The racket is your most important equipment decision. Beginners need a large head (110+ sq in) and light weight. Intermediate players want 100–105 sq in with more control. Advanced players go smaller (95–100 sq in) and heavier. Head size, weight, and beam width are the three numbers that matter most.
Last updated: June 2026 · Prices checked June 2026
| Racket | Tier | Price | Head | Weight | Level | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Tour Slam | Budget | ~$30 | 112 sq in | 267g | Beginner | 7.0 |
| Head Ti.S6 | Budget | ~$40 | 115 sq in | 232g | Beginner | 7.5 |
| Babolat EVO Drive Gen 2 | Best Value | ~$75 | 102 sq in | 270g | Beg–Int | 8.5 |
| Yonex EZONE 100 | Best Value | ~$110 | 100 sq in | 300g | Intermediate | 9.0 |
| Babolat Pure Drive 2025 | Premium | ~$200 | 100 sq in | 300g | Advanced | 9.5 |
| Babolat Pure Aero 98 | Premium | ~$220 | 98 sq in | 305g | Advanced | 9.5 |
Under $50
Great performance without breaking the bank
The classic beginner pick. Oversized 112 sq in head with a massive sweet spot — you don't need perfect contact to get a decent shot. Very light at 267g, easy to swing all day. Won't last forever but great to start on.
One of the most popular beginner rackets ever made. Enormous 115 sq in head, titanium-fused graphite frame, extremely light at 232g. The huge sweet spot and forgiving feel give instant confidence on the court.
$70 – $120
Where performance jumps dramatically
The EVO Drive brings Pure Drive DNA at a beginner-friendly price. 102 sq in head gives a good mix of power and control. Weighing just 270g, it generates impressive racket head speed. A massive upgrade over any pre-strung box-store racket.
A consistent top pick for intermediate players. The EZONE 100 delivers arm-friendly feel, excellent power, and a predictable response. Great for developing players who hit with moderate topspin and want more placement control.
$180 – $230
Tour-level frames for club players
Widely considered the best Pure Drive ever made. The 2025 version offers explosive power with a much improved comfort profile. Used by top-ranked players worldwide. If you want one frame that does everything well — power, spin, stability — this is it.
Sets the bar high for 2026. Babolat refined the Aero line — smaller head for added control, thinner beam, packs serious spin and power. Favored by aggressive topspin baseliners who demand precision on every groundstroke.
Tennis Racket Buying Guide
Head size: forgiveness vs control
Head size is the single biggest factor in how a racket plays. Oversized heads (110–115 sq in) have huge sweet spots and add free power — ideal when you're still developing consistent contact. Mid-plus heads (98–104 sq in) reward clean technique with more control and feel. As a rule: if you mishit often, go bigger; if you're shaping shots deliberately, go smaller.
Weight and swingweight
Light rackets (230–270g) are easy to swing and maneuver but get pushed around by heavy balls. Heavier frames (295–320g) are more stable and plow through contact, but demand better preparation and fitness. Most adult improvers do best around 280–300g strung. If in doubt, lighter is safer — you can add lead tape, but you can't remove frame weight.
Pre-strung vs unstrung
Rackets under ~$80 come pre-strung with basic synthetic gut and are ready to play. Performance frames typically ship unstrung — you'll pay $20–40 for strings and labor, but you get to choose string type and tension, which changes the racket's character more than most people expect.
When to upgrade
Upgrade when the racket is limiting you, not before. Telltale signs: you're swinging harder but the ball floats, you can't direct the ball where you aim, or your arm feels fatigued by a frame that's too light and unstable. That's usually the jump from the Budget tier to a frame like the EZONE 100 or Pure Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What head size should a beginner tennis racket have?
Beginners should look for 105–115 sq in. A bigger head means a bigger sweet spot, so off-center hits still produce decent shots. As your technique improves you can move down to 98–104 sq in for more control.
Should I buy a pre-strung or unstrung racket?
Budget rackets come pre-strung and are ready to play. Performance frames ($100+) usually come unstrung so you can pick your own string and tension — expect to pay $20–40 extra for strings and labor at a local shop.
How much should I spend on my first tennis racket?
$30–50 is plenty for your first season. If you already know you'll play at least once a week, the $70–120 range is the sweet spot — frames like the Babolat EVO Drive are a huge step up in feel and durability.
How often should I restring my tennis racket?
A common rule: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Play twice a week, restring twice a year. Strings lose tension and feel even if they don't break.
What grip size do I need?
Most men use grip size 3 (4 3/8") and most women use 2 (4 1/4"). When holding the racket, you should be able to fit one finger between your fingertips and palm. If between sizes, go smaller — you can always build up with an overgrip.