The Best Tennis Racquets for 2020

Find the perfect tennis racquet

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Are you on the hunt for the best tennis racquet? Look no further.

We have hand-selected the most complete and thorough list of the 23 best tennis racquets for 2020, organized with all the important details you need to select the perfect frame for yourself or as a generous gift. This year, our list is better than ever!

If you’re like us, you probably can’t wait for the good stuff, so here’s a snapshot of the top tennis racquets that made our list.

Rank	Racquet	Rating
#1	Babolat Pure Strike 16×19	8.88
#2	Babolat Pure Aero 2019	8.73
#3	Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph	8.63
#4	Head Graphene 360+ Gravity Pro	8.60
#5	Yonex EZONE 98 Blue	8.54
#6	Babolat Pure Drive	8.54
#7	Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro	8.54
#8	Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310	8.51
#9	Wilson Blade 98 18×20	8.50
#10	Wilson Clash 100	8.50

View All 23 Racquets

Article Contents

Racquet Index

Who This Guide Is For

What You’ll Get From It

Tips for Using This Guide

Intermediate vs Advanced

How We Selected Racquets

Noteworthy 2019 Updates

The Best Racquet for 2020

Wrapping Things Up

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Racquet Index

To learn more about each racquet and why they made it on our list of the best tennis racquets click any of the following links:

Babolat Pure Strike 3rd Gen
Babolat Pure Aero 2019
Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph
Head Graphene 360+ Gravity Pro
Yonex EZONE 98 Blue
Babolat Pure Drive
Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro
Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310
Wilson Blade 98 18×20
Wilson Clash 100
Prince Phantom Pro 100
Volkl V-Feel 8 300g
Prince Textreme Tour 95
Wilson Burn 100S
Yonex VCORE 98 305
Prince Warrior Textreme 100
Tecnifibre TFlash CES 300
HEAD Graphene 360 Extreme Pro
Tecnifibre TFight 300 XTC
HEAD Graphene 360 Instinct MP
Prince Textreme Beast 100
Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail
Wilson Pro Staff 97L

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Who will find this tennis racquet guide useful?

We created this guide for players of all ages and levels. However, we have focused our energy on full-size tennis racquets.

Recognizing this, if you’re a parent looking for a kids’ racquet (typically geared toward children ages ten and under), then we’d encourage you to jump over to our guide for kids tennis racquets.

What you should get out of this guide

By the time you’ve completed reading this guide, you should have a solid grasp of the best tennis racquets on the market.

More important, you should have a clear understanding of the “why” behind the ranking of each racquet. In other words, we haven’t just provided you with a list of the best tennis racquets.

We’ve taken things a step further to go deep into the attributes that make each racquet unique to bring you a genuinely useful guide that you can use as a jumping-off point for selecting a new tennis racquet.

Last but not least, you should feel confident in the quality of the racquets selected. At TennisCompanion, we live and breathe tennis, and we’re well equipped to provide recommendations having play-tested every racquet on the list.

Tips for using our guide

Hopefully, you find this list easy to use and navigate. As you review each tennis racquet, here are a few things to keep in mind. If it’s you’re buying your first racquet, you may want to check out our guide on how to choose a tennis racquet.

Your age, experience level, technique, and strength

Tennis racquets typically fall into one of four different categories or types of racquets: power, control, tweener, and moder player’s frames.

Each type of racquet comes with pros and cons, with the primary goal of helping provide specific types of players with unique qualities that will contribute to maximizing their success on the court.

Your style of play (or the style you’d like to develop)

Consider the following styles of play:

A scrappy baseliner who hits with a ton of topspin and runs down every single ball
A serve-and-volleyer who hits a big serve and follows their shots into the net to close out the point quickly

As you can imagine, the tennis racquet that will work well for each of these styles will likely differ, with each looking for specific characteristics that will align with their game and help them perform their best.

The good news is that we can evaluate each racquet across a consistent set of attributes. Of course, some will deliver better results in certain areas. For example, a racquet that scores high on power might not provide the best control.

Knowing the style of play that you have, or you’d like to develop, will help you narrow down the racquet that will work well for your game.

Your Current Racquet

If you’re in the market for a new racquet, I always recommend you first take some time to get clear about what you like and dislike about your current racquet as it will likely be your main point of comparison.

With that in mind, I’d encourage you to jot down what’s working and what’s not working with your current racquet so you can use that information to help scout your next frame.

For example, if you’re looking for more control and better feel, then you can use that data point to help guide your decision making. Furthermore, you can compare the specs of your existing racquet to the new racquet your considering.

Your opinion

While we’ve done the hard work to help narrow down the best tennis racquets, it’s important to use this article as a guide. In other words, let it help point you in the right direction, but make sure to keep in mind the above tips and do your best to avoid being swayed by what other players are using – including the pros.

What’s the best way to develop a strong opinion? It’s simple. Demo a racquet before you buy it. I recommend demoing at least two racquets before you make a decision, so you have at least two points of reference.

Don’t forget about the strings

Your experience level will influence how much weight you should put into selecting tennis strings. Still, it’s important to note that the type of strings you choose and the tension at which you string your racquet can have a significant impact on the performance of your racquet.

Here are a few resources we’ve built to help you find the perfect set of tennis strings:

Check out the above resources. They should help make selecting a set of strings you’ll love much more straightforward.

Selecting the Best Grip Size

When you purchase a new tennis racquet, it’s important to choose the appropriate grip size.

To help make selecting the best grip size for your racquet easy, we have a handy article that will walk you through exactly how to choose the perfect grip size. Check it out to learn more.

Intermediate vs. Advanced Racquets

A common question we get is what’s the difference between intermediate and advanced racquets. The truth is, there is crossover, and many racquets work well for both levels of play.

With that said, when comparing the two, advanced racquets will typically have the following attributes:

Heavier weight
Smaller head size
Tighter string pattern
Thinner beam

The good news is that every racquet on our list is an excellent option for intermediate and advanced players.

Furthermore, most of the racquets we’ve recommended come in multiple versions with adjustments to some of these variables, which we list for every racquet, so we’d encourage you to check those out for each frame.

How We Selected the Best Tennis Racquets for 2020

In our attempt to provide an objective selection of the top 23 tennis racquets on the market, we’ve evaluated each racquet across a consistent set of six attributes and six strokes.

We played with each racquet and then rated its performance on a scale of 1-10 for each attribute and stroke. To calculate the overall score for a racquet, we took the average of the 12 scores.

The attributes and strokes we selected for evaluation are listed below with descriptions.

Attributes

The following are six common attributes used to evaluate the performance of tennis racquets.

Power
Great players can hit hard and generate power through proper technique regardless of the racquet you put in their hands. However, some racquets make generating pace significantly easier. Powerful racquets tend to have larger head sizes, stiffer frames, and sometimes are longer.

Control
Typically, the more experienced a player becomes, the more control they’ll seek from their racquet because placement and directing the ball exactly where they want it to go becomes increasingly important. Control-oriented racquets often have less stiff frames and smaller head sizes.

Comfort
Players often associate comfort with the shock that is sent to your arm when striking the ball or the vibration that you feel after hitting the ball. However, a player also might associate comfort with the weight of the racquet relative to their strength. Comfort-oriented racquets tend to be a bit heavier, more flexible, and focus additional weight toward the handle to help absorb shock.

Touch/Feel
Touch, or feel, is a bit nuanced and frequently tied to a sense of control and connectedness, especially when hitting volleys and finesse shots like drop shots. Racquets that provide enhanced touch tend to be heavier, with smaller head sizes, and use more flexible frames.

Maneuverability
Easy-to-maneuver racquets tend to feel light in your hand and make it easy to change the direction of the racquet head. This feeling is often a result of the racquet’s overall weight combined with the balance of the frame being “head light,” usually denoted as HL. In other words, a more significant portion of the racquet’s weight falls lower on the racquet, toward the handle.

Stability
Stable tennis racquets are responsive and help instill a positive sense of consistency and accuracy that you can rely on when striking the ball. Often, stable racquets are a bit heavier, have smaller heads, and less stiff frames.

Tennis Shots

The following are the tennis shots we used to evaluate each tennis racquet. We won’t go into great detail here on each of these, but you can check out our article on the different types of tennis shots to learn more.

Serves
Volleys
Returns
Groundstrokes
Topspin
Slice

Hopefully, you now have a good sense of how we’ve evaluated our selection of the top 23 tennis racquets. Let’s start by reviewing a few quick highlights as we roll into 2020.

Noteworthy 2019 Racquet Updates

As we ring in the new year, here are a few of the highlights that are worth noting in the world of tennis racquets from 2019:

Babolat released the third generation of the Pure Strike as well as a revision to their popular Aero Pro model
Wilson launched their highly anticipated Clash tennis racquet and refined its Blade line of racquets
Yonex released a new generation of its VCORE Pro racquets
Head delivered their new Gravity lineup of tennis racquets
Tecnifibre debuted their T40 line of racquets

As we look forward to 2020, there will no doubt be more exciting updates from the top brands in tennis.

Stay tuned – we’ll have updates for you throughout the year. For now, let’s jump into reviewing our pick for the best tennis racquet in 2020.

What’s the best tennis racquet for 2020?

Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 3rd Gen

In 2020, and for the fourth year in a row, we’re naming the Babolat Pure Strike 16×19, the best overall tennis racquet despite a few new frame releases and more than 300 total on the market today.

There were a few key reasons that the Pure Strike won us over in 2017 to earn our badge as the best tennis racquet, and those reasons remain consistent in 2020 with Babolat’s 3rd generation of this racquet.

As we’ve stated in the past, the Pure Strike’s defining feature and what sets it apart from other racquets on our list is its broad appeal to a wide range of styles and levels of play. With its 11.4 oz strung weight and 98-square-inch head size, it’s a very approachable tennis racquet.

In other words, we feel the vast majority of players would pick up this racquet and have a blast, as it scores well across the board. You could just as easily flip that statement and say that this racquet is unlikely to offend anyone, either.

Players who will likely enjoy Babolat’s Pure Strike are all-court players who like to attack the net and are looking for a well-balanced tennis racquet that performs consistently across a wide range of attributes and strokes.

Babolat Pure Strike 16x19Technologies

Babolat’s Pure Strike makes use of the following three key technologies.

Woofer
The design of the frame allows the strings to move freely so that they can work together for a more generous sweet spot, additional power, and less shock.

Hybrid Frame Construction
The frame makes use of square and elliptical shapes to offer a unique blend of control and power that is highly responsive with excellent feel and precision.

FSI Power
Babolat Pure Strike also makes use of the company’s FSI Power technology, which provides more spacing between the cross strings. The result is more power, spin, and comfort when striking the ball.

C2 Pure Feel
New to the 3rd generation of this racquet is a thin rubber material applied to the frame at 3 and 9’oclock to give the racquet a softer, more dampened feel.

Why We Love It

Here’s a look at the Pure Strike’s top three attributes based on how the racquet scored in our evaluation.

Maneuverability
At 11.4 ounces and clocking in a swingweight of 327, the Pure Strike is delightfully easy to maneuver, which makes bringing the racquet back for groundstrokes effortless and transitioning to the net to hit a setup volley loads of fun.

Groundstrokes
Off the ground, the Pure Strike was a delight. The frame, along with its 98-square-inch head, delivered plenty of power while its 16×19 string pattern helped produce fantastic spin. At the same time, everything felt under control, supported by a slightly more flexible frame than some of the other racquets in the Babolat family.

Returns
With a strong rating on groundstrokes, it should come as no surprise that this highly maneuverable racquet delivered fantastic performance when hitting returns where you need to be able to react quickly and pull back your racquet fast.

Of course, what makes the Pure Stike unique is that it maintains its high marks up at the net with volleys.

Tradeoffs

Overall, while the Babolat Pure Strike left us feeling pleased across the board, it may leave some players longing for a bit more. In particular, baseline players who hit with heavy topspin may prefer more pop.

However, the slightly lower power delivered by the Pure Strike is offset by the precision, control, and touch that it offers to ensure it performs consistently, no matter where you’re playing on the court.

Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 Specs

Head Size	98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	4 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.4 oz / 323 g
Swingweight	327
Stiffness	66
Beam Width	21mm / 23mm / 21mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 Ratings

Serves 8.6

Volleys 8.8

Groundstrokes 9.2

Returns 9.2

Topspin 8.8

Slice 9.0

Power 8.6

Control 8.7

Comfort 9.0

Touch 8.8

Maneuverability 9.1

Stability 8.7

Overall 8.88

Variations of the Babolat Pure Strike

If you like what you see with the Pure Strike, you should check out some of the different racquets in the Pure Strike series. Here’s a list for quick reference:

98 16×19
98 18×20
100
Tour
Team

Players Using or Endorsing the Babolat Pure Strike

Dominic Thiem
Anett Kontaveit
Bethanie Mattek-Sands
Timea Bacsinszky
Alize Cornet
Elena Vesnina
Mirjana Lucic-Baroni

Previous Model this Racquet Replaces

Babolat Pure Strike 16×19

Babolat Pure Aero 2019

Next up on our list is the Babolat Pure Aero, made popular by clay court king Rafael Nadal. Without a doubt, the racquet’s defining features center around its ability to generate topspin.

In 2019, the Babolat Pure Aero received a few small tweaks centered around a slight reduction in stiffness that helps provide a touch more control while being slightly more comfortable on a player’s arm.

To accomplish this, Babolat reduced the stiffness rating from 69 to 67 and added some of its Active Cortex Technology, which helps reduce shock and vibration from the top of the racquet’s handle to the edges of the racquet’s head at 3 and 9 o’clock. All in all, we enjoyed hitting with this updated frame that felt just a bit less harsh than the last model.

Of course, no update to a tennis racquet would be complete without a fresh paint job, and for 2019 Babolat has moved away from electric or neon yellow to a more toned-down classic yellow.

As it had in the past, the Pure Aero features an open 16×19 string pattern and Babolat’s FSI Spin technology, which places more spacing between the number 5 and 12 cross strings along with wider oval grommets that allow the strings to move freely and snap back into position. This combination results in the racquet’s ability to generate increased topspin.

Combine those features with a 100-square-inch head size and stiff frame that clocks in with a 67 flex rating, and you get power on top of topspin, giving this racquet plenty of pop.

True to its name, the Babolat Pure Aero also features Babolat’s Aeromodular design, which varies the shape and form of the frame at key parts of the racquet and allows the racquet to swing quickly through the air.

As you might imagine, players who love to hit with topspin and grind out points from the baseline tend to be an excellent fit for the racquet.

Why We Love It

Here’s a look at the Babolat Pure Aero’s top three attributes based on how the racquet scored in our evaluation.

Power
Of all the racquet’s characteristics, it scored highest with us on power. Overall, the Pure Aero packs a punch and delivers easy access to power when you need it while helping heavy-topspin players generate the pace they require.

Topspin
Next up, this racquet performed very well when it came to topspin. The aerodynamic headlight frame made it easy to swing, helping us generate increased racquet speed, and left us feeling like we didn’t have to work as hard to produce topspin. At the same time, turning up the topspin didn’t feel like it was putting a drag on the ball, aided by the higher power rating of the racquet.

Groundstrokes
Through the combination of power and topspin, we found fantastic performance with the Babolat Pure Aero at the baseline. Again, it felt comfortable and easy to swing, and the heavier ball that we were able to hit kept our opponent on their toes.

Tradeoffs

While the Pure Aero excels off the ground, it did leave a bit to desire as we transitioned to the net. The stiffer frame and higher power of the racquet required extra care and focus at the net. 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.

In the past, we’ve mentioned that while the racquet felt plenty comfortable to hit with, players suffering from tennis elbow will likely find its stiffer frame a bit harsh on the arm. Despite receiving a few tweaks to lower the racquet’s stiffness this year, we still believe you might want to seek a more forgiving frame.

Babolat Pure Aero 2019 Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	4 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.2 oz / 317.51 g
Swingweight	324
Stiffness	67
Beam Width	23mm / 26mm / 23mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Babolat Pure Aero 2019 Ratings

Serves 9.0

Volleys 8.2

Groundstrokes 9.2

Returns 8.8

Topspin 9.5

Slice 8.8

Power 9.1

Control 8.5

Comfort 8.1

Touch 8.2

Maneuverability 8.9

Stability 8.4

Overall 8.73

Variations of the Babolat Pure Aero

If the Babolat Pure Aero looks like the racquet for you, then be sure to check out the other variations on this tennis racquet. Here’s a list:

2019
Tour 2019
Plus 2019
Lite 2019
Team 2019
Play
Roland Garros

Players Using or Endorsing the Babolat Pure Aero

Rafael Nadal
Sam Querrey
Benoit Paire
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Felix Auger-Aliassime
Caroline Wozniacki
Jack Sock
Johanna Konta
Thanasi Kokkinakis
Marco Cecchinato

Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph

A new twist on a classic, the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph, is Roger Federer’s signature version of the Wilson Pro Staff 97.

Without a doubt, this racquet’s central and enduring feature is control, which is a result of a refined concoction of unique attributes common to Pro Staff models.

The racquet makes use of a braided graphite construction, thin beam and head light balance, then tops it off with a unique torsion control system that places extra weight on the sides of the racquet head at 3 and 9 o’clock.

Add to that a smaller 97-square-inch head and one of the industry’s heaviest strung weights of 12.6 ounces, and you end up with a control-oriented tennis racquet that rewards intermediate to advanced players who can confidently swing it.

Of course, as Roger Federer’s signature model, the frame received a few stylistic refinements, including a sleek matte black velvet finish that is soft to the touch, chrome highlights, and laser engravings that truly make this racquet unique.

Why We Love It

While the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph was a strong performer across the board, here are the top three reasons why we loved it.

Control
Many tennis racquets offer control – however, the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph delivers it with a genuinely unique and weighty feel. Whether we were serving, hitting groundstrokes, approaching the net, or hitting volleys, the racquet felt incredibly stable and lent itself to consistent shot-making with a high level of accuracy.

Volleys
One of our favorite places to hit with Roger’s Pro Staff was up at the net. It felt solid in our hands and allowed us to hit crisp and controlled volleys with little effort. Combined with a heightened sense of touch, it gave us the feeling that we were in control when we approached the net.

Slice
Another area in which the RF97 stood out to us was hitting with slice. Whether it was a forehand, backhand, or approach shot, it felt controlled, and the racquet’s weight and stability offered a level of plow-through that allowed us to take the air out of the ball and neutralize the point even off of an aggressive topspin shot.

Tradeoffs

While we love the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph, its heavier weight can make it feel challenging to maneuver at times, especially if you’re coming from a lighter racquet. Sound technique and excellent preparation will help cut down on this for many players, but it’s worth noting for beginners with an eye on this racquet.

Similarly, players may debate its power level. On the surface, it doesn’t provide the easy-to-access pop that other racquets provide because its power derives from its weight combined with sound technique. True to its style, the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph is a timeless player’s racquet.

Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph Specs

Head Size	97 in² / 625.81 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	9 points HL
Weight (strung)	12.6 oz / 357 g
Swingweight	335
Stiffness	68
Beam Width	21.5mm / 21.5mm / 21.5mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph Ratings

Serves 8.3

Volleys 9.1

Groundstrokes 8.7

Returns 8.2

Topspin 8.5

Slice 8.9

Power 8.1

Control 9.3

Comfort 8.6

Touch 9.0

Maneuverability 8.1

Stability 8.8

Overall 8.63

Variations of the Wilson Pro Staff

RF97 Autograph Black/White
97 Countervail
97 Countervail Black
97L
97L Countervail Black
97 Black
Team

Players Using or Endorsing the Wilson Pro Staff

Roger Federer
Roberto Bautista Agut
Juan Martin del Potro
Grigor Dimitrov
Kyle Edmund
Philipp Kohlschreiber
Reilly Opelka

Head Graphene 360+ Gravity Pro

The Head Graphene 360+ Gravity Pro is one of the latest additions to the Head family of tennis racquets that delivers control, stability, and comfort.

Everything about this racquet is geared toward providing players with maximum control. From its thin 20 mm beam, tighter 18×20 string pattern, heavier 11.7-ounce strung weight, and low 62 stiffness rating, this racquet is a winner for experienced players looking to generate their own pace.

Unique to Gravity Pro is Graphene 360+, which combines Head’s specialized formula of graphite with unique SpiralFibers in the racquet’s construction to increase the frame’s ability to flex and return energy to the ball for a responsive feel.

All in all, the gravity pro is a fantastic racquet that will please a specific crowd of players with strength and confidence to wield it.

Why We Love It

Here are the top three reasons we enjoyed hitting with the Head Graphene 360+ Gravity Pro.

Control
Everything about this racquet e fis built for precision, and it shows from everywhere on the court. Whether we were hitting groundstrokes, returns, or volleys, we felt like we could hit our spots with confidence.

Stability
Weighing in at 11.7 ounces strung, the Gravity Pro isn’t easy to push around. From the back of the court, we felt like we could easily absorb and deal with pace, and the same was true when hitting returns and volleys.

Comfort
The racquet’s weight, head light balance, and super low 62 stiffness rating all combined to give us tons of feel and made for an incredibly comfortable hitting experience with the frame absorbing shock.

Tradeoffs

With a control-oriented players racquet like the Head Graphene 360+ Gravity Pro, it’s no surprise that you’re giving up power and maneuverability. It’s simply the tradeoff you make when you invest in this type of racquet.

Head Graphene 360+ Gravity Pro Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	6 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.7 oz / 332 g
Swingweight	332
Stiffness	62
Beam Width	20mm / 20mm / 20mm
String Pattern	18 Main / 20 Cross

Head Graphene 360+ Gravity Pro Ratings

Serves 8.3

Volleys 8.7

Groundstrokes 8.6

Returns 8.6

Topspin 8.4

Slice 8.9

Power 8.0

Control 9.1

Comfort 8.8

Touch 8.7

Maneuverability 7.7

Stability 8.8

Overall 8.55

Variations of the Head Gravity

Tour
Pro
Lite
S
MP
MP Lite

Players Using or Endorsing the Head Gravity

Alexander Zverev

Yonex EZONE 98 Blue

The Yonex EZONE DR is a fantastic all-court racquet that provides excellent control and is loaded with unique technology to help provide an optimal hitting experience.

One of the racquet’s defining features is Yonex’s Nanometric DR carbon graphite composition, which allows the frame to flex while snapping back into place on contact. Additionally, the racquet features the company’s oval pressed shaft (OPS) system, which narrows the racquet’s shaft and allows greater flexibility of the frame at that location.

When these technologies are combined, they result in a lower flex rating of 62, which overall makes for a control-oriented tennis racquet, especially when coupled with a 98-square-inch head size.

The EZONE DR also features Yonex’s trademark isometric square head shape (ISO) intended to increase the size of the sweet spot by up to 48 percent compared with other tennis racquets. And with a 16×19 string pattern, the racquet offers plenty of topspin.

Last but not least, Yonex adds Quake Shut Gel to the racquet’s handle to reduce vibrations and increase comfort while hitting.

Why We Love It

The following are the Yonex EZONE DR’s top three attributes based on how it scored in our playtest.

Control
As expected, the EZONE DR provided an impressive level of control. Whether we were at the baseline or up at net, we felt we were able to direct and place the ball with confidence. However, what made the racquet unique is that it still felt lively compared with other similar control-oriented tennis racquets.

Groundstrokes
From the baseline, we enjoyed the Yonex EZONE DR. Its control orientation helped us feel confident in our strokes and allowed us to place the ball deep in the court with a high level of consistency. Moreover, we found we were easily able to work the ball from side to side and change the direction of the ball.

Touch
What the racquet lacks in delivering power it makes up for with excellent touch. Overall, the racquet provides a very connected feel when hitting, which helped further increase our confidence level on the court.

Tradeoffs

As a control-oriented tennis racquet, players may find that the EZONE DR lacks a bit in the power department.

Lower power is a relatively common tradeoff with control-oriented racquets and worth taking note of when considering this racquet. Of course, the more flexible frame and reduction in power are the specific characteristics that result in its strengths.

Yonex EZONE 98 Blue Specs

Head Size	98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	6 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.4 oz / 323.18 g
Swingweight	316
Stiffness	63
Beam Width	23mm / 24mm / 19mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Yonex EZONE 98 Blue Ratings

Serves 8.6

Volleys 8.5

Groundstrokes 8.8

Returns 8.5

Topspin 8.6

Slice 8.3

Power 8.2

Control 8.9

Comfort 8.6

Touch 8.7

Maneuverability 8.5

Stability 8.3

Overall 8.54

Variations of the Yonex EZONE

98 (305g) Blue
98 (305g) Gold (Limited Edition)
98+ (305g) Blue
100+ (300g) Blue

Players Using or Endorsing the Yonex EZONE

Nick Kyrgios
Naomi Osaka

Babolat Pure Drive

Over the years, the Babolat Pure Drive has become an iconic tennis racquet backed by some of the game’s top players, including Andy Roddick in the early 2000s and, more recently, Garbine Muguruza.

A high power level and easy access to topspin define the Pure Drive, which makes it a fantastic choice for baseline tennis players and big servers. Combined with its 100-square-inch head and 11.2-ounce strung weight, it’s also a very approachable racquet for beginners.

If you’re just getting started with tennis and you like what you see, but the price feels a little steep, be sure to check out our list of the best racquets for beginners. Our top pick is the younger sibling to this racquet, the Babolat Boost Drive.

Of course, the Babolat Pure Drive comes loaded with a variety of features to help you perform your best on the court. Babolat’s FSI technology combines its time-tested woofer system that increases power and the size of the sweet spot by allowing the strings to work together, while a tighter string pattern within the sweet spot aids in control.

The racquet’s elliptical geometric design helps reduce flex and increase the frame’s overall rigidity, aiding in power. To further enhance the strength of the racquet head, Babolat also made use of its carbon-fiber GT technology. Last but not least, the company integrates its active cortex technology at the top of the racquet’s handle to reduce shock and vibration during ball contact.

Why We Love It

There’s a lot to love about the Babolat Pure Drive, but here are our top three reasons.

Power
First and foremost, we love the Pure Drive’s ability to help generate power without breaking a sweat. The 100-square-inch head provides a generous sweet spot, and the lighter 11.2-ounce strung weight makes it easy to swing. There’s no need to muscle this racquet to generate pace. It delivers and makes for a fun racquet off the baseline.

Spin
The good news is that with all that power, the Babolat Pure Drive also provides excellent access to topspin to help control your shots and keep the ball in the court. Again, the frame’s 100-square-inch head and 16×19 string pattern help deliver that topspin, which we found came easily and helped us keep our opponent on their toes.

Serves
We loved serving with the Babolat Pure Drive. We were able to easily generate the pace we desired on our first serve but also found that our kick serves received some added pop that helped keep it well out of our opponent’s strike zone.

Tradeoffs

Players who enjoy a weightier, control-oriented tennis racquet will likely find the lower weight and higher power associated with the Pure Drive to be overbearing. Of course, it’s those very characteristics that make it perfect for other players.

One thing to keep in mind is that Pure Drive is one of the stiffer frames on the market, so players with tennis elbow should carefully consider that before going with this racquet.

Babolat Pure Drive Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	4 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.2 oz / 317.51 g
Swingweight	321
Stiffness	71
Beam Width	22mm / 26mm / 23mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Babolat Pure Drive Ratings

Serves 8.9

Volleys 8.3

Groundstrokes 8.6

Returns 8.4

Topspin 8.8

Slice 8.3

Power 9.1

Control 8.4

Comfort 8.2

Touch 8.3

Maneuverability 8.7

Stability 8.5

Overall 8.54

Variations of the Babolat Pure Drive

Plus
Tour
Tour Plus
Team
Lite
107
110
Wimbledon
Play

Players Using or Endorsing the Babolat Pure Drive

Fabio Fognini
Bob & Mike Bryan (Brothers)
Karolina Pliskova
Amanda Anisimova
Julia Goerges
Sofia Kenin
Garbine Muguruza
Dominika Cibulkova

Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro

The Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro is the latest evolution of Novak Djokovic’s frame of choice, and it continues to deliver excellent performance from the baseline allowing for big groundstrokes with heavy topspin and exceptional maneuverability on returns.

One of the key features of this racquet has been its use of graphene, a lightweight and robust nanomaterial. You can think of it as traditional graphite on steroids. In the past, this was used only on the racquet’s throat and handle. However, with Graphene 360, Head makes use of the material throughout the racquet’s head at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock. The result is a little extra power with the same great control.

Graphene still reduces the weight of the racquet through the midsection of the frame, which allows Head to redistribute that weight to produce a fast-swinging racquet that’s light and maneuverable.

As expected, the Head Graphene Speed Pro still comes with a 100-square-inch head, and it’s one of the few racquets on our list that makes use of a closed 18×20 string pattern. The larger head size helps provide a larger sweet spot and increases power, while the tight string pattern helps players remain in control without giving up the ability to generate heavy topspin.

At the net, the racquet feels light and provides a crisp response that’s stable and allows for accurate placement.

All in all, the Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro is a fast-swinging and easy-to-maneuver frame that allows for aggressive play with plenty of topspin from all areas of the baseline.

Why We Love It

Here are our top three reasons for loving the Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro.

Groundstrokes
One of the first things you’ll notice is that the Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro feels great in your hand. At 11.5 ounces, it feels solid, but with its 6-point head light balance, it swings effortlessly. From the baseline, this results in a super fun tennis racquet that allows you to accelerate quickly through to contact and take big cuts at the ball while the tighter string pattern helps keep things under control for hitting with precision.

Returns
Everything we loved about the Graphene 360 Speed Pro translated perfectly to our returns, and the easy maneuverability came in handy. We felt like we could be aggressive and step into our shots even when our opponent turned up the heat.

Control
While there is more than enough pop to this frame, it’s control-oriented, so you’ll rely more on your technique and racquet acceleration to generate power. Ultimately, this keeps you in the driver’s seat and allows you to swing confidently and hit your spots with precision.

Tradeoffs

Often with more control comes less power, so players looking for a frame that brings more pace with less effort may not find that this is the racquet of their dreams.

The one place where this left us a little underwhelmed was on our serve, where we found accurate placement but didn’t feel like we could go as big as we would have liked.

Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	6 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.5 oz / 326 g
Swingweight	318
Stiffness	62
Beam Width	23mm / 23mm / 23mm
String Pattern	18 Main / 20 Cross

Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro

Serves 8.3

Volleys 8.3

Groundstrokes 9.1

Returns 8.9

Topspin 8.7

Slice 8.6

Power 8.2

Control 8.8

Comfort 8.3

Touch 8.3

Maneuverability 8.6

Stability 8.4

Overall 8.54

Variations of the Head Speed

Graphene 360 Speed Pro
Graphene 360 Speed MP
Graphene 360 Speed MP Lite
Graphene 360 Speed S
Graphene 360 Speed Lite
Speed X Limited Edition MP
Speed X Limited Edition S

Players Using or Endorsing the Head Speed

Novak Djokovic
Nikoloz Basilashvili
Fernando Verdasco
Mischa Zverev
Bianca Andreescu
Cori (Coco) Gauff
Elise Mertens
Samantha Stosur
Ashleigh Barty

Previous Model This Racquet Replaces

Head Graphene XT Speed Pro

Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310

As we move into 2020, the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310 remains a top racquet, and it’s received a few modifications since last year to help with spin potential and increase comfort.

The Yonex VCORE Pro 97 remains a well-balanced tennis racquet that delivers across the board as an excellent option for all-court players who love to hang out on the baseline but also enjoy moving around the court and coming to net.

Overall, the VCORE Pro will suit a broad range of players looking for control without the extreme weight that often comes with control-oriented tennis racquets. It’s specs – a weight of 11.5 ounces, a 97-square-inch head, and a 7 point head light balance – remain identical to its predecessor for an easy to maneuver package, tour-level control, and plenty of power.

Of course, coming from Yonex, this racquet doesn’t skimp on unique technologies to deliver an excellent hitting experience. With this update, Yonex has revised the racquet’s throat to improve the potential for topspin and added a vibration dampening mesh to the handle to reduce vibration by 30% and, in turn, increase comfort.

The head features the company’s signature isometric square head shape increasing the size of the sweet spot, while the 3D vector shaft (from the handle through the throat of the racquet) uses deep grooves to reduce twisting of the frame and increase stability.

The Yonex VCORE Pro 97 also features a unique blend of carbon graphite as well as an elastic material dubbed Black Micro Core at 10 and 2 o’clock to improve stability when the ball makes contact with the upper portion of the racquet’s head.

Last but not least, the VCORE Pro 97 features a lock booster system that tightens the grommet spacing toward the upper part of the racquet’s head as well as grooves within the channel of the grommets to help secure the string and increase control.

Why We Love It

Our top three reasons for loving the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 include control, groundstrokes, and touch/feel.

Control
The Yonex VCORE Pro 97 is yet another fantastic control-oriented tennis racquet, which is unique in that it offers a high level of control without giving up too much power or weighing too much. At 7 points headlight, that translates into a maneuverable racquet that’s easy to swing and generate racquet head speed for reliable and well-placed groundstrokes.

Groundstrokes
Overall, we had the most fun with this racquet at the baseline, where we found terrific placement and the confidence to go for our shots while hitting our targets. We also enjoyed our backhand slice, which felt solid. The frame felt stable enough and allowed us to move the racquet head through the ball for a crisp shot.

Touch/Feel
Even with its lower 11.5-ounce weight, the VCORE Pro 97 delivered excellent feel off the ground and played well up at the net, where volleys felt crisp and under control.

Tradeoffs

Not surprisingly, the most significant tradeoff with the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 is easy-to-access power. As with most control-oriented racquets, the VCORE Pro consists of features that first and foremost support accuracy and precision. However, the good news is that it doesn’t give up power like some of the other control-oriented tennis racquets.

One item we’d like to address is the stability of the racquet. Compared with the previous model, we would say Yonex has improved this weakness, and it wasn’t much of a thought in our playtest. Kudos!

Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310 Specs

Head Size	97 in² / 625.81 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	7 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.5 oz / 326 g
Swingweight	318
Stiffness	64
Beam Width	20mm / 20mm / 20mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310 Ratings

Serves 8.3

Volleys 8.3

Groundstrokes 8.7

Returns 8.4

Topspin 8.6

Slice 8.6

Power 8.3

Control 8.9

Comfort 8.5

Touch 8.7

Maneuverability 8.5

Stability 8.3

Overall 8.51

Variations of the Yonex VCORE Pro

97 (310)
97 (290)
97 (330)
97HD 18×20
100 (280)
100 (300)

Players Using or Endorsing the Yonex VCORE Pro

Stanislas Wawrinka
Hyeon Chung
Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Frances Tiafoe

Previous Model this Racquet Replaces

Yonex VCORE Duel G 97

Wilson Blade 98 18×20

Wilson Blade 98 18x20

Over the years, the Wilson Blade has undergone a few transformations. Still, at its core, the Wilson Blade is a control-oriented player’s racquet that weighs it at a reasonable 11.4 ounces – up from 11.3 ounces on the prior generation.

Technologies include a braided graphite and basalt construction, which increases the racquet’s flex, improves feel, and ultimately delivers more control. Basalt is a volcanic rock that can be manufactured to produce fibers with characteristics similar to fiberglass.

In addition to the racquet’s unique composition, the racquet now makes use of their new FeelFlex technology as a replacement for Countervail, which makes the frame more flexible and increases stability.

The Wilson Blade 98 18×20 also takes advantage of parallel drilling, which is simply the process of drilling the grommet holes for cross strings parallel to each other. You may be thinking, “Don’t all racquets place the grommet holes parallel?”

The truth is, while grommet holes are always placed directly across from each other, they’re not always drilled perfectly parallel, especially toward the curved edge of the racquet’s head at the top and near the bottom. Overall, by drilling parallel, Wilson claims up to a 27 percent increase in the sweet spot.

Why We Love It

Here are our top three reasons for loving this frame.

Control
The Wilson Blade’s slightly smaller 98 square inch head size, tighter 18×20 string pattern, stable 11.4-ounce weight, and low 62 stiffness rating all combine to deliver solid control from all areas of the court.

Stability
Wilson’s strategic use of materials produces a frame that remains stable and helps ensure consistent and reliable contact with the tennis ball for a true feel of a player’s racquet.

Comfort
The Wilson Blade 18×20 also delivers on comfort with its unique balance of material construction, weight, and flex rating. Overall, the racquet has a dampened low-vibration feel that made for a pleasant and comfortable hitting experience.

Tradeoffs

While the Wilson Blade offers a respectable level of power, some players may find it a bit more challenging to access higher levels of topspin with its tighter 18×20 string pattern. Of course, the topspin potential is there, but you might need to work a little harder for it.

Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Specs

Head Size	98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	4 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.4 oz / 323 g
Swingweight	334
Stiffness	62
Beam Width	21mm / 21mm / 21mm
String Pattern	18 Main / 20 Cross

Wilson Blade 98 Ratings 18×20

Serves 8.4

Volleys 8.6

Groundstrokes 8.6

Returns 8.3

Topspin 8.0

Slice 8.6

Power 8.2

Control 8.8

Comfort 9.0

Touch 8.6

Maneuverability 8.3

Stability 8.6

Overall 8.5

Variations of the Wilson Blade

98 16×19 v7
98 18×20 v7
100L v7
104 v7

Players Using or Endorsing the Wilson Blade

Stefanos Tsitsipas
David Goffin
Milos Raonic
Alex de Minaur
Damir Dzumhur
Karen Khachanov
Serena Willams
Simona Halep
Kiki Bertens
Lauren Davis
Jelena Ostapenko
Barbora Strycova

Previous Model this Racquet Replaces

Wilson Blade Contervail 98 18×20

Wilson Clash 100

The Clash 100 is a unique new tennis racquet from Wilson that offers a dramatically lower stiffness rating that’s easy on a player’s arm while maintaining great stability and feel.

The racquet’s high level of flexibility comes from a combination of FreeFlex and StableSmart technologies. FreeFlex enables a striking level of flexibility in the frame, while StableSmart works with the geometry of the frame to maintain power and stability. Together these technologies combine to lower the racquet’s stiffness and increase comfort while maintaining a crisp controlled feel.

The Clash features a forgiving 100 square inch head size, which also helps deliver added power. Combined with a low strung weight of only 11 ounces, it makes the racquet easy to maneuver and an excellent option for intermediate players.

All in all, the Clash 100 is an exciting development in frame technology from Wilson that has built a considerable following virtually overnight and is worth a demo to experience yourself.

Why We Love It

Here are the three reasons we love this new addition to Wilson’s line of tennis racquets.

Comfort
With its incredibly low stiffness rating of 55, the Wilson Clash is one of the most arm-friendly racquets on the market. At first, the unique feel takes a little to adjust to, but after 30 or so minutes of hitting, you start to appreciate the difference.

Maneuverability
The Clash 100 weighs in at only 11 ounces strung with a 7 point head light balance. The result is an easy to swing and highly maneuverable racquet, which we enjoyed on our returns and up at net.

Spin
With its 100 square-inch head, open 16×19 string pattern, and head light balance, the Clash swings fast and allows you to generate tons of topspin without changing up your stroke.

Tradeoffs

While the racquet’s construction helps it maintain stability on contact, we still found a desire for a bit more control that would come with a heavier racquet. To a degree, we found we were able to compensate with extra topspin, but it’s worth noting if considering this racquet.

Wilson Clash 100 Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	7 points HL
Weight (strung)	11 oz / 312 g
Swingweight	312
Stiffness	55
Beam Width	24.5mm / 24.5mm / 24.5mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Wilson Clash 100 Ratings

Serves 8.3

Volleys 8.4

Groundstrokes 8.6

Returns 8.5

Topspin 8.4

Slice 8.6

Power 8.5

Control 8.4

Comfort 9.1

Touch 8.6

Maneuverability 8.8

Stability 8.2

Overall 8.5

Variations of the Wilson Clash

98
100
100 Tour
100L
100UL
108

Players Using or Endorsing the Wilson Clash

Nicole Gibbs

Prince Phantom Pro 100

Prince Phantom Pro 110

The original Prince Phantom 100 with O3 ports receives an upgrade to the Phantom Pro 100 with a solid beam (minus the O3 ports) while maintaining the core characteristics that made the racquet popular. We believe it’s a nice improvement on a previously lower-scoring frame.

With its 100-square-inch head, the Phantom provides ample surface area for making a clean connection with the ball and avoiding mishits while also featuring a 16×18 string pattern that provides access to generating topspin without having to work too hard.

Furthermore, with an 11.4-ounces strung weight and a low stiffness rating of 54, the Phantom will suit players looking for a control-oriented racquet that’s arm-friendly.

One unique aspect of the Phantom Pro 100 is that it’s able to maintain stability without increasing its stiffness rating through the use of Textreme, Prince’s ultra-thin carbon that’s baked directly into the frame. Combined with a move away from the O3 ports of the previous version, and you end up with a much more responsive frame overall.

Like the previous version, the Phantom Pro 100 takes full advantage of the Constant Taper System (CTS) that transitions from a thinner 16mm shaft for flexibility and feel to a thicker 20mm head to maintain a bit more power and avoid a racquet that forces you to work too hard.

All in all, with a slant toward intermediate to advanced players, we feel Prince has done a great job evolving the previous version of the Phantom, which hadn’t previously made our cut of the best racquets.

Why We Love It

Here are the three key reasons we enjoyed the Phantom Pro 100.

Control
From the baseline, the Phantom Pro 100 provided respectable control with the ability to generate plenty of topspin that allowed us to dictate points with accuracy. We were even more delighted when we approached the net, as the racquet’s flexible frame helped maintain control and direct the ball where we needed. We felt the Phantom Pro had improved quite a bit from its predecessor at the net.

Maneuverability
Keeping most of the weight in the handle at 6 points head light, the Phantom Pro also maintains plenty of maneuverability despite its heavier 11.4-ounce weight. The head light balance was particularly useful up at the net, where we never felt like we were forcing the racquet into position. It just came along for the ride.

Comfort
The Phantom Pro is one of the most comfortable racquets that we’ve played with, making it an excellent option for players in need of an arm-friendly companion.

Tradeoffs

Overall, the Prince Phantom Pro is a well-rounded tennis racquet that will likely suit a variety of different styles of play. Some players may find the racquet leaves them wanting more in the stability and control department, considering the racquet isn’t huge on power – a tradeoff that usually results in higher levels of control.

Prince Phantom Pro 100 Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	6 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.4 oz / 323 g
Swingweight	320
Stiffness	54
Beam Width	20.5mm / 19.5mm / 16.5mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 18 Cross

Prince Phantom Pro 100 Ratings

Serves 8.1

Volleys 9.0

Groundstrokes 8.6

Returns 8.4

Topspin 8.7

Slice 8.5

Power 8.0

Control 8.4

Comfort 9.5

Touch 8.8

Maneuverability 8.7

Stability 8.2

Overall 8.5

Variations of the Prince Phantom

100
Pro 100
Pro 93P (14×18)
Pro 100 (18×20)
Pro 93P
Pro 100P

Volkl V-Feel 8 300g

Last year, we swapped out the Volkl V-Sense 8 300 for its updated model, the V-Feel 8 300g, which is a fun tennis racquet that has developed a fan following over the years with its lightweight blend of power, spin, maneuverability, and surprising comfort.

Weighing in at an arm-friendly 11.1 ounces, with a 100-square-inch head, 16×18 string pattern, and a slightly stiffer flex rating of 70, we found the Volkl V-Feel 8 300g to be a well-rounded racquet that does a lot of things well, making it a versatile racquet with broad appeal.

The Volkl V-Feel 8 300g makes use of a handful of technologies to aid in performance. First, like the prior model, the racquet uses Volkl’s super grommet system, which allows its cross-strings to move freely to help generate power.

However, this racquet also features a trifecta of new V-Feel technologies. First, it features a specialized black carbon added to strategic locations throughout the frame to reduce vibration while improving feel and response.

Next up, the handle of the tennis racquet features REVA, a dense rubber-like material that’s EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) combined with a compound and resin that significantly reduces vibrations and improves feel. Top it off with VTEX, a material applied to the butt cap, for even greater dampening and a solid feel.

Last but not least, the racquet uses a mid-sized beam construction to find that sweet spot for precision and power.

Why We Love It

Here are the top three reasons we loved this frame.

Maneuverability
One of the first things you notice when you pick it up is how easy the racquet is to maneuver. It feels light and is easy to swing, but its 4-point head light balance keeps the weight toward your hand to maintain stability along with its stiffer 70-point flex rating. Overall, it made for speedy reaction times when returning and allowed for quick reflexes up at net.

Topspin
With a 100-square-inch head, open string pattern, and super grommet system, the Volkl V-Feel 8 300g provides excellent access to topspin, especially combined with the maneuverability as mentioned above that allows you to generate plenty of racquet head speed necessary to produce topspin. Furthermore, the topspin was useful to help rein in and control the power that comes with the racquet.

Comfort
While the V-Feel 8 also came with plenty of power, we enjoyed the comfort level when playing with this racquet. Not only was its lighter weight easier on our arm, but it also did an excellent job at reducing shock and vibration compared with other lighter racquets with similar stiff frames.

Tradeoffs

With all that you get with the Volkl V-Feel 8, you might expect a little bit of give and take along the way. With more than enough power, we did find that control suffered a bit with the ball getting away from us here and there. If we were to miss, it was typically long, but luckily the topspin we were able to generate helped us to strike a balance where this wasn’t a major issue as we played more with the racquet.

Volkl V-Feel 8 300g Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	4 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.1 oz / 315 g
Swingweight	315
Stiffness	70
Beam Width	22mm / 24mm / 22mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 18 Cross

Volkl V-Feel 8 300g Ratings

Serves 8.5

Volleys 8.2

Groundstrokes 8.9

Returns 8.5

Topspin 9.1

Slice 7.8

Power 8.7

Control 7.6

Comfort 8.8

Touch 8.3

Maneuverability 9.3

Stability 8.3

Overall 8.5

Variations of the Volkl V-Feel

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9
8 285g
8 300g
8 315g
10 (300)
10 (320)

Players Using or Endorsing the Volkl V-Feel

Laura Siegemund

Previous Racquet this Model Replaces

Volkl V-Sense 8 300g

Prince Textreme Tour 95

Players who have previously considered the Prince Textreme Tour 95 and are back on the hunt in 2020 will be delighted to find this racquet has received a few tweaks while remaining true to the original design.

Just like its predecessor, if you could sum up the revised Prince Textreme Tour 95 in one word, it would be “control.” As racquet manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of racquet design with lighter and stiffer frames along with larger head sizes, Prince makes a bold move with a classic-feeling tennis racquet for players seeking the utmost in control.

Prince’s Textreme line of tennis racquets features its unique Textreme material, which is a super-thin carbon fiber fabric that integrates directly into the shaft (handle and throat) of the tennis racquet to help enhance stability and increase control.

However, this is where one of the tweaks to this model comes into play, as Prince has doubled down on the Textreme formula, introducing Textreme X that incorporates Twaron woven into the frame for extra vibration dampening and comfort.

The latest model weighs in a touch heavier, at 11.9 ounces, which also results in a slightly higher swingweight of 325. Combined with a 95-square-inch head size, 16×19 string pattern, and lower stiffness rating of 64, it’s clear this racquet is built for precision and accuracy.

Last but not least, even though the racquet weighs in at 11.9 ounces, it’s 8 point head light balance allows players to generate plenty of racquet head speed to produce necessary topspin on their shots.

All in all, the Prince Textreme Tour 95 remains a classic-feeling tennis racquet that’s perfect for players seeking high levels of control.

Why We Love It

Here are the top three attributes that we enjoyed while hitting with the Prince Textreme Tour 95.

Control
Out on the court, all of Prince’s ingredients come together nicely and deliver the control that you’d expect from the Tour 95. The racquet is solid off the ground and gave us the confidence to swing through the ball and hit our spots.

Touch and Feel
As you’d expect from a control-oriented tennis racquet, the Prince Textreme Tour 95 provides exceptional feel. Off the ground, we felt connected, and up at net, we were delighted with our ability to direct the ball with a high level of accuracy.

Comfort
With its 11.9-ounce weight, low stiffness rating of 64, and head light balance that keeps the weight in the handle, the Textreme Tour 95 did a great job at absorbing the shock and vibrations that come with each shot and provided great comfort.

Tradeoffs

While you’ll get an exceptional level of control with the Prince Textreme Tour 95, the biggest tradeoff you’ll make is with power.

Everything about the racquet is designed to keep the reins tight on power and deliver on control, but some players may find it swings the pendulum too far toward control and lacks the power they need when they’re looking to generate some extra pace.

Of course, players should also be aware of the smaller 95-square-inch head size, which can also be less forgiving.

Prince Textreme Tour 95 Specs

Head Size	95 in² / 612.9 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	8 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.9 oz / 337 g
Swingweight	325
Stiffness	64
Beam Width	22mm / 22mm / 19mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Prince Textreme Tour 95 Ratings

Serves 8.2

Volleys 9.0

Groundstrokes 8.5

Returns 8.3

Topspin 8.5

Slice 8.8

Power 7.3

Control 9.1

Comfort 8.6

Touch 8.7

Maneuverability 8.3

Stability 8.4

Overall 8.48

Variations of the Prince Tour

95
95 (2015)
100P
100L (260)
100 (290)
100 (310)
100P (2015)
100L (2015)
100T (2015)

Players Using or Endorsing the Prince Tour

Lucas Pouille

Wilson Burn 100S

The Wilson Burn 100S is a revised version of the original Wilson Burn, geared toward a wide range of intermediate to advanced tennis players.

Overall, the Burn 100S is a well-balanced tennis racquet that excels in all areas of the tennis court with the ability to produce excellent topspin and fantastic performance off the baseline and with returns.

This version of the Burn features Wilson’s Spin Effect Technology, which simply means there are fewer cross strings than main strings, which makes it easier to generate topspin.

In addition, this racquet takes advantage of Wilson’s parallel drilling, in which all grommet holes are drilled parallel to each other to increase the size of the sweet spot while delivering a more forgiving feel.

Lastly, the Wilson Burn Countervail makes use of the X2 shaft, where the throat of the racquet is shortened slightly to allow for an extended handle that gives two-handed backhands a better grip and more solid feel.

Why We Love It

These are the main reasons we loved playing with the Wilson Burn 100S.

Groundstrokes
Off the baseline, the Wilson Burn 100S excelled. Compared with the original Wilson Burn, the swingweight is balanced coming in at 1 point head light vs. the original at 5 points head light. Add to that a strung weight of 11.3 ounces, and it made for an easy-to-swing racquet that consistently delivered on power and topspin.

Returns
With improved maneuverability over the original Wilson Burn, we found that this upgraded version performed well on returns and had a respectable level of stability. This security gave us the confidence to swing through the ball while allowing us to block or slice back some of the bigger serves we returned.

Topspin
On both our groundstrokes and returns, we enjoyed the topspin that the Burn 100S provided. Its 100-square-inch head combined with the open16×18 string pattern allowed for plenty of grip, with the topspin coming very naturally.

Tradeoffs

The Wilson Burn 100S higher power level may leave some players wanting to tone things down a bit. The good news is the Burn 100S comes with plenty of topspin that allows players to maintain control.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this racquet is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to stiffness. Players may find a little less comfort, but it’s an improvement over the first generation of Wilson Burn.

Wilson Burn 100S Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	1 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.3 oz / 320.35 g
Swingweight	327
Stiffness	73
Beam Width	23.5mm / 25mm / 24.5mm
String Pattern	18 Main / 19 Cross

Wilson Burn 100S Ratings

Serves 8.4

Volleys 8.7

Groundstrokes 8.7

Returns 8.4

Topspin 8.5

Slice 8.5

Power 8.6

Control 8.4

Comfort 8.0

Touch 8.5

Maneuverability 8.5

Stability 8.4

Overall 8.47

Variations of the Wilson Burn

100S
100LS
100ULS
100 Team

Players Using or Endorsing the Wilson Burn

Pablo Carreno Busta
Andrey Rublev
Elina Svitolina

Previous Model this Racquet Replaces

Wilson Burn 100 Countervail

Yonex VCORE 98 (305)

Yonex VCORE 98 305

For 2020, we’re trading out the VCORE SV 98+ for the VCORE 98 (305), and we’re super excited for what the updated racquet brings to the table while still delivering the same speed and spin we loved in the SV model.

For starters, Yonex has fitted the 98-square-inch head with a new open string pattern, moving from 16×20 to 16×19 to push the limits on topspin.

The racquet also comes built for speed. Its thin beam, 6 point head light balance, and integrated Aero Fin technology at the top of the frame’s head and just above the racquet’s throat reduce air resistance and subsequently helps players increase racquet head speed.

Of course, Yonex didn’t stop there. It also introduced its new Aero Trench grommet system for the main strings at the top of the racquet’s head, which hides the grommets and reduces air resistance, resulting in even faster swings to generate more topspin.

As far as materials go, the VCORE 98 (305) features NAMD graphite, which gives the racquet a unique flex to further increase spin and power. The result is a 65 stiffness rating, which helps improve comfort a touch, although we wouldn’t consider it a true arm-friendly racquet.

As with all Yonex models, it features the Isometric head shape to increase the sweet spot 7 percent compared with typical rounded frames. However, the manufacturer also refined its drilling of the holes for the outer main strings to help make the sweet spot even wider and allow for greater string movement.

This updated version also maintains its 3D Vector Shaft, which incorporates grooves through the racquet’s throat to reduce frame twisting.

Overall, like the VCORE SV that came before it, this model packs a punch and delivers a strong performance worthy of consideration.

Why We Love It

The following are the top three reasons for adding this frame to our list of the best tennis racquets.

Groundstrokes
At the baseline, this frame delivered, and we felt like we were able to swing through the ball and hit our spots confidently. On contact, the frame felt more stable than its predecessor and helped us generate plenty of power and topspin for a heavy ball that stayed deep in the court.

Topspin
Everything about this racquet is engineered for generating spin and on the court, and it shows. We were able to generate tons of racquet head speed easily, and together with the more open string pattern, it helped us produce a considerable amount of topspin that would explode off the ground and made for a super fun playtest.

Volleys
We enjoyed making our way up to the net with the VCORE 98. As we mentioned, it felt more stable than the prior model and had a reliable feel that helped us direct the ball while having enough pop to put away shots.

Tradeoffs

Overall, the VCORE 98 is a well-rounded tennis racquet, so it was a little more challenging to find something we felt like we were giving up.

However, if we were to call out something specific, we say that at times we felt a bit less control and a bit less comfort, particularly on off-center groundstrokes.

Yonex VCORE 98 (305) Specs

Head Size	98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	6 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.4 oz / 323 g
Swingweight	322
Stiffness	65
Beam Width	22mm / 22mm / 21mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Yonex VCORE 98 (305) Ratings

Serves 9.5

Volleys 8.2

Groundstrokes 8.7

Returns 8.3

Topspin 8.9

Slice 8.3

Power 9.3

Control 7.9

Comfort 8.1

Touch 8.1

Maneuverability 7.7

Stability 8.6

Overall 8.47

Variations of the Yonex VCORE

95
98+
98 (285)
98 (305)
98 (305) Galaxy Black
100 (280)
100 (300)
100 (300) Galaxy Black
100+
Game Galaxy Black

Players Using or Endorsing the Yonex VCORE

Denis Shapovalov
Steve Johnson
Denis Kudla
Angelique Kerber
Eugenie Bouchard
Donna Vekic
Monica Puig
Caroline Garcia

Previous Racquet this Model Replaces

Yonex VCORE SV 98

Prince Warrior Textreme 100

The two attributes that best describe the Prince Warrior Textreme are power and spin. The 100-square-inch head, open 16×18 string pattern, and a slightly higher flex rating of 66 combine to produce plenty of pop and more than enough grip to enhance your topspin.

This updated version of Prince’s Warrior 100 integrates Textreme, a specialized ultra-thin carbon fiber fabric that increases strength and rigidity without adding considerable weight. The result helps enhance the racquet’s power, control, and feel.

With a strung weight of only 11.14 ounces, less weight in the racquet head at 6 points head light, and a lower 320 swingweight, it’s a user-friendly tennis racquet that most players should find easy to maneuver from all areas of the tennis court.

Overall, the Prince Warrior Textreme 100 is a great tennis racquet that errs on the side of power while providing balance in other areas such as control and feel to appeal to a wide range of tennis players.

Why We Love It

The following are the top three reasons we loved hitting with this tennis racquet.

Power
When it came to playing with the Warrior Textreme, power came easily through a combination of attributes blended by Prince. We enjoyed the power from the back of the court, where the racquet felt perfectly suited for trading big groundstrokes with our opponent.

Spin
The 100-square-inch head, combined with the open 16×18 string pattern, gave us plenty of bite and allowed us to get more topspin on our shots without having to work too hard.

Groundstrokes
Without a doubt, our favorite area of the court to play with the Prince Warrior Textreme 100 was from the baseline, where the racquet delivered power and spin. Similarly, we found the Warrior Textreme to work well hitting returns, where the 6 point head light balance allowed us to quickly and easily maneuver the racquet.

Tradeoffs

While the Warrior Textreme certainly isn’t overbearing when it comes to power, it may leave some players longing for a bit more control. In particular, that control could come in handy up at net, where we had to maintain some extra focus.

Prince Warrior Textreme 100 Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	6 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.14 oz / 315.81 g
Swingweight	320
Stiffness	66
Beam Width	24mm / 25.5mm / 22.5mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 18 Cross

Prince Warrior Textreme 100 Ratings

Serves 8.5

Volleys 8.2

Groundstrokes 8.6

Returns 8.5

Topspin 8.6

Slice 8.4

Power 8.7

Control 8.1

Comfort 8.2

Touch 8.3

Maneuverability 8.6

Stability 8.4

Overall 8.43

Variations of the Prince Warrior

100
100T
100L
107
107T
107L Pink

Players Using or Endorsing the Prince Warrior

John Isner

Tecnifibre TFlash CES 300

This year, the TFlash, one of two lines of men’s competition level tennis racquets that Tecnifibre offers, received some new revisions as it transitions from the PS model to CES.

This 100-square-inch fame packs easy-to-access power and topspin all in a maneuverable package that weighs 11.3 ounces, which should appeal to a broad range of tennis players.

New to this model is Tecnifibre’s CES (cubic edge shaft) section and slightly higher swingweight to increase stability. In addition, the TFlash also makes use of the company’s Progressive String Pattern, which decreases the space between the center mains for more control and increases the space toward the edges for more comfort on off-center shots.

The racquet also incorporates Tecnifibre’s silicone HD Fuse Grip for decreasing shock and improving comfort.

At the top of the frame’s head, the TFlash CES 300 maintains Tecnifibre’s durable and reinforced Armor Cap+ bumper guard to help protect and extend the life of the racquet.

Last but not least, the frame incorporates Tecnifibre’s unique grommets at the tie-off point for the strings, which are larger and flatter to help ensure optimal knot tie-off and to reduce wear and tear.

Overall, the Tecnifibre TFlash CES 300 is a well-balanced and frame that offers plenty of power and spin designed for a wide range of players, especially those who love to trade big strokes at the baseline.

Why We Love It

These are the three reasons we loved the Technifibre TFlash CES 300.

Power
With the TFlash 300’s 100-square-inch head and high stiffness rating of 72, the racquet delivered plenty of power that came rather effortlessly but at the same time didn’t feel overbearing.

Groundstrokes
We enjoyed the power of this frame most at the baseline. We settled in quickly with the racquet and found we were able to trade big shots and play great offense with plenty of topspin, taking advantage of the open 16×19 string pattern.

Maneuverability
At 11.3 ounces and 6 points head light, this lightweight frame made for an easy-to-maneuver tennis racquet that afforded us great preparation on our groundstrokes and easy handling up at net.

Tradeoffs

As a bit lighter frame with a head light balance that’s very easy to maneuver, we did find the Tecnifibre TFlash CES 300 to provide a bit less stability, particularly when returning bigger serves.

At the same time, we felt that the stiffer frame, which helps provide the racquet’s power, lacked at times in the comfort department and required us to work a bit harder to find that effortless touch up at net.

Tecnifibre TFlash CES 300 Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	6 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.3 oz / 320 g
Swingweight	320
Stiffness	72
Beam Width	25mm / 26mm / 26mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Tecnifibre TFlash CES 300 Ratings

Serves 8.2

Volleys 8.4

Groundstrokes 8.4

Returns 8.2

Topspin 8.6

Slice 8.3

Power 8.6

Control 8.2

Comfort 8.1

Touch 8.1

Maneuverability 8.7

Stability 8.2

Overall 8.33

Variations of the Tecnifibre TFlash

270 CES
285 CES
300 CES

Previous Racquet this Model Replaces

Tecnifibre TFlash 300 Dynacore PS

Head Graphene 360 Extreme Pro

The Head Graphene 360 Extreme Pro is a heavier tennis racquet geared toward intermediate to advanced players who like to hit with topspin and authority. It also happens to be the stick of choice for Frenchman Richard Gasquet. The updates to this generation helped push it to our list of the best tennis racquets for the first time.

At 11.6 ounces strung and with a swingweight of 331, this racquet is a beast and will move through the ball with a solid feel on contact. It also has a low stiffness rating of 64, which results in a comfortable arm-friendly feel.

The Extreme Pro’s 100-square-inch head combined with its 16×19 string pattern and 360 Spin Grommet technology, which allows for greater string movement and thus increase snapback, make for a racquet that can deliver substantial topspin along with lethal pace.

Last but not least, this racquet features Graphene 360 to reduce weight in the midsection of the racquet while reinforcing the head of the racquet at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock on the racquet’s head to increase power.

If you’re looking for a spin-friendly tennis racquet that doesn’t skimp on weight and that solid player’s racquet feel, then the Head Graphene 360 Extreme Pro is worth checking out.

Why We Love it

Here’s what we dig with the Graphene 360 Extreme Pro.

Groundstrokes
Based on the description, it’s probably no surprise that this tennis racquet is a blast on the baseline. The racquet rewards full swings, and while it swings a little slower than some of the lighter models in the Head family of tennis racquets, it’s incredibly solid on contact and a blast to hit with on the court.

Power
While the Graphene 360 Extreme Pro isn’t the most powerful racquet out there, it’s unique for the level of power it provides in its weight class. From the baseline, we felt like we could turn up the heat, but it never felt overbearing.

Topspin
We also loved the topspin we were able to produce with this racquet despite it not feeling as fast as similar racquets in its class. Not only did it feel solid at impact, but it gripped the ball and gave us the confidence to swing big with a high margin for error.

Tradeoffs

The apparent tradeoff with this tennis racquet is its weight, which many players will find too heavy. It’s also likely that players who venture into racquets at this weight will find the racquet a bit too lively, where they expect greater control.

Head Graphene 360 Extreme Pro Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	6 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.6 oz / 329 g
Swingweight	331
Stiffness	64
Beam Width	23mm / 26mm / 21mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Head Graphene 360 Extreme Pro Ratings

Serves 8.2

Volleys 8.3

Groundstrokes 8.6

Returns 8.1

Topspin 9.0

Slice 8.3

Power 9.1

Control 7.9

Comfort 7.5

Touch 8.0

Maneuverability 8.4

Stability 8.2

Overall 8.30

Variations of the Head Extreme

360 Pro
360 MP
360 Lite
Graphene MP

Players Using or Endorsing the Head Extreme

Richard Gasquet
Matteo Berrettini
Jan-Lennard Struff
Svetlana Kuznetsova

Tecnifibre TFight 300 XTC

For the first time, we’ve included a member of Tecnifibre’s control-oriented TFight series of tennis racquets: the 300 XTC. This racquet is a slick-looking and approachable lighter-weight racquet that performs from all areas of the court while providing generous access to topspin and power.

For starters, the 300 XTC comes with a 98-square-inch head and 11.2-ounce weight, and its open 16×19 string pattern makes it a maneuverable and fast swinging racquet that grips the ball for generating loads of topspin.

The frame’s power derives from its relatively stiff rame that’s rated at 69 and helps return substantial energy to the ball. However, Tecnifibre complements that higher stiffness with Dynacore HD for a softer feel while maintaining a powerful response and its Xtreme Touch Construction (XTC) intended to improve feel and stability.

The 300 XTC also features ArmorCap+, Tecnifibre’s 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 racquet’s grommets.

Overall, Tecnifibre’s TFight 300 XTC is a super well-rounded tennis racquet whose lighter weight and all-court performance s sure to please a wide range of tennis players.

Why We Love It

Here’s why we love the Tecnifibre TFight 300 XTC.

Groundstrokes
From the baseline, the Tecnifibre TFight 300 XTC had plenty of pop, which we were able to control with quick racquet head speed and topspin. At the same time, the 98-square-inch head and a slightly thinner beam gave us the control we desired to direct the ball and hit our spots.

Volleys
Not only is the racquet easy to maneuver, but it packs a punch up at net, which helped us to put away our shots as we closed the net.

Returns
Despite its lighter weight, we found the 300 XTC to perform well on returns. Its low weight and 4 points head light construction made it quick to bring the racquet back and take a strong cut at softer serves while staying solid through contact to handle bigger serves.

Tradeoffs

While we felt the frame was a tad stiff at times, the biggest drawback we think players will find with this racquet is that it doesn’t wow in any one area – which at the same time is the racquet’s strength.

Players looking for a highly controlled, heavier racquet or a more powerful frame will look elsewhere, while players looking for a balanced, well-rounded racquet will be right at home with the 300 XTC.

Tecnifibre TFight 300 XTC Specs

Head Size	98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	4 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.2 oz / 318 g
Swingweight	321
Stiffness	69
Beam Width	22.5mm / 22.5mm / 21.5mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Tecnifibre TFight 300 XTC Ratings

Serves 8.1

Volleys 8.4

Groundstrokes 8.5

Returns 8.1

Topspin 8.4

Slice 8.1

Power 8.1

Control 8.3

Comfort 8.1

Touch 8.4

Maneuverability 8.8

Stability 8.3

Overall 8.3

Variations of the Tecnifibre TFight

285 XTC
295 XTC
305 XTC
315 XTC
315 Ltd. XTC (16×19)
315 Ltd. XTC (16×18)
320 XTC

Players Using or Endorsing the Tecnifibre TFight

Daniil Medvedev
Denis Istomin
John Millman
Aljaz Bedene
Jeremy Chardy

HEAD Graphene 360 Instinct MP

Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP

A newcomer to our list for 2020 is the Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP, endorsed by Maria Sharapova and Tomas Berdych remains on our list in 2020.

With a little extra weight at 11.2 ounces, this racquet comes with a 100-square-inch head, and a 16×19 string pattern that allows for great access to topspin, especially when combined with the 4 points head light balance that makes the racquet easy to swing fast.

Like many other Head tennis racquets, the Instinct MP comes with Graphene 360 technology, which helps reduce weight within the racquet’s shaft while giving a boost to its power through the materials used in the head of the racquet at 3, 6, and 12 o’clock.

All in all, it’s a well-rounded tennis racquet that stands to be an excellent fit for intermediate players looking to make a move to a frame that offers speed, control, and playability without completely sacrificing power.

Why We Love It

Here’s why we loved playing with the Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP.

Groundstrokes
Our favorite place to hit with the HEAD Graphene 360 Instinct MP was off the ground. As expected, it swings fast with its 4 points head light balance, which helped to generate topspin, and it packed plenty of power to match.

Topspin
As a fast-swinging frame with a 16×19 string pattern, this tennis racquet allowed us to produce loads of topspin with plenty of power. This gave us confidence when hitting and helped us dictate points and keep our opponent on their heels.

Maneuverability
At 11.2 ounces and featuring a 4 point head light balance, this Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP moves with ease. Whether you’re bringing your racquet back for a groundstroke, serving, or approaching the net for a volley, it’s easy to maneuver and get into position.

Tradeoff

As a lighter tennis racquet that will appeal to a wide range of players, we felt that the biggest tradeoff was the overall feel and stability that comes with a heavier frame. At times we wanted the extra mass on our returns and slice to help the racquet move more easily through the ball, which you can address through the addition of some lead tape.

HEAD Graphene 360 Instinct MP Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	4 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.2 oz / 318 g
Swingweight	320
Stiffness	65
Beam Width	23mm / 26mm / 23mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

HEAD Graphene 360 Instinct MP Ratings

Serves 8.1

Volleys 8.5

Groundstrokes 8.5

Returns 7.9

Topspin 8.6

Slice 8.0

Power 8.6

Control 8.2

Comfort 8.1

Touch 8.0

Maneuverability 8.7

Stability 8.3

Overall 8.29

Variations of the HEAD Instinct

360 MP
Limited Edition MP Reverse
360 Lite
360 S
360 PWR
Graphene Touch MP
Graphene Touch Adaptive

Players Using or Endorsing the HEAD Instinct

Thomas Berdych
Maria Sharapova

Prince Textreme Beast 100

Replacing its popular Warrior line of tennis racquets, Prince has released its new Beast frames. The Textreme Beast 100 is the updated version of the best-selling Prince Textreme Warrior 100. It comes with some new technology while maintaining the essential characteristics that made the Warrior popular in the first place.

Perhaps one of the most distinct spec changes for the Beast 100 compared with its predecessor is the move from a 16×18 to a 16×19 string pattern. The result is a slightly firmer feel, but at the 100-square-inch head size, we found it didn’t give up too much in the spin department.

Textreme, or Prince’s ultra-thin carbon material, is still used in the frame to aid in stability without increasing overall racquet stiffness. However, this new series of tennis racquets also integrates Twaron to improve dampening and sound on impact for a difference you can hear.

The racquet roughly maintains its weight compared with the Warrior at 11.2 ounces, and players will continue to benefit from the higher power level that this racquet provides, making it an approachable tennis racquet that will appeal to a wide range of players.

Why We Love It

Here are the three main reasons this racquet made our list.

Power
Without a doubt, the Prince Textreme Beast 100’s standout feature is its ability to generate power with ease, which was a standout feature of the frame’s predecessor. On both our serve and groundstrokes, the racquet delivered plenty of pop that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Topspin
Of course, all that power without the ability to generate topspin would make for a challenging racquet to use. However, the Beast 100 doesn’t disappoint in providing players with access to spin, which helped us to control our big groundstrokes and strike the ball with confidence.

Groundstrokes
As far as strokes go, we enjoyed hitting with the Textreme Beast from the baseline. The power level helped us generate significant pace without having to work too hard, and the topspin gave us the confidence to swing through – all while keeping the ball deep in the court.

Tradeoffs

The most significant tradeoff with the Prince Textreme Beast 100 is control relative to the frame’s power level. While the topspin provides players with the ability to manage the power, it can take some getting used to if you’re moving from a control-oriented frame. With that said, we believe this racquet will appeal to beginner to intermediate players.

Prince Textreme Beast 100 Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	6 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.2 oz / 317.51 g
Swingweight	322
Stiffness	67
Beam Width	24mm / 25.5mm / 22mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Prince Textreme Beast 100 Ratings

Serves 8.4

Volleys 7.9

Groundstrokes 8.5

Returns 8.1

Topspin 8.4

Slice 8.0

Power 8.9

Control 8.2

Comfort 8.1

Touch 8.2

Maneuverability 8.4

Stability 8.2

Overall 8.28

Variations of the Textreme Beast

98
O3 98
100
100L
O3 100
O3 104

Players Using or Endorsing the Textreme Beast

John Isner

Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail

The Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail is the second generation of the original best-selling Ultra 100. Designed to appeal to a wide range of players, this lighter 11.3-ounce frame provides players with a forgiving 100-square-inch head and offers easy access to power and topspin.

Similar to the previous model, the upgraded version of the Wilson Ultra 100 maintains the use of Wilson’s parallel drilling technology, which increases the size of the sweet spot and provides a more forgiving stringbed. However, the racquet also features a few updates as well.

First and foremost, the frame integrates Wilson’s Countervail technology, which reduces shock and negative energy on contact with the ball to help decrease muscle fatigue and increase comfort while providing more control and improved response.

Next up, the Ultra 100 Countervail integrates Wilson’s power rib throat, which uses a unique design toward the upper portion of the racquet’s throat that helps increase stability and racquet stiffness for more power.

The throat of the frame also takes advantage of Wilson’s crush zone grommet system for the six center mains. When making contact with the ball, these grommets compress to increase the dwell time of the ball and improve overall feel while returning more energy to the ball to enhance power.

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 plenty of power and topspin.

Why We Love It

Here the top three reasons we love the Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail.

Power
Much of this racquet’s design and feature-set gears toward providing players with the ability to generate maximum power with minimal effort. On the court, that power is prevalent, and it’s by far the racquet’s most distinct feature, which was apparent from our first stroke – especially when paired with the frame’s sizeable sweet spot.

Topspin
We also enjoyed the Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail’s ability to generate topspin. The racquet’s lower 11.2-ounce weight and 320 swingweight make it easy to swing and generate the racquet head speed necessary for topspin. Your swing is then enhanced with the frame’s 100-square-inch head and open 16×19 string pattern, which allows for the strings to move and snap back into place to help make topspin even more effortless.

Groundstrokes
The combination of power and topspin made groundstrokes our favorite stroke with the Ultra 100 Countervail. The frame felt easy to maneuver, and we didn’t have to work too hard to generate pace. Overall, you can expect the frame to deliver a consistent response while at the same time benefiting from a larger sweet spot, which means you’ll get a bit more out of your off-center shots.

Tradeoffs

While the increased power potential may be desirable for some players, it may leave other players longing for control. During our playtest, we found this to be more apparent when we looked to be aggressive with our shots. Ultimately, it forced us to be a bit more conservative and aim for larger targets to keep the ball in play.

Another point to bear in mind is the frame’s higher stiffness rating of 74. While Wilson’s use of Countervail carbon technology certainly helps increase comfort by reducing shock, some players may find it also results in a slightly muted or disconnected feel when combined with the crush grommets.

Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail Specs

Head Size	100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	4 points HL
Weight (strung)	11.2 oz / 317.51 g
Swingweight	320
Stiffness	74
Beam Width	23mm / 26.5mm / 22.5mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail Ratings

Serves 8.4

Volleys 8.2

Groundstrokes 8.5

Returns 8.3

Topspin 8.5

Slice 8.0

Power 8.6

Control 7.8

Comfort 8.0

Touch 7.9

Maneuverability 8.5

Stability 8.2

Overall 8.24

Variations of the Wilson Ultra

95 Countervail
100 Countervail
100L
110
Team

Players Using or Endorsing the Wilson Ultra

Kei Nishikori
Borna Coric
Feliciano Lopez
Madison Keys
Kristina Mladenovic
Victoria Azarenka
Lucie Safarova
Maria Sakkari

Wilson Pro Staff 97L

A new addition to our list in 2020, the Wilson Pro Staff 97L is a lightweight departure from the popular Wilson Pro Staff RF97 with a lean toward the intermediate player that is looking for a more maneuverable racquet.

The big change with this update is Wilson’s removal of Countervail, a special carbon fiber intended to reduce shock, which results in a slightly firmer feel and, in turn, a hint more power. This technology is still present in the Wilson Pro Staff 97L Countervail and a worthy option to consider if you like what you read about this racquet.

As the name suggests, the Pro Staff 97L has a smaller 97-square-inch head size and weighs in at only 10.8 ounces compared with its heftier 12.6-ounce brother, the RF97, which makes it a considerably more approachable racquet for a wide range of players.

This frame also comes with a 16×19 string pattern, which combined with a 97-square-inch head, doesn’t allow for maximum topspin but instead will help provide players with more control around the court.

The racquet also features a 23 mm beam all the way around, which helps give the racquet a bit more pop without reducing control.

All in all, the Wilson Pro Staff 97L is a great choice for players who like the style and feel of a Pro Staff but are looking for something lighter, faster, and has some extra power without being overbearing.

Why We Love It

Here’s the top three reasons we enjoyed playing with the Pro Staff 97L.

Control
There’s no doubt this tennis racquet is a member of the Pro Staff lineup delivering precision and control throughout the court. From the baseline, we felt the racquet was easy to maneuver, and while it’s lighter than the RF97, it still felt stable and allowed us to direct the ball with confidence.

Touch & Feel
Along with its great control, we also felt very connected to the ball when hitting with the Wilson Pro Staff 97L. It gave us that extra bit of confidence to drive the ball accurately, move forward, and take control at the net to close out points. On our serve, it also felt less sporadic, but it still had plenty of pop to hit with pace and keep our opponent on their toes.

Maneuverability
Even with their heavier strung weight, Pro Staff models always have that sense of maneuverability with a head light balance. However, the Pro Staff 97L maintains a 3 point head light balance but sheds a bunch of weight. The result is a surprising level of maneuverability that helps increase racquet head speed and helped us find our topspin despite it not being a racquet that emphasizes spin.

Tradeoffs

As we played with this racquet, we felt the biggest tradeoffs were topspin and power. Of course, based on the racquet specs, it wasn’t a big surprise, but it’s likely going to cater to players who aren’t looking for all-out topspin and are comfortable generating pace on their own.

Wilson Pro Staff 97L Specs

Head Size	97 in² / 625.81 cm²
Length	27 in / 68.58 cm
Balance	3 points HL
Weight (strung)	10.8 oz / 306 g
Swingweight	315
Stiffness	70
Beam Width	23mm / 23mm / 23mm
String Pattern	16 Main / 19 Cross

Wilson Pro Staff 97L Ratings

Serves 8.1

Volleys 8.5

Groundstrokes 8.2

Returns 7.9

Topspin 8.8

Slice 8.1

Power 7.7

Control 8.9

Comfort 8.1

Touch 7.8

Maneuverability 8.2

Stability 8.1

Overall 8.2

Variations of the Wilson Pro Staff

RF97 Autograph Black/White Racquet
97 Countervail
97 Countervail Black
97L
97L Countervail Black
97 Black
Team

Players Using or Endorsing the Wilson Pro Staff

Roger Federer
Roberto Bautista Agut
Juan Martin del Potro
Grigor Dimitrov
Kyle Edmund
Philipp Kohlschreiber
Reilly Opelka

Conclusion

There you have it! Our list of the 23 best tennis racquets for 2020 – updated from our reviews in 2019. If you’ve enjoyed this article, we encourage you to bookmark it and share it with your friends, family, and teammates who might find it useful.

We’ll update and refresh this content every year to take into consideration the latest and greatest tennis racquets top racquet brands are releasing.

Have a question about the tennis racquets on our list or want to recommend another frame for our community to check out? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Home > Gear > Racquets > Best Tennis Racquets 2020

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