- Joan Hahn
- March 30, 2021
- Last Updated on
Not only are you throwing away hundreds of dollars on the wrong tennis racquet, but it also makes you prone to injuries! To ensure you’re always in your A-game, we took the time to find the best tennis racquet for intermediate players to hit that sweet spot.
Here are some of the best racquets for intermediate players today.
- Delivers solid serves and groundstrokes
- Easy on joint pressure
- Well-rounded racquet
- Cuts out vibrations from impact
- Effortless swings
- Stable for hitting volleys
- Delivers compact swings
- Achieves easy depths
- Great for blocking fast serves
- Power and control balance
- Absorbs and reduces shock
- High flexibility rating
- For offensive and defensive players
- Comfortable for longer plays
- Good string pattern feel
Top 10 Tennis Racquets For Intermediate Players
1. Babolat Pure Aero Tennis Racquet
A personal favorite for many intermediate players is its low stiffness rating, allowing Babolat to reach a new milestone in their line of Aero racquet families.
The racquet is lighter than the Aero Pro Drive Original, replacing the graphite material with carbon fiber. Pure Aero features spin grommets, which promote main strings movement, delivering more spin.
Babolat also relocated its Cortex dampening technology from the handle to the head for more comfort.
Pure Aero is a lean, mean top-spin machine that rewards players that favor the western grip. Generates power quickly, making it an ideal racquet for defensive and aggressive baseliners.
Babolat Pure Aero is easy to play for intermediate tennis matches as it maintains power level despite lowering stiffness.
PROS
- Easy on the joints
- Lightweight build
- Quick power acceleration
- Creates great spins
- Digs up corner shots well
CONS
- Needs higher swing weight
2. Wilson Ultra 100 V3.0 Tennis Racquet
Wilson is focusing more on power with its Ultra 100 V3 release. The shaft features Power Rib construction to enhance stability in games.
What’s more, Wilson also added the Sweetspot channels, lengthening the cross strings to achieve more depth.
Originally manufactured for fast-swinging players, the racquet delivers power. With the beam width at 24/26/23 mm and a 72 RA, it generates explosive power from the back of the court.
Intermediate players who enjoy a nice rally from the baseline will enjoy this easy-to-swing racquet as well with its well-sized sweet spot.
Featuring a 16 x 19 string pattern, it makes it convenient for an access spin on groundstrokes.
PROS
- Easy to swing
- Good ball control
- Generates power
- Good-sized sweet spot
- Aesthetically-pleasing
CONS
- Unstable at net
- A bit too stiff
3. YONEX EZONE 100 Deep Blue Tennis Racquet
EZONE 100 is celebrated among intermediate players for its user-friendly specs, and YONEX is only getting better with the racquet’s small, but noticeable changes.
Integrating new technologies, the M40X material makes the racquet appear cleaner. Additionally, the Vibration Dampening Mesh absorbs shocks well, so it’s easy on the joints.
It also features the new String System, which reduces string friction. The Liner Tech Grommet delivers a more forgiving feel.
The Deep Blue gives you controllable power, meaning you can increase the RPMs on demand. Moreover, it delivers an easy depth and creates a lot of spins, a good option for aggressive baseline tennis players.
Weighing at 300 grams, it appeals to both amateurs and pros, a mid-level racquet for players of all skill levels.
PROS
- Versatile racquet
- Spin friendly
- Generates good power
- Lightweight
- Stable off-center shots
CONS
- Not good for netplay
- Lacks control on forehand
4. HEAD Graphene XT Radical Rev Pro Tennis Racquet
A follow-up to the well-known Graphene Radical Pro by Head, the Graphene XT features a stronger and lighter construction in the throat area with its Graphene XT technology.
The Graphene XT Radical is easy to maneuver for groundstrokes. It’s a fast-swinging racquet that makes it feel light to the tennis player. The ball feels solid on impact as well.
HEAD Graphene XT absorbs shocks and vibrations well, the racquet doesn’t flutter in your hands, and it gives a forgiving response.
The racquet works nicely at the net, it’s easy to control and it’s comfortable to use. For tennis players who prefer control over power, Graphene XT Radical is a good option.
PROS
- Good for flat serves
- Easy to control
- Absorbs vibrations
- Strong construction
- Lightweight
CONS
- Stiff
- Lacks precision on returns
5. Babolat Pure Strike
While the Pure Strike series isn’t as popular as the Pure Drive and Pure Aero families, the 16×19 open string pattern is getting tennis players talking about it.
Pure Strike features a Hybrid Frame Construction, which gives it additional strength for durability. The FSI Power Technology enlarges the gap between the string and the racquet’s top, which enables a more spin-friendly feel.
At 305 grams, the racquet provides an adequate amount of control, stability, and power, making it an ideal racquet for an all-rounder tennis player.
In comparison to Pure Drive, Babolat’s Pure Strike is a heavier racquet, so it feels more stable on contact, achieving a heavy shot in your stroke.
To reduce vibration, Babolat uses a filtration lay-up system for comfort, while the Control Frame Technology blends the stable beam frame with the dynamic elliptic build for better control.
PROS
- Good Power
- Feel
- Easy to play
- Stability
- Maneuverability
CONS
- Difficult to flatten the ball
- Light for volleys
6. Wilson 2019 Blade 98 V7 Strung Tennis Racquet
Wilson is giving their Blade racquet series an upgrade by integrating FeelFlex technology to the V7 Strung, making it a more comfortable racquet for intermediate players.
The Blade family is known by many intermediate players for being control-oriented while having a good balance in its power and spin.
Blade 98 V7 uses Wilson’s Countervail technology for shock absorption, giving the athlete comfort during the game without taking away the feel.
The racquet also gives you flexibility in your strokes, Wilson integrated the technology from the Wilson Clash series to have better control of the ball. The racquet flexes in areas you want to flex, but it remains solid in the directions you want it to.
Playing at the back of the court, the Wilson Blade 98 V7 remains solid without sacrificing speed, and it scores just right up the net as well.
PROS
- Power and control
- Enhanced feel
- Easy access to spin
- Comfortable to use
- Absorbs shocks well
CONS
- Lacks quality control between racquets
- Needs more spin from baseline
7. Wilson Pro Staff Rf97
Rocking a graphite frame, the Pro Staff Rf97 gives a similar game experience as its previous predecessors, but with a classy, tuxedo cosmetic.
Weighing at 357 grams, it’s one of the best tennis racquets for baseliners as it delivers the right combination of power and control.
For an athlete with an overly powerful play, the weighty Pro Staff Rf97 provides a built-in control. Its mass and firm layup gives a stable feel on ball contact. The racquet holds its grounds, so the ball is easier to deflect.
It provides a good touch with a stable feel for volleys. Simply get the racquet into play, and the ball sticks through, a reliable racquet up the net. However, it’s a little challenging for fast reflex volleys.
PROS
- Easy spin
- Good control
- Plow through power
- Nice feel and touch
- Excellent stability
CONS
- Weight
- Maneuverability
8. Wilson Clash 100 Tennis Racquet
Wilson took the time in developing the Clash. After 3 years, they have manufactured a racquet that appeals to a wide range of players, regardless of skill level.
For a modern tennis player, power and control are two critical aspects of a good racquet, which Clash 100 delivers.
The 100 square inch racquet features the integrated Free Flex technology, enabling you to bend upon ball impact.
Moreover, its carbon mapping features allow you to free swing at ease with full control of the ball and hit well on your horizontal and vertical swings.
Wilson integrated the Stable Smart technology for big swingers to ensure the racquet feels solid and powerful for each stroke. It features a 16 x 19 string pattern.
The Wilson Clash 100 makes it easy to tap into its power level, and you’ll notice an increase in mph for your groundstrokes.
PROS
- Large sweet spot
- Nice swing speed
- Good flexibility
- Great acceleration pace
- Power and spin
CONS
- Has higher launch angle
- Expensive
9. Babolat Pure Drive 2021 Tennis Racquet
Sporting a new mirror aesthetic, Pure Drive is one of the best tennis racquets for intermediate tennis players with its playability and power.
It provides you with spin control as well. Pure Drive is designed to have a high launch angle, meaning it allows you to achieve a heavy topspin. For intermediate players who struggle with hitting a heavy ball, this comes quite naturally.
Babolat has also addressed the flexibility issues with its previous models, the Pure Drive 2021 absorbs shocks and vibrations better.
The racquet is easy to maneuver, which maximizes swing upon ball contact. While it’s not the best racquet for volleys, its access to spins gives you a bigger margin of error.
In the hands of a player with an intermediate skill level, Babolat Pure Drive offers explosive power on serves and groundstrokes. Also a smart option for players who need an extra push on serves.
PROS
- Quickly generates power
- Large sweet spot
- Easy to use
- Nice on flat serves
- Improved comfort
CONS
- Stiff for some players
- Too overpowering for some
10. HEAD Microgel Radical Tennis Racquet
The go-to racquet of the world-renowned Andre Agassi is still in the game, but this time, HEAD makes improvements that are more than just skin deep.
The MicroGel construction blends carbon composite fibers in the Radical’s racquet head, meaning it deforms and compresses the ball upon impact with even weight distribution.
For intermediate players who are looking for a racquet that offers control during a game, HEAD Microgel Radical is a good choice.
The dense 16 x 19 string pattern does not generate a lot of power, which makes it a good option for intermediate players with long and fast strokes.
HEAD Microgel Radical is a head light tennis racquet, with a heavier handle, it’s easier to maneuver with good swing weight for an intermediate player.
PROS
- Evenly distributes shocks
- Good spin
- Nice control on depths
- Generates fast strokes
- Ideal swing weight
CONS
- Smaller sweet spot
- Lacks power
What To Look For
Comfort, Power, or Control?
You’ll find several racquet types. Power racquets have a larger head size, which provides a higher margin of error. What’s more, a racquet with a bigger head size delivers more spring to the strokes, translating to a higher power.
Control racquets, trade power for control and precision. It’s smaller in head size, smaller than a 100 square inch head, typically between 85 to 97 inches.
You can find comfort on both racquet types as long as it absorbs shocks and vibrations well.
Cost
The best tennis racquets for intermediate players range between $100-$230, it can be pricier for racquets with more spin control, a better spring bed, and enhanced comfort. Although you’ll also find many tennis racquets below $100.
Four cost factors are materials, build quality, integrated technologies, and athlete endorsements.
A racquet for intermediate players often uses graphite instead of alloy and features multiple integrated technologies to absorb shock.
Also, you’ll find that the best tennis players endorse expensive racquets.
Weight
The weight is heavier in construction, weighing between 328 – 357 grams.
It delivers lesser power, but greater control and accuracy with its smaller head size. An intermediate tennis racquet features a smaller sweet spot as well.
In other words, only at an intermediate level, hard-hitting players can maximize the racquet.
Advanced players who have fast and full swings can achieve winning shots.
Balance
Racquet balance is divided into three categories: head heavy, head light, and, lastly, equally balanced.
A head heavy racquet gives the player more access to power as the weight is distributed to the head.
A head light racquet means the heavier area is the handle, and they are heavier racquets.
Lastly, a midweight racquet is nearly equally balanced. It delivers power and stability and carries enough weight to absorb shock, making it great for women players.
String Type
A racquet has four string types: synthetic gut, multifilament, polyester, and natural gut.
Racquets that are for beginners use synthetic gut, which uses nylon. Wraps enclose the string to reinforce racquet performance. It’s a good all-around option.
Multifilament strings are a cheaper alternative for a lot of intermediate players. It does not provide the same power as the natural gut, but it absorbs impact well and provides enough power for the racquet, keeping the ball deep.
Some of the best racquets use polyester, giving advanced players spin control. It features a stiff monofilament build, allowing bigger swings minus overhitting.
Lastly, the natural gut provides elasticity, comfort, and an enhanced feel to the racquet. It comes from the cow intestine; there’s no string material that can replicate its premium feel.
Characteristics of Intermediate Tennis Racquets
Better Grip
A tennis racquet for intermediate players has a nice, comfortable grip to help you go through long, tedious matches.
These racquets offer grips that have high absorbency of sweat and moisture, preventing slippage.
They are less tacky than racquets designed for beginners, allowing you to swiftly shift from forehand to backhand grip. It also reduces vibrations in your shots, making it easier on the arm for long-term use.
Built for Better Control
An intermediate level racquet is designed for control, not power. Some of the best intermediate racquets have an 18 x 20 string pattern as it offers more control. The string bed of this racquet delivers a longer life.
Sporting a smaller square inch head makes it easy for an intermediate level athlete to maneuver. They typically range from 97 square inches to a 100 square inch head.
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Slightly Heavier Weight
Despite being 97 square inches, these are heavier than the 105 square inches racquet designed for beginners.
It weighs over 328 grams. The athlete needs to be able to lift and use the racquet efficiently. These racquets are more stable and deliver lesser vibrations.
The stable feel enables the unit to plow through when the ball makes an impact on the string bed. It also gives an excellent depth for baseliners with long and fast strokes, leading to better shots.
Better Power
The best tennis racquet for intermediate athletes is heavy; therefore, they deliver more power in the overall play. These are more stable, and in the hands of skilled players, it provides better ball control, higher accuracy, and more winning shots.
It gives you a good plow-through and feel when receiving heavy hits from opponents without feeling much vibration, the best intermediate racquets are easy on the joints.
Adds More Spin
Its heavier build, smaller sweet spot, and size allow an intermediate player to have more spin in their shots.
The racquet has a good blend of control and power that enables the athlete to perform heavy topspin against their opponent.
Incorporating a spin-friendly string with a stiff and powerful racquet brings the modern power game to a level higher.
FAQS
An intermediate player is an athlete with reliable strokes, directional control, and nice depths on forehand and backhand.
What’s more, they can effectively perform overheads, volleys, and lobs. During this period, the athlete may be gradually mastering spins and power.
A decent tennis racquet costs $120 and up for an intermediate tennis racquet. For some players, depending on their playing style and preference, it may even go up to $150 – $200 or even more.
A tennis racquet needs restringing when the strings are producing friction from rubbing together, ultimately causing the strings to notch.
You’ll notice this in the upper middle of the racquet, so you won’t have the same feel when it hits the sweet spot.
So, how often should you restring your racquet? Most players restring their tennis racquets once every three months, but it depends on how often you play.
Yes. Lighter racquets are better for beginners to provide more power to slower swings to compensate for lack of technique. Additionally, these racquets are suitable for shorter athletes as well.
A racquet lasts typically a year or two, depending on how frequently you play, and assuming you do not splinter it within that time frame.
It is a rule followed by athletes who enjoy playing a match or two more than twice a week. For those who rarely play, the timeframe will be longer.
And the #1 Racquet for Intermediate Tennis Players is…
Based on research and casual playing, Babolat’s Pure Aero 2019 is the best tennis racquet for intermediate players. It covers every important base for an intermediate level athlete to play efficiently.
This racquet offers a user-friendly power with a nice spin, making it a favorite selection for baseliners and players who need an additional pop for their groundstrokes.
The updated version of the Pure Aero family racquet offers a lesser stiff response, which delivers more comfort in more extended plays.
OUR # 1 Recommendation
Babolat’s Pure Aero 2019
- Less wind drag
- Good head speed
- Arm friendly
- Quality carbon fiber construction
