For those who do not already know, each racquet has its own statistics and thus its advantages and disadvantages. Typically the three biggest and most decisive factors would have to be size, power, and perhaps most of all, purpose. For players with low upper body strength or stroke follow-through, racquets with greater power and perhaps a larger headsize would be prudent and vice-versa for a stronger crowd. Once again however, price remains an inexplicable limiting factor as the ideal racquet may leave one with a significantly lighter wallet.
10. Yonex Ultimum RD Ti-80
Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 12.1oz / 343g
Balance: 8pts Head Light
Swingweight: 315
Stiffness: 64
Beam Width: 20 mm Head/19.5 mm Shaft
Composition: High Modulus Graphite/Ultimum Ti Fibers
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Yonex Cushion Grip
String Pattern:16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Tension: 55-65 pounds
Description: Perfect for applying spin and players who prefer hitting at the net, this racquet combines elements of speed and control. Built with the Yonex brand grip, this racquet offers a high level of comfort whilst also dampening vibrations from strokes. The light frame offers a lower bout of momentum but allows for faster reaction times during intense gameplay. This model is the preferred racquet type of Mario Ancic.
9. Babolat Pure Storm Team
Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11oz / 312g
Balance: 3pts Head Light
Swingweight: 326
Stiffness: 64
Beam Width: 21.5 Straight Beam
Composition: Graphite / Zylon Matrix
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Moderate-Fast
Grip Type: Syntec Grip
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 20 Crosses
String Tension: 50-66 pounds
Description: Utilizing a box-beamed design, the Pure Storm Team allows for a more rigid style, typically with greater power yet not too far outside the realm of proper control. Ideal for the less aggressive and more intermediate leveled player, this racquet is the favorite of one Fernando Hernandez.
8. Dunlop M-Fil 300
Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 10.9oz / 309g
Balance: 3pts Head Light
Swingweight: 317
Stiffness: 61
Beam Width: 21.5 mm Straight Beam
Composition: Graphite Multifilament
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Hydramax Tour
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Tension: 55-65 pounds
Description: Designed for a more well-rounded player, this racquet is geared toward adequate performance regardless of court position. The frame itself is typically ideal for slices and topspins and allows for greater stability with off center hits. Primarily focusing on balance however, neither power nor control are particularly above-average. This specific model is the racquet of choice for Amelie Mauresmo.
7. Prince Graphite Classic
Head Size: 107 sq. in. / 690 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 12.2oz / 346g
Balance: 5pts Head Light
Swingweight: 333
Stiffness: 63
Beam Width: 19 mm Straight Beam
Composition: 100% Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Moderate-Fast
Grip Type: Prince Leather
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Tension: 57-67 pounds
Description: My personal racquet of choice, the Prince Graphite Classic comes in oversized and midsized varieties. Allowing for extreme control, this model forgoes high power and is tailored toward intermediate to advanced players, well worth its somewhat high pricing. Garnering an impressive 20 year record, the oversize is the preferred racquet for Andre Agassi and Michael Chang.
6. Yonex RDS 001
Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11.7oz / 332g
Balance: 8pts Head Light
Swingweight: 322
Stiffness: 68
Beam Width: 18-21 mm
Composition: High Modulus Graphite / Elastic Ti
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Yonex Cushion Grip
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Tension: 55-65 pounds
Description: This model is geared heavily toward the more adaptive players, being of low power but requiring hits to be made effectively using the racquet’s mass. Comfort is allotted to the frame without sacrificing responses and predictability and for this reason it is the preferred type for David Nalbandian.
5. Prince O3 Tour
Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11.6oz / 329g
Balance: 7pts Head Light
Swingweight: 327
Stiffness: 61
Beam Width: 18-20 mm Tapered Beam
Composition: High Modulus Graphite with Titanium and Tungsten
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: DuraTac
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 18 Crosses
String Tension: 53-63 pounds
Description: This racquet is perfectly endowed for topspins and allows for comfortable play with its impact dampening technology. Mobility and speed are no strangers to this model though its primary function lies at the baseline. This frame is used by Guillermo Coria.
4. Head Flexpoint Instinct
Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11.2oz / 318g
Balance: 3pts Head Light
Swingweight: 331
Stiffness: 65
Beam Width: 23 – 25 – 21 mm Tapered Beam
Composition: LiquidMetal Titanium / Graphite and Piezzo Electric Fibers
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: HydroSorb
String Pattern: 18 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Tension: 52-62 pounds
Description: The solid yet maneuverable choice of Svetlana Kuznetsova, the Head Flexpoint Instinct offers an excellent solution to the less active player. The large headsize coupled with the light frame allows for a quicker and more covered style. In general this racquet is ideal for players that chose to hit from numerous court positions.
3. Wilson nCode nTour Two
Head Size: 95 sq. in. / 613 sq. cm.
Length: 27.25 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 10.6oz / 301g
Balance: 1pts Head Light
Swingweight: 320
Stiffness: 62
Beam Width: 22 mm Straight Beam
Composition: 25% nCoded Hyper Carbon / 75% nCoded Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: True Grip
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 20 Crosses
String Tension: 50-60 pounds
Description: Yet another balanced racquet in terms of power and control, this model proves versatile on several levels. Not only does it allow for significant control when performing spins, but this racquet also provides ease of access to even the more difficult court positions, a great value for its relatively low cost.
2. Babolat AeroPro Drive
Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11.3oz / 320g
Balance: 5pts Head Light
Swingweight: 324
Stiffness: 67
Beam Width: 23-26 mm
Composition: High Modulus Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Syntec Grip
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Tension: 55-65 pounds
Description: This power pack is the preferred racquet for Rafael Nadal, disputed as one of the most exciting and aggressive players on the professional tour. This monster is designed for deeper hits, specifically tailored for groundstrokes though not sacrificing any prowess at the net. Speed and accuracy come naturally to this model and no comfort is sacrificed all the while though the high cost involved may drive away a few of the lesser enthusiasts.
1. Wilson K Factor KSix-One Tour 90
Head Size: 90 sq. in. / 581 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 12.5oz / 354g
Balance: 9pts Head Light
Swingweight: 336
Stiffness: 67
Beam Width: 18 mm Straight Beam
Composition: 80% Karophite Black / 20% Kevlar
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Wilson Leather
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Tension: 50-60 pounds
Description: Now comes the number one spot on the top ten, the racquet of professional player Roger Federer. Leaving nothing out in the way of control, this model is designed for far more advanced following than many others and may still take some getting-used-to. Rhythm is key to using this particular frame as the pace and depth of the use of this racquet can potentially result in greater precision and accuracy. In totality, this frame is well worth the significant investment and, given some time to acclimate to it, will greatly improve your gameplay.
