Best Tennis Rackets for 2023 [Buyers Guide]

Are you on the lookout for a brand new tennis racket however not sure which one to purchase? Take a look at my suggestions on discovering one of the best tennis racket and a few frames I feel are one of the best in the marketplace.

This shopping for information is for you if:

Who this information just isn’t for:

Let’s start.

Why There’s No Such Factor because the Finest Tennis Racket

In the event you had been hoping for this weblog submit to offer a listing of the Prime 10 rackets obtainable proper now, then I’ve some unhealthy information for you 😆 this information is extra oriented round discovering one of the best racket in your sport, not giving a single body a moniker of greatest.

Whereas I’ll make some particular racket suggestions additional down the web page, the primary level I must stress is that there isn’t any such factor because the ‘greatest tennis racket’.

It’s simple to present merchandise in particular classes the ‘greatest’ tag, like a paper shredder or perhaps a tennis ball machine, however this isn’t the case for tennis rackets.

You’ll in all probability have stumbled throughout a couple of tennis racket opinions, and one of the best of guides that inform you X is one of the best racket, however this isn’t the case.

Completely different racket specs swimsuit completely different sport types. Why? As a result of what works brilliantly for one participant won’t work for one more.

Giving any racket ‘greatest’ standing is deceptive, leading to shoppers parting with their hard-earned money on a racket which may not be suited to their sport.

Now we’ve received that out of the way in which; I like to recommend you learn this information in full to grasp tennis rackets higher, which is able to put you nicely on the way in which to discovering one of the best tennis racket in your sport.

How To Select The Finest Tennis Racket

Hop on any tennis discussion board, and also you’ll shortly realise that purchasing a brand new racket is hard and difficult for many gamers. Tons of of posts ask questions like “which racket ought to I purchase?” and “what is the best tennis racket brand?” “What tennis racket is greatest for me?” ‘is the Wilson RF97 Professional Employees a superb purchase?’ and lots of extra.

Learn any additional, and also you’ll see many replies from well-meaning customers who typically share anecdotal proof, which additional confuses the method.

In actuality, with regards to selecting a brand new racket, it’s comparatively easy. The perfect tennis racket for you is all the time: the heaviest racket you possibly can deal with for the kind of tennis you play and the period you might be on the court docket.

That’s it; it isn’t the one with the latest gimmicky know-how. It isn’t the RF97 as a result of Federer makes use of it, neither is it essentially the most fashionable and shiniest racket in the marketplace.

If you’ll find a tennis racket that can speed up on all pictures/contact factors shortly with out tiring, then you’ve got discovered one of the best tennis racket in your sport. So how can we get to that time?

Do Not Purchase Into Advertising Gimmicks and Model Hype

The first step to find the proper tennis racket is: don’t consider the hype.

All of the advertising materials from the racket manufacturers focuses on the candy spot’s dimension, the racket’s energy, and varied different buzzwords that don’t imply a lot. They’re simply throwaway phrases that hopefully lure you in.

Regardless of what the producers would possibly write of their press releases, there have been only a few, if any, developments in racket know-how within the final 20 or 30 years.

Like smartphone improve cycles, tennis racket producers’ enterprise mannequin depends closely on convincing individuals to purchase new tennis rackets extra regularly than wanted.

A well-made tennis racket will final for years when you’re not hitting hundreds of balls every week with the identical fury as Rafael Nadal. Producers know this and can do something to promote you the newest and best know-how.

Use Easy Physics To Decide Which Rackets Work For You

Hitting a tennis ball with a racket is an instance of an unbalanced drive performing upon an object in movement. We’re taking a heavy factor (the racket), hanging a lighter object (a tennis ball) and hopefully watching it sail over the online deep into the opponent’s half of the court docket.

You’ll be able to put your physics hat on and go a lot deeper. Nonetheless, that momentum switch course of means solely 5 traits of a tennis racket govern the way it achieves that kinetic vitality switch and the way it feels to the individual utilizing it. They’re:

That’s it! The job is to match every issue to a specification that fits your energy, objectives and sport fashion.

Don’t Get Tied To One Single Producer

Whereas all of us have our preferences in design, colors or which model racket our favorite gamers use, the reality is that just about each mainstream tennis brand on the market makes good high quality tennis rackets.

This typically means rackets of just about an identical specs are completely interchangeable. In the event that they had been only one strong color, you in all probability wouldn’t discover any distinction between two competing rackets when taking part in with them. In actuality, the one distinction is the form of the grip and the paint job’s color.

I like to recommend you neglect phrases like ‘FlexFeel’, ‘countervail’ or ‘BLX’. How a racket performs is set solely by the 5 elements above.

Selecting a Tennis Racket Based mostly on These 5 Traits

All rackets have differing weights, swing weights, stiffness rankings, string patterns and head sizes. Whenever you mix these traits in particular methods, you find yourself with rackets that fall into completely different classes. The classes are as follows:

The important thing to choosing up the perfect racket in your sport is to tinker with these 5 traits and discover one thing to generate a deep ball with good velocity and spin out of your regular swing.

You shouldn’t really feel that you should swing more durable nor maintain again your regular swing to get the ball to go the place you need it.

You shouldn’t be serious about the racket whenever you play with it, and like the professionals typically say, it needs to be an extension of your arm. Let’s check out how we arrived at that time.

What Weight Tennis Racket is Finest?

Weight is the primary think about figuring out the ability of the racket. The equation is straightforward: the heavier the racket, the extra energy it has.

Sadly, an outdated wives story has unfold for some motive, which means many gamers suppose the alternative is true. I acquired this e mail lately highlighting the purpose:

Many individuals I discuss to from my membership say I ought to get a heavier racquet. They are saying the higher mass will deliver me extra energy. Whereas others within the membership say lighter is best. Nonetheless once I take a look at rackets and their specs on-line it all the time appear to be the lightest ones which have the upper energy rankings. I form of now have no idea what to consider. Do heavier or lighter rackets give extra energy?

To see why heavier rackets have extra energy, take this instance: in case you have racket Wilson, 400g and racket Head, which is 200g, and swing each at 150mph, then racket Wilson will hit the ball with twice as a lot energy as racket Head.

That’s the textbook clarification, however the caveat is how briskly you possibly can swing each rackets. In the event you’re sturdy, you then would possibly be capable to swing each rackets at an equal velocity. Nonetheless, most individuals can swing the 200g racket sooner than the 400g racket, however not twice as quick, ensuing within the 400g racket nonetheless producing extra energy. In consequence, the trick lies to find the correct steadiness between your swing velocity and racket weight.

With that in thoughts, I like to recommend taking part in the heaviest racket you possibly can play nicely with. This weight differs for various individuals and doesn’t rely in your ability stage. It’s based mostly in your physique weight and bodily conditioning.

To seek out the correct weight racket, demo several rackets and see when you can swing them simply on all contact planes with out shortly fatiguing. That’s the reason I like to recommend testing rackets towards gamers you often have a tough time towards.

Out of all of the individuals you play with presently, intend to play, or need to play towards shortly, you should be capable to get to their balls in time and be able to hit a full regular swing.

Anybody can crush hand-fed balls irrespective of how heavy the racket is, and anybody can persuade themself {that a} racket is sensible once they try it out for 20 minutes towards Auntie Annie and her chipped forehand.

The acid check is whenever you play a aggressive match and are on the run. Are you able to get the racket round on the ball and hit it on time? Or are you all the time late? Your racket might be too heavy if you’re late on the ball too typically.

In the event you can hit deep when you’ve got time to set the shot up, however it shortens up when you’re below stress or on the run, your racket might be too heavy.

The rationale right here is after we hit on the run or increased bouncing balls, our main muscle teams turn out to be much less concerned, and the smaller muscle mass should take over and swing that very same weight as a substitute.

What are some frequent errors to look out for when choosing racket weight?

New gamers to the sport typically purchase very mild rackets. Mild rackets are extraordinarily simple to wield however stop you from studying higher strokes.

Heavier rackets encourage longer, fuller swings on the ball that require higher approach and use extra of the physique.

Alternatively, extra superior gamers have a tendency so as to add weight to their rackets, making them overly heavy. It can really feel nice to smoke balls within the warm-up, however they’re late at contact when a match begins as a result of they attempt to pull an excessive amount of weight by way of too shortly and might’t deal with it.

What’s the proper weight tennis racket?

For a typical grownup male who performs loads or has bold plans to play loads, I like to recommend a weight within the following ranges no matter ability stage: 290-320g (10.5-11.3 oz).

The load ought to fall barely decrease for a typical grownup feminine: 280-310g (10.2-11oz).

The weights quoted are for an unstrung racquet.

Is it okay to purchase a heavier racket than I can deal with proper now?

It’s okay to purchase a racket with a bit of additional heft when you prefer it and intend to construct up some endurance/energy to make use of it.

However be sure that the objectives are practical. Are you going to place within the effort? Don’t purchase a heavier racket to develop into it if you’re not ready to do the work.

What Steadiness of Racket is Finest?

The steadiness of a racket is how the burden is distributed. The steadiness level would come midway up the body on an evenly balanced racquet.

The steadiness primarily controls one factor: the ‘swing weight’ of the racquet. You will note the phrases head-heavy and head-light when studying manufacturing descriptions or opinions.

That is head heavy when extra mass is additional out from the centre of rotation in the direction of the racquet’s hoop. It makes the racquet’s efficient weight when it makes contact with the ball than it’s. This provides extra energy to the body on the worth of creating the racket more durable to swing and manoeuvre.

In concept, head-heavy appears like a superb deal, a lighter racket however loads of energy. However there’s a trade-off right here, and a giant one. The top of the body’s weight places additional torque on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder throughout the swing.

This additional pressure means head-heavy rackets considerably trigger ‘tennis elbow’ and different tennis-related accidents. This is the reason I counsel you to keep away from ‘newbie’ tennis rackets. All you get is a racket that hinders stroke improvement and will increase your possibilities of struggling tennis-related accidents.

As a substitute, it could be greatest when you all the time went for a head-light body, which implies extra weight within the deal with. These are given in factors by the producer. Precisely how head mild is dependent upon the burden of a racket. Typically talking, the heavier the racket, the extra head-light it ought to turn out to be.

My suggestions:

What Stiffness of Racket is Finest?

The stiffness of a racket contributes to energy and luxury. A stiffer racket offers you extra energy. A softer body will soak up extra vitality from the ball and take energy away from the shot. The stiffer the body, the much less it deflects or bends on affect, and the extra energy is stored throughout the ball.

However is softer all the time higher? However how does that relate to consolation? It is a difficult one and sometimes boils down to private choice. When a racket strikes a tennis ball, it vibrates. On stiffer frames, the vibrations are harsher however shorter. On softer frames, they’re much less extreme however last more.

Typically talking, softer frames are extra snug to play with and fewer more likely to trigger tennis elbow. However different gamers would possibly discover the precise reverse. Whenever you mix stiffness with the string sort, grip dimension, string sample and so forth., a stiffer-rated body can really feel simply as, if no more, snug than a lower-stiffness racquet.

In my expertise, the type of tennis string you’ve got will have an effect on the consolation way over the racket stiffness, so it’s by no means my most vital consideration.

Attempt a much less stiff racket in case you have or are anxious about arm issues. A decrease quantity ranking signifies a extra versatile racket; a better quantity means a stiffer racket, with the overwhelming majority carrying between a 55 and 75 RA ranking.

What String Sample Ought to You Select?

The string sample pertains to the variety of the cross and major strings on the racket, e.g. 16 major strings x 19 crosses. The sample impacts string mattress stiffness and spin potential relating to how the racket performs.

The stiffer the string mattress, the much less variation you’ll get whenever you hit the ball. The next string density sample, comparable to an 18 x 20, produces a stiffer string mattress because it deflects much less on ball contact. A lower-density mattress, like 16 x 19, means a much less stiff string mattress.

Maybe the extra important issue, although, is spin. A looser string sample will generate extra spin than a tighter string sample as there may be extra space between the strings; this creates extra motion between them.

I like to recommend a looser 16 x 19 sample for many gamers, as entry to spin is a large a part of the fashionable sport.

The exception will probably be if you’re a really flat hitter who makes use of little spin, during which case a tighter sample would possibly offer you a extra constant response.

What Head Dimension Ought to You Get?

Like stiffness, head dimension is one other difficult space to say one is best. With a bigger head dimension, you’ll see a slight improve within the energy you possibly can generate. However that is negligible, and saying a 98sq” body is extra highly effective than a 95sq” whereas all different specs are the identical isn’t all the time true.

With a bigger head-size racket, you get elevated rotational stability as strings have a broader floor space. The farther from the centre of the stringbed the body’s weight is distributed, the extra drive is required to twist the racket in your hand.

In consequence, the racket can resist twisting extra whenever you hit a ball off-centre, decreasing the miss-hits and balls flying the place you don’t need them. You will note the time period’ forgiving’ in lots of racket opinions of bigger head-size frames.

Like weight, there’s a trade-off right here as the broader the top turns into, the harder it’s for the participant to twist the racket once they need to. For instance, so as to add extra spin on an angled volley or when making an attempt to shut the face.

For many gamers. I like to recommend a head dimension between 98 and 100 sq inches.

The Finest Racket Specification For Most Gamers

Now we’ve pieced these 5 issues along with some suggestions, the ultimate really helpful racket specs you need to be on the lookout for are as follows:

For a typical grownup male:

280-320g, 5-12 factors head-light, 16×19 string sample, 98-100 sq” head dimension. Stiffness to private choice after demoing.

For a typical grownup feminine:

270-310g, 3-8 factors head-light, 16×19 string sample, 98-105 sq” head dimension. Stiffness to private choice after demoing.

The ten Finest Tennis rackets For 2023

Based mostly on the really helpful specs above, beneath are what I take into account 10 of one of the best rackets presently in the marketplace.

Nonetheless, learn this information completely earlier than you rush out and purchase one. Simply because I like to recommend a racket doesn’t imply it’s ideally suited in your sport.

Ideally, it is best to decide 3 or 4 and demo them earlier than deciding.

You’ll be able to see a fast comparability desk beneath, with extra element on every racket additional down the web page.

Yonex EZONE 98 2022 – My Favorite racket of 2023

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The most recent EZONE 98 from Yonex was launched in 2022, and it’s the racket endorsed by Nick Kyrgios. After all, his spec is barely completely different from the retail model, however it’s actually the kind of body that fits his sport because it has a number of manoeuvrability, loads of energy, a big candy spot and an important really feel.

For me, the EZONE 98 seventh Technology is likely one of the most user-friendly gamers rackets on the market, and it’s my prime decide for 2023 as a result of it fits many alternative sport types.

I do know it’s not a stereotypical ‘gamers’ body, because it’s fairly mild and does want the right string setup to make sure you get management.

Nonetheless, the EZONE 98 is an effective all-rounder for the fashionable sort of sport, and for intermediate and superior gamers, it’s one it is best to demo.

After I hit with it, I felt like I might play nicely with it nearly instantly, which isn’t the case with a number of rackets and considerably sudden as though I used to be a large fan of the DR 98 and the 2020 sixth gen mannequin, I are inclined to gravitate in the direction of to heavier, management sort frames as I play fairly a flat sport.

However with the Yonex EZONE 98 2022, I received good energy from the phrase go. My serves had been touchdown in with good pop, and up on the internet, it provided a strong really feel and stability whereas protecting the superb playability and efficiency from the earlier DR and AI fashions.

Any negatives? It’s barely stiffer than the earlier model, which could put some gamers preferring the softer plusher feeling rackets.

Some gamers additionally say they struggled with management; I didn’t have that concern, because it was strung with a full mattress of Solinco Confidential, which appeared to swimsuit the body properly. So I’d go together with a control-orientated string the place attainable.

Yonex has additionally launched the Ezone Tour model of this body for these on the lookout for a barely heavier body alongside the 100, 100L and + (longer racquet) variations within the lineup.

As you’d anticipate, the Tour mannequin is available in heavier on the scales and has a barely completely different steadiness giving some extra stability. I discovered the Tour a bit trickier to play with and suppose the usual 98 is a more sensible choice for many gamers, however when you like the burden within the head, then the Tour is value demoing. It’s additionally value noting I’ve learn a couple of gamers discover the Tour mannequin fairly harsh on the arm, so that’s one last factor to concentrate on.

Yonex Ezone EZONE 98 2022 Specification

Head Dimension	98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.8oz / 305g
Strung Weight	11.4oz / 323g
Steadiness	12.79in / 32.49cm / 6 pts HL
Swingweight	318
Stiffness	65
Beam Width	23.5mm / 24.5mm / 19.5mm
Composition	2G-NAMD/HM Graphite
Energy Degree	Low-Medium
Stroke Type	Medium-Full
Swing Velocity	Medium-Quick
Racquet Colours	Blue
Grip Kind	Yonex Artificial
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	45-60 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Please learn our full overview of the EZONE 98.

Head Growth MP

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The Head Growth MP racket is a part of the Growth sequence, designed to present gamers extra energy and luxury.

In comparison with different rackets on this record, the Head Growth MP tennis racket is aimed extra on the intermediate market. However you continue to want good swing speeds to benefit from it.

Why I just like the Head Growth MP

I reviewed the Head Growth MP in full, and it’s been one of many rackets I have a tendency to choose up and play with once I’m on the lookout for one thing simple to play with.

The thinner field beam within the shaft offers it a player-like really feel, however the thicker, extra angular cross-section within the head provides some free energy.

It packs a mid-plus head dimension of 100 sq. inches, making it appropriate for gamers in search of a mix of energy, management and forgiveness.

The Growth MP has a string sample of 16 mains and 19 crosses, so there may be loads of spin potential and its teardrop form, not too dissimilar to Yonex’s isometric rackets, offers a bigger hitting space within the higher a part of the body.

The Head Growth MP tennis racket additionally launched Head’s Auxetic know-how which has made its manner into the Excessive, Status and Gravity rackets; the auxetic is claimed to make the racket flex in numerous methods relying on the ball affect. I’m not sure what distinction it makes, however it’s a snug body.

Verdict

General, the Head Growth MP tennis racket is a wonderful selection for intermediate gamers who search extra energy and luxury from their racket. Superior gamers also can use this body, however they need to customise it barely with a leather-based grip and a few lead tape within the hoop.

Head Growth MP Specification

Head Dimension	100 in² / 645 cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.4oz / 295g
Strung Weight	11.1oz / 315g
Steadiness	12.87in / 32.69cm / 5 pts HL
Swingweight	318
Stiffness	64
Beam Width	23.5mm / 24.5mm / 23.5mm
Composition	Graphene Inside/Graphite
Energy Degree	Low-Medium
Stroke Type	Medium-Full
Swing Velocity	Medium-Quick
Racquet Colours	Black / Coral
Grip Kind	Head Hyrdosorb Professional
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	48-57 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Please learn our full overview of the Head Growth MP

Yonex VCORE 100 2023 (Nice for Spin)

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The Yonex VCORE tennis racket line was launched in 2012 and, through the years, has seen a number of design and know-how updates.

None are extra noticeable than the 2023 model of the VCORE 100, which has a brand new beauty, a brand new head form and a few new tech within the layup.

The VCORE 100 is designed for intermediate to superior gamers who need spin and management; it makes use of Yonex’s Isometric head form, which they declare will increase the candy spot and reduces vibrations upon contact with the ball.

Why I Just like the Yonex VCORE 100

The VCORE 100 is a pure spin machine, however it has sufficient versatility to make it match a number of sport types because it’s manoeuvrable, cuts by way of the air shortly (performs nicely for one-handed backhand) and has sufficient really feel in there for contact pictures.

In the event you demo it, you’ll must get used to that barely increased launch angle, however when you get used to the racket’s traits, you’ll be rewarded with RPMs that land deep and heavy within the court docket.

Verdict

Increased intermediate to superior stage gamers who search for heavy rotations and constant energy will discover this racket to be simply what they should step up their sport.

Yonex VCORE 100 2023 Specification

Head Dimension	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.6oz / 300g
Strung Weight	11.3oz / 320g
Steadiness	13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight	322
Stiffness	65
Beam Width	25.3mm / 25.3mm / 22mm
Composition	2G-Namd FlexForce/H.M. Graphite
Energy Degree	Low-Medium
Stroke Type	Medium-Full
Swing Velocity	Medium-Quick
Racquet Colours	Purple
Grip Kind	Yonex Artificial
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	45-60 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Please learn our full review of the Yonex VCORE 100 2023

Artengo TR960 Management Tour 16 x 19

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The Artengo TR960 Management Tour is endorsed by Gael Monfils and is a racket designed for intermediate to superior gamers on the lookout for management and precision of their pictures.

It’s a skinny beamed body with a basic look and has a head dimension of 97.6 sq. inches, barely smaller than the standard 98 and 100 sq. inches you see dominate the market at this time.

Why I just like the Artengo TR60 Management Tour

The primary stand-out characteristic of the TR960 Management Tour is the value. You’ll be able to decide them up for round £100 / $100, nearly a 3rd of the price of comparable rackets from different manufacturers.

On that foundation alone, the TR960 is a whole game-changer and arduous to beat. Regardless of the value, the racket is equal in high quality and efficiency to most different choices.

The paint high quality is barely much less good than another rackets, however apart from that, it performs nice and has a weight and swingweight many gamers can use.

Additionally it is simple to customize to bump up the soundness; extra superior gamers will undoubtedly need to do that.

Verdict

If you’re on a funds or identical to savvy procuring, I counsel getting the Artengo TR960 Control Tour. It can’t be crushed on worth: efficiency.

Artengo TR90 Management Tour Specification

Head Dimension	97.6in² / 630 cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.8oz / 305g
Strung Weight	11.4oz / 323g
Steadiness	12.79in / 32.49cm / 6 pts HL
Swingweight	315
Stiffness	65
Beam Width	22mm / 22mm / 22mm
Composition	Excessive Modulus Carbon
Energy Degree	Low-Medium
Stroke Type	Medium-Full
Swing Velocity	Medium-Quick
Racquet Colours	Gray / Black
Grip Kind	Artengo Artificial
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	45-60 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Read the full Artengo TR960 Control Tour Review.

Tecnifibre Tempo 298 (Iga Swiatek’s Racket)

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The Tecnifibre Tempo 298 IGA is the racket of selection for Iga Swiatek, and its lighter weight is designed to provide velocity and spin.

At 298g, it’s weighted for intermediate gamers, so it’s a tad lighter than many of the different rackets I like to recommend on this record, however regardless of its velocity by way of the air, it doesn’t undergo from stability or consolation points due to it being foam crammed.

How the Tecnifibre Tempo 298 Performs

The Tempo 298 is tremendous fast by way of the air, so this racket is good for gamers with quick whippy strokes who need to generate spin.

Regardless of its decrease weight and whippiness, due to the 98 sq. inch head, it provides extra management than most rackets on this spec vary.

Given the specs, I anticipated stability to be an issue, however it feels strong on contact. It doesn’t fairly have the soundness of frames that allow you to block the ball again on return, however there’s greater than sufficient to cease you from being pushed round by greater hitters.

Why I just like the Tecnifibre Tempo 298 IGA

The Tempo 298 works nicely for all-court gamers who like a stiffer and crisper really feel. It performs considerably equally to the Pure Drive VS however has extra of a pro stock feel as a result of it’s foam-filled.

Tecnifibre Tempo 298 Iga Specification

Head Dimension	98in² / 632.26cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.5oz / 298 g
Strung Weight	11oz / 312g
Steadiness	12.99in / 32.99cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight	319
Stiffness	71
Beam Width	23mm / 23mm / 23mm
Composition	Dynacore/Graphite
Energy Degree	Low-Medium
Stroke Type	Medium-Full
Swing Velocity	Medium-Quick
Racquet Colours	White/Black/Teal
Grip Kind	Tecnifibre Artificial
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	50-55 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Babolat Pure Drive (2021)

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Probably the greatest-selling rackets because the begin of this Millenium, the Babolat Pure Drive, acquired a revamp for 2021.

Identified for its energy and ease of use, Babolat has stored these options whereas including an HTR system and a special layup to present extra energy. Secondly, to assist consolation, Babolat’s SWX Pure Really feel is a viscoelastic rubber between the carbon layers of the racquet.

How the Babolat Pure Drive 2021 Performs

This body makes use of the identical mould because the 2018 model, however Babolat has improved the body’s really feel, edging it nearer in playability to the unique Pure Drive from the early Nineteen Nineties.

The Pure Drive is an influence and spin body by way of and thru, so if that’s what you might be on the lookout for, this can be a racket for the shortlist.

It performs simply how you’ll anticipate a Pure Drive to, very manoeuvrable, mild feeling, loads of energy and an actual weapon from the baseline.

It’s not essentially the most secure body on the market, so for gamers who need really feel, like blocking returns, half volleying and so forth., it in all probability gained’t be to their style.

Why I Just like the Babolat Pure Drive

Cosmetically, Babolat has finished an impressive job with the brand new Pure Drive, and it’s one of many best-looking frames in the marketplace at this time.

Appears apart, the rationale the body makes my record is that it doesn’t matter what stage of participant you might be, this racket will swimsuit you. You’ll be able to put it within the palms of any participant, they usually’ll be capable to play with it.

Verdict

In the event you’re a newbie, demo this racquet. In the event you’re an intermediate, demo this racket or when you’re a sophisticated participant, demo this racquet. You get the gist 🙂

The Pure Drive is likely one of the hottest rackets for a motive, and it’s in all probability the one racket I might blindly advocate to any participant with out figuring out something about their sport.

The one actual factor to watch out of is that it’s a stiff body in order that it will probably trigger arm points, and when you’re a participant that naturally hits a giant ball, you would possibly battle for consistency, however apart from that, it’s a strong purchase for all ranges.

Babolat Pure Drive Specification

Head Dimension	100in² / 645.16cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.6oz / 300g
Strung Weight	11.2oz / 318g
Steadiness	32.99cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight	320
Stiffness	71
Beam Width	23mm / 26mm / 23mm
Energy Degree	Medium
Composition	Graphite
Stroke Type	Medium-Full
Swing Velocity	Medium
Racquet Color	Blue
Grip Kind	Babolat Syntec Professional
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	50-59 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Wilson Blade 98 18 x 20 V8

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The Blade 98 is likely one of the most generally used frames on the increased leisure, school, and pro-level, due to the extent of really feel, flexibility, and management the body provides.

The most recent model of the Blade line is the 2021 model known as Wilson Blade 98 V8, and it comes with one thing Wilson calls FortyFive know-how, which is a renaming of the FlexFeel and much like the tech used within the much-talked-about Wilson Conflict vary.

On final 12 months’s record of what I thought-about one of the best rackets in the marketplace, I included the Blade 98 V7, however for my part, the up to date V8 is an enchancment and can swimsuit extra gamers.

Earlier than we get onto the nuts and bolts of this body and why I prefer it, I feel the Blade 98 V8 design is top-notch. The chameleon paint appears wonderful. After all, that shouldn’t affect a purchase order choice (everyone knows it does, although 😆 ), however the slick appears of this body make it simple to see why it sells nicely. So, how does it play?

How The Blade 98 V8 Performs

I playtested the Wilson Blade 98 in each the 18 x 20 and 16 x 19 string patterns and had a good time with each frames.

Whereas I did just like the V7, it was by no means my racket of selection, however the V8 is a bit stiffer, simpler to swing and extra manoeuvrable than the earlier model, so I might play higher tennis with it.

If you’re a participant who prefers the higher mass, plushness and plough-through of the Blade v7, you then in all probability gained’t just like the v8 as a lot.

However when you needed one thing faster by way of the air, extra reactive and simpler to swing than the v7 whereas nonetheless protecting a few of the qualities we’ve seen on the Blade line within the final decade, then the Blade v8 goes to suit the invoice.

Why I Like The Blade 98 v8

The most important plus of the Blade 98 V8 is consolation and really feel. Up on the internet, the 305g weight provides wonderful management, and you’ll end factors with punchy volleys. I most well-liked the 18 x 20 sample, however gamers also needs to take into account the 16 x 19 if they need extra entry to spin.

Verdict

General this can be a strong racket and one other step ahead for the Blade sequence, which has continued to develop in recognition because it was first launched with the nBlade. Merely a superb mix of management and really feel whereas providing entry to spin and energy.

If you’re a extra control-oriented participant who likes to combine it up with a number of variation, then the Blade 98 v8 may very well be your new weapon of selection. Different rackets are higher suited to your sport if you wish to spank topspin balls like Nadal from the baseline.

Wilson Blade 98 18 x 20 V8 Specs

Head Dimension	98in² / 632.26cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.8oz / 305g
Strung Weight	11.4oz / 323g
Steadiness	13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight	327
Stiffness	60
Beam Width	21mm / 21mm / 21mm
Composition	Braided Graphite
Energy Degree	Low
Stroke Type	Full
Swing Velocity	Quick
Racquet Colours	Inexperienced
Grip Kind	Wilson Professional Efficiency
String Sample	18 Mains / 20 Crosses
String Stress	50-60 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19 4th Gen

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In the event you’re a member of a tennis membership, you then’ll little question have seen a superb chunk of gamers utilizing Babolat rackets. A superb motive is that they make extraordinarily playable frames that swimsuit many alternative sport types. My favorite racket from the French agency is the Pure Strike 16×19, the racquet of selection for Dominic Thiem.

Babolat has produced a top-quality fashionable participant’s racket with the Pure Strike. In contrast with earlier fashions (I performed with a Roddick Pure Drive for some time), it’s a extra managed racket that gives a wonderful really feel and fast dealing with across the internet and off the bottom; it looks like you’ve got the ball on a chunk of string.

It packs a sq. & elliptical Hybrid Body Development and comes with, in accordance with Babolat’ FSI Energy’ know-how. Now we all know that’s simply advertising bullshit. However it does appear to translate to extra spin, due to the broader spacing between the higher cross strings.

How The Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19 Performs

The Pure Strike options quantity to a agency, vigorous, and exact response on the court docket. I additionally like how Babolat have thickened up the beam for added stability, and also you’ll don’t have any bother producing loads of energy & spin from this body. It’s additionally introduced some easy energy on serve, so it’s ideally suited if you would like additional pop in your first serve.

Having used a Okay Issue Professional Employees for some time, I’ve all the time loved the basic participant frame-style rackets that provide a lot management. Whereas the Pure Strike provides these points, it’s properly blended with a contemporary participant’s racket’s greatest attributes.

I choose the 16 x 19 variant attributable to spin potential in comparison with the 18 x 20, and whereas it’s not as manoeuvrable or quick because the Pure Drive, I don’t suppose many gamers can have bother swinging this 305g body round.

Why I Just like the Pure Strike 16 x 19

I don’t suppose I’ve seen any opinions on the Pure Strike that err on the aspect of negativity, and I agree: Babolat has produced a top-quality racquet.

The Pure Strike 16 x 19 has sensible management and an important really feel, giving you quick access to energy and spin. It is rather secure for its weight, and from my testing, you get the manoeuvrability related to a light-weight racket but the soundness of a a lot heavier racket.

Verdict

The Pure Strike 16 x 19 has every part: ample management, really feel, spin, stability, and energy, all in a light-weight 305g body that’s fairly simple to swing.

Like most mass producers, high quality management can fluctuate, so if you’re shopping for an identical pair, ask the retailer to attempt to get them as shut as attainable on the spec sheet, as there are studies of some frames being fairly a bit off the quoted specs.

Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19 Specs

Head Dimension	98in² / 632.26 cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.8oz / 305g
Steadiness	13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight	327
Stiffness	66
Beam Width	21.3mm / 23.3mm / 21.3mm /
Composition	Graphite
Energy Degree	Low-Medium
Stroke Type	Medium-Full
Swing Velocity	Medium-Quick
Racquet Colours	White w/Orange & Anthracite
Grip Kind	Babolat Syntec Crew
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	50-59 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Wilson Conflict 100 Model 2

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Wilson spent 5 years growing the Conflict to provide a racket designed to try to kill the notion that stiffer rackets are all the time extra highly effective.

They achieved this by introducing two new ‘improvements’. I’ve put that in citation marks as a result of I discover throwing that phrase round relating to rackets tough, however I’ll say that Wilson has produced one thing distinctive.

The 2 new manufacturing processes are known as FORTYFIVE and Stablesmart. These ideas are designed to permit the racket to bend in another way and are achieved by laying the carbon fibre at completely different angles to provide new flex factors.

We anticipate a secure racket to supply energy, spin, and management. Nonetheless, a racket is often heavier, stiffer, or combines the 2 to realize stability.

For 2022, the Conflict acquired an replace to the v2 mannequin with a couple of minor modifications to bump the soundness in comparison with the unique mannequin.

The Wilson Conflict 100 V2 is available in at 295g unstrung and has an RA stiffness ranking of 57, but regardless of its thick beam, it’s tremendous versatile, which provides consolation and really feel.

So does the Wilson advertising reside as much as the hype and supply wonderful energy efficiency with nice consolation?

I might say form of. Out of all of the rackets I’ve really helpful on this information, this one is maybe essentially the most distinctive, and I’m undecided what different rackets it performs, like possibly a Babolat Pure Drive or possibly one of many ProKennex lines, which I recommend for senior players.

How The Wilson Conflict Professional Performs

After I first hit with a Conflict, it took a little bit of getting used to, and I discovered having the ability to decide the place exactly the ball would land after contact difficult, however after quarter-hour of regular baseline hitting, you get considerably used to it.

I’m a fairly flat hitter on each wings, and it’s clear that the Conflict line just isn’t designed for that fashion of play. It is a large spin gamers racket for many who like to take a seat behind the baseline and have that fashionable Khachanov, Kyrgios fashion next-gen fashionable forehand.

I moved my hand across the grip to a extra semi-western, hit with a extra windshield wiper fashion and shortly discovered that’s the place the Conflict 100 v2 does its greatest work so for gamers who’re on the lookout for easy energy, spin, extra flex and luxury than the Conflict 100 v2 is a strong selection.

It’s additionally essentially the most arm pleasant on my record whereas nonetheless secure. That is in all probability as a result of thick beam’s design, so I’d advocate giving the Conflict 100 a demo if that’s one thing you need.

Why I Like The Wilson Conflict 100 v2

Whereas it’s not the racket for me, I just like the Wilson Conflict Professional as a result of it fits many fashionable sport types, and with many gamers in search of consolation, this racket is a strong selection.

It has a wonderful design and thrilling specs, and I feel many gamers will discover they will hit with extra spin and discover extra angles with this racquet.

Verdict

The Wilson Conflict resembles a Babolat Pure Drive, with a much-improved consolation stage. In the event you like that fashion of racket and the Conflict works in your sort of groundstrokes, you would possibly nicely be on to a winner.

The Wilson Conflict 100 v2 just isn’t for everybody, however it’s viable for a lot of gamers, particularly these anxious about growing niggling arm accidents.

Wilson Conflict Professional Specs

Head Dimension	100in² / 645.16cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.4oz / 295g
Strung Weight	11oz / 312g
Steadiness	12.59in / 31.98cm / 7 pts HL
Swingweight	313
Stiffness	57
Beam Width	24.5mm / 24.5mm / 24.5mm
Composition	Graphite
Energy Degree	Low-Medium
Stroke Type	Medium-Full
Swing Velocity	Medium-Quick
Racquet Colours	Purple
Grip Kind	Wilson Professional Efficiency
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	50-60 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Yonex VCore Pro 100 300 – [Best Racket for Intermediate Players]

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The Yonex VCORE Professional 100 is a superb possibility for a participant simply beginning and an intermediate participant trying to find a lighter body that also packs a superb dose of precision on full swings.

The lighter weight makes this racket fairly good for doubles, too, as it is rather manoeuvrable. Whereas it lacks the mass and plough by way of the heavier VCORE Professional 97 fashions, the mixture of velocity, management and spin produces a secure racket and given I’m a giant fan of Yonex rackets attributable to their high quality management; this one will get a thumbs up from me.

How the Yonex Vcore Professional 100 300g Performs

This mannequin has a brand new throat development designed to assist topspin and the standard Yonex isometric head form, and it performs very equally to the Vcore Professional 97 310g however is barely simpler to swing.

I discovered producing racket head velocity with this racket a cinch, and for a 300g racket has respectable ranges of energy from the baseline.

Up on the internet, gamers who’re approaching on a wing and a prayer would possibly choose a racket with a bit extra weight behind it as I might say that the Vcore Professional 100 doesn’t have one of the best rotational stability, however it does supply loads of really feel for contact gamers due to that 21mm beam.

Serve smart, this racket is extra geared in the direction of spin and precision moderately than being an out-and-out sledgehammer, however I used to be in a position to get a good tempo on serves, and for some motive, I all the time appear to serve higher with Yonex rackets. Psychological or anecdotal, I’m undecided, however this racket labored nicely for my function it felt like I might add some whip to crank up the MPH.

Why I just like the Yonex Vcore Professional 100

I thought-about this racket a sensible choice for intermediate gamers, and it completely suits that mould. It’s simple to play with, however with a barely increased swing weight than the earlier mannequin, it provides loads of stability and doesn’t get pushed round too simply from the baseline.

Towards large energy hitters, torsional stability could undergo a bit, however I like what this body provides for many gamers.

It’s additionally snug to play with; this can be as a result of Yonex has added their Vibration Dampening Mesh into the deal with to assist cut back undesirable vibrations. Whether or not it really works as marketed is debatable, however I discovered it arm pleasant.

I additionally felt the ping sound at contact was dulled within the Vcore Professional 100. I sometimes use a vibration dampener to muffle the noise (or power pads), however this was a quieter body that may very well be as a result of dampening within the deal with.

Verdict

The perfect descriptor of the Vcore 100 300g could be versatile, because it does many issues nicely. The VCORE Professional 100 is a wonderful possibility for control-type gamers who desire a lighter-weight body.

For anybody who used the earlier Vcore 100, you gained’t have any points shifting to this mannequin as not loads modified apart from the standard beauty modifications, minor tweaks to the texture, and a tiny improve in swing weight.

Yonex VCore Professional 100 Specs

Head Dimension	100in² / 645.16cm²
Size	27in / 68.58cm
Unstrung Weight	10.4oz / 295g
Strung Weight	11.2oz / 318g
Steadiness	13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight	321
Stiffness	65
Beam Width	23mm / 23mm / 23mm
Composition	2G-Namd/HM Graphite
Energy Degree	Low-Medium
Stroke Type	Medium-Full
Swing Velocity	Medium-Quick
Racquet Colours	Matte Inexperienced
Grip Kind	Yonex Artificial
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	45-60 kilos

Professionals

Cons

Wildcard Decide: ProKennex Ki Q+ 15 Professional

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Professional Kennex is likely one of the lesser-known racket brands, however they make some high-quality frames, and my favorite is the Ki Q+15 Professional.

Whereas many of the rackets on my best-of record are extra conventional ‘gamers’ sort rackets, this Ki Q+15 Professional is a extra forgiving body that gives a ton of stability and energy.

How the ProKennex Ki Q+ 15 Professional Performs

This body has a hefty 335 swing weight and feels very secure on contact. It’s an extended racket at 27.5 inches, so it’s a bit more difficult to swing than the opposite rackets on this record, however this body is second to none with regards to redirecting tempo and producing energy.

I’m not a participant who suffers from arm points, however the Ki Q+ 15 is tremendous snug to hit with, and the vibration is minimal.

I significantly loved serving with this racket. It supplied a ton of free energy, and it’s shocking the distinction a 27.5-inch racket could make on serve; you get some additional leverage, and with this racket’s swing weight power-friendly specs, you possibly can bomb down the primary serve.

Why I Just like the ProKennex Ki Q+ 15 Professional

Every time I’ve picked up a Professional Kennex racket, I’ve loved it. The complete lineup feels good to play with.

The consensus is that extra versatile rackets are arm-friendlier, however Professional Kennex bucks the development by producing a few of the stiffest frames in the marketplace which might be tremendous snug to play with.

That is due to their Kinetic Quadfocus Expertise, and this is because of a movable mass within the racquet’s head to present safety towards vibration, shock and racket torque.

ProKennex Ki Q+ 15 Specification

Head Dimension	105in² / 677.42 m²
Size	27.5in / 69.85cm
Unstrung Weight	10.8oz / 305g
Strung Weight	11.3oz / 320g
Steadiness	12.9in / 32.77cm / 7 pts HL
Swingweight	335
Stiffness	72
Beam Width	26mm / 26mm / 26mm
Composition	Excessive Modulus Graphite/SpiralTech Carbon
Energy Degree	Medium
Stroke Type	Medium
Swing Velocity	Medium
Racket Colours	Sky Blue/Black
Grip Kind	ProKennex Artificial
String Sample	16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Stress	50-65 kilos

Professionals

Cons

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Closing Ideas

So there you’ve got it, a moderately in-depth information on methods to discover one of the best tennis racket in your sport. Keep in mind, the above relies on my expertise shopping for, testing and serving to others select a tennis racket. Your private experiences could differ.

The whole lot I’ve written apart, crucial factor about shopping for a brand new racket is that you just prefer it, the way it feels to you, the way it performs, and the way it appears.

If a racket feels too stiff, flimsy, muted, mild, or heavy, the grip doesn’t really feel proper, you hate the color, or it hurts in any manner when you’re hitting, then it isn’t the correct racket for you.

If you need to take into consideration the tools in your hand, you’ll not play to your full potential. It is best to be capable to decide up your racket and play with it with no second thought. Hopefully, this information helps you in your approach to discovering the correct one 🙂

Bought a query a couple of racket? Bought a advice for a racket I ought to add to my record? Want some recommendation? Depart a remark beneath or contact me, and I’ll get again to you as quickly as attainable.