tennis racquet comparison

Properties such as weight, balance, length, and headsize measure a static condition that depends only on amount and location of mass. Compare products. At the baseline, this frame delivered, allowing me to swing through the ball and hit my spots confidently. In addition to a large sweetspot, what separates the EZONE 98 from the competition is its user-friendly blend of speed, spin and power. 5. With its 100-square-inch head, the racquet has an ample sweetspot, while its rounder shape allows a bit more access to spin than some other 18x20 string patterns. and/or increasing your reference tension (which will enable you to swing faster). Selecting the right tennis racquet can dramatically influence your success and progression as a tennis player. 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. 2. *Price comparisons are based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") or Original Selling Price. At the net, the racquet performs exceptionally well. The frames power derives from a combination of its stiffness rated at 66 and beam, which help return substantial energy to the ball. 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. The Isometric or square-shaped design of Yonex racquets increases the sweet spots size by 7% compared to the traditional oval shape, which is an excellent feature for a smaller 98 in head. Yonex engineered everything about this racquet to generate spin on the court, and it shows. As a result, its a strong performer from the baseline. Players often associate comfort with the shock sent to their arm when striking the ball or the vibration they feel after hitting the ball. Stay Connected. Add a dose of exceptional stability, and the Pro Staff 97 is a top-notch frame for all-court play. 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. Players looking to hit spin-loaded balls that drop hard and explode off the court will love how fast this stick whips through contact. Comfort The latest model matches the prior models weight at 11.5 ounces and has a near-identical swingweight of 324. Along with essential tips, background info on my rating process, and related resources, Ill equip you with everything you need to choose a racquet confidently, regardless of age or experience. Youll also find a higher-end stiffness rating of 71 and a thicker variable with beam thats 23 mm at the throat, 26 mm at the sides of the head, and 23 mm at the top of the frame. The net result is an approachable tennis racquet that should appeal to a broad range of players looking for an easy-to-manage frame that provides excellent power and topspin. As expected, it swings fast with its 4 points head light balance, which helped generate topspin, and it packed plenty of power to match while also offering up plenty of comfort. In the right hands, this Prestige Pro can also deliver loads of plow through, but it does it with pinpoint accuracy, making it an easy choice for best in terms of control and feel. Most likely strung to the upper range for control. Pro tip: Spin comes primarily from your racquets speed and angle at contact. Combine those features with Babolats Woofer Technology, a 100 in head size, and lower flex, and you get power on top of topspin an excellent combination for the modern baseline game. Great racquet so far. Maneuverability Thats not to say your strings dont matter as a beginner, but you shouldnt worry too much about them either. The Clash's carbon-mapped frame helps the tennis ball stay longer in the string bed. Pro tip: If youre looking for more control, select a racquet with a more flexible beam and smaller head size. Buy on Amazon: This racquet offers a reasonable and approachable weight at 11.2 ounces strung, and its swingweight is 325. Of course, the topspin potential is there, but you might need to work a little harder for it. Wilson Pro Staff 97 The first racquet that makes this list is the smallest in its size, but probably the biggest in overall hype. In particular, the racquets heavier weight can make it tricky for some players to manage, and it doesnt offer easy access to power. The 300 RS also features ArmorCap+, Tecnifibres second-generation bumper system, a unique grommet system that absorbs shock and helps increase power, and their EZ Lock knot tie-off feature for easier string installation and protecting the racquets grommets. The "sweetness" of the shot depends on the impact location. Meanwhile, the frames 100 in head and open 1619 string pattern allow the strings to move freely and enhance spin. Clash 100 V2. Comfort While it certainly gets the job done, it might not be the first pick for players who like to move forward and close out points quickly. To maximize spin and control try the Blade 98 with your favorite co-poly string. 3. However, for optimal spin, the racquet uses a 1619 string pattern, and its RA rating of 65 helps provide a bit of extra pop. If you want a racquet that performs equally well across the court, the AT10 Genius 18K is a great choice. For example, if you like the topspin for your current racquet but youre looking for a bit of extra control and improved feel, you can use those data points to help guide your decision-making. Another thing to keep in mind is that this racquet is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to stiffness. In particular, baseline players who hit with heavy topspin may prefer more pop. Topspin Returns One unique aspect of the Phantom 100X 305 is that it maintains stability without a dramatic increase to its stiffness rating through the use of Textreme, Princes ultra-thin carbon thats baked directly into the frame. FortyFive enhances the frames vertical and horizontal flex to complement the modern swing path without giving up stability. Its weight is a hefty 11.7 ounces, but with a 7 pt head light balance, it retains its maneuverability and a reasonable swingweight of 321. The frames construction is a mix between graphite and Sonic Core Infinergy, an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane placed at ten and 2 oclock on the racquets head to improve the racquets response while decreasing unwanted vibrations. Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC Blade & Tenergy 80 Rubber Shakehand Table Tennis Racket | Pro-Line Series | Mix Of Speed, Spin & Feel For Balanced Topspin Play | Recommended For Aspiring Professional Players. For the latest 2023 update, the Babolat Pure Aero received a few minor tweaks, including a slight reduction in stiffness for improved comfort and a small tweak to the frames string spacing. Its merely the tradeoff you make when you invest in this type of racquet. Control Here are a few of the top reasons the Head Radical MP 2021 made my list this year. Maneuverability Is it better than the v7 Read More Pro Staff RF97 v13: In-depth Review & Playtest It offers superb control while creating a heavy spin and fast swing. HEAD Speed MP Tennis Racquet 8.90. Dunlop Sports Nitro Adult Tennis Racket, 27" Length. The result is more power, spin, and comfort when striking the ball. Why it's the best: Recently updated, the VCORE PRO 97D continues to put an emphasis on precision with its dense 18x20 string pattern and 97-square-inch head size. Unique to Gravity Pro is Graphene 360+, which combines Heads specialized formula of graphite with unique SpiralFibers in the racquets construction at the bottom of the head to increase the frames flex and return energy to the ball for a responsive feel. Heres a look at the Pure Strikes top three attributes based on how the racquet scored in my evaluation. This super-thin carbon fiber fabric integrates directly into the tennis racquets shaft (handle and throat) to enhance stability and control. Our team has carefully gone through the massive inventory of current racquets to find the best racquets for every ability level. TENNIS RACQUET SPECIFICATIONS - Head Size: 97 in/625.81 cm; Length: 27 in/68.5cm; Strung Weight: 11.7oz/332g; Balance: 12.6in/32cm/7 pts HL . Normally these two characteristics are in contrast to each other in tennis. It also has a middle-of-the-road stiffness rating of 66, which wont deliver the highest comfort level but shouldnt cause most players any issues in this department. Top 10 Best Tennis Racquet For Intermediate Of 2022 - Latest Review. First and foremost, I love the Pure Drives ability to help generate power without breaking a sweat. Though it is a measure of power, it is much more than that. Over the years, the Babolat Pure Drive has become an iconic tennis racquet backed by some of the games top players, including Andy Roddick before retiring and, more recently, Garbine Muguruza. My groundstrokes were much more accurate and felt much more powerful than my old racquet. Compare. In the past, Ive mentioned that while the racquet felt reasonably comfortable to hit with, players suffering from arm injuries or tennis elbow will likely find it a bit harsh on the arm. VCORE - Spin. Find the Top Racketball Rackets with the MSN Buying Guides >> Compare Products and Brands by . Below are the 7 best Head tennis racquets right now. Slice Often, stable racquets are heavier, have smaller heads, and have more flexible frames. Head offers a wide range of frames, with the majority of its products built for modern players. While there is more than enough pop to this frame, youll still rely on your technique and racquet acceleration to generate maximum power. The Head Speed MP has a 100 in head and 1619 string pattern consistent with past models. Last but not least, this racquet features Graphene to reduce weight in the racquets midsection while reinforcing the head of the racquet at 3, 9, and 12 oclock on the racquets head to aid stability and power. Another change for the racquets head is the updated aero shape design at the top of the hoop thats thinner than the prior generation, which helps improve feel for a more forgiving response. This racquet is ideal for beginners looking for an extra large sweetspot. Wilson Tennis Rackets. Buy on Amazon: 2: Wilson Tour Slam Adult Recreational 8.50. The Blade 98 is spin-friendly thanks to its easy maneuverability and grippy 16x19 stringbed. Stability If youre interested in the Yonex EZONE 98 but are not quite sure if its an ideal fit, check out a few of the various EZONE models available. Your email address will not be published. However, its power level is respectable, considering its specs, and allowed me to generate plenty of pace when needed. The first two rackets in the range are the Shift 99 300g and the Shift 99 315g, with both rackets having similar specs to the old Steam 99 tennis rackets. As a result, players who are intrigued by this racquet have plenty of options to consider. The net result is a racquet that can deliver substantial topspin and considerable pace. 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. The Head Speed MP could improve in both, but in many ways, its nitpicky for a frame that offers such balance all-around performance. Order with confidence. Comfort 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. You're currently reading page 1; Page 2; Page 3; Page 4; Page 5; All Racquets. The result is a lower 62 stiffness rating, which offers excellent comfort, especially compared to the prior model. I felt connected trading groundstrokes, and up at the net, I was delighted with my ability to direct the ball with a high level of accuracy. 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%. 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. Blade Feel 103 Tennis Racket WILSON WR083310U2. Groundstrokes Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. On all orders over $75! The Head Prestige Tour 2021 is my favorite within the Prestige line because it balances the classic feel I love with small refinements to suit the modern game better while appealing to a broader audience. Wonder how we choose best gear recommendations? The racquet weighs in at an 11.2-ounces strung and offers a 4pt HL balance. Returns Advanced players will likely find the Wilson Clash 98 v2 or Clash 100 Pro v2 appealing. With this update for 2021, Yonex has revised the racquets throat geometry with the addition of 2G-NAMD graphite to improve flex and, subsequently, ball-pocketing and the potential for topspin. The first racquet to make the list is the Head Graphene 360 Radical MP, endorsed by players . 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. Groundstrokes Although it is weighted for intermediate players, the Pure Aero transcends ability level, making it as good for the dedicated beginner as it is for the wily veteran in the market for speed and spin. . With that in mind, the latest generation of the RF97 maintains the same specs as the prior generations because Federer hasnt changed them. 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. Overall, Tecnifibres TFight 300 RS is a super well-rounded tennis racquet whose lighter weight and all-court performance are sure to please a wide range of tennis players. Touch & Feel Conclusion. The frame felt stable enough and allowed me to move the racquet head through the ball for a crisp shot. Compare. Babolat Pure Drive 2021Babolat Pure AeroYonex VCORE 100, Head Prestige Pro 2021Yonex VCORE PRO 97D. This Gravity Pro balances comfort, control and feel, making it a great choice for players looking for a modern classic. Groundstrokes For the fourth straight year, the Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP, previously endorsed by Maria Sharapova and Tomas Berdych, remains a solid option for intermediate to advanced players. If you're looking for a new tennis racquet, we can help. The head light balance was particularly beneficial up at the net, where I never felt like I was forcing the racquet into position. This combination gave me confidence when hitting and helped me dictate points and keep my opponents on their heels. Every year, Ill update and refresh this content to consider the latest and greatest tennis racquets top racquet brands are releasing. Shape: Teardrop Level: Intermediate-Advanced Type: All-around Pros Responsive Strong in all parts of the game Premium feel Cons Some players may find it too rigid Find the best price for Nox AT10 Genius 18K By Agustn Tapia 2023: Check price Stability The market of available rackets is overwhelming and choosing the best tennis racket and tennis strings is time consuming. They make some of the best tennis racquetsfor tennis players of every skill level. De Babolat Air Vertuo is het goedkoopste padelracket uit de Air-lijn. With a 100 in head and tighter 1618 string pattern, youd expect topspin to be a highlight, and its solid. Wilson claims up to a 27% increase in the sweet spot by taking this approach, which is a welcome addition to the frame, considering its smaller head size. Why its the best: This racquet continues to evolve and impress. Yonex EZONE - Best All-Court Tennis Racquet 7. Heres a table highlighting some of the differences. Its strong maneuverability allows you to generate plenty of racquet head speed, a key ingredient for topspin, while the super grommet system allows the strings to move freely. Some Restrictions Apply. Topspin Helpful Tip Here are the racquets you should be looking at across the most important categories. In addition to the racquets unique composition, the racquet now uses Wilsons new FortyFive technology, a rebrand of what was previously called FeelFlex in the prior generation. Keep in mind that some players prefer a stiffer, more responsive racquet, while others prefer a softer, more forgiving feel. The Yonex VCORE Pro 97 also features a unique blend of carbon graphite and an elastic material dubbed Black Micro Core at 10 and 2 oclock to improve stability when the ball contacts the upper portion of the racquets head. With the Prince Textreme Tour 100P, youll get balanced performance, but you also wont be wowed in any particular area. In-depth Resources Other noteworthy features include Wilsons Parallel Drilling technology, which opens up the sweet spot and provides a more forgiving stringbed. 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. Girls and Boys Varsity Squash teams finished their season at the Philadelphia U.S. High School Squash Nationals last weekend. Wilson is one of the most popular brands for tennis racquets and other tennis gearin the world. Control Power Babolats FSI technology combines its time-tested woofer system that increases power and the sweet spots size by allowing the strings to work together, while a tighter string pattern within the sweet spot aids in control. At 11.2-ounces strung, it swings fast for generating higher levels of racquet head speed. Why it's the best: Players looking for a power-loaded racquet that also puts a priority on comfort will find that elusive combination in the Clash 100. With that in mind, control-oriented racquets often have thinner beams, less stiff frames, smaller head sizes, and tighter string patterns. Here are our top picks. Well touch on those characteristics shortly in an upcoming section. Dunlop adds their Power Grid Stringbed, which increases the cross strings density toward the middle of the stringbed and decreases the spacing between the crosses for the upper half. I enjoyed the power of this frame most at the baseline. As an intermediate to an advanced player, you should pay close attention to the type of string you choose, the tension you string your racquet, and your stringing frequency. 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. , select a racquet with a more flexible beam and smaller head size. Groundstrokes With the TF-X1 300s 100 in head and high stiffness rating of 71, the racquet delivered plenty of power that came rather effortlessly but, at the same time, didnt feel entirely overbearing. Comparison Table of Top Class Tennis Racket for Slice. In 2022, Yonex released an exceptional update to their popular EZONE 98. These include power potential, sweet zone size, and vibration frequency. Touch Here are my top three reasons why the Head Speed MP 2022 makes my list of the best racquets for 2023. The frame felt easy to maneuver, and I didnt have to work too hard to generate pace. The Blade 98 16x19 v8 has a striking look with it chameleon paint, but the performance remains familiar. To help, Ive narrowed down my picks of the best tennis racquets for 2023, all of which Ive playtested and reviewed to provide detailed performance insight for better decision-making. Groundstrokes By rounding the corners of this section of the frame, Yonex seeks to deliver ideal flex while enhancing dwell time for better control and spin. For players who hit with spin and higher trajectories, a more open (spin-friendly) string pattern can help with control. Power There you have it! Groundstrokes A complete guide for beginners, intermediates and advanced players (Updated July 2022). Everything I loved about the Speed MP hitting groundstrokes translated perfectly to my returns, and the easy maneuverability came in handy. I found this more apparent during my playtest when I looked to be aggressive with my shots. Some racquets provide a crisp and clean feel (such as the Wilson Six. 1 review. 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. The control was not sacrificed. Overall, the VCORE 98 is a well-rounded tennis racquet, so it was a little more challenging to find something I felt I was giving up. Why its the best: There's no denying the power and spin of the Pure Aero line. 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. As with most control-oriented racquets, the VCORE Pro consists of features that first and foremost support accuracy and precision. In a sense, power potential measures what the racquet does. The result is an easy to swing and highly maneuverable racquet, which I enjoyed on returns and up at the net. 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. Maneuverability This models latest generation from the Radical lineup uses Heads Graphene 360 technology in the shaft and at 3, 9, and 12oclock in the frames head for optimal stability and power. The Burn 100 v4 racquet also takes advantage of Wilsons parallel drilling, in which all grommet holes are drilled parallel to the frame to increase the size of the sweet spot while delivering a more forgiving feel. However, its power is underwhelming, so thats worth keeping in mind, as the racquet will appeal more strongly to experienced players. Topspin 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. Roger Federer and Serena Williams use Wilson racquets, but they also have great racquets for juniors or beginners.