7 Best Tennis Rackets 2023

HEAD Extreme Tour

The spin machine from HEAD for advanced players is the counterpart to the Babolat Pure Aero. The Extreme Auxetic Tour is a very powerful racket with a lot of spin potential. Due to its perfect blend of power, control, and a lot of spin, I believe the Extreme Tour is the best tennis racket for topspin in 2023.

One of the great advantages of the Extreme Tour is how easy it is to play with. The frame forgives off-center hits enormously, which I find very important for a spin racket due to the wiping motion that often leads to off-center hits.

Another advantage of the Tour over all other spin rackets is that it provides the greatest amount of control. The precision that the Tour shows with every stroke, over and over again, actually puts it in the category of “control.”

A tip from me: 5 grams of lead at the 12 o’clock position and the Tour unleashes its full potential in my opinion. Significantly more spin and more power.

Babolat Pure Aero

The Pure Aero is the racket with the most spin, which is probably well-known. In addition, it also has a lot of power and is only recommended for players who really put a lot of topspin into their shots due to this combination.

The Pure Aero is an absolute legend that you must definitely have played with.

Yonex VCore 98

The new VCore 2023 is incredibly stable on impact and not only delivers a lot of spin, but also a significantly higher launch angle in the new generation.

The VCore 2023 is definitely intended for aggressive players. It is designed for players who want to force their opponents into short balls through spin and high, unpleasant balls, and then come up with aggressive, flat shots.

If you are looking for a modern racket for a spin-focused tennis game, the VCore 98 is a brilliant choice. Some already consider the VCore 98 so good that they describe it as the new “standard for spin.” Babolat’s Pure Aero has to watch out.

My complete racket test of the Yonex VCore 98

Wilson Shift 300

The Wilson Shift is an absolute highlight among the new tennis rackets in 2023.

This is due to its innovative frame shape and geometry, which make it stand out.

With the Shift, you get minimal deformation on contact with the ball and a lot of power in your shots. The racket is very stable, and you get a higher launch angle and more spin.

However, if you have arm problems, you should avoid the racket.

The Shift is especially designed for modern players with topspin and a higher flight curve, but it also works with flat balls, especially with slice.

If you are a beginner, you should not use the racket. But if you are already somewhat advanced and like to play aggressive, flat attacking shots, then the Shift could be just right for you. If you already play with other rackets such as the Babolat Pure Aero, HEAD Extreme (Tour), or Tecnifibre 305, an upgrade to the Shift could definitely be worth it.

But remember, the racket is best suited for players who can generate a decent amount of speed with their swing.

Dunlop SX 300 (2022)

Dunlop is not only a market leader in overpriced Medenspiel balls that either lose their felt or burst after a set, no, Dunlop has been a market leader in tennis rackets in the past years and is constantly improving. One of Dunlop’s rackets is an absolute top racket in its category: The SX 300!

The SX 300, with its 100 square inch head and 300 grams, is easy to play with. The racket provides enough control and power and surprisingly has a lot of spin. It is almost as good as the Pure Aero in this regard.

If the racket is a bit too light and/or lacks control for you, there is also the SX 300 Tour, which plays identically to the regular SX 300, except for the 5 grams and slightly smaller head size.

The SX 300 is for the aggressive baseline player who is looking for a racket for spin, that has a bit more power and makes it easier to hit the ball to the baseline.

Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Origin

A very special racket that will definitely earn some titles on the red clay in the hands of a tournament player.

The Pure Aero Rafa Origin is basically the Pure Aero “on steroids”. Everything it does is extreme. The spin, the launch angle, the power.. all significantly amplified by the incredible swing weight of 370 grams (13.05 oz). Unfortunately, the arm problems caused by the Pure Aero Rafa Origin are also extreme for many players.

The only reason why I did not rate the Pure Aero Rafa Origin higher on the list of best rackets for spin is that it is simply too “heavy” to play for most players. Imagine a beginner reading this list and buying the Rafa Origin because it is “the best for spin”.. RIP.

If you’re physically fit enough to get this racket behind the ball on time with enough speed and like to grind from the baseline, you should definitely check out the Pure Aero Rafa Origin. It could be the best heavy spin racket you’ll ever play.

Babolat Pure Drive

The Pure Drive is the absolute icon among the tennis rackets that stand for power. The blue color of the Pure Drive has now become established with all other racket brands. The Pure Drive is the reason why rackets like the Wilson Ultra or Dunlop FX are blue, so it’s simply clear what you’re buying.

Pure Drive = Pure Happiness

When you buy a Pure Drive, that’s exactly what you get. Absolute drive in every stroke. The Pure Drive is not very easy to control, but it offers extremely good length at low speeds.

You should buy a Pure Drive if you like to dominate the rallies with length and speed. It has enough spin potential, but shines more with its hardly comparable power.

Yonex Ezone 98

The Yonex Ezone 98 2022 is the seventh generation in the series and by far the best Ezone ever. Many pros such as Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, Marton Fucsovics, and Lloyd Harris already use models from the Ezone series. Why? Because they offer a perfect combination of power, spin, and control.

For the 2022 version, Yonex added 2G NAMD SPEED to achieve a stronger response and better feedback. Additionally, the frame construction has been redesigned to provide better stability and a softer feel at impact. The new version feels more stable and controlled than its predecessor while still offering pleasant comfort.

The Ezone 98 is easy to play, has a generous sweet spot, offers good control and a lot of power. It is perfect for aggressive players who want to target the net while maintaining control. Although the swingweight is low, it offers amazing stability and is perfect for attacking short balls.

Overall, the Yonex Ezone 98 is an excellent tennis racket that offers a winning combination of power and control.

Dunlop FX 500 V2

The new Dunlop FX 500 V2 (2023) is a fantastic update to its predecessor and comes with almost as much power as the Pure Drive.

It plays much softer and finally takes more care of your arm. That was the major criticism of the FX 500 predecessor.

The ball’s launch angle is not particularly high, which definitely makes the racket a good weapon for aggressive players.

If you want a little less power and more control and still want to play with Dunlop, the FX 500 Tour V2 is the right racket for you.

Wilson Ultra 100 V4

The Ultra 100 is Wilson’s answer to the Babolat Pure Drive, as can be seen from its blue color.

It is probably the easiest racket to play with in the power category and has the largest sweet spot among all the rackets.

The Ultra 100 V4 also has a high power level and requires little effort for good length. The launch angle is slightly higher, and players who already have high swing speeds need to be careful not to hit the ball too far on second serves and attacking shots from the T.

Compared to the V3, the ball stays on the strings longer and is much easier to control, even though it has a high RA value of 73. Overall, a very good update!

HEAD Radical MP

The HEAD Radical MP is the racket for players who feel comfortable all over the court, also known as “the people’s racket” by HEAD.

It has enough power for high-level play, but also provides incredible control for intermediate players. The Radical MP is a great choice for baseline grinders who like to play with a lot of spin and height on red clay.

It generates a lot of spin for both defense and offense. However, unlike spin-oriented rackets, the Radical MP can be used very effectively without relying on spin.

The new Auxetic technology is now available in the Radical, and it plays similarly to the new Gravity when paired with the new frame.

If you want more control and can sacrifice some power, the Radical Pro is a good option. However, the MP is the best-seller of the Radical series for a reason.

Tecnifibre T-Fight ISO 305

The T-Fight 305 is extremely forgiving for errors. Hits outside of the sweet spot feel almost as good as if they were hit in the center.

The only negative aspect of the T-Fight that I found is the grip. Unfortunately, it is very angularly shaped and does not sit properly (for me). Especially for players with a modern grip, such as semi-western or western, I recommend taking one grip size less and using one or two overgrips. This will round off the grip.

HEAD Speed MP

The Speed series from HEAD is the bestseller for the Austrian racket manufacturer and now finally has Auxetic installed.

The Speed MP is more suitable for advanced players or tournament players. The playing style that best suits the Pro is an aggressive baseliner who likes to come to the net, operates with a normal amount of topspin and has no problem playing from a defensive position. So, it’s basically the definition of an all-rounder.

Compared to the Radical MP, the Speed MP has significantly more power and is more designed for aggressive players.

If you are familiar with tennis rackets, I would describe the HEAD Speed MP as a fusion of the Gravity Pro and Pure Aero VS. It has enough power so that you don’t have to do too much yourself, but it brings a very soft and controlled feel from the Gravity Pro.

If you are very comfortable with the Speed MP but need even more precision, or if you have a very high swing speed and don’t need the power of the MP, the Speed Pro this year is a good choice.

Wilson Blade 98 16×19 V8

An absolute legend among tennis rackets and a bestseller for Wilson for ages: The Wilson Blade 98. With the now eighth version in the 16×19 variant, you get a racket that performs very well both offensively and defensively. It provides enough spin for shots that need to land deep in the court, but also has enough power to finish the rally when you can move forward.

The new Blade V8 features the Fortyfive technology, which we have seen in the Wilson Clash for some time now. With this technology, the racket feels significantly softer on impact and is gentler on the arm compared to its predecessor.

The new Blade 98 has a lower swing weight than its predecessor, making it easier to maneuver and swing faster, but unfortunately generating slightly less power. If you’re looking for the “Blade” feel with more power, I recommend the Blade 16×19 V7.

If you seek the “Blade” feel with more control, there is an 18×20 variant that is also very popular.

HEAD Prestige Pro (Auxetic)

The legend of HEAD, the Prestige! The new Prestige Pro with Auxetic is a successful evolution, feeling much crisper and more modern than the traditional, soft Prestige that we all know from the past.

HEAD has redistributed the 320g weight over the past few years. A large portion of the weight from the heart has been distributed to the head and grip. This makes the Prestige Pro feel faster, yet more stable. The 20mm wide beam and dense 18×20 string pattern naturally support this stability.

But one buys a Prestige for two very specific reasons, and that’s because of precision and feel. If the Prestige can do one thing, it’s that! During testing, it took only five minutes and the feeling of total control overcame us. It feels as though one could predict exactly where the ball will land in the millisecond of impact. A great feeling and the reason why Prestige players typically remain Prestige players.

However, the incredible control and touch required presuppose years of training. The Prestige is a racquet for technically advanced players who generate enough power on their own, as that’s the only “downside” of the Prestige. It’s essentially a multiplier for good technique and clean shots, so it can mean a huge improvement for some players. But if you multiply something by 0.7, you get less, not more.

HEAD has intervened precisely here and brought a racquet onto the market with a total of 5 Prestige variations for almost every advanced player, and is trying to make the decision easier with the CPI value. CPI stands for Control Power Index, with the lowest number 100 for the most control and the highest number 1000 for the most power. The Prestige Pro has a CPI of 200 (which in my humble opinion should actually be 100).

I personally think that the Prestige is the best-looking racquet from HEAD. The continuously black frame with the dark red highlights is an absolute beauty and stands out with a timeless design.

If you’re an experienced player with good technique and want to go all out without losing control, the Prestige could be your racquet for the next few years! Especially the MP and Pro are among the best tennis racquets for control in 2023 for very good players.

Wilson Pro Staff v14

The new “Paradigm Bending” technology slightly improves the feel of the shots, but otherwise there are few changes from the previous version.

The design of the Pro Staff v14 is very polarizing. Wilson has opted for a dark brown-orange tone that is meant to be reminiscent of the company’s original colors.

The feel of the groundstrokes is incredibly good, as expected from Pro Staffs.

The ball stays on the strings for a long time and I felt like I had absolute control over the ball. However, the ball also came out of the racket very flat, which is due to the low spin potential. The flat forehands with less spin, however, felt incredibly good with the v14.

The extreme precision is particularly evident in the volleys. The racket is very stable at the point of impact and is really fun at the net.

Finally, there is a Pro Staff for us mere mortal tennis players that is not just 30 grams lighter, but simply has a slightly larger racket head. So if you don’t consider yourself an advanced tournament player but still want to feel the “Pro Staff” vibe, why not try out the new Pro Staff X.

HEAD Gravity Pro

As one of the first to test and see the final design of the Gravity at an exclusive HEAD event in Mallorca, I can say that the two-sided paint job is gone, and the new Gravity 2023 Auxetic is mostly black.

The Gravity series is designed for modern players who like to stick to the baseline and hit powerful shots, but it also has a very classic “touch”. It impresses with great stability even at high speeds and feels buttery soft with a frame hardness of 62RA.

With a swing weight of an incredible 332, the Gravity Pro is even more powerful than the Speed Pro without making the frame stiffer! The result is, of course, a high level of comfort despite very powerful shots.

The Gravity Pro is a great racket for players who want absolute control over their ball but still expect a little help from the frame for additional power.

The balance between control and power is excellent, making it an excellent choice for players looking for a Prestige with more power.

Yonex VCore Pro 97D

The VCore Pro 97D has a tight 18×20 string pattern that makes it almost impossible to hit the ball too long. The soft flexibility of 61RA maximizes dwell time, feel, and control.

The power is great, but it really doesn’t forgive mistakes.

Playing with topspin can be difficult as the low launch angle makes it hard to hit long balls.

So if you have a very aggressive and flat swing, the VCore Pro 97D is a great alternative to the Prestige or ProStaff.

The swing weight was increased on all 97 models except the 100 model. In some cases, this is positive, in others it’s a bit too much. So if you have a high swing speed, the VCore Pro 97D is probably not a problem, if you’re a bit slower, just leave out the “D.”

In summary, the new Yonex VCORE Pro 97D is very comfortable to play with and offers a huge amount of control and power for the right player, but it is really only the right choice for a few selected players.

Babolat Pure Aero 98

The Pure Aero 98 is the control version of the regular Pure Aero. It feels most comfortable when played with a lot of spin like its best-selling counterpart, but is intended for players who want to take the next step. Very good tournament players benefit from the very good precision without sacrificing much spin or power.

If you love the Pure Aero but want to play more aggressively and also go to the net (like Carlos Alcaraz), the Pure Aero 98 is just the thing.

Due to the flat launch angle, however, you should have a high swing speed so that the balls also get good length.

Tecnifibre TF40 305 18X20

If there’s a racket manufacturer that should not be underestimated, it’s definitely Tecnifibre by now. The TF40 and T-Fight series are among the absolute top rackets in their categories and should definitely be tested!

The TF40 plays similarly to the Blade 18×20 V8, functioning as an all-around racket with a greater emphasis on control.

Surprisingly, the TF40 has significantly more spin than the technical details might suggest. It’s very easy to generate a lot of spin with it, but also to come forward with flat attacking shots and then end the point with one of the TF40’s great strengths, the volleys.

I would definitely recommend only the 305 variant. The 10 grams heavier 315 variant has a very low swing weight, as the balance point is shifted, and despite the additional weight, it doesn’t play as controlled as the lighter version.

Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18×20

The CX 200 Tour by Dunlop is a control-oriented racket for aggressive players with flat shots who want to approach the net with precision and end the point there. It is quick and stable at the net and offers precision, a good slice, and a reasonable sweet spot size even for such a small head size.

The CX 200 Tour comes with a very low swing weight of only 306 grams and practically begs to be customized with lead tape according to your needs.

Wilson Clash 100 V2

The Wilson Clash series stands out for its modern playability in terms of spin, power, and maneuverability, as well as a very flexible frame and a soft feel.

The Wilson Clash 100 V2 has been slightly improved and the frame feels slightly more stable on impact. The sweet spot has been enlarged, and the FreeFlex technology is now called FortyFive.

The Clash 100 V2 is a good all-rounder that excels particularly in arm protection. The frame is very soft, and the technologies that Wilson has incorporated into the Clash allow for minimal vibrations to reach your arm.

The Clash is suitable for beginners and advanced players who are looking for a soft and somewhat cushioned feel in a modern and easy-to-handle racket.

If you are looking for the advanced version of the Clash, the Wilson Clash 100 V2 is a good choice and is still very arm-friendly.

HEAD Gravity MP

The Gravity MP plays similarly to the Gravity Pro mentioned above but is slightly more powerful and easier to play with.

All Gravity rackets are extremely soft, making them very arm-friendly. I have selected the MP version here as a good arm-friendly racket because the larger head size leads to more hits in the sweet spot.

Prince Phantom 100x 18×20

The Prince Phantom 100X 18×20 is a tennis racket that is ideal for players who desire a combination of control and a very comfortable feel. It is arm-friendly, and the 18×20 string pattern provides additional control, while the slightly thicker frame profile gives the racket more stability, resulting in increased power.

With a weight of 320g, it is not suitable for casual players but rather for tournament players or those who spend a lot of time on the court.

The racket’s flexible feel reduces strain on the arm and wrist.

Overall, the Prince Phantom 100X 18×20 is a good racket with a focus on control and slightly more power than the other arm-friendly rackets on this list.

ProKennex Kinetic Black Ace

A relatively unknown tennis racket brand, but one that has been preventing pain for tennis players for years: ProKennex. The Kinetic Black Ace series is especially known for extremely soft and arm-friendly frames.

The Black Ace plays very similarly to the Pro Staff X, while the Black Ace Pro is similar to the Pro Staff 97. It is very focused on control and adds only little power and spin, but certainly keeps the tennis arm at bay (at least one arm’s length away).

Technifibre Tempo 298 IGA

Tecnifibre has renamed the T-Rebound 298 Iga to Tempo 298 Iga. However, the specifications of the racket remain the same.

The Tempo 298 Iga is a fast and powerful racket for advanced female players who can generate enough spin to keep the ball in play. Despite its high stiffness rating (71 strung), the racket does not feel uncomfortable.

The specifications of the racket are unchanged, with a head size of 98 square inches, a length of 27 inches, a weight of 312 g strung, a balance of 32.99 cm, and a racket head speed of 319.

The Tecnifibre Tempo 298 Iga is a good racket for players who like to play with a lot of spin and aggression, and it is a good alternative to other rackets such as the Babolat Aero VS, Dunlop SX 300 Tour, and Yonex Vcore 98.

Lacoste L20L

Lacoste is not a brand that is typically associated with tennis rackets these days. However, they have recently released a racket called the Lacoste L20.

The Lacoste L20L is a racket that was developed in collaboration with Tecnifibre. Lacoste acquired Tecnifibre in 2017 and is now influencing the design of the rackets, as can be seen in the predominantly white, red and blue rackets.

Most of you know that René Lacoste was a tennis player. In the 1920s, he won seven Grand Slam titles and was nicknamed “the Crocodile” after his playing style.

Specifications and Technology

The L20 tennis racket is aimed at club-level players. It features the famous anti-vibration system invented by René Lacoste – where 40g of steel are embedded in an elastomeric material. The unstrung specifications are:

This racket is relatively light and easy to move.

How does it play?

The racket feels quick and comfortable. Perfect for most beginners with a large sweet spot, soft feedback and easy power.

Well-damped, easy to swing, extra power.

The slightly different design of the racket appeals to me!

Yonex ASTREL 100

This racket is ideal for advanced recreational players who are looking for a lightweight racket for maximum control and power on the court. With React-Resin technology, the graphite material is impregnated with a lightweight and flexible material, making the ASTREL 100 more flexible and comfortable than traditional game-improvement rackets.

Yonex takes comfort seriously and has integrated the Tri-Shut system into the ASTREL 100. This system consists of Vibslayer Carbon, Shock-less Grommets, and Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM), which all work together to reduce unwanted vibrations. VDM is a stretchable mesh material that wraps around the graphite in the grip and provides you with a more comfortable grip during play. In addition, the Astrel 100 features Yonex’s Ergo Power Grip, which provides a larger grip at the bottom end and a thinner grip at the top end of the handle to allow more contact with your hand for better access to power.

With a 100 square inch isometric head shape, the ASTREL 100’s sweet spot is enlarged, and the open 16×18 string pattern makes it easier to generate spin. While the beam is slightly thicker at 25.5/27.5/24mm, the unstrung weight of only 9.9 ounces ensures that the ASTREL is very maneuverable.

All in all, the Yonex ASTREL 100 is an excellent choice for players who prioritize comfort, power, and stability in a very maneuverable package.

HEAD TI S6

The Head Ti S6 is basically THE tennis racket for beginners and advanced players in the senior age range, with unbelievable statistics. If you’re wondering “which tennis racket is probably the best-selling from Head?”, you might immediately think of the heavily marketed rackets like the Speed or Prestige, but that’s not correct.

THE BEST-SELLING TENNIS RACKET FROM HEAD SINCE 1997!

This racket is one of the lightest on the market at 8 ounces and a little longer at 27.5 inches. The titanium material makes the racket very stiff and powerful in all shots. The ShockStop system is designed for tennis players with arm problems and absorbs a huge portion of the vibrations.

The oversize head with 115 square inches is ideal for beginners as well as seniors at an advanced level. Due to the very large sweet spot, it is much easier to hit the ball with the racket in the right spot. The Head Ti S6 is the best tennis racket for seniors or older players looking for a lighter racket in 2023. As a small bonus, the unbeatable price of this racket also comes into play, making it one of the most affordable tennis rackets.

Wilson Clash V2 100L

I have already mentioned the Wilson Clash V2 in the “arm-friendly” category. The 100L version provides even more arm protection and a larger sweet spot, as well as more power.

Perfect for older players who need more support from their racket. However, the Clash V2 100L is not a “pusher” racket and can still be used for very good tennis.

Dunlop FX 500

The Dunlop FX 500 is not only one of the best rackets for power, but also the best racket when it comes to price-performance ratio.
Here you can jump to the FX 500 test from the “Power” category.

Wilson Burn 100 V5

Brand new (hehe) and already available for under $200. The Wilson Burn V5 is my second best value for money racket.

The Wilson Burn V5 is a new tennis racket that offers a good combination of power, spin and playability. It is cheaper than some of the other new rackets from Wilson and has a high RA value.

The Wilson Burn 100 V5 has the expected specifications for a power/spin racket and is a solid option for advanced players.

The Burn family also includes lighter options such as the Burn 100 LS or the Burn 100 ULS, and for players looking for more power and spin, there is the Wilson Burn 100S V5, which has a more open string pattern and slightly more weight.

Wilson Pro Open

The Wilson Pro Open is modeled after the classic BLX and performs well in all categories.

However, you can notice the price, which is under 100€, as the racket does not feel and play as high-quality as other top rackets. I have been playing with the “top models” of racket manufacturers for 20 years, so maybe I am just overly sensitive in this regard.

With the Pro Open, you can play aggressively, have control, and generate a lot of spin. If the goal is to get a decent and new racket for little money, the Wilson Pro Open is a good choice.

Wilson Blade Feel RXT 105

The Blade Feel RXT plays like a Blade with a slightly larger head, just in… how do I put it nicely… “budget-friendly”?

If you order the Wilson Blade on Wish…

Still, for the price, it’s a great choice!