Best Tennis Racquet Reviews...

If you are looking to buy a tennis racket, the stevegtennis tennis racquets reviews will help you to select the best racket suitable for your game. We have got a wide selection of Wilson, Babolat and Head tennis racquets and thanks to our price comparison, you can choose the best possible offer.

The word Racquet has a long history, and is originally derived from the Arabic ‘rahat al-yad’, which translates loosely as ‘palm of hand’, a fact that you will appreciate if you have ever used a top quality racquet which can feel like an extension of your arm. The Racquet itself is similar to its name in that it has a long history and has developed greatly since its original form.

The earliest tennis racquets were of a wood construction and were strung with animal intestine strings, known as catgut, and up until around 1947 had a flared bottom to the handle known as a ‘bark bottom’.

As time went on however many factors meant that tennis racquets developed and changed. The ‘bark bottom’ named after its inventor was phased out due to being found to be superfluous, leading to straighter more streamlined handles. In the search for less weight and greater ease of swing the material of tennis racquet frames has also developed over time. From the earliest wooden example, racquets have rapidly gone through phases of being composed of steel, aluminium, graphite and now graphite based composites.

Each of these phases provided lighter weight options and allowed manufacturers to experiment with other changes, such as larger head sizes and greater length in the search for ideal tennis racquets. In the most part the natural ‘catgut’ strings have now also been replaced, with the majority of racquets made with nylon, polyamide or other synthetic polymers as they offer greater durability, however some elite players feel that the ‘catgut’ does still provide a better feel to the racquet.

With all of these developments in racquet construction there are now so many variations and differences in racquets that players can and do select racquets that are optimised for their own playing style. Stevegtennis’ tennis racquet reviews are expertly designed to allow you to select the best possible racquet for your own playing style and make sure that you make the most of these developments in tennis racquet technology.

Tennis rackets come in all different shapes and sizes. We have outlined our most recommended and tested tennis rackets by our expert tennis gurus here at Steve G.

Here is our advice when it comes to choosing a Tennis Racket.

Many players wonder how to pick the best tennis racquet that would fit their needs. There is no one simple answer as rackets today are more sophisticated and complex than ever before in history. Designers vary specifications in the rackets thickness, balance, materials and head shape and size affecting the balance, power and precision.

How to choose a tennis racket comes down to knowing yourself as a player and your strengths and weaknesses. We strongly recommend you borrow a racket or ask for a demo racket to make sure you are comfortable with the weight and overall feel of the racket.

When purchasing a tennis racket, these are the main characteristics of the racket you should take into consideration:

• Length – it´s a fact that a longer racquet gives you the ability to produce more powerful shots and it provides more reach on groundstrokes. The racquets we are looking at vary from 27 – 29 inches. Any longer racquets than that are illegal for tournament play. Most of the longer racquets are slightly lighter than the standard lenght racquets, just to keep them maneuverable.

• Head size – the larger the head of the racquet, the more power it provides. It has got a larger sweetspot, but less control than a tennis racquet with a smaller head. The head sizes range from 85 to 135 square inches, although the most common are the ones from 95-110 square inches. Oversize racquets (107 to 125 sq.inches) are more suitable for beginners and smaller size racquets for more advanced players.

• Racquet weight – Impacts power, control and maneuverability of the tennis racket. Weight can vary from 8 ounces (230g) to 12 ounces (340g) unstrung. However, the most common weight of a tennis racquet is 10 (280g) to 12 ounces unstrung. The rule of thumb is that beginners usually play with lighter racquets as the maneuverability is slightly better than when playing with a heavier racquet. On the other hand, the more advanced players opt for heavier racquets as they can get more power out of them without losing control.

SteveG will be looking at following weights:

- 275 to 300 g – mostly club players choose this weight range

- 301 to 325 g – racquets for more experienced (intermediate) players

- 326 to 350 g – many of the advanced players choice

• Racquet balance – has got a big impact on stablility, maneuverability and pace. There are two types of racquets:

- Head-light racquets (heavier) – most professional player´s preference. They are known as “traditionally weighted and balanced“ racquets, provide good maneuverabily and control. They are ideal for players who can generate their own power.

- Head-heavy racquets (lighter) – are less maneuverable but provide you with more power and stability. If you feel that the racquet is too light for you, there is always a possibility to add additional weight with lead tape or lead balls in the handle or on the frame.

• String Pattern – the two most common string pattern types are 16X18 and 18X20. The first number stands for the mains or the vertical strings and the second number stands for the horizontal strings or crosses. We also call them open string pattern and closed string pattern (dense). Open string pattern offers more spin potential and power, but less control. Dense or closed string pattern gives you less spin potential and power, but offers more control. String durability is higher when using denser string pattern.

• Racquet Frame Stiffness – is a very important feature. A less stiff (flexible) racquet bends more on the impact of the ball, thus transfering less power to the ball. A very stiff racquet bends very little and more power is transferred to the ball. The stiffness of the frame also influences control. A more flexible racquet provides more control whereas a very stiff racquet may result in lot of power but less control. A very stiff frame can transmit more shock on impact to the wrist, shoulder and elbow than a less stiff frame.

• Grip size – the most common grip sizes are G2, G3, G4, G5. The measurement is made around the handle and the size is normally shown on the handle. It can be stated in different ways:

- G2 (L2 or 4¼)

- G3 (L3 or 4⅜)

- G4 (L4 or 4½)

- G5 (L5 or 4⅝)

A grip size that is too large can cause too much stress for the elbow and the wrist. The best thing to do when you are unsure between two grip sizes is to pick the smaller one.

 

We can categorize tennis racquets as follows:

1. Beginner (game improvement) Racquets – feature oversize heads (105 -135 square inches), up to 2 inches longer than the standard 27 inch racquets, are lighter (around 8-9.5 ounces unstrung) and head-heavy. These racquets are designed for players with slower and shorter swings and more power can be generated from the racquet. They have big sweet spot which is a great benefit if you tend to mishit the ball more frequently. Because of the bigger sweet spot, these racquets are more elbow and arm-friendly.

 

SteveG recommends:

 

Wilson K Factor KZero

 

Head Size: 118 sq. in. / 761 sq. cm

Length: 27.5 inches / 70 cm

Strung Weight: 9.1oz / 258g

Balance: 4 pts Head Heavy

Swingweight: 298g

Stiffness: 70

Beam width: 26-29 mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Head YOUTEK Three Star

 

Head Size: 115 sq. in. / 742 sq. cm

Length: 27.6 inches / 70.1 cm

Strung Weight: 9.1oz / 258 g

Balance: 10 pts Head Heavy

Swingweight: 318g

Stiffness: 68

Beam Width: 26mm/28mm/28mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains/19 Crosses

 

 

Babolat Drive Z 118 Smart Grip

 

Head Size: 118 sq. in. / 761 sq. cm

Length: 27.5 inches / 70 cm

Strung Weight: 9.9oz / 281g

Balance: 5 pts Head Heavy

Swingweight: 319g

Stiffness: 68

Beam width: 28mm

String pattern: 16 Mains / 20 Crosses

 

 

Yonex S-Fit 5

 

 

Head Size: 112 sq. in. / 723 sq. cm

Length: 27.25 inches / 69.22 cm

Strung Weight: 9.9oz / 280.66g

Balance: 2 pts Head Heavy

Swingweight: 309g

Stiffness: 67

Beam Width: 27mm/28mm/27.5mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Prince EXO3 Silver 115

 

 

Head Size: 115 sq. in. / 742 sq. cm

Length: 27.25 inches / 69cm

Strung Weight: 9.5oz / 269g

Balance: 6 pts Head Heavy

Swingweight: 312g

Stiffness: 64

Beam Width: 28mm/30mm/30mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains/ 19 Crosses

 

 

2. Tweener Racquets (for intermediate players) – with a racquet head size 95-105 square inches, only slightly longer than the standard 27 inches, are a bit heavier (9.5-11.5 ounces unstrung) and slightly head-light. These racquets suit players with sound strokes who like a combination of power and control.

 

SteveG recommends:

 

Babolat Pure Drive 107 GT

 

Head Size:107 sq. in. / 690 sq. cm

Length: 27.2 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 10.3oz / 292g

Balance: 2.8 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 313g

Stiffness: 69

Beam Width: 22mm-25mm

String Pattern:16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Babolat AeroPro Drive GT

 

Head Size:100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.3oz / 320g

Balance: 4 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 331g

Stiffness: 70

Beam Width: 23mm/26mm/24mm

String Pattern:16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Head YOUTEK IG Speed Lite

 

Head Size:102 sq. in. / 658 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69cm

Strung Weight: 9.8oz / 278g

Balance: 2 pts Head Heavy

Swingweight: 297g

Stiffness: 67

Beam Width: 24mm

String Pattern:16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Head Liquidmetal Radical Oversize

 

 

Head Size:98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.2oz / 318g

Balance: 4 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 325g

Stiffness: 64

Beam Width: 21 mm

String Pattern:18 Mains / 20 Crosses

 

 

Prince EXO3 Red 105

 

Head Size: 105 sq. in. / 677 sq. cm

Length: 27.25in / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 10.4oz / 295g

Balance: 2 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 311g

Stiffness: 63

Beam Width: 24mm / 25mm / 25mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Wilson BLX Pro Open

 

Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 68.5 cm

Strung Weight: 11.1oz / 315g

Balance: 4 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 318g

Stiffness: 66

Beam Width: 24mm/26mm/24mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Wilson Kfactor Kblade Team

 

 

Head Size: 104 sq. in. / 671 sq. cm

Length: 27.3 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 10.7oz / 303g

Balance: 4.2pts Head Light

Swingweight: 320g

Stiffness: 57

Beam Width: 22 mm

String Pattern: 18 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Yonex RDiS 300 Midplus

 

Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.1oz / 315g

Balance: 4 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 319g

Stiffness: 62

Beam Width: 22mm/24 mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Yonex S-Fit 3

 

Head Size: 105 sq. in. / 677 sq. cm

Length: 27.25 inches / 69.22 cm

Strung Weight: 10.2oz / 289.17g

Balance: Even

Swingweight: 310g

Stiffness: 68

Beam Width: 26mm/28mm/27mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Dunlop Aerogel 4D 500

 

Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.3oz / 320g

Balance: 2 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 325g

Stiffness: 71

Beam Width: 23mm/25mm/23 mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 18 Crosses

 

 

3. Players Racquets – have a thinner frame and smaller racquet head (85-100 square inches), most of them are 27 inches long and are heavier (11.5-13.5 ounces unstrung or more). These racquets are head-light and perfectly designed for advanced players who have no problem generating their own power and spin with none or little help from the racquet. Players racquets are the ones with the most control.

 

SteveG recommends:

 

Head YOUTEK IG Speed 18X20

 

Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69cm

Strung Weight: 11.5oz / 326g

Balance: 5 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 314g

Stiffness: 64

Beam Width: 21mm / 20mm / 21mm

String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses

 

 

Head YOUTEK Prestige Midplus

 

Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632.26 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 68.5 cm

Strung Weight: 11.9oz / 337g

Balance: 7 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 318g

Stiffness: 63

Beam Width: 21mm

String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses

 

 

Babolat PureStorm Ltd GT

 

Head Size: 95 sq. in. / 613 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 68.5 cm

Strung Weight: 11.9oz / 337g

Balance: 9 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 313g

Stiffness: 59

Beam Width: 19mm

String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses

 

 

Babolat Pure Drive Roddick GT

 

Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.8oz / 335g

Balance: 5 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 334g

Stiffness: 72

Beam Width: 22mm/26mm/23mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Wilson BLX Six.One Tour

 

Head Size: 90 sq. in. / 581 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 68.5 cm

Strung Weight: 12.5oz / 354g

Balance: 9 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 333g

Stiffness: 65

Beam Width: 17.5mm/17.5mm/17.5mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Wilson K Factor KBlade 98

 

 

Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.1oz / 315g

Balance: 3 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 325g

Stiffness: 67

Beam Width: 20 mm

String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses

 

 

Prince EXO3 Rbel 95

 

Head Size: 95 sq. in. / 613 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 12.3oz / 349g

Balance: 9 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 337g

Stiffness: 60

Beam Width: 20 mm

String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses

 

 

Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200

 

Head Size: 95 sq. in. / 613 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.9oz / 337g

Balance: 7pts Head Light

Swingweight: 337g

Stiffness: 62

Beam Width: 20 mm

String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses

 

 

 

What do TOP Players play with?

 

 

Roger Federer – Wilson BLX Six.One Tour

 

Head Size: 90 sq. in. / 581 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 68.5 cm

Strung Weight: 12.6oz / 357g

Balance: 7 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 329g

Stiffness: 67

Beam Width: 17mm/17mm/17mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

 

Novak Djokovic – Head YOUTEK IG Speed 18X20

 

Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69cm

Strung Weight: 11.5oz / 326g

Balance: 6 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 315g

Stiffness: 65

Beam Width: 21mm / 20mm / 21mm

String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses

 

 

Rafael Nadal and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – Babolat AeroPro Drive GT

 

Head Size:100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.1 oz / 315g

Balance: 7 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 327g

Stiffness: 72

Beam Width: 23mm/26mm/22mm

String Pattern:16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

Andy Murray – Head YOUTEK Radical Pro

 

Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.6oz / 329g

Balance: 4 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 325

Stiffness: 63

Beam Width: 21.5 mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

 

 

David Ferrer – Head YOUTEK Prestige Midplus

 

Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.4 oz / 323g

Balance: 6 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 326g

Stiffness: 54

Beam Width: 18mm / 20mm /18mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 18 Crosses

 

 

Tomas Berdych – Head YOUTEK IG Instinct

 

 

Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm

Length: 27 inches / 69 cm

Strung Weight: 11.2 oz / 318g

Balance: 5 pts Head Light

Swingweight: 311g

Stiffness: 68

Beam Width: 21 mm/25 mm/23 mm

String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

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