Tennis is a sport that attracts so many different kinds of players. It can be nearly impossible to find the tennis racquet that is right for you.
There is a whole range of terminology used with the racquet type, which creates potentially confusing names. It can be hard to separate out which racquets were given hype-filled names and which ones will best serve your purposes.
This top 10 list will act as a guide for those that want options in terms of luxury, performance and added features including the best tennis racquet for each type of player.
Things to Consider as a Tennis Player
- Level. The level of the player will determine the quality of the racquet and this in turn also determines the price. There are racquets that are suited for everyone and ones for more serious players. Knowing where you are on this scale will help you make your choice.
- Features. For beginners and experts alike there are features that can make using the racquet and playing more fluid. These things can range from shock absorbers to the stability of the grip.
- Purpose. The setting in which the player will play is also a major factor. Are you going to be playing casual games with family or will you be competing at the tennis club?
- Use. Tennis players can use different grip techniques when they play and also play on courts made of different material which should definitely be considered when searching for the best tennis racquet.
Top 10 Tennis Racquets Overview Table
Picture | Name | Key Features | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Pro Staff 95 BLX Tennis Racquet | - Lighter weight for more maneuverability. - Larger head for expanded sweetspot. | $$$$ | 4.6 | |
2. Ti.S5 CZ Prestrung Tennis Racquet - 4-3/8 Grip | - Open string pattern that enhances swing without compromising control. | $$$$ | 4.6 | |
3. Babolat 2015 Pure Drive Tennis Racquet (4-3/8) | - Flawless string and frame integration. - Head shape formed for great play performance. | $$$$ | 4.6 | |
4. Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Strung Tennis Racket (Black/White, 4 1/8) | - Carbon construction makes the racket a great all-rounder. | $$ | 4.5 | |
5. Head Liquidmetal 8 Tennis Racquet Grip Size: 4 3/8 | - Special sweetspot construction that extends it through the racket head. | $$ | 4.4 | |
6. Wilson Tour Slam Adult Strung Tennis Racket, 4 1/2 | - Materials for power shot. - Shock Pads for reduced vibration. | $ | 4.4 | |
7. Head Micro Gel Radical MP Strung Tennis Racquet without Cover (4.125) | - Uniform distribution of the impact. - Powerful swing with shock absorber. | $$ | 4.4 | |
8. Head Ti.S6 Tennis Racquet (4-1/8 Grip) | - Extra long racket that is also lightweight. - Perfect for beginners. | $$ | 4.3 | |
9. Wilson [K] Zero Strung Performance Value Tennis Racket | - Maximum power with enhanced control technology. | $$$ | 4.2 | |
10. Wilson Federer Adult Strung Tennis Racket, 4 3/8 | - Arc Technology for more stability. - Power strings increase swing power. | $ | 4.1 |
Tips for Beginners
Being new to the game of tennis means having to choose from tennis racquets that will also suit your skill level. Here are some things to consider when you are starting out and buying your first racquet.
- Generally if the sweet spot is bigger, it is easier to use.
- There are two different materials used for frames. Aluminum comes pre-strung and is less expensive than the graphite options.
- If you are unsure of which grip size you should buy, go with the smaller one. The grips can easily be built up using overgrip.
Personal Preference
When you move out of the beginner level, the choice in racquet is really up to the specific player.
The best advice that can be given to players with experience is that once you have considered all of the features, grips, sizes etc., you should see how the racquet feels in your hand.
Everyone knows that you can spend a lot of money on a racquet that achieves the same effect as one that costs much less. It all comes down to your game and what corresponds racquet feels right to you. That being said, as long as the racquet is high quality, as with the ones in the top ten league, then you can’t go wrong.
Top 5 Best Tennis Racquet Reviews
1. Pro Staff 95 BLX
This racquet is widely considered an advanced player’s model and this is certainly true in many regards. It is important, however, to note that the Wilson Pro Staff 95 BLX is also extremely effective in the hands of a lesser-experienced player.
Due to the incredible design of the racquet, anyone who takes it up will find it improves his or her game. It has a control that is hard to describe without it sounding like exaggeration. The racquet gives a great boost to shots and you will instantly notice the difference.
The level of maneuverability that can be achieved with the Wilson Pro Staff 95 BLX cannot be overstated especially considering how much lighter and yet more solid the racquet is. For the professional or the serious tennis player, there really is no other racquet that can compete. We consider it the best tennis racquet currently available, and the bulk of other experts and players agree.
2. Ti.S5 CZ Prestrung
As the name of this racquet would suggest, the Head Ti S5 Comfort Zone is completely designed for player comfort. Each aspect of this racquet is to give greater control and absorb as much of the shock as possible.
This is not a racquet for hard hitters or for aggressive players. This is certainly not a criticism as the racquet provides all of the control you could ever want, it is certainly something to consider for certain playing styles.
As a light racquet it is an extremely easy model to maneuver. The ideal player for this racquet is a beginner or intermediate one with a slower swing. Those who play with well placed shots rather than power will instantly fall in love with the Head Ti S5 Comfort Zone.
3. Babolat 2015 Pure Drive
The Babolat 2015 Pure Drive is one of the best racquets for all-round performance. It has the capability of powerful shots that will satisfy any player with a strong swing. This certainly doesn’t mean that anything is sacrificed. The Babolat 2015 Pure Drive has great control and surprising spin capability.
Although the Pure Drive provides power and control it is certainly not the easiest racquet to use. It is best for the more experienced player who has the skill to match the quality of this racquet. For an intermediate to advanced player they will find that the Babolat 2015 Pure Drive will add a unique edge to their game.
4. Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3
There is a great deal of debate in the tennis world whether the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 is a beginner racquet or not. In terms of ease to use, a lesser-experienced player can quickly master it. When considering what it can do to any player’s game it is also a perfect choice of racquet for any level of skill.
It is lightweight but doesn’t compromise too much on power. As such it has a nice level of control and can generate a formidable topspin. The racquet serves to work on your swing and technique so it naturally improves the player’s game. For beginners through to advanced players, the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 will make a marked difference to your game.
5. Head Liquidmetal 8
With its huge sweetspot the Head Liquidmetal 8 is the perfect combination of both power and control. All of these aspects added together make this racquet a solid choice for intermediate players. It occasionally suffers in terms of power for stronger players but it is one of the most suited racquets to a whole range of styles.
The Head Liquidmetal 8 also has a specialized dampening system that removes vibrations up to 27%. This makes for a much more comfortable game especially as the racquet itself is so light. To transition from a beginner racquet to something more professional, the Head Liquidmetal 8 is the best choice.