Without wanting it to sound too much like a clickbait article, I wanted to list my top ten tennis racquets right now since a lot of people have asked for it. I’ve tried to separate them into categories that make sense and with relevant links to my reviews.
In the jungle of tennis racquets that are released yearly, can you really make a list with the Top Ten Tennis Racquets Right Now? Well, I will try. A racquet is a very personal thing and the idea is for the racquet to become an extension of your arm. I would say finding that “holy grail” is the key quest for us tennis nerds. After testing hundreds of racquets and strings over the years, I hope I’ve managed to understand what racquet suits a certain player and what doesn’t.
If you’re interested in what racquets pro players such as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic use, click this link or browse the pro player racquet category. If you want some more guidance in choosing the right racquet, check the links at the bottom of this article.
Top Ten Tennis Racquets Right Now – Power racquets for beginners, intermediate players and up
You can’t create a list with the top ten tennis racquets right now without starting with the category of easy-to-use racquets for a wide group of players. These racquets can suit pretty much anyone, from beginners to advanced players. If you need more weight on your racquet, you can always buy a roll of lead tape
(Amazon link) and customize the racquet yourself (link to a self-help article on How To Customize a Tennis Racquet).
What power racquets help you with is to get a bit more easy power and spin on your shots in case your footwork is not top notch (beginners to intermediate) or you hit with a good amount of topspin (active juniors and more advanced players). These racquets offer a bigger sweet spot and are generally easier to use.
Babolat Pure Aero – the racquet endorsed by Rafael Nadal
Rafa endorses this racquet and uses the first version of the Babolat Aero Pro Drive Original that came out in 2005. You can read about the actual racquet of Rafael Nadal here. The latest version of the Babolat APD, called Babolat Pure Aero was just released and is a great weapon for the baseline player who wants a bit of extra spin and power on their shots. It is quite easy to use and looks striking in its yellow and black color.
- Read my Babolat Pure Aero 2019 Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Buy the Babolat Pure Aero 2019 on Amazon
(affiliate link)
(affiliate link)Wilson Clash – labeled as the “Racquet revolution”
I was fortunate to test the Prototype edition of the Wilson Clash and I was impressed by its plush feel, yet that it still gave decent power and spin for its weight and stiffness. A very versatile racquet with quite a unique feel. Pro player Nicole Gibbs has already switched to this racquet and I think we will see upcoming juniors enjoying the plush and controlled feel,
- Read my Wilson Clash Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Buy the Wilson Clash on Amazon (affiliate link)
(affiliate link)HEAD Graphene 360 Extreme MP or Pro
German pro player Jan-Lennard Struff endorses this powerhouse of a racquet that reminds me of the Babolat Pure Aero. If you go with the Pro version you get a high swing weight that really blasts the ball to the other side of the court. This racquet is really a WEAPON. Sometimes I find the ball hard to control, but when I put enough spin on it, it was quite intoxicating to play with.
- Read my HEAD Graphene 360 Extreme Pro review (includes a video review).
- Buy the HEAD Graphene 360 Extreme Pro (affiliate link)
Donnay Formula Hexacore 100
If you are looking for a more comfortable racquet than the HEAD Extreme or Pure Aero, you should check out the Donnay Hexacore Formula 100. This racquet is easy to use and offers a really nice plush feel and still decent power and spin. I was surprisingly impressed by this play-test.
- Donnay Formula 100 Hexacore Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Donnay Tennis official website
Top Ten Tennis Racquets Right Now – Tweener racquets for intermediate to advanced players
So what is a tweener racquet? Well, it is not quite a power racquet and not quite a control racquet, but something in-between. Hence the word “tweener”. Here you will usually find slightly heavier and slightly less powerful racquets than the category above.
Prince Beast 98
A tweener racquet should do everything pretty well and that is the case with the Prince Beast 98. A llarge and forgiving sweet spot, decent power, decent spin, good control, swings pretty fast, etc. Just a really nice and versatile racquet.
- Prince Beast 98 Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Buy the Prince Beast 98 (Amazon affiliate link)
Tecnifibre Tfight XTC 305
A racquet that is said to be used by Jeremy Chardy. Although a lot of pro’s play with pro stock racquets and heavily customized frames, the swing weight of the Tecnifibre Tfight XTC 305 makes the statement possible. A really nice and stable frame with crisp but not uncomfortable feel. I simply love the 18×19 string pattern as a good blend between spin and control.
- Tecnifibre Tfight XTC 305 Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Buy the Tecnifibre Tfight XTC 305 (Amazon affiliate link)
Diadem Elevate
Some smaller brands are popping up and challenging the top dogs! Diadem is one of them. They have not created a lot of frames yet, but the Diadem Elevate is sure to suit a lot of players. Nice control and good spin from the 16×20 string pattern. Just a solid, all-round frame that is also available in a heavier Tour version.
- Diadem Elevate Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Diadem official website
Top Ten Tennis Racquets Right Now – Control-oriented racquet for advanced players
If you are an advanced player you are probably looking for control and feel. You don’t mind adding some lead tape to get the weight and balance you need and you don’t need any extra power or spin to work with.
Angell K7 Lime
Angell is another small brand that creates stellar products, such as their custom line of racquets. I loved the Angell K7 Red when it came out as it gave a great blend of spin, control, and comfort, but personally, I like a heavier spec. So I was very impressed when Angell released the K7 Lime with a tighter string pattern and heavier weight.
- Angell K7 Lime Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Angell K7 Red Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Buy Angell racquets (link to official website)
Pacific X Tour Pro 97
Pacific bought the classic Fischer racquet molds some year back and are now branding them as Pacific racquets. This was a good idea. Fischer created some really classic racquets with amazing feel and this is still present in their re-launched racquets. I fell in love with the Pacific X Tour Pro 97 and really appreciate its control and feel when you hit the sweet spot.
- Pacific X Tour Pro 97 Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Buy the Pacific X Tour Pro 97 on Amazon (affiliate link)
on Amazon (affiliate link)Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour
Dunlop is a classic brand that has been bought by Japanese company Srixon and relaunched a new line of racquets called CX. I play-tested the Tour versions called the Dunlop CX 200 Tour in both 18×20 and 16×19 string patterns and they were simply outstanding control racquets. If you are open to smaller head sizes you really need to test the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour.
- Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour 18×20 Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour 16×19 Racquet Review (includes a video review)
- Buy Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour on Amazon (affiliate link)
Yonex VCORE 95
I can’t have a list of top ten tennis racquets right now without mentioning Yonex. They do create a lot of nice racquets and the VCORE 95 is an excellent players’ frame that has a bit of extra pop and spin compared to many other 95 sq inch racquets.
- Yonex VCORE 95 Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Buy the Yonex VCORE 95 on Amazon
on AmazonPrince Phantom Pro 93P
I had to mention this midsize players’ frame that has a lovely response from its ultra-thin beam and 93 sq inch head size. It plays more like a 95 sq inch racquet thanks to the round head shape so players looking for a racquet packed with control and feel and are not scared away by the smaller head size should give this one a go! Now it is also available in a control-oriented 18×20 pattern and a spin-friendly 14×18 string pattern.
- Prince Phantom Pro 93 P Racquet Review (includes a video review).
- Buy the Prince Phantom Pro 93 P on Amazon
***
Okay, that was not really “Top Ten Racquets”, but more like Top 12 racquets…However, there are so many good tennis racquets on the market right now it was hard to limit it to ten! This is a good thing of course. No matter what, I hope this post about my Top Ten Tennis Racquets Right Now gives you an idea of what your next racquet could be. If you can’t test or demo racquets in your location, you can always buy one racquet (new or used) and then sell it used without losing too much money. What works for one player, might not work for you, but be patient and test each racquet for a week or two (depending on how much you play of course) before you decide whether it could be your next match racquet.
Good luck on finding that “extension of your arm” and keep working on your tennis game!
Tennis greetings from Tennisnerd (Jonas)
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24 comments
I hope to see your Clash Tour review. I am holding back purchasing. I came from a Wilson ps Rok but find that I need something with a little more power now.
Keep up the good work
Hi Will,
Yes, I am waiting for it as we speak. Hopefully it turns up soon! Cheers / Jonas
Where is 93P ?
I forgot about it. Then I HAD to add it :)
I like my Radical MP and PRO.
Nothing wrong with those racquets!
No Wilson ultra tour?
Good point. Forgot about that one. Belongs on the list somewhere…
Hello,
I am wondering what recommendation you have for an average size 11 year old boy playing with a one handed backhand. It’s time to transition to an adult racquet this summer and would like to have some choices to try out. He’s not a power player (yet!) and has been playing with a Yonex Ezone 26 (Junior) – Green with Kirschbaum strings. He likes to play with spin and good volleyer. Recently we customized with some tungsten tape in the handle. Would LOVE some recommendations for him to try as asap.
Hi Kasia,
Nice to hear that he uses a one-handed backhand! I think a racquet just below 300 grams unstrung can work really well for him.
I think the new Wilson Clash could suit him well. It is arm-friendly, 295 grams unstrung and quite head-light. It is very spin-friendly too.
If he wants something with a smaller head size he could try the Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV Light, that is a nice racquet for more control.
Hope he finds something he likes and good luck to you and him and his tennis progress!
Regards / Jonas
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Thank you Jonas ! We will try to find some demos before summertime – I really appreciate your reply ! The road is steep and hard with a one handed backhand at this age – but it was his choice – he’s on the court not me? Great blog. Happy to have found you- Cheers. Kasia
Hello,
I have a Babolat Pure Strike Tour at the moment (the older black and orange model) and even though I like it, I am looking for a racket that offers more feel and control. I have been looking at two rackets that are on this list for a while, the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour and the Prince Phantom 93p Pro. I am also interested in the Angell TC95 (18×20).
Which one would you recommend?
As a clarification with “feel” I mean that I want to know exactly what’s happening on the stringbed, not comfort.
Hi Devi,
Good list of racquets. You will be fully connected with all the racquets you mention. I loved all three of them, so you will be fine either/or. If you could test before buying that would be great. Various pros:
Angell TC 95 – you can choose your own specs
Prince Phantom 93P – The most stable out of the box, smaller but precise sweet spot
Dunlop CX 200 Tour – Probably the most versatile of the three, but I felt it required a bit of lead in the hoop.
Hope this helps. Cheers / Jonas
PS. If you feel like my advice is really useful, please consider becoming a patron for $2 or more at patreon.com/tennisnerd .
You will get unique content and an often updated blog as a bonus. DS.
Hi Jonas,
To someone looking to replace his Yonex DR98s with something a tad more powerful and forgiving (I’m about to hit the big 4-0), would you recommend the Beast 98 or the Elevate 98, or are these interchangeable and should I finally cross that bridge into proper tweener territory, where once accomplished tennis players shuffle to spend their twilight years ;-)?
Thanks, I’m a big fan!
J
Hi Jay,
The DR 98 and Beast/Elevate 98 are quite similar in power level and playability. I would recommend trying a 100 sq inch frame, this is what I find myself leaning on more and more these days. A few ideas:
HEAD Graphene 360 Extreme Pro – POWER and SPIN
Wilson Clash or Clash Tour – Not as much power, but better comfort.
Babolat Pure Aero – Similar to the Extreme Pro, a bit less power.
Hope you find a racquet that works for your game!
Cheers / Jonas
PS. If you feel like my advice is really useful, please consider becoming a patron for $2 or more at patreon.com/tennisnerd .
You will get unique content and an often updated blog as a bonus. DS.
Hi,
thanks for your review! I’m looking for a heavy, arm friendly racquet. Have already Wilson Pro Staff Roger Federer Autograph and could not find a better one. Just the head is a little bit too small for me. Babolat Pure Aero Tour goes better, but it gives me aches in the hands. Is there some other possibility? Because I wanted a Wilson Pro Staff Roger Federer Autograph, but with 100inch2 headsize. Is there something heavy with high swingwight and 100inch2 head?
kind regards
Lydia
Hi Lydia,
I think you should try the Wilson Clash Tour. It’s a comfortable racquet, plays stable in stock form and really fun to use…
Cheers / Jonas
Good night jonas, how are you? I’m always following your posts and the racket I chose for me was the CX 200 tour 18×20, which I can safely say was the best racket I’ve ever had. any suggestions of strings to use in this racket? I like alu power, but is very expensive in my country
Hi Arthur,
That is nice to hear! I really liked hybrids in this racquet.
I used Prince Premier Touch (you can use whatever I like, but I prefer synthetic gut) in the mains and RS Lyon in the crosses (cheaper). Plays really nice. MSV strings are also a good budget option. You can use their Soft Touch string in the mains and MSV Go Max in the crosses for example.
Good luck / J
Hi Jonas…like you I’m struggling with TE….there is a substance called BPC 157 that I saw on youtube that guys were claiming cleared up their inflammation on the elbow…..It’s an injected substance but I am about to give it a try….I wish some of our star players who have this problem(Joker,Nishi, Anderson) would share their off court therapies…..You might do well to give voice to this scourge of the game( I just heard you do that on your last video!)…..thanks for giving a voice to our problem….My recent encounter with poly seemed to aggravate my case….So I’m back to full bed Mantis Comfort and am playing a bit
Hi Mike,
Interesting with the substance. Right now massages and shockwave therapy seem to alleviate the issues, but I need more time on it.
Stay away from poly and make sure you get proper rest and treatment before you go back to tennis a hundred percent!
Good luck / Jonas
Hi, Jonas.
I’m looking for a new racket. Now, I’m using Wilson BLX six one 95 (18×20 – 332g) with Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.23 mains 50lb and Head Rip Control 1.30 crosses 48 lb and I love this racket, but I’ve been struggling to deal with this weight (332g) because I’m not practicing regularly currently. However, when I’m training and working out at the gym, this racket is perfect.
I’m looking for a similar, but lighter, racket. I’m interested in Dunlop srixon CX200 18×20. Would you have any other suggestions?
Hi Fernando,
I offer a racquet and string recommendation service that has become very popular if you are interested in more detailed advice.
I do think you would be happy with the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour or the Yonex VCORE 95.
Cheers / J
Hi , Jonas,
How about Head Prestige, Graphite Pro/Tour or Speed Pro? How do they rank with your top 10
above?