significant tradeoff was the overall feel and stability. Wilson '13 Four BLX Tennis Racquet. Besides your talent and hours of practice, a good racquet will make the greatest impact on your overall game. The racquets on our list are designed to be versatile and work well as your game improves. Groundstrokes Of course, its okay if the racquet you end up with is the same as the one your favorite player endorses after doing your homework. However, higher-level players that enjoy customizing their racquets specs might opt for this model, which provides more room for adding weight. Power This combination gave me confidence when hitting and helped me dictate points and keep my opponents on their heels. Head Titanium Ti.S6 Why it's the best: Coming with strings installed, the Head Ti.S6 comes ready to play. Select up to 4 items to compare. The racquets lower 11.2-ounce weight and 312 swingweight make it easy to swing and generate racquet head speed, which is the primary source of topspin. Another update for the latest generation includes refined adjustments to the frames 3D Vector Shaft, which incorporates grooves and specialized geometry through the racquets throat to reduce frame twisting and improve stability. The racquets weight, head light balance, and super low 62 stiffness rating combine to give players tons of feel and make for an incredibly comfortable hitting experience with the frame absorbing shock. The racquet boasts an open string pattern to give you extra spin while still in the powerful titanium frame. We think players who want to have a foot in both worlds will want to try this racquet. Players who have previously considered the Prince Textreme Tour 100P and are back on the hunt in 2022 will be delighted to find this racquet has received a few tweaks while remaining true to the original design. Its okay you dont have a racquet for comparison. More powerful than the EZONE 98 listed above, this racquet makes hitting with depth easy. I created a custom vibration dampener thats compatible with all racquets and string patterns. Another point to bear in mind is the frames higher stiffness rating of 70. Details. Compare. For players who hit with spin and higher trajectories, a more open (spin-friendly) string pattern can help with control. Ive done my best to keep my selection of tennis racquets as objective as possible, which should help point you in the right direction and narrow down a few options for further research and consideration. The Blade 98 16x19 v8 has a striking look with it chameleon paint, but the performance remains familiar. 3 The 10 Best Tennis rackets For 2022 3.1 Yonex EZONE 98 2022 - My Favourite racket of 2022 3.2 Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13 3.3 Babolat Pure Drive 2021 3.4 Wilson Blade 98 18 X 20 V8 3.5 Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19 4th Gen 3.6 Wilson Clash 100 Pro 3.7 Yonex VCore Pro 100 300 - [Best racket for Intermediate Players] 3.8 Head Prestige Pro 2021 The larger head size helps provide a more prominent sweet spot and increases power, while the open string pattern allows players to remain in control with plenty of topspin. Wilson's Update to that Racket, the Wilson Triad 3, is a Worthy Successor to a Great Predecessor. Control Buy on Amazon: Control and feel racquets offer good feedback, providing the player with an instant gauge of depth and placement. Find the Top Racketball Rackets with the MSN Buying Guides >> Compare Products and Brands by . As you might expect, this frame continues to deliver excellent performance from the baseline allowing for big groundstrokes with heavy topspin and exceptional maneuverability on returns. Its still braided, but Wilson has changed the weaves angle to 45 degrees as part of their Braid 45 enhancement for improved feel and ball pocketing, and its a marked improvement over the prior generation. While the increased power potential may be desirable for some players, it may leave other players longing for control. Often, stable racquets are heavier, have smaller heads, and have more flexible frames. Control Furthermore, if youre brand new to the sport, you may want to check out my racquet guide for beginners. VIAL has cut back on its TikTok use and is playing a wait-and-see game, she says. Once again, it pays to demo multiple frames to gain a first-hand experience of a given racquets feel. However, if thats a concern, you can address it by adding lead tape. Wilson Clash 100 - Best Flexible Racquet 4. , select a racquet with a more flexible beam and smaller head size. Weighing in at 11.7 ounces strung, the Gravity Pro isnt easy to push around. The aerodynamic frame, mid-range weight, and head light balance make it easy to swing, helping me generate increased racquet speed and leaving me feeling like I didnt have to work as hard to produce spin. The result is an easy to swing and highly maneuverable racquet, which I enjoyed on returns and up at the net. Why its the best: The O3 Legacy 120 offers the most luxurious hitting experience in this guide. Your email address will not be published. Racquets that provide enhanced touch tend to be heavier, with smaller head sizes, and use more flexible frames. As I mentioned, it felt more stable than the prior model and had a reliable and noticeably improved feel that helped me direct the ball while having enough pop to put away shots. Power Youll also find the 2022 version of the EZONE 98 features Yonexs Vibration Dampening Mesh in the handle to reduce vibration and subsequently improve comfort and feel. List of Best Tennis Racquet 2023 1. The same combination of specs and materials that help deliver solid control also provides a terrific feel. Babolat Pure Strike also uses the companys FSI Power technology, increasing the cross strings spacing. Please continue shopping or browse the racquet finder to compare racquets. Groundstrokes Tennis Racket Construction When choosing a racket, there are three elements that affect power and control: headsize, weight, and string pattern. Since the app makes a comparison to the ATP's top-20 players here, you have to really step on the gas to even come close to the top-20's values.