- Joan Hahn
- August 24, 2021
- Last Updated on
All you need is the determination to succeed. As long as it is strung, any tennis racquet would do. Well, not really. Pep talks can be encouraging, but professional tennis players succeeded because of their reliable racquets, among others.
Get to know the best tennis racquet brands if you want to start a career in tennis and make it to the top.
- Good grip
- Has a solid hit
- Affordable
- Stable control
- Solid frame
- Lighter & more balanced
- Blend of control & power
- Solid racquet
- Shoulder-friendly
- High flexibility
- Lightweight
- Very affordable
- Feels great to hold
- Strings look strong
- Easy to control
Top 10 Tennis Racquets For 2021
1. Wilson Tour Slam Adult Strung
Why We Picked It:
If you are a dedicated beginner, then this is the best fit for you.
It uses a Volcanic technology aluminum frame, specifically designed for new players to give more stability, comfort, and control.
As a beginner, they usually prefer lightweight and comfortable racquets to swing easily, which are also arm-friendly.
They can start honing their skills and developing style until they get better in tennis with this racquet. This is also wallet-friendly since there is no need to spend a lot when you are still starting.
PROS
- Good grip
- Has a solid hit
- Affordable
- Stable control
- Solid frame
CONS
- Somehow heavy
- Vibrates a lot
2. HEAD Microgel Radical Midplus
Why We Picked It:
Head uses the MicroGEL technology, a low-density silicone-based material used throughout the racquet’s build.Along with stiff carbon fibers, it allows the racquet to compress when it hits the ball because it produces unmatched vibration dampening.
It gives the tennis player easy maneuverability since the tennis racquet enhances control. Also, this has spin potential because of the increased head. The racquet allows the tennis ball to bounce higher as it travels farther from the racquet head.
PROS
- Lighter & more balanced
- Blend of control & power
- Solid racquet
- Shoulder-friendly
- High flexibility
CONS
- Too much power
- Feels stiff and uncomfortable
3. OPPUM 27 inch Pro Tennis Racket
Why We Picked It:
The most enticing offer of this product is the price. Considering what you will be getting, this is really affordable. If you are in search of a beginner racquet, this will work, but this can also be for other levels.
This is a light and comfortable racquet made of aluminum carbon materials, making it really durable. The nanotechnology absorbs shock very well as it controls serves while reducing vibration in the middle. The design of tennis equipment is also noteworthy
PROS
- Lightweight
- Very affordable
- Feels great to hold
- Strings look strong
- Easy to control
CONS
- Only good for beginners
- Not durable
4. Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19
Why We Picked It:
This would be the 3rd generation of the Pure Strike Series. This current racquet is a hybrid among the first releases, and manufacturers made the beam thicker to make this tennis equipment have more stability.
This is also spin-friendly as it can create power which is also exceptional on serving. Stability for its weight is really impressive, and when we tried it, the maneuverability that comes along with a lighter racquet is present. Advanced players will still enjoy this new tennis racquet from Babolat, like Pure Aero.
PROS
- It can swing big
- Easy power
- Great accuracy and balance
- Offers control and comfort
- Lightweight
CONS
- Can use added pop
- Not really arm-friendly racquets
5. HEAD Ti Radical Elite Prestrung Tennis Racquet
Why We Picked It:
This can be considered as a traditional player’s racquet since the racquet effectively provides comfort as it is being used. The Ti Radical has a tighter pattern. That is why this is great for volleys since the hits are very precise.
The tennis racquet has impressive comfort, good feedback, and an excellent feel. While anyone can use this tennis racquet, it is still the best racquet for beginners. The grip size is decent as it has its benefits.
PROS
- Good control
- Lightweight
- It has a good feel
- Has a big sweet-spot
- Has tight patterns
CONS
- Low power
- Really big head size
6. Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13
Why We Picked It:
This is another evolution but the defining features, exceptional control, and precision. It may have additional weight, it is still very stable, regardless if you are serving, hitting groundstrokes, or volleys. Users of these racquets are forehand winners, backhand or approach shots as well.
What is just great about this product apart from control is its capability to produce topspin and get the racquet in position quickly. These racquets work best with intermediate and stronger players since they seek control over more power in a modern game.
PROS
- Has excellent feedback and response
- Maneuverable and forgiving
- Easy power and good spin
- Dampened feel is exceptional
- Reasonably priced
CONS
- Erratic response from the stringbed
- Needs higher swing weight
7. Wilson Clash 100 Tour
Why We Picked It:
This tennis racquet from Wilson features comfort with excellent maneuverability. It has noticeable lower stiffness giving it an arm-friendly feel. It only weighs 11 ounces when strung.
Its high-level flexibility is due to FreeFlex and StableSmart technologies, a combination used by Wilson to provide an intermediate and stronger player power and stability at the same time. These are the best racquets that will lower the stiffness while it elevates comfort and controlled feel.
PROS
- Easy on the arm
- Plenty of pop and control
- Stable and powerful
- Flexible
- Good spin and power
CONS
- Bit unstable off-center/frame hitting shots
- Can improve with control
8. Wilson Blade 98 16 x 19 V7
Why We Picked It:
This is one of the intermediate racquets that shouts more control all over it. You can be sure that you have solid control over all that power from all areas of the court,
Wilson is considered by many as the best tennis racquet brand because they utilize the materials they have. They continue to provide consistency and reliability whenever the ball hits the tennis racquet. The authenticity of the feel in a traditional player’s racquet is always provided, especially for this release.
PROS
- Comfortable to use
- Lightweight
- Has great level of power
- Great quality
- Consistent and reliable contact
CONS
- More challenging with topspin
- Not for beginners
9. Babolat Pure Drive 2021
Why We Picked It:
The racquet was relaunched last September 2020, a descendant of Pure Aero, but this is not far from the original version that boasts light power frames. This new release, just like Pure Aero, uses the new HTR System that improved the strength and rigidity of the hoop for more energy to hit the ball powerfully.
They also added the Pure Feel technology, like in Pure Aero, which increased the graphite coverage because of the thin layer of rubber added. Despite its improvement, this is a user-friendly level type of tennis racquet.
PROS
- Grip is very convenient
- High-density strings
- Good amount of power
- Great entry-level racquet
- Lightweight
CONS
- Heavy head
- Hard to maneuver
10. Prince TeXtreme X Beast 100
Why We Picked It:
This is another tennis racquet that was tweaked to improve significantly but still remained true to its design. It still uses the super-thin carbon fiber fabric that integrates straight to the shaft of the tennis racquet, which provides advanced players enhanced stability and control.
A rating of its mid-range stiffness of 66, plus the head light balance that is keeping the weight in the handle, this absolutely is an arm-friendly racquet, and it can absorb shock consistently. This is best for an intermediate player or advanced players as well.
PROS
- Easy access to spin
- Maneuverable
- Easy-to-use
- Quick enough for reflex volleys
- Easy to get good placement
CONS
- Almost too much power
- Not for beginners
Tips When Choosing a Racquet
Brand Reputation
Reputation is something that can help you with your decisions. The tennis manufacturers will keep the luxurious hitting experience they provided on their first releases as much as possible because they want their customers to rely on their consistency. This is why professionals and advanced players trust these specific brands only.
String
Ask yourself whether you are going to use gut(1), polyester, or a synthetic string? The next question would be your needs. What are you looking for?
Do you need longer dwell time, incredible feel, more spin, fitting grip size, silky smooth response, or an arm-friendly tool? These require different types of strings, and understanding their difference will point you to the best tennis racquets.
Tension
How tight or loose the string pattern is will make a difference on your tennis racquet. Intermediate players are very particular about how their racquets are stringed. The first thing to consider is if you are a beginner, an intermediate player, or an advanced player?
From there, decide on the materials and the string pattern. Lastly, the benefit you are seeking for. Do you want a power spin? Do you require an arm-friendly feel?
Price
Advanced players and intermediate players are no longer concerned with this area since they already know what comes with a good tennis racquet. It does not always follow, though, that when you need a new tennis racquet that works, it should be expensive. There are beginner racquets that provide outstanding features but have a very affordable price.
Swing Weight
It would all depend on what you want to achieve. A low swing weight would mean maneuverability, and that may allow you to be banging forehand winners, but that is if you have enough power in your arms to hit it hard. Heavy racquets will give you static weight, but these are frequently not arm-friendly racquets.
Beginner, Immediate or Advanced?
Your choice should vary on your skill level. Tennis racquets are not adjustable, but each one has its focus points.
Beginners would not need too much power, nor would they require tight patterns for spins. The best racquets in the market will always have something for the type of player you are.
Comfort
Ergonomically speaking, the current racquet you are using should give you the comfort you need each time you swing the racquet. The head size will contribute to the weight, and the grip size will give you ease of use if it fits your hand perfectly. Your game will matter if you are comfortable with the tool you have in your hand.
Best Brands
Babolat
This company established its reputation because of the quality strings they create. They also created frames that are very easy to string, just like Pure Aero. They are a French company that also creates badminton and padel equipment. Jordan Thompson and Rafael Nadal are two of the famous tennis players who use Babolat.
Wilson
The best racquets that most grand slam champions use are Wilson’s, as they focus more on the features that advanced players need. They just continually improve their brand based on the new demands. Roger Federer and Stefanos Tsitsipas are just a few of the tennis players who use Wilson.
HEAD
Most users call this brand the modern tennis racquet. This is known for speed and spin, which is very common to modern-day players, just like its endorser, Novak Djokovic. The technology they are using mainly focuses on enhancing speed and maneuverability, which is very important in a tennis game.
Tecnifibre
If others boast about speed or power, Tecnifibre is all about control, stability, and comfort. Most of their products are for intermediate to advanced players searching for a racquet head with plenty of plow through that provides maximum control. These racquets can deliver a natural power spin.
And the #1 Tennis Racquet is...
Our top choice is Wilson Tour Slam Adult Strung. We cannot deny the authority that Wilson has when it comes to creating the best racquets. The power spin of Federer and his entire career relied extensively on the great features of a Wilson racquet.
Wilson Tour is one of the racquets that turned him into an advanced player that the world truly admired. It may not be the tennis racquet that makes a great player, but with its help controlling a strong power spin or forehand, there is no telling where it will lead a determined player one day.
OUR # 1 Recommendation
Wilson Tour Slam Adult Strung
- Good grip
- Has a solid hit
- Affordable
- Stable control