It can be challenging to find the best tennis racquet at times since there are so many sizes to choose from, each serving a different purpose depending on your experience level.
For example, Wilson recommends an "oversized" racquet for a beginner as the larger head should help generate power. However, more experienced players may look toward racquets with smaller heads for a little more control.
Taking this into account, we've put together a list of our top picks based on price, reviews, and any features that set these racquets apart from the competition, no matter your experience level.
Whether you're after something relatively inexpensive, like this HEAD Ti. Reward, to get you started, or you're looking for something designed for experienced players, like this YONEX VCORE 95, then we've got you covered right here.
Stick around as well because we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding racquets to help you come to an informed decision on which will be best for your playstyle. Before that though, here's our list of top tennis racquets...
Best tennis racquet
click to enlarge1. HEAD MicroGel Radical MP
Best all-round tennis racquet
If you're looking for a well-rounded racquet to take your game to the next level, then this HEAD Microgel Radical could be your answer.
It features HEAD's MicroGel technology which, upon impact, uniformly distributes the energy around the frame to help provide a rock-solid feel in the palm of your hand.
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Moreover, its graphite composite construction has been designed to further absorb shock upon impact, giving you more control over the racquet which is ideal when playing close to the net.
All in all, the HEAD Microgel Radical looks to be a good all-rounder that has all the tools needed to give you the edge on the court.
click to enlarge2. Wilson Triad Five
Best tennis racquet for beginners
As a beginner though, it's often recommended to go for something a little lighter like this Wilson Triad Five racquet.
Wilson boasts that by concentrating the weight into the head rather than the handle, you should be able to generate more pace despite the racquet's light and arm-friendly weight.
Read More: How to regrip a tennis racquet
Furthermore, the racquet features Wilson's Iso-Zorb technology which serves as a buffer between the hoop and the handle to help isolate shock to improve comfort and control.
It's also worth noting that Wilson also recommends its Triad Five for beginners, so we believe it's definitely one to consider and a worthy addition to our list.
click to enlarge3. Babolat Pure Strike
Best tennis racquet for power
As its name suggests, the Babolat Pure Strike has been designed to give aggressive shot-makers and hard hitters more control when pushing for points.
This is, in part, due to the racquet's latest generation of the pure feel technology known as C² Pure Feel, which has been engineered to filter vibrations for a more solid connection.
This is then helped by its Control Frame which is said to give the stability of a square beam with the dynamism of an elliptic beam structure, helping you maintain control even during your most powerful of shots.
Ultimately, the Babolat Pure Strike looks to be an advanced bit of kit built to maximise your power potential, so is certainly one to check out if you're looking for a new racquet.
click to enlarge4. YONEX VCORE 95
Best tennis racquet for spin
YONEX is one of the biggest brands in the tennis space, and its VCORE 95 looks to be a standout example of its expertise.
It comes with what YONEX calls ISOMETRICTM which has been engineered to increase the size of the sweet spot for greater control which, in turn, should give you confidence when attempting to add some spin.
Moreover, you get several grooves known as Aero Trenches that have been designed to reduce drag to help you achieve faster head speeds for increased spin potential.
As a result, this particular tennis racquet looks to be a great pick if you're a spin expert or simply trying to add more spin to your game.
click to enlarge5. HEAD Ti. Reward
Best budget tennis racquet
Tennis racquets can be costly to buy; however, the HEAD Ti. Reward seems to offer a lot for a relatively inexpensive price thanks to HEAD's impressive engineering.
It features a Nano Titanium build to keep the weight down plus a Contour Cushion Grip that aims to add lasting comfort.
Not only that, but with its "oversized" head, this racquet looks to be a suitable option if you're new to tennis and simply looking for something relatively inexpensive to test the waters.
With its lower price tag and advanced build, we feel the HEAD Ti. Reward is definitely one to check out if you're after something a little cheaper to get you started.
Frequently asked questions about tennis racquets
With so many tennis racquets available, you may have a few questions about what makes each of them stand out. Don't worry though because we've answered some of the most common queries right here.
What size tennis racquet should you get?
According to Wilson, the answer to this question depends on your experience level.
As a beginner, it's widely recommended you opt for a lighter racquet with a larger head. These are often known as "oversized" racquets and usually feature 105" or larger heads.
As you begin to gain experience, then it may be worth considering going for something slightly heavier with a smaller head size to improve your control over the racquet.
"Mid-plus" racquets tend to be the perfect middle-ground for players with some experience, but not enough to make the full jump to "mid-size".
How do you regrip a tennis racquet?
Begin by removing the rubber collar then unwrap your old grip and wipe away any residue before applying the new one.
Next, unravel your new grip and remove the sticky backing. Starting at the butt of your racquet, wind the grip around your handle, making sure you slightly overlap with the previous spiral to ensure you don't leave any gaps.
When you reach the top, simply cut away the excess, add the finishing tape and your rubber collar to hold it in place, and your racquet should be good to go.
What size grip do you need for your tennis racquet?
Grip size is another important facet to consider when choosing the perfect tennis racquet because going for one that's too small can cause you to overcompensate by using your arm muscles to keep the racquet in place.
To determine what size is right for you, use a ruler or tape to measure from the bottom lateral crease on the palm of your hand to the tip of your ring finger.
Match this measurement, which in adults is usually around 4", to the size of the grip. If you're in doubt, it's often recommended to go for a smaller size.
How much should you spend on a tennis racquet?
The amount you should spend on a tennis racquet depends on various factors such as your skill level, playing style, and budget.
If you are a beginner or an intermediate player, you may want to look at the budget to mid-range options to start with. These racquets are typically lightweight and have a larger sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball. As you improve your skills, you may want to invest in a higher-quality racquet that can provide more control and power.
For advanced players, a high-end tennis racquet can cost well into triple digits. These racquets are designed for professional players and offer advanced features such as a more aerodynamic frame, a smaller sweet spot, and a higher level of control and power.
Ultimately, the amount you should spend on a tennis racquet will depend on your personal preferences and budget. It is important to try out different racquets before making a purchase to ensure that you find one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
When should you replace your tennis racquet?
An obvious way to tell if you need to replace your tennis racquet is if you notice any visible cracks in the frame.
However, you may still need a new one if you begin to notice a drop-off in performance. This is most likely due to the graphite fibres and resin bending and loosening to the point where your racquet loses its stiffness.
Restringing your racquet is one way to extend its lifespan, but the process can actually lead to the frame deforming at times. That said, check out our guide on stringing a tennis racquet if you're interested in giving it a try.
Ultimately, there's no set rule as to when you need to replace your racquet. However, USTA has found that generally speaking, you'll need a new racquet every two years if you play two or more times a week consistently.
What do the mass and swing weight of a tennis racquet mean?
Mass is often referred to as the strung weight or stationary weight of a racquet, i.e. the total weight of the racquet when strung and laying still.
The swing weight of the racquet then refers to how heavy the racquet feels when you swing it.
Generally speaking, the more weight added to the head of the racquet, the higher the swing weight will be, and vice versa.