Finding the best tennis rackets on the market can be difficult – after all, there’s so much choice!
You’re trying to find that elusive balance of feel, power, and control, which can make picking the ideal tennis racket challenging. Your racket essentially serves as an extension of your arm and communicates with your style, game, and even how you play.
In this guide, we’ll outline what you need to consider when buying a tennis racket, as well as our product picks to help you smash those aces.
We’ve looked at the best tennis rackets for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players, as well as some options designed specifically for junior players.
Contents
Best tennis rackets for beginners
First, we’ll review some really easy-to-handle rackets that are perfect for new tennis players.
1. Wilson Tour Slam Tennis Racket (beginner, strung)
For the beginner player, finding a racket with a good trade-off between ease-of-use and control can be difficult.
However, the Wilson Tour Slam excels in this regard. Technology such as “stop shock pads” helps to reduce vibration – making your life easier when hitting the ball, while also keeping tennis elbow at bay.
Wilson also includes their custom-designed “power strings” to improve the impact of your shots, the extra-large 112″/723cm head ensuring you pick up the majority of those balls that would hit the edge of a regular racket.
At the same time, the Tour Slam only weighs 10.3oz (291 grams), allowing newer or casual players to perfect their technique without being restricted by the size of the racket.
What’s more, the price is incredibly reasonable.
Pros
- Good price.
- Great feel/response when hitting.
- Excellent power on shots.
Cons
- Offers limited control over spin, meaning you’ll want to upgrade down the line if you’re looking to going to be advancing to serious play.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Champion Sports 27-Inch Titanium Tennis Racket (beginner, strung)
Need a strong, sturdy racket for regular play that’s also lightweight? Not a particular fan of flashy colors? This is the tennis racket for you.
Pre-strung so you’ll be smashing shots in no time, Champion Sports’ hitter features an oversized head and wide body construction to produce a racket that’s more forgiving to mishits.
It also has a cushioned leather grip to stop those pesky blisters.
Pros
- Big face.
- Very durable – made of titanium.
- Nice soft grip.
Cons
- No fancy technology to help you out.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Wilson Energy XL Tennis Racket (beginner, strung)
Wilson’s other awesome beginner option, the Energy XL, certainly lives up to its name. V-Matrix technology combined with the massive face area results in a racket with monstrous power.
Like some of the more expensive models we’ve discussed, this racket has anti-vibration technology to ensure comfort while playing.
Complementing this, “Airlite Alloy” material makes the racket easy to maneuver, weighing in at 10.3oz/291 grams.
However, we’ve left the best ’til last. The Energy XL is one of the cheapest tennis rackets on this list, while also feeling super durable.
If you’re a beginner who doesn’t mind a light racket, this is your best bet.
Pros
- Awesome price.
- Great power.
- Easy to maneuver – nice and light.
Cons
- Little choice available in regards to grip size.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best tennis rackets for intermediate players
Now we’ll discuss 3 of the best tennis rackets you can buy as an intermediate tennis player. These options offer a quality hit, but are still very reasonably priced and relatively easy to use.
4. HEAD 2017 Ti.S6 Tennis Racket (intermediate, strung)
The best tennis racket for an intermediate player offers excellent power and control at a reasonable price, without being too difficult to set up – no unstrung rackets please!
For this reason, the HEAD Ti.S6 is our choice in this category.
You’ll notice that the grip on this racket is a bit shorter than on its counterparts, allowing you to maintain better control over your shots (think of a table tennis bat) in a trade-off for slightly less power.
The titanium-graphite frame means that the Ti.S6 weighs in at 8oz (226 grams) when unstrung, while the “fan” string pattern produces more power on your shot.
The result? A light racket for a reasonable price with excellent power – perfect for the intermediate player.
Pros
- Light frame ensuring easy control of shots.
- Great power output.
- Reasonable price.
Cons
- Short grip might not suit all players.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Prince Textreme Warrior 100L ESP Tennis Racket (intermediate, strung)
Some rackets aim to please everyone: offering awesome all-round performance at a reasonable price.
These gems are hard to come by, but luckily you can still grab the Prince Warrior 100L ESP. It’s not the newest racket, so it’s a good idea to get one while they’re still available.
At 9.5oz, this is a pretty light racket compared to most others on the market.
Although lighter rackets don’t quite offer the same level of power as heavier 11-12oz ones, they make it much easier to control the ball which is great for intermediate players.
You should have no trouble hitting super-fast returns with this racket though. The grip is nice and comfortable, and it’s excellent value for money.
Overall, if you’re not looking to spend too much, and want a well-rounded racket, the Prince Textreme Warrior 100L ESP is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- Very balanced – good power, great control.
- Excellent price.
- Comfortable grip.
- Light & easy to handle.
Cons
- No criticisms considering the price!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. HEAD MicroGel Radical Tennis Racket (intermediate, strung)
The HEAD-line 🙂 🙂 of this racket is the company’s MicroGel technology, which spreads the impact load of a shot around the frame to reduce the impact on your arm and wrist, reducing discomfort while playing.
Like the Prince Warrior 100L ESP, this racket offers a nice balance between spin and power, perfect for the intermediate player looking to improve their all-around game.
At 10.4oz or 295 grams, the MicroGel Radical is in the mid-range in terms of weight, making it a great option if you’re looking for a slight increase in power without straining your arm.
Pros
- Well-rounded – good spin and power.
- Low vibration response on hard hits.
- Excellent range of grips sizes available.
Cons
- Slightly expensive for an intermediate racket.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best tennis rackets for advanced players
Finally, we’ll look at some pro-level rackets designed for advanced tennis players.
7. Wilson Hyper Hammer Tennis Racket(advanced, strung)
Used by the likes of Roger Federer, Wilson consistently produce some of the best tennis rackets for serious tennis players.
The Hyper Hammer is one such product designed for aspiring or current professionals, as its oversized head is engineered specifically to maximize shot power.
Complementing this, an open string configuration allows better control of the spin imparted on the ball.
At 27.5 inches the racket has more reach than similar products, making it an ideal tool for advanced players who are comfortable with a slightly heavier racket. What’s more, the Hyper Hammer comes pre-strung, meaning you can try it out immediately, and the price is incredibly reasonable considering the shot control the racket offers.
Pros
- Offers incredible control.
- Great price.
- Excellent power.
Cons
- None available – simply of one the best products on the market.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. Babolat Pure Drive 2018 Tennis Racket(advanced, unstrung)
If you’re really into your tennis, it pays to get that edge over your opponent. That’s why Babolat’s precision-engineered racket is a great choice for serious players.
Above all else, this racket is designed for power.
The sweet spot has a tighter string tension than the rest of the racket, and the frame thickness is customized specifically to improve hit speed while allowing the player to retain control of their shot. It offers an excellent feel for the ball, enabling you to place your shots more accurately too.
The drawback to this racket is that it isn’t incredibly durable. It can break quite easily if it slips from your hand and hits a hard surface.
However, its durability is much improved from the 2015 model, which had a frame that was more prone to cracking/chipping.
Pros
- Awesome power on shots.
- Great control for placement & spin.
- Very light.
Cons
- Price.
- Slightly fragile.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. Babolat Pure Aero 2018 Tennis Racket(advanced, strung)
If you need something a little bit tougher, the Babolat Pure Aero 2018 is a fantastic pick.
Endorsed by Rafael Nadal, this is essentially the best all-around racket in Babolat’s range. Apart from the price, there aren’t really any downsides to it.
For starters, it offers really exceptional spin with the right strings, allowing for top-notch precision.
But if you’re looking to blast the ball at the back of the court, this racket is up to the task – and it won’t jar your elbow even if you absolutely smash your return.
You don’t have to be a future Wimbledon winner to enjoy what this racket has to offer.
If you’ve got the money to spend, it’s fantastic for beginners and intermediate players too. Plus, since it comes pre-strung, you can get up and running right away.
Pros
- Offers incredible precision.
- Incredibly well-rounded – power, control and spin are all top notch.
- Pre-strung.
- Won’t hurt your elbow even if you absolutely smash the ball.
Cons
- Expensive.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best kids’ tennis rackets
Now we’ll look at 3 of the best tennis rackets for younger children.
Remember: weight is key, and it’s important to look at a sizing guide to determine what length of racket to buy.
10. Wilson US Open Tennis Racket(junior, strung)
The best tennis rackets for kids offer exceptional maneuverability and are very light to allow children to use the racket to the best of their ability.
Typically, junior rackets also feature a large head size to ensure that the ball can be hit more consistently.
The Wilson US Open meets all these criteria, while also providing a head heavy string balance to make the racket more stable in-swing.
Plus, it has Wilson’s spin effect technology, allowing the younger player to move onto more advanced shots having mastered the basics of hitting the ball.
The racket also comes pre-strung, and includes a cover to enhance its durability.
Pros
- Nice and light.
- Good control and feel in-swing.
- Comes in a variety of sizes.
Cons
- Expensive in some sizes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
11. HEAD Instinct 21 Tennis Racket (junior, strung)
Looking for something a bit cheaper for your child? The HEAD Instinct 21 is the leader in junior tennis rackets in terms of value for money.
Like Wilson’s offering, it has an oversize 107-inch head and is very light, at 6.3 ounces.
This racket is most appropriate for kids aged 4-9, since it’s so incredibly light.
It also has a very small (3 5/8″) grip, which is super-easy for young hands to handle.
Although it doesn’t come in different lengths like the Wilson US Open, we think the bright pink colorway and fantastic price makes up for this downside. 🙂
Pros
- Great price.
- Very light.
- Massive oversize head.
Cons
- No advanced features like spin control technology.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
12. Babolat Pure Drive 25″ Tennis Racket (junior, strung)
Is your kid the next Rafael Nadal? No problem! Babolat makes a junior version of the Pure Drive, giving youth players the technology available in adult rackets.
Featuring an aluminum/graphite composite frame, the Pure Drive weighs only 8.5oz or 241 grams, making it a perfect implement for juniors to perfect their technique.
The racket also uses Babolet’s “Smartgrip” technology, which enhances grip comfort and feel when striking the ball.
Although the face is smaller than the Wilson and HEAD junior options, this allows more serious junior players to get used to the head size of adult rackets before they graduate to using a bigger hitter.
At 25″ long, this racket is perfect for 9-10 year olds.
Need something for a younger player? Check out the 23″ version.
Pros
- Great weight.
- Good comfort/feel when hitting.
- Excellent build quality & durability.
Cons
- Somewhat expensive.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Factors to consider when buying
Here’s what you should know when buying a new tennis racket.
Strung or unstrung – what’s the difference?
Essentially, strung or pre-strung rackets already have strings installed by the manufacturer. Once the equipment is delivered you’ll be up and running. On the other hand, with an unstrung racket you’ll have to buy strings separately and string your racket yourself.
Typically, beginner and intermediate players use strung rackets, while advanced players buy unstrung rackets because they are more customizable – you can easily install specific string to get more power, precision, or spin on the ball.
You’ll need a stringing machine to do this, though.
Look out for the strung or unstrung tags by each product we review to tell which is which.
Weight
Weight is a matter of personal preference when it comes to tennis rackets.
Generally, the more experienced you are the heavier racket you’ll want, as heavier rackets can generate more power more easily. On the other hand, lighter rackets offer better control and are easier for beginners to use.
Small rackets typically weigh around 8-8.5oz (227-240 grams) while a larger racket would weigh over 10.5oz (300+ grams).
Kids younger than 12 require a light youth tennis racket in order to better develop their technique without being constrained by weight. In this article we’ll outline 3 of the best junior tennis rackets.
Balance
Different rackets will have different weight distributions, including head-heavy and even, the latter being what most rackets (particularly beginner ones) use.
Ideally you should have a point of reference – an old racket that you know is 10oz and head heavy for example, to decide what’s best for you. In general:
- Head heavy rackets are used by beginner/intermediate players as they allow for power to be generated more easily.
- Even or head-light rackets are used by advanced players as they provide better control.
Grip size
Tennis rackets come in different grip sizes, referring to the circumference of the tennis racket handle.
When buying, you’ll have to select your grip size, which is measured in inches.
To find your grip size, grab a ruler and measure from the tip of your ring finger to the lowest horizontal crease on your palm. The corresponding distance is your grip size.
Head size
Beginner and junior rackets will have a larger head size, which is the surface area of the racket string measured in square inches or centimeters.
This is because an “oversize” head makes it easier to make contact with the ball while also allowing for more powerful shots with less physical effort.
Like with a trampoline, the more string on the head the greater the rebound.
However, intermediate and advanced rackets typically have smaller head sizes, as they offer greater control over placement and spin when playing shots.
A small head size would be 90 inches (228cm) and a larger “oversize” head size would be around 115 inches (292cm).
Frame material/stiffness
Some frames are made up of a composite material such as graphene and carbon fiber. These materials will reduce weight, while other more traditional materials such as titanium will instead improve racket durability.
Like with weight, frame stiffness is a matter of personal preference.
A stiff racket will provide more power in general, however some players may find the stiffness uncomfortable.
On the other hand, a less stiff frame will result in lower power but may offer more control over your shots as the ball stays on the strings for longer when a shot is made.
Racket length
Racket length is also measured in inches.
If you’re an adult, or buying for one, you’ll want a racket of 27″ or just over.
For junior players, consult the racket length size chart below.
Price and quality
Big-name brands such as Wilson and Head manufacture some of the best tennis rackets available in terms of quality, but obviously you have to pay a price for the benefits of these rackets.
What do you get in return?
- Greater rebound.
- More control over your shots (for example, placement and spin).
- Better build quality – more durable.
- A more comfortable grip.
- Other features – an in-built computer chip to track performance for example.
Obviously the racket you go for should fit your needs in terms of your budget and performance on the court.
Transporting your racket
You might need something with which to carry your racket to the court, unless you have a bag already.
The main options are:
- A racket bag.
- A tennis backpack.
- A tennis tote bag.
Need more information? Check out our tennis bag buyer’s guide.
Areas different rackets excel in
Different rackets are better at improving different aspects of your shot.
Some are designed for power, while others are better for more controlled shots.
If you love to smash for the back of the court you’ll want something like the Babolat Pure Drive.
However, if you’re a player who excels at dropping the ball deftly over the net you’ll want a racket with more control, like the Wilson Hyper Hammer.
Conclusion
Not sure whether to buy a more expensive model, or go for a cheaper option? In our experience, the best tennis rackets are worth the extra price.
Not only do they improve your performance on the court, they are also more durable, meaning they can be repurposed when you upgrade.
For example, we hit balls for our dog with an old Spalding tennis racket that still has a nice pop on it.
Hopefully you found this guide useful! Please let us know how we can improve in the comments below.