On this page, we cover the top tennis gear right now, according to us. A subjective list that is always subject to change. We feature our favorite tennis racquets, strings, shoes, grips and tools. We aim to update this page often so check back. We also want to hear your opinions in the comments below.
Our top tennis racquets right now
The most fun product to review for a tennis nerd is a new tennis racquet. This list covers are favorite racquets currently on the market. As you know, new racquets are released all the time and at the moment we are awaiting the new HEAD Extreme racquets.
Prince Phantom 100X 305
We enjoyed all the new Prince Phantom racquets, but this one was the winner in terms of playability and feel. A user-friendly control racquet with a larger head and spin-friendly pattern.
Want to buy the Prince Phantom?
Get great prices for new racquets at Tennis Warehouse!
Want to buy the Prince Phantom?
Get a 10% discount if you use the code TNERD10 at Tennis Warehouse Europe!
Get a great price at Tennis Warehouse Europe. You can purchase the racquet there with a 10% discount if you use the code TNERD10. This discount applies to all products except for Asics and heavily discounted gear.
Want to buy the Prince Phantom?
Get great prices for new racquets at Tennis Only (AU)!
Check out our Prince Phantom Review.
HEAD Boom Pro
HEAD have so many 98 sq inch racquets, that it is difficult to choose between models like the HEAD Prestige Pro 16/19, HEAD Radical MP, HEAD Extreme Tour and HEAD Boom Pro. In the end, the Boom Pro gives you the most forgiveness and power, so we will go for that one. But the new Extreme Tour might push this one aside, time will tell.
The Boom Pro is a control racquet with a bit more power and spin than frames like Blades and Radicals. You can buy it from our friends at Tennis Warehouse (USA), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE code TNERD10 for 10% off), or Tennis Only (AU).
Wilson Blade 100 V9
The 100 sq inch control racquets are getting stronger in the market. Not going all the way to power or spin, but trying to keep a more balanced approach is the way to go for many, many players. The Wilson Blade 100 V9 is a more forgiving option of the legendary Blade 98. Excellent feel but still possesses decent power and spin. Check out our Wilson Blade 100 V9 review.
Purchase it at Tennis Warehouse (USA), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), or Tennis Only (AU) or order it from Amazon.com.
Babolat Pure Aero 98
A spin monster with better control than most racquets in the category. Just ask Alcaraz, Rune or Fils if it is any good ;) It has a surprising amount of power and spin for a 98 sq inch head, but it works best for players with rapid racquet head speed. Check out our Babolat Pure Aero 98 Review.
Interested in the Babolat Pure Aero 98? Get it from Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com
Yonex Ezone 100
Our favorite pure power racquet with a denser string bed for more directional control. Newer Yonex racquets have a dampened feels which make them more comfortably than the stiffness rating might suggest, but not everyone enjoys a muted response. You can check out our Yonex Ezone 100 review.
You can buy it from our recommended shops, Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
Which racquet is your favorite right now and did we miss any?
Interested in buying any of these racquets?
Get great prices for new racquets at Tennis Warehouse!
Interested in buying any of these racquets?
Get a 10% discount if you use the code TNERD10 at Tennis Warehouse!
Check out all racquets from Tennis Warehouse Europe. You can purchase them there with a 10% discount if you use the code TNERD10. This discount applies to all products except for Asics and heavily discounted gear.
Interested in buying any of these racquets?
Get great prices for new racquets over at Tennis Only (AU)!
Top Tennis Strings Right Now
There is a jungle of tennis strings out there. So many brands and offerings are on the scene that your head starts spinning faster than the tennis ball you are trying to hit. We tried many, many strings on the market, and these are our best tennis strings right now in 2024. Let me know yours in the comments.
Toroline Super Toro
This has become a mainstay in our string inventory. A spin-oriented string that is relatively soft on the arm. Good snapback, decent tension maintenance, and a “grabby” feel. This can help to add some bite to denser-pattern racquets. You can check out our Toroline strings review. We also write about their unique Toroline Omakase program, which provides you with a custom poly/poly hybrid based on your game.
Best of all, we have set up a 20% discount on all Toroline strings, if you use the code TENNISNERD during checkout.
Solinco Confidential
When we first tried Solinco Confidential, we weren’t a 100% convinced, but after a few more hours we couldn’t help but smile at the excellent control and bite you get on the ball. We liked the thinner, 1.20 gauge the best and were impressed by the tension maintenance. Check out our Solinco Confidential review.
You can buy it from our friends over at Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
Luxilon 4G
You see this all over the ATP and WTA Tours. Luxilon 4G is a legendary string, stiff, but at the same time responsive and excellent at lower tensions. Check out our Luxilon 4G review.
Check it out more or purchase it at Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
HEAD Velocity MLT (multifilament)
If you have a very sensitive arm, using a multifilament string is a good idea. Tecnifibre X-One Bi-Phase is brilliant for more power and feel, but for more control, we like HEAD Velocity MLT. It is an excellent budget-friendly multifilament that can save your sore elbow.
Available at Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
Nordic Dots TS 1.27
Nordic Dots is a new brand on the tennis gear market. We have used their apparel for years and been very happy with them, so it is not surprising that they have released high-quality strings. Their TS 1.27 is their top-spin focused string, which is relatively comfortable, spin-oriented, and offers good ball pocketing. We are currently working on our review of the Nordic Dots TS 1.27 string, coming soon on YouTube and this website.
You can get 15% discount on all Nordic Dots items if you use the code TENNISNERD15.
What is your favorite string, and do you feel we missed a gem on the list above? Let us know in the comments.
Need new strings?
Get great prices for new strings at Tennis Warehouse!
Need new strings?
Get a 10% discount if you use the code TNERD10 at Tennis Warehouse!
Check out all strings from Tennis Warehouse Europe. You can purchase them there with a 10% discount if you use the code TNERD10. This discount applies to all products except for Asics and heavily discounted gear.
Need new strings?
Get great prices for new strings over at Tennis Only (AU)!
Our top tennis shoes right now
Getting the right tennis shoes depends on several factors, including fit, preference, and budget. Shoes are continuously updated with so-called “face-lift” versions, minor tweaks to previous generations. They usually get a .5 in the generation number. We try to give a you a somewhat varied selection, but these are, obviously, based on our personal preferences.
Nike GP Challenge 1
A quite unique shoe, with more of a running style design and top marks for comfort. Wider fit.
You can purchase it from our friends at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), or Tennis Only or Amazon.com.
Yonex Eclipsion 4
A stable, snug-fitting and well-dampened shoe. We have yet to try the follow-up Eclipsion 5. Tighter fit, especially in the front toe department.
You can buy it from our friends at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only or Amazon.com.
HEAD Revolt Pro 4.5
A roomy, cushioned, stable shoe. My favorite HEAD shoe. Wider fit.
Get the Head Revolt Pro at Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
Wilson Rush Pro 4.0
A fast-feeling, snug-fitting, comfortable shoe. Tighter fit. Now out in a 4.5 version, which Henrik Wallensten has reviewed: Wilson Rush Pro 4.5 Review.
You can buy it from our friends at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only or Amazon.com.
Babolat Propulse Fury 3
Ultimate support, durability, with added comfort compared to previous versions. Very roomy and wide shoe.
Available from our friends at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only or Amazon.com.
Our top tennis bags right now
Finding the right tennis bag is not easy. Most main-brand bags are relatively cheap but come with huge logos and often a pretty generic design. Nowadays there are many niche tennis bags from smaller brands and manufacturers. We try every type of tennis bag on the market and here are some favorites.
ADV Tennis bags
It is of great quality and functionality and has no huge logos. We reviewed the ADV Jetpack Pro here and the backpack here.
You can get the Jetpack Backpack here. Use the code TENNISNERD10 for 10% off.
You can purchase the Jetpack Pro V2 here. Use the code TENNISNERD10 for 10% off.
Geau Sport Bags
The Geau tennis bags are excellent and if you carry a lot of stuff to the court or need a really large bag, you should check out their Axiom 12-racquet bag. Great quality all around, standing up and with internal shelving for better organization.
We review the Geau Sport Axiom here. You can also get it from Tennis Warehouse where it is well-reviewed for a good reason.
The Rocket Bag from Tennis C Williams
This bag is well-thought through, not excessively large, and just does everything well. Looks a bit like a giant cooler bag, but is otherwise great. Check out our The Rocket Bag Review.
Cancha Bags
These bags are something completely different and quite innovative in the tennis space. Using a modular approach, you can add or subtract bags as necessary. Here is our Cancha Voyager review.
You can check out their products on their official website. Use the code TN1022 for 10% off your order.
Babolat Pure Aero Rafa 12 bag
The mainstream racquet brands seem to release racquet bags more as marketing or as an afterthought. However, I was impressed by the sturdiness and material quality of the Babolat Pure Aero Rafa bag.
Get the Rafa bag from Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
Our top tennis balls right now
Tennis balls have been in the spotlight lately, but sadly only for durability and quality control issues. It seems that after Covid some quality inconsistency issues remain, but players are also putting more strain on the balls with how hard they hit, with the popularity of more open string patterns and shaped poly strings.
Wilson Roland Garros Clay
My favorite clay court ball, holds up very well, has a balanced bounce. Not too hard, heavy or soft.
You can buy it easily at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only or Amazon.com.
HEAD Tour XT
I am not a huge fan of regular HEAD Tour, but this one is a favorite and has better durability and feel to me. Ps. HEAD is called PENN in the USA Ds.
DUNLOP Fort All Court
A true legend in the tennis ball game. A little heavier in feel, but great performance and decent durability.
Available at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only or Amazon.com.
Tecnifibre X-One
It’s a lesser-known ball that is a bit livelier than the balls above but arguably better on the arm.
The Tecnifibre X-One is available at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only or Amazon.com.
Slazenger Wimbledon
THE ball if you play on grass. Nice on the arm, good bounce, perfect for the green.
You can get it from our friends at Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
Our top tennis accessories
The best over grips. We want them tacky and we believe the color of the over grip affects the feel and sweat absorption. However, you might want to prefer a dry grip like Tourna grip.
Yonex Super Grap
Tacky, durable, overall awesome.
Check it out at Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
Wilson Pro over grip
Tacky, durable, excellent.
You can buy it at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), or Tennis Only or Amazon.com.
HEAD Prime Tour
Tacky, durable, excellent.
For very sweaty hands and humid conditions, you can check out Tourna Grip.
Tourna Grip
A dry over grip which is great for sweaty hands and humid conditions, but is not the most durable.
See more at Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
The best base grips
If you are going to replace your base grip, you should consider whether you want to go for a thicker, more dampened grip or a thinner one, which is more responsive to feeling the bevels.
Our favorite base grips are:
HEAD Resorb Pro
This grip is on every new HEAD racquet and is just generally an excellent grip. Not too thick, not too thin. Can be played without over grip.
Buy it for good price over at Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), Tennis Only (AU) or Amazon.com.
Karakal PU Super Grip
Andy Murray’s choice of grip. Simply excellent. A bit tackier than Hydrosorb and a tad thicker too. Check it out here.
For comfort, try the Wilson Shock Shield.
Wilson Shock Shield
Look for the word “comfort” on the grip packaging. The Wilson Shock Shield works well to reduce some vibrations.
You can buy it from our friends at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), or even at Amazon.com.
To feel the bevels better and reduce grip size, check out Babolat Syntec Team or Wilson Sublime.
Babolat Syntec Team
Grips like Babolat Syntec Team reduce the grip by half a size.
Purchase it from Tennis Warehouse (US), Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), or Tennis Only (AU).
Leather grips
Another way to feel the bevels well is to add a leather grip, this also increases the weight by a decent margin.
We prefer synthetic grips for comfort and avoiding blisters.
You can check out the selection of leather grips from our friends at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe (USE TNERD10 for 10% off), or Tennis Only.
Our top tennis tools right now
What tools do we use to improve or maintain our gear or fitness?
Training products from Xpand
We use several products from Xpand, which is run by pro player Rob Reynolds. Check out the Kinetic Band, Gravity Belt and Finger tape. Get 10% off using our link. Here is our Xpand Kinetic Band Review. And…What is a gravity belt?
ERT 300 – string tension tester
We check every string job and keep track of when it is time to restring with our ERT 300 string tension tester. You can get the ERT 300 from their official website. Get 10% off using the code TENNISNERD.
Metortune from Metorlab
We use our Metortune device to keep track of racquet swing weight, twist weight and weight. It also comes with excellent software, which helps you match and customize racquets.
You can read more about the Metortune here. Use the code TENNISNERD for €500 off.
Swingvision
Swingvision is an awesome software/app for tracking your shots, practice and match play. Record yourself, have the software cut out all the dead time in between points, and see where you hit each shot and how hard you hit them. It also collects lots of other data from your training sessions and matches. And if you use an Apple Watch, it can even provide remote line-calling.
Get a 45-day free trial of Swingvision Pro here along with a great discount on a Swingvision Pro bundle.
The Saber from Functional Tennis
This is our favorite warm-up tool and just a fun way to work on your timing and skills.
Check out the Saber here, it comes in different weight classes and there is also a Junior Saber that is shorter.
Coachlife – Coaching platform
Coachlife is an interesting coaching platform that will inspire and educate you on how to take your tennis to the next level. You can now get 10% off using the services of Coachlife with the code TENNISNERD10
See our review or check them out on their official website.
Top tennis apparel
We use a little bit of everything and, of course, wear a lot of Tennisnerd Merch and gear when we hit the courts.
But most often we wear Nordic Dots apparel. They make really classy and durable tennis wear. Often cheaper and better than the mainstream brands. Check out Nordic Dots here (they also sell strings, racquets and accessories) and get 15% off with the code TENNISNERD15.
