6 Best Tennis Racquets For 2025
~ Tested & Reviewed
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In 2025, finding the ideal racquet is no easy task.
There are nearly 180 frames from top brands, not to mention murky topics like racquet stiffness and flex, weight, balance and swingweight, string patterns, and, don’t forget, those finicky grip sizes to decipher.
To help cut through the noise, I’ve selected my top picks for the best racquets in 2025, highlighting my favorites across six key performance categories: power, spin, control, comfort, feel, and stability.
My goal is to provide you with a straightforward selection of high-quality racquets that exemplify each category while delivering well-rounded performance across the board—the cream of the crop.
My Favorite Racquets
The table below summarizes my top picks for this year’s best frames, including my ratings. Scroll left to right to see all the data.
| Category | My Favorite Racquet | Power | Topspin | Control | Comfort | Feel | Stability | Maneuverability | Serves | Groundstrokes | Volleys | Returns | Slice | Overall |
| Power | Babolat Pure Drive | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 9.1 | 8.7 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.3 | 8.55 |
| Topspin | Babolat Pure Aero | 8.8 | 9.2 | 8.5 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.0 | 9.2 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 8.6 | 8.69 |
| Control | Yonex Percept 97D | 8.1 | 7.8 | 9.1 | 8.9 | 8.7 | 8.7 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.4 | 9.0 | 8.53 |
| Comfort | Wilson Clash 100 | 8.4 | 8.4 | 8.3 | 9.2 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 8.6 | 8.4 | 8.4 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.42 |
| Feel | Wilson Blade 98 16×19 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.0 | 8.6 | 8.6 | 8.4 | 8.5 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 8.5 | 8.6 | 8.58 |
| Stability | Head Gravity Pro | 8.0 | 8.2 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 8.56 |
You’ll notice that none of these racquets performs terribly in any category; they’re all excellent. When selecting one over another, you’re merely choosing a frame that emphasizes characteristics that complement your style of play or the one you’d like to emulate.
In the following sections, I review each racquet in detail, including what makes it unique, why it’s top-of-the-class in its category, tradeoffs you can expect, and who should consider buying it.
Power: Babolat Pure Drive
Launched 31 years ago, the Pure Drive is an iconic racquet and the first ever launched by the French tennis company Babolat.
At the time, polyester strings were beginning to surface, and lighter, stiffer, high-powered racquets like the Pure Drive were the perfect complement, allowing players to dominate with spin from the baseline.
Since then, the Babolat Pure Drive has set the standard for power, and while many copycats exist, none do it better while providing enough balanced performance across other key attributes.
Why It’s A Powerhouse
The Babolat Pure Drive’s mid-range 100 in² (645 cm²) head size, higher stiffness rating of 68, and thicker beam combine for a racquet that quickly deflects and transfers more energy to the ball when swinging to hit it.
The result is more power, especially with an open 16×19 string pattern and hexagon-shaped grommets. Together, called Frame String Interaction (FSI) Power, these features enable a more prominent and elastic response that launches the ball more aggressively.
My favorite shots to hit with this racquet are serves, which receive an immediate boost in top-end speeds, and groundstrokes, which are explosive. These make it easier to play offensively and hit winners.
Tradeoffs
Although Pure Drive’s seductive power is compelling, and the racquet performs well overall, I rate control, feel, and comfort lower.
Due to its higher power, achieving optimal placement can become challenging, which is why it’s often paired with a lower-powered spin-friendly poly that helps players move the ball more accurately.
Its stiffer frame also reduces its feel, which can make it a bit harder to hit finesse shots with touch. That stiffness also transfers a bit more shock to a player’s arm, which may decrease comfort for some players.
Who Should Buy It
One of the best parts about the Babolat Pure Drive is its broad appeal to players of varying skill and experience.
I’m equally comfortable recommending this racquet to beginners committed to improving and familiar with the fundamentals as I am to advanced players with years of experience.
If you want to add power to your game without sacrificing too much in other areas, look no further than the Pure Drive.
Runner-Up
Wilson Ultra 100
My Ratings
Topspin: Babolat Pure Aero
Following in the footsteps of the Pure Drive, the Babolat introduced the Pure Aero roughly 10 years later. This time, the company approached the racquet differently, partnering with up-and-coming talent Rafael Nadal.
The goal was simple: build a frame that perfectly complemented Rafa’s style of play, notably the explosive and biting spin that helped him win a record-setting 14 French Open titles on clay.
It’s safe to say Babolat succeeded. The racquet, which helps maximize a player’s potential for spin, has become synonymous with Rafa’s explosive game and aggressive baseline play, and even in his retirement, it remains one of the most popular frames for precisely that reason.
Why It’s A Spin Machine
The racquet’s name comes from its aerodynamic design, which allows the frame to swing faster by reducing air resistance. This attribute is critical because, above all else, topspin comes from racquet head speed or how fast the racquet is traveling when hitting the ball.
The frame further enhances spin with its 100 in² (645 cm²) head size, upper-end stiffness rating of 66, and wider beam, which, like the Pure Drive, enhances energy return to bolster its spin. Add an open 16×19 string pattern and oval grommets, dubbed FSI Spin, that allow for more significant string movement and snapback, and the racquet delivers unmatched spin.
I enjoy the Pure Aero primarily from the baseline, where topspin is more effortless to generate for penetrating groundstrokes. However, I also think this frame is underrated on serves, producing plenty of pop but, more importantly, spin, both on slice and kick serves, to maintain
If you’re curious, the Pure Aero offers many similarities to the Pure Drive, but ultimately, it’s less powerful, delivering more spin, control, and feel. It’s a fairly subtle tradeoff, but the differences are more apparent on the court: raw spin vs. power.
Tradeoffs
Although the Babolat Pure Aero offers better feel and control than the Pure Drive, it’s relative. Compared to other best-in-class racquets, its stiffer feel can be somewhat muted, making it more challenging to execute delicate shots with touch, especially at the net.
Furthermore, while Babolat has made strides, including flax inserts in the handle and upper hoop to reduce shock with NF² tech, it can still cause arm discomfort with prolonged use, primarily because most players tend to string it with less forgiving polyester to maximize spin.
Who Should Buy It
I recommend the Babolat Pure Aero for intermediate to advanced players whose game primarily centers around an aggressive baseline game, using topspin to place the ball and control rallies.
These individuals are less inclined to come to the net to close out points, but they’re also not afraid to move forward when they can open up the court or force their opponents off balance.
Ultimately, players with healthy arms looking for a lively, spin-friendly racquet will likely find a great match with the Pure Aero.
Runner-Up
Yonex EZONE 98
My Ratings
Control: Yonex Percept 97D
The Yonex Percept line of racquets, formerly the VCORE Pro, aims to offer players a range of high-performance options emphasizing control.
However, more than any of the Percept frames, the 97D best represents Yonex’s aspiration for the racquet line, delivering precision ball striking for what has become my favorite within this category of frames.
Although this style frame has waned in popularity relative to the higher-powered and spin-friendly options on the market, the Percept 97D refuses to break from tradition with a modern take on the traditional player’s racquet unabashedly tuned to deliver maximum control.
Why It’s So Precise
Featuring a small 97 in² head size fitted with a tight 18×20 string pattern and a thin 21 mm beam that clocks a stiffness rating of 62, the Percpet 97D is highly responsive, absorbing energy to enhance precision.
As a result, it puts the experienced player swinging it in control, using their sound technique to direct the ball accurately. At the same time, its upper-end 11.9 oz (337 g) mass enables players to handle heavy pace confidently and drive a heavier ball with added weight.
The Yonex Percept 97D is a well-balanced all-court frame. I enjoy hitting it from the back of the court as much as I do at the net, and it’s the perfect companion for transitioning forward.
Tradeoffs
The most apparent tradeoff for Percept 97D and similar control-oriented racquets is power, specifically, easy power. The racquet offers little, instead demanding sound technique and adequate strength to swing confidently. However, the frame’s heavier weight ensures the racquet isn’t completely void of power; it just makes you work for it.
Players will also find it more challenging to generate aggressive topspin with the 97D. While its 7 pt head light balance helps make it easier to swing, you won’t achieve the same racquet head speed as with lighter, higher-powered options, and the smaller head and tighter string pattern result in less bite to maximize this attribute.
Who Should Buy It
The Yonex Percept 97D is ideal for strong intermediate to advanced players with well-developed strength and technique who prefer all-court play and are equally comfortable at the net as the baseline.
Among that crowd, it’s even better suited for players who like to flatten out the ball, using topspin to their advantage but not relying too heavily on it as a core tenant of their game. In many cases, this will be players with an eastern or strong eastern forehand grip, i.e., somewhere between an eastern and semi-western.
Runner-Up
Wilson RF 01 Pro
My Ratings
Comfort: Wilson Clash 100
With the rise of overuse injuries like tennis elbow, more and more players have sought out high-comfort racquets.
The challenge is that many, especially beginners and intermediates, were stuck choosing between a comfortable lower-powered racquet and a stiffer, less forgiving higher-powered option. That is until Wilson released the Clash, which, for the first time, struck an ideal balance.
Since then, manufacturers have worked to incorporate technologies that reduce shock and impact in stiffer frames, a positive trend that will benefit players long-term. However, for those who prioritize comfort, the Wilson Clash 100 remains a best-in-class option that’s hard to ignore.
Why It’s So Comfortable
The defining attribute that increases the Wilson Clash’s comfort is its ultra-low stiffness rating of 54. This rating results from a unique mapping of the frame’s carbon fibers, increasing horizontal and vertical flex and, in turn, helping to absorb shock and vibration during impact.
However, what’s unique, especially compared to traditional low-powered offerings, is that despite its flex, it’s still responsive, helping return energy like a higher-powered option, albeit not to the same extent.
The result is an arm-friendly racquet that doesn’t overly sacrifice the power of spin many players crave.
Tradeoffs
Although the Wilson Clash does many things well, its unique construction and flex, which help enhance its comfort, result in less stability.
That means the racquet can get pushed around when facing extra pace from an opponent, such as when returning serve, resulting in a less predictable response. It’s also apparent when hitting slice, where extra weight and added stability help cut through a heavy ball.
For the frame’s target demographic, this lower stability should be less of a concern because they won’t typically face heavy pace where stability would tend to be an issue, but it’s worth noting.
Who Should Buy It
The Wilson Clash 100 is ideally suited for strong beginners and intermediates who want to reduce or prevent arm discomfort without overly sacrificing the power and spin they’re accustomed to.
However, I also recommend the Wilson Clash to players within this skill bracket who aren’t concerned about comfort. Its performance is well-balanced, making it an excellent option for developing players.
Runner-Up
Prince Phantom 100X 305
My Ratings
Feel: Wilson Blade 98 16×19
A racquet’s feel is nuanced and, to be fair, highly subjective. It describes a sense of refined control or deft touch and a tight connection with the ball, with the racquet functioning as an extension of your arm.
One racquet that consistently and near-unanimously excels above and beyond the average in this department is the Wilson Blade 16×19, one of the most popular frames for competitive players, including the pros.
Now in its ninth generation, 19 years after its debut, the racquet continues to impress with a subtle hint of ongoing refinement that helps it keep pace with the modern game, one of the best in the business.
Why It Has Great Feel
The Wilson Blade 98 16×19 features a thinner 21 mm beam and a braided graphite and basalt construction, resulting in a low stiffness rating of 62.
This design absorbs energy to enhance control and increases the ball’s dwell time on the strings while transferring more sensitive feedback to the player’s hand, equating to better feel. It’s further enhanced by the racquet’s 11.4 oz (323 g) weight, which aids stability, and a mid-sized 98 in² (632 cm²), reducing the ball’s rebound to bolster precision.
Although it’s not as explosive from the baseline as some of the lighter, high-powered offerings, I love hitting groundstrokes with the racquet, and its accurate targeting more than makes up for any shortfall. It also excels at the net, encouraging creative shot-making, as the racquet’s feel instills confidence in my execution.
Tradeoffs
Players who opt for the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 will have to settle for moderately less power and spin than some of the other uber-popular frames on my list, such as the Babolat Pure Drive and Aero.
As a result, the one area where this frame often leaves players wanting is on serve, which emphasizes precise targeting over raw power. Then again, that’s the point for those using it, but it’s a tradeoff nonetheless.
Who Should Buy It
The Wilson Blade 98 16×19 is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who want a racquet with better feedback and versatility but whose style doesn’t rely too heavily on aggressive topspin and power.
At this stage, these players have the necessary fundamentals to manage the frame’s weight and smaller head size, allowing them to enjoy its exceptional feel, stability, and control for enhanced consistency.
Runner-Up
Wilson Pro Staff 97
My Ratings
Stability: Head Gravity Pro
At the game’s highest levels, players require stability to handle their opponents’ pace. Without it, racquets can feel like play toys, incapable of maintaining the reliable response necessary to compete effectively.
As a result, these frames tend to be heavier, with the extra weight helping to buffer against aggressive shot-making and the control to deflect pace and respond accurately without being overpowered.
Six years after its release, the Head Gravity Pro stands out at the top of its class as a rock-solid frame that can easily handle whatever you throw at it while also delivering the essential ingredients necessary for selection as one of my favorite high-performance racquets.
Why It’s So Stable
Like other racquets in its class, the Head Gravity Pro is a heavier frame, weighing 11.7 oz (332 g), an essential ingredient to manage pace.
However, weight alone doesn’t equate to stability. The Gravity Pro also features an ultra-flexible frame with a thin 20 mm beam, resulting in a low stiffness rating of 59, helping to absorb heavy shots. Its graphite construction also strategically integrates graphene, a lightweight and high-strength carbon material, to bolster its stability.
It’s not the most spin-friendly on groundstrokes, but its tighter 18×20 string pattern flattens out the ball for penetrating shots. It’s also fantastic up at the net, where its generous sweetspot and stability shine.
Tradeoffs
As is often the case with highly stable racquets, easy power is the most significant thing you’ll give up. It’s not entirely void of it, but it derives much of its power from its weight, so you have to swing it confidently to generate it. Even then, it’s still less powerful than others on my list.
Another side effect of its heavier weight is that some players may find maneuvering it more challenging. That’s why Head shifts more weight toward the handle, resulting in a 7 pt HL balance, making it feel less heavy than it is. However, it can be demanding throughout a match.
Who Should Buy It
Due to its heavier weight, which can be demanding and make it harder to maneuver, I recommend the Head Gravity Pro for strong intermediate to advanced players who are confident they can swing it effectively.
On that note, it’s also important to remember that racquet head speed is a key ingredient for topspin, so the more developed a player’s strength and technique, the better equipped they’ll be to find success with it.
Runner-Up
Prince ATS Textreme Tour 98
My Ratings
How I Compare Racquets
To select my favorite racquets on the market, I evaluate every racquet I play with across a consistent set of six attributes and strokes, rating its performance on a scale of 1-10 for each. I then take the average of the 12 scores to calculate the overall score for each racquet.
Attributes
The following are the six attributes I use to evaluate racquets.
- Power
- Control
- Comfort
- Feel, a.k.a, Touch
- Maneuverability
- Stability
No single attribute is more important than another, but any high-quality racquet will provide strong performance for each.
Shots
I also evaluate the performance of each of these shots. My article on the topic provides a more detailed overview of these and more.
- Serves
- Volleys
- Returns
- Groundstrokes
- Topspin
- Slice
The above criteria should give you a better sense of how I arrived at the racquets I selected in this article.
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Amazing post! I’m using this “Yonex EZONE DR 98″ Tennis Racket” last 2 years & now it’s doing best. this is one of my favorite. Thanks for sharing your valuable post.
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks so much for your note – glad you enjoyed it! The Yonex EZONE DR 98 is a fantastic frame and one that continues to be loved by many players.
All the best,
Jon
i like your reviews , and thanks for sharing . My Favourite is Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail because i use it!
Thanks so much, and you’re welcome!
I own 3 racquets that I love but none of them make your list:
Dunlop Aerogel 1 Hundred
Prokennex i5 PSE
Donnay X-P Dual
These are masterpieces for anybody who has arm problems such as tennis elbow or golfers elbow. I don’t go for new rackets but for racquets that keep me healthy. There might be others out there, but these are the ones I do know.
Hi Oumar,
I love your suggestions for players looking for comfort. Thank you for taking the time to share!
All the best,
Jon
Lefthand player for 30 yrs. Mostly played with Head rackets but need change. maybe the Babolat-Pure. Im spin server, net charger. but weak two-hand backhand need more control in my game. Play with LXN 17 gauge springs at 62 lbs. head size 98.
Hi Will,
The Babolat Pure Drive will definitely help deliver excellent spin, but unfortunately its strong suit isn’t control. Have you looked into the Babolat Pure Strike?
All the best,
Jon
Amazing piece of review. I use a Babolat Pure Strike and find the racquet to be extremely good once you get the hang of it. Thanks for sharing this review.
Hi Kaoushik,
Excellent! Glad the Pure Strike has worked out for you. Thanks for your note.
All the best,
Jon
Can you review pls the Donnay Pro one 97 ?
Donnay claims that their solid-core tennis frames produce less shocks and vibrations at initial contact and 4 times less shock and vibration compared to other tennis rackets brands. Thus help reduce Arm & Shoulder pain & injuries .
I have a vulnerable shoulder condition , thus I’m very interested in their claim if it holds true . Thank you
Hi Karim,
Thank you for the suggestion, I’ll definitely keep it in mind.
All the best,
Jon
I feel like the Ezone shld be higher on the list
Hi John,
There are a lot of great racquets out there :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
All the best,
Jon
Very impressed with the testing and results. I noticed there were no Dunlop Racquets in the mix. Is that b/c there were none in the testing or they d/n make the cut of the top 25?
Thanks in advance for your reply………Norm
Hi Norm,
Thanks for dropping by! It’s a little further down the list, but you will find the Dunlop FX 500 as one of my top picks.
All the best,
Jon
In my opinion, after weeks of comparing the specs of different tennis rackets from the most trusted brands, the Wilson Pro Staff 97L CV became the best tennis racket overall. The Babolat Pure Strike was the best for babolat.
Hi Hanson,
That’s what it’s all about! Everyone needs to discover their own best racquet, so I’m glad you did your due-diligence and found yours. The Wilson Pro Staff 97L works great for many players.
All the best,
Jon