Are you looking for the best tennis racquet for intermediate player, but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of rackets available on the market today? If looking at the number of options makes you feel lost, you’re certainly not alone–and you’re not really lost, either.
There are a few key factors to take into consideration when shopping for a racket, and with those factors in mind, we’ve narrowed the search field considerably.
Below are some of the things to keep in mind as you shop; factors that will improve your play and help you take advantage of all the skills you’ve already learned!
How to choose the best intermediate tennis racquet?
So what are the key factors that make the best tennis rackets for intermediate players? There are other variables to be considered, of course, but the most important factors for improving your technique and increasing your skill at the game are control, weight, spin, and grip. If you can find a racket you like that delivers exactly what you need in these four areas, you’ll have a much better shot at improving your game dramatically and being able to play with a racket you feel comfortable and confident using.
Control:
For beginning players, the main priority is just getting the ball across the net. But as an intermediate player, you want to be able to control tennis racket direction, power, and impact. For this, you need a racket that helps you control exactly where the ball is going, which usually translates into a racket with a heavy weight, small head, and relatively thin beams, with a frame that isn’t too stiff, and allows for manipulation of each stroke.
The best tennis racquet for spin and control will be between 100 and 104 inches square, with a weight around of between 10.1 and 10.5 ounces. If you prefer a lighter racket, or if you don’t feel comfortable with a heavier frame, try a racket with a larger head (around 105 inches square or higher) with a lighter frame (less than 10.1 ounces). This will allow you to control your shots without having to worry about straining the muscles in your arm and wrist. Focus on long, continuous strokes to make sure each swing packs the power you need.
Weight:
When it comes to weight, tennis rackets are all about preference. While heavier rackets can provide a powerful swing, lightweight tennis rackets are far more maneuverable, and often can move faster, which can provide an important advantage on the court. In addition, they’re easier on your wrist and arm, which can help your body adjust as you build up the muscle memory to keep playing.
On the other hand, a heavier tennis racket will give you greater balance on the court. Even the best lightweight tennis racquet can shift in the hand when you swing, which can create some loss of control while playing. Heavier rackets don’t have that issue, but they will result in more strain along your muscles. If you aren’t confident in your ability to wield a heavy tennis racket, stick to a racket that’s only slightly lighter than the one you’re using now, as a racket that’s too heavy can result in injury.
Spin:
While it may seem like a continuation of the control entry, spin specifically refers to the physical property imparted to a tennis ball upon impact, so as to affect its direction, path, speed, and trajectory. While research into what, exactly, constitutes “spin” on a tennis ball, tennis players have known for years that tennis rackets with fewer strings and larger spaces between the strings create a racket that can control the spin of the ball to devastating effect.
The best tennis racquet for spin and power will feature a looser-looking weave on the head, with larger spaces and fewer strings, which allows the player to have a greater amount of control over the ball’s direction. The larger gap creates a larger “sweetspot”, the area of impact where a ball can properly be controlled and directed is at its highest. Spin tennis racquets may feature a slightly lighter frame or a wider bridge, but it’s mostly the distinctive stringing pattern that sets these rackets apart from the tennis rackets used by beginning players.
Grip:
The way you hold your tennis racket can make all the difference in the world, and different grips can have vastly different impacts on the direction, force, and velocity of the tennis ball once you’ve hit it. As mentioned above, the way you hit the ball can determine how much power it has, so finding a tennis racket with a good grip and a powerful frame is crucial to improving your tennis-playing technique.
The more stable your grip on the racket, the better shot you have of being able to hold your own against even more advanced players. The best tennis racket for power strokes will feel firm and immovable in your hand, which may require a slightly heavier racket. Power tennis racquets will often have a slightly longer grip, usually measured by judging the distance between the bottom lateral crease on the player’s palm and the tip of their middle finger. The distance left over beyond that measurement is a reflection of the tennis racket’s grip.
| Control | Weight | Spin | Grip | |
| Wilson Tour Slam Adult | High | 10.3 oz. | Average | Thick |
| HEAD Ti.S6 | Average | 8.9 oz. | Average | Standard |
| Babolat Pure Drive | Average | 11.2 oz. | High | Standard |
| Babolat Pure Aero | Average | 11.3 oz. | Very High | Standard |
| HEAD MicroGel Radical | High | 10.4 oz. | High | Standard |
Best tennis racquet reviews for intermediate player
Players who move beyond casual play of most beginners look towards their sporting equipment to help give an increase of performance on the court.
The following reviews are designed to give you, as a more experienced athlete, a closer look into those features found on some of the top rackets available. Designs and materials are examined to find your next upgrade!
Wilson Tour Slam Adult – best tennis racquet for intermediate players 2019
These Tour Slams are an intermediate tennis racket for more serious enthusiasts.
Wilson has manufactured sporting goods for over a century.
Users looking to increase their control will appreciate this gear.
Key Features
- This produces high control
- Weight increases power
- Generates little spin
- A larger grip
Pros
- Its simple yet durable design
- Has large sweet spot
- Head strings tightly
Cons
- Handle is big for small hands
- Extra length feels awkward to some
- Heavier than beginner rackets
Verdict: This design is an upgraded tennis racquet for intermediate player looking at better gear.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RZTV5B2
HEAD Ti.S6 – best tennis racquet for intermediate woman player
You’ll experience increased power with your swings.
Head has manufactured rackets since the late 1960s.
Design features make it a great women’s tennis racket choice.
Key Features
- Large head offers medium ball control
- Lighter weight produces more power
- Can create some spin on hits
- Uses standard-sized grips
Pros
- Has an oversized head
- Good with slower swings
- Lightweight for power
Cons
- Limits player improvement
- Increased vibration felt
- Doesn’t come with cover
Verdict: Good selection for a tennis racket for women needing power.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OQBPQ8
Babolat Pure Drive – best tennis racquet for advanced players
This will help you gain power in your swings.
Babolat began making strings in 1875, culminating in a full production company in the 1990s.
Weight and power make this a tennis racquet for advanced players to consider.
Key Features
- Provides average control
- Heavier weight generates power
- Provides lots of spin
- Uses standard grips
Pros
- Offers good balance and power
- Generates great spin
- Large sweet spot
Cons
- A bit heavy to some
- Control needs improvement
- Comes unstrung
Verdict: An option with those looking for advanced tennis rackets.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O087PY2
Babolat Pure Aero – most expensive tennis racket
Highly skilled players will love its power.
This French company has offered products throughtout North America since 2000.
The most expensive tennis racquet, but most powerful on list.
Key Features
- Somewhat less control than others
- A bit heavy in design
- Provides incredible spin
- Uses regular grips
Pros
- Generates incredible power
- Lots of ball spin
- Limited vibrations felt
Cons
- Higher price point
- Lacks some control
- Heavy for less experienced users
Verdict: Lots of power if you aren’t afraid of an expensive tennis racket.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018IN790O
HEAD MicroGel Radical – best tennis racquet for 4.5 player
Built for top-skilled play.
In 2012, Head rackets helped win the Australian, French, and the U.S. Opens.
Serious play will benefit from this professional tennis racket.
Key Features
- Offers excellent control
- Lightweight materials feel comfortable
- Generates good spin off strings
- Uses standard grips
Pros
- Gives lots of control
- Can generate incredible spin
- Lightweight in design
Cons
- Lacks power needed by less experienced users
- Speed loss on off-centered hits
- Features best for advanced play
Verdict: A good fit for those needing a pro tennis racket.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O3Z51A
Top questions about intermediate tennis rackets
Many enthusiasts wonder about the equipment upgrades they should look for once they have gained playing experience. Our research indicates that many tend to focus instead on gear that is more advanced as well as lesser tier products.
By understanding what is considered the bare essentials needed from a racket, you can begin to understand what upgrades will actually work for your current skill level. Examining the features offered by the most advanced products will then allow you to determine what designs will fit between the two, offering you the right product.
What is the best tennis racquet for advanced players?
Once a user has reached an advanced skill level, their needs change towards equipment that provides the control they need. Power is provided for through their swing and not the gear. Advanced tennis racquets will also use string tightness and patterns to generate an increase in ball spin.
- Racquet Size: 95 – 100 square inches.
- Racquet Length: 27 – 27.5 inches.
- Racquet Weight: More than 10.5 ounces.
- Control and Power: Features offer more control.
The best tennis rackets for advanced players will also take advantage of the latest technologies in head designs that can absorb vibrations. The smaller heads will naturally have a smaller sweet spot, meaning that mishits often lose speed.
Products in this category usually carry a higher price tag because of their features.
What’s the best tennis racquet for a beginner?
The best tennis racquet for beginner to intermediate players typically use gear that provides them with power. Control is less of an issue at this stage, as they are mastering accuracy and technique. Gear at this stage highlights these needs.
- Racquet Size: 107 – 115 square inches.
- Racquet Length: A minimum of 27.5 inches.
- Racquet Weight: 10.0 ounces or less.
- Control and Power: Features will offer more power.
Products for newer players, such as the Wilson beginner tennis racquet, will weigh less than most equipment. These items will usually employ a larger head with a bigger sweet spot. This promotes easier contact with the ball and less speed dropped from off-center hits.
Designs for intermediate play off balance of the features highlighted in the questions above.
Best tennis racquet for intermediate player – making a conclusion
Of the products reviewed above, the Wilson Tour Slam Adult stands out as the best tennis racquet for intermediate player. It generates decent power while offering features that provide better control. A large sweet spot provides speed on the ball and the larger grips should not present an issue for most players hands.
For the most part, each runners-up offer specific benefits, including:
HEAD Ti.S6 – Oversized head recommended with women’s play.
Babolat Pure Drive – Its power and spin are suggested for advanced play.
Babolat Pure Aero – Not recommended; same features can be found at a lower cost.
HEAD MicroGel Radical – Suggested for those participating in high-level matches.