Doubles is a different sport in many ways than singles, so you might need to consider it a different category of racquets.
Why? You hit fewer balls, many of them at the net, and you need faster reactions, shorter swings, and an ability to read the game.
In my experience, the best racquets for doubles for most players are powerful racquets that are easy to maneuver.
These are some of the key characteristics of doubles racquets:
- Large sweet spot
- Maneuverable
- Stiff
Using a heavy racquet with a small head size will rarely help your doubles game. A forgiving sweet spot and good stability is important because you need to react fast. You will hit plenty of balls off-center. You need good maneuverability but still a racquet that can handle the incoming pace.
That’s why my doubles recommendations mimic that of power racquets. A lighter, stiffer racquet with decent control will help you on shorter swings and when you need to be fast around the net.
Sure, if you play plenty of doubles on clay, you might want a racquet with some extra spin potential, so you can go for a lighter spin racquet too. The most important part is to go for a generous sweet spot and a racquet with a maneuverable swing weight. High swing weights can be too demanding for doubles play.
Beginners to intermediate players who mainly play doubles
One simple way to address this, is to go for the same category of racquet as the intermediate to advanced players but a lighter model. For example, a Team or Light version of the racquets I recommend for the higher category player.
If you’re relatively new to the sport and mostly play doubles, a beginner-style, game-improvement racquet can help.
However, since you need to volley, oversized and extended frames can make you lose a little precision and maneuverability, which is why I think a powerful 100 sq inch racquet is the way to go.
But! If you want maximum power and help, below are some models that do the job.
Regarding strings for beginners to lower-level-intermediates: Players that use this type of frame should not use a polyester string, in my opinion. Go for a thicker multifilament string strung at around 55-57 lbs. See my string recommendations for ideas.
Dunlop LX 800. A powerhouse of a racquet. Place it towards the ball and see it rocket out from the string bed.
Wilson Ultra 108 V4. The new generation of Ultras offers better comfort and feel than V3.
HEAD Instinct PWR 110. Excellent power on serves thanks to large head size and extended length.
Babolat EVO Drive. This frame gives you lots of power and spin (16×17 pattern) for free.
Intermediate to advanced
Here are some popular and balanced power racquets you can consider if you want maximum power on the strokes without compromising too much on control.
Yonex Ezone 100
A nicely muted response, easy to use, good power level and large sweet spot. The Ezone hits a flatter ball, the VCORE is better for spin, so both racquets work for doubles. I find the precision on volleys to be a bit better with the Ezone. Yonex Ezone 100 Review.
String recommendations:
Power&feel – Yonex Rexis Speed or gut 1.30 mains @54 lbs (24.5 kg) / Yonex Poly Tour Strike 1.25 crosses @50 lbs (22.5 kg)
Control – Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25 @51 lbs (23 kg)
Spin – Yonex Poly Tour Rev 1.25 @47 lbs (21 kg)
Babolat Pure Aero
Same here as with the Ezone vs. VCORE. The AERO has a higher launch angle, but thanks to the denser pattern of the new version, it would be my pick at the net over the Pure Drive. It’s also softer on the arm. But both do the job at the net. Check out our Babolat Pure Aero Review.
String recommendations:
Power&feel – Babolat Xcel 1.30 @55 lbs (25 kg) mains, Babolat RPM Power 1.25 @52 lbs (22.5 kg) crosses
Control – Babolat RPM Blast 1.25 @51 lbs (23 kg)
Spin – Babolat RPM Blast Rough 1.25 @49 lbs (22 kg)
HEAD Extreme MP 2022
The Instinct is also a good choice. Similar power on that one and lighter to swing. But the Extreme with the denser pattern, volleys really well. If your style is more flat, go Instinct. If you like a little lift on the ball, go Extreme. Here is our HEAD Extreme MP Review.
String recommendations:
Power&feel – HEAD Velocity 1.30 or natural gut @55 lbs (25 kg) mains, HEAD Hawk Touch 1.25 @52 lbs (23.5 kg) crosses
Control – HEAD Hawk 1.25 @51 lbs (23 kg)
Spin – HEAD Lynx Tour 1.25 @48 lbs (21.5 kg)
Dunlop FX 500
As with the other categories, the CX 300 should be mentioned. Here it’s important to go for the latest version (2022) as that is easier to swing. High swing weights are not ideal for doubles. Easy-to-swing, has good power, and a pretty dense pattern in the center for better directional control on flat shots. A bit stiff, but with the right string, it’s a nice stick. Our Dunlop FX 500 Review.
String recommendations:
Power&feel – Dunlop Iconic Speed 1.30 (or natural gut) @55 lbs (25 kg) mains, Dunlop Explosive Tour 1.25 @52 lbs (23.5 kg) crosses
Control – Dunlop Explosive Speed @50 lbs (22.5 kg)
Spin – Dunlop Explosive Bite 1.25 @48 lbs (21.5 kg)
Prince Twistpower X100
This racquet looks like a gimmick with its twisted beam, but it actually hits a nice ball. It’s a bit more spin-oriented than the racquets above, but an interesting choice with lower stiffness. My review.
String recommendations:
Power&feel – Prince Premier Control 1.30 @55 lbs (25 kg) mains, Prince Tour XP 1.25 @52 lbs (22.5 kg) crosses
Control – Prince Problend or Prince Diablo Prism @51 lbs (23 kg)
Spin – Prince Vortex 1.25 @50 lbs (22.5 kg)
Diadem Nova FS 100
A smaller brand that has made strides in recent years. The Nova FS 100 is an excellent power frame with an above-average feel for the category. My review.
String recommendations:
Power&feel – Diadem Evolution 1.35 @55 lbs (25 kg) mains, Diadem Flash 1.25 @52 lbs (22.5 kg) crosses
Control – Diadem Pro X @52 lbs (23.5 kg)
Spin – Diadem Solstice 1.25 @50 lbs (22.5 kg)
