On your way to the top! Here are the 10 Best Tennis Racquet for Intermediate Players
The post On your way to the top! Here are the 10 Best Tennis Racquet for Intermediate Players appeared first on Reviews For Tennis.
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Tennis is a sport where you need to find the right racquet to play with for it affects your gameplay as well as development at the same time. Itâs not really like basketball that you just pick up a random ball and start shooting. If youâre well into the sport but not yet an advanced tennis player, then youâd need the right racquet to further your development. Thatâs why weâve researched and gathered some of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players on this review.
Presenting are 10 of the best on the market today, and trust us, you wonât regret choosing any of them. Get to know them more on our review, read on!
Everything you need to know about tennis and tennis racquets
Before we dive into our product reviews, we know that it is important to get to know the sport of tennis just a little bit more first. After all, a good overall knowledge of it would lead to a better understanding of what it takes to be a great tennis player.
Here are some interesting facts about it!
Tennis as well know is one of the most popular racket sport in the world. You have table tennis, squash, and badminton to name a few but thereâs nothing like lawn tennis.
Itâs usually played by an individual against another for the singles event or the doubles event which is its 2v2 equivalent. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is further popularized by top players like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, the retired Maria Sharapova, and now a rising star and champion of several major tournaments Naomi Osaka.
As we all know, tennis is played using tennis racquets that are strung and utilized to hit a hollow rubber ball back and forth on a court divided by a net.
Whatâs up with the weird scoring system, you ask?
Well, there are a lot of theories why tennis employs a weird scoring system but thatâs for another whole article. All you have to know is that you need to score at least 4 points to win a game thus winning a set and eventually winning a match.
But the scoring itself for tennis is not the same as any other sports. Score 1 point and that equals 15, 2 equals 30, 3 equals 40, and score another one and you win. A tie except for 40 points is called ALL and while if both of you and your opponent scores 40 it will then be called a DEUCE.
If that happens then either of you needs to score at least twice in a row to win the game. How many games do you need to win, to win a set? That will be 6 with no tiebreaker game instead you need to win two games in a row to win it.
And lastly, usually, a match of tennis is played in a best of 3 sets. Most championships though are played on a best-of-5 format.
The anatomy of a tennis racquet
Get to know more about your tennis racquet and youâll know how to use it to your advantage.
In its simplest anatomy, a tennis racquet can be divided into 3 major parts, the head, shaft, and handle. But for us to better understand the products that weâre going to describe later on then weâre going to have to classify the parts of a tennis racquet just a bit further.
Letâs start with the handle. In the handle, youâll see the butt or butt cap, grip, bevels, and the grip tape & collar. The butt cap ensures that the racquet does not fall off of the hands of the player it gives it a better grip plus a wider base.
The handle and its circumference plus feel help the playerâs grip on the racquet better in hopes of making him comfortable throughout a set plus giving him or her the leverage for the strikes. The grip provides a much-needed cushion for the playerâs hands. Some wrap another layer of grip on the handle but that depends on the feel that youâre used to and racquets may utilize an added grip tape to keep the handle intact.
A collar is also utilized to secure the grip tape in place. And lastly, for the parts of a handle, the bevels help a lot in preventing the racquet from rotating or twisting from the playerâs hands in-game.
Now, letâs discuss the shaft which is probably the simplest of the 3 sections of a tennis racquet. Now, this part consists only of the throat of your racquet. A racquet would then either have an open or closed throat.
Most modern racquets would employ open throats while traditional or older designs (wooden ones) have closed throat systems. So, whatâs the importance of the throat or shaft? Well, this area contributes to the flex of your racquet.
Just remember that a racquet that offers lesser flex will generate more power on your hits.
And lastly, letâs talk about the head which is just a tad more intricate than your handle. Obviously, itâs the oval portion of your racket. The rim is what you call the edge of it and the beam is what you can the sides.
The significance of the beam is how it affects power to your racquet. Ones with wider beams are stiffer thus generating more power while more flexible or thinner beams offer more flex thus offering better control.
And, this is a trend in tennis, as you gain power, youâll lose control and vice versa. But advanced players especially pro-athletes finds a way to balance or everything out with their innate talent and skill and tennis racquet of choice.
Going back, next is the grommet strips that are installed on the sides of the racquet to protect the strings. The grommets are the tunnels at the edge where the strings go through. And then you have the bumper guard right on top of the head of your racquet to protect it when hitting the floor.
Then you have the face of your racquet consisting of two sets of strings. You must string your racquet based on your preference. Youâre going to have the main string (vertical) and the crosscut string (horizontal).
Knowing your tennis racquet inside and out gives you a better chance at improving your game.
Benefits of choosing the right racquet for your game
Why is it important to have a racquet of your choice in your hands?
- The best tennis racquet overall does not exist. But rather the best tennis racquet for you. Finding a suitable tennis racquet for your gameplay is like having a good partner in life! It just elevates your game to the next level.
- A good tennis racquet will guide you through your improvement whether youâre a newbie, intermediate, or advanced player.
- It will save you some cash. A good quality tennis racquet will stay with you for a while so thereâs no need to purchase anything else.
- It will make playing the game and the experience of it even better.
10 Best tennis racquet for intermediate players product reviews
Wilson Adult Recreational Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Meant for Beginners and Intermediate players alike
Stiff Flex
Head Light Balance
Weighs 10.3 oz.
Head size (Large) 112 square inches
The first entry on our best tennis racquet for intermediate players review is none other than the bestseller Wilson Adult Recreational Tennis Racket. This is a racquet from one of the top brands in sports and a product from one of their best series so you know that itâs got more to offer than meets the eye.
This particular racket is perfect for intermediate players for itâs got great ratings across the board. It does not veer much to the direction of control nor power but balances it out nicely. So if youâre someone whoâs just trying to find the right balance or figuring out your gameplay then this is for you.
Itâs a perfect practice racket and even though it only says recreational, youâd be surprised how it can take on the wear and tear of constant usage. Needless to say, this racket is sturdy plus itâs got a large enough sweet spot for powerful strikes. Any Wilson tour slam reviews youâll read wonât tell you otherwise.
Pros
- Tough and solid construction
- Great value for money
- Offers a good amount of power but also quite easy to control
- Decent sweet spot area
- Great all-around racket
Cons
- Not meant for those with smaller hands
Overall Ratings
2.
Senston Professional Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Length: 27 inches
Midplus head size
Size 2 grip size
315mm balance
Unstrung weight of 260 to 280 grams
The Senston Professional Tennis Racket is actually a pretty good racket for beginners and intermediate players. Itâs like a glimpse of what the pros are using but doesnât really put a lot of weight in its product name itâs still pretty much a tennis racket for amateur players.
Itâs affordable and it offers well-rounded features all across the board. Itâs sturdy, itâs got the head size, length, and weight suitable for adults and itâs easier to control. While we wonât deny that it takes a bit of time to get used to it but itâs a decent versatile racket overall.
Itâs got a specially designed one-piece molded body and thatâs why itâs durable and meant for high-intensity games so you can really practice thoroughly with it. It offers good acceleration with your strikes and as mentioned, better control. It also offers great power and spin potential to your shot to give an edge in-game.
Pros
- Pretty versatile racket
- Very affordable
- Durable build
- Offers decent power and control, very well-balanced
- Simple yet attractive aesthetics
Cons
- The problem with it is its handgrip, itâs not long-lasting
Overall Ratings
3.
OPPUM Adult Carbon Fiber Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Material: aluminum carbon fiber
Weighs only 1.2 pounds
Grip size: 4 3/8 inches
Length: 685mm
Head size: 110 square inches
The next entry on our best tennis rackets review is the well-rounded OPPUM Adult Carbon Fiber Tennis Racket. This racket is perfect for teens and adults alike who want to start practicing their game or just want to stay active.
Itâs got great features, has the right sizes, length, and weight to be versatile enough. Itâs also quite innovative too with a sturdy construction overall. Its triangular structure plus the comfortable handle gives it the shock absorption feature youâd need. That means, no more unnecessary strain even if you want to play a few more sets.
Itâs really quite comfortable to grip and lessens vibration. The racket also uses double hole tech threading that does not only makes it look good but at the same time more durable and stable.
And the carbon and aluminum material combination? Well, letâs just say that this racket will be with you for quite a while. Itâs super-lightweight too with the unstrung racket only going for 0.61 pounds. Itâs pretty affordable to boot.
Pros
- We are very impressed on how sturdy this racket is
- Very comfortable grip and feel to it
- Low strain racket
- Versatile design for both men, women, teens, and adults
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Itâs not ideal for generating powerful shots
Overall Ratings
4.
LUNNADE Adults Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Head size: 102 square inch
Weighs only 280 grams
Made of aluminum and carbon fiber
Grip size: 4 3/8
4 color options: purple, yellow, pink, blue
Another tennis racket meant for beginners and intermediate players alike are the LUNNADE Adults Tennis Racket. It actually looks really good and attractive with the nice colorways or at least thatâs what we first observed about it.
Itâs a pretty stable racket and shockproof, which means you wonât get as much vibration as you strike the tennis ball. Itâs got a nice sweet spot and weight so you can control it easily but still as youâre learning, youâll get a forgiving racket with enough power by your hands.
Its strings are woven nicely and have a nice grip on its handle thatâs pretty friendly for beginners as they find their groove within the game. This is a head-heavy racket and has a one-piece structure.
Pros
- Cool looking racket
- Versatile feel and design to it
- Nice weight and pretty easy to control
- Generates needed power for recreational games
- Decent value for money
Cons
- Not a very sturdy tennis racket
Overall Ratings
5.
HEAD Ti S6 Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Grip size: 4 3/8
Graphite material
Weighs 300 grams
115 square inches head size
Length: 27.75 inches
Moving on with our best intermediate tennis racket review with the tough and innovative HEAD Ti S6 Tennis Racket. And yes, this ainât just for intermediate players for those who are participating in tournaments too.
This racket borders on the professional-quality build but to no surprised, it is slightly more expensive. But, thatâs not in any way a bad thing for youâre paying for something premium here.
Itâs made out of graphite so itâs guaranteed to be sturdy but still keep that desirable weight. Itâs got a large sweetspot still though so itâs still pretty much ideal for recreational use for those who are still practicing. Itâs slightly longer as well, meaning that you can get more leverage and power to your shots.
Itâs quite stable and easier to control as well so itâs pretty well-rounded or balanced. And most of all, it looks really cool with a nice feel to its grip we almost couldnât find anything wrong with it.
Pros
- Superb reviews for this one online
- Pretty lightweight yet sturdy
- Looks really sleek
- Pretty powerful strikes
- Nice feel to it and nice grip on the handle
Cons
- A bit of learning curve to get used to it
Overall Ratings
6.
Fostoy Adult Recreational Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Grip size: 4 Œ inch
Made of aluminum
Weighs only 0.64 pounds
High tension strings
The Fostoy Adult Recreational Tennis Racket is perfect for intermediate tennis players. Itâs got the right grip, head size, length, and weight. Itâs also quite affordable but it does not compromise on quality either.
It comes in a sleek blue-dominated aesthetic and as you get a hold of it, itâs got a nice feel to it probably because of its nice lightweight aluminum frame. It wonât be too hard to control but to be honest it lacks a bit of power.
Regardless, itâs pretty comfortable to use and meant for beginners too across all age categories. The handleâs wrapping is particularly tight and wonât falter on you anytime soon.
Pros
- Relatively durable build
- Easy to control
- Ideal for smaller individuals
- Great for practicing
- Comfortable to use, less strain on the hands and arms
Cons
- Itâs too lightweight that it wonât generate much power
Overall Ratings
7.
HEAD Geo Speed Adult Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Grip size: 4 œ
Made of composite material
Head size: 105 square inches
Weighs 10.4 ounces
Length: 27.5 inches
When you hear the Head brand then you already know that aside from Wilson, youâre getting something top-notch. The HEAD Geo Speed Adult Tennis Racket is not only an innovative product but also offers great value for your investment.
The same as with the previous Head tennis racket on our list this one has great ratings across the board. Itâs powerful, itâs easier to control, so itâs quite versatile and offers a great balance to your game.
The decent head size gives you a good sweetspot so you may use it for practice and even for tournament play as well. Itâs got what the brand calls an optimized geometry so thatâs responsible for the balanced attack of power and control.
Thatâs something most rackets, even premium varieties donât have and itâs up for the player to adjust. Itâs quite stable too and reduces impact or vibration as you strike the ball and that would surely give you an advantage during games.
Pros
- Pretty durable build almost like their graphite variety
- Well-balanced attack
- Very versatile tennis racket
- Easy to use and stable
- Comfortable grip and feel to it
Cons
- Apparently, people think that it does not offer much difference from $30 to $40 rackets in the market today
Overall Ratings
8.
Wilson K Zero Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Head size: 118 inches
Weight: 9.1 ounces
Length: 27.5 inches
String pattern of 16x9
Cross-section of 29mm dual taper
Stiffness level of 70
While weâre on the subject of premium quality and priced tennis rackets letâs discuss the most expensive one from our review, none other than the Wilson K Zero Tennis Racket.
This racket is not just for intermediate players but itâs designed for recreational players that are looking to take the next level when it comes to playing this sport. This racket will get you ready to take on even better competition for itâs got all the specifications of a pro-level racket.
Itâs got a compact yoke design, enhanced stiffness, and way better torsional stability. Now, what does that mean for you? That means that itâs better to maneuver, itâs way more powerful, but at the same time, itâs also quite stable and your shots will be easier to control.
So you donât really lose much in the balance or versatility section with this racquet. The extended length plus the generous sweetspot are also some of its best assets. If you have a few bucks more to spare and want to take your game to the next level, then this is the racquet for you.
Pros
- Very versatile racquet
- Well-balance design meant for power but also for control
- Guaranteed durable
- Looks really nice
- Comfortable weight and feel to it
Cons
- Surprisingly, the string quality ainât that good
Overall Ratings
9.
HEAD Graphene XT Instinct MP Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Grip size: 4 œ
Made of graphite
Weighs 11.2 ounces
Head size: 100 inches
Length: 27 inches
The penultimate entry on our best tennis rackets under 100 reviews is none other than the HEAD Graphene XT Instinct MP Tennis Racket. Now, this one is also a bit expensive but is also one step in the right direction improvement-wise.
This racket has got the specifications that most pro-athletes would use and so it will be like a guide on how to upgrade your game. Just the right length, weight, head size, and grip size plus it really looks good to boot.
Itâs pretty ideal for a lot of intermediate players so itâs got that versatility. Also, the racquet is meant for agile play but does not compromise on precision, power, and handling. Itâs like itâs meant for players that are aggressive ones the game starts until it finishes.
Adult or teens, if again, you have a few bucks to spare then this is for you.
Pros
- We must say that this offers great value for money
- Very durable and long-lasting graphite material
- Powerful!
- Size and weight for the pros
- Nice feel to it
Cons
- Requires a bit of a learning curve to get used to it
Overall Ratings
10.
HEAD Tour Pro Tennis Racket
Key Features:
Grips size: 4 Œ
Oversized 110 inches head size
Weighs 275 grams
Length: 27 inches
And the last entry on our best tennis racquet for intermediate players review is the HEAD Tour Pro Tennis Racket. And after discussing pretty expensive intermediate-level racquets, letâs go back to something a bit affordable.
If you want something from the Head brand then this is the racquet to scrutinize. Itâs got all the specifications even a pro would pick but its overall quality is just about mid-tier.
Itâs got a large sweetspot though so itâs perfect for those still trying to master precise shots. Itâs got a nice balance to it and it is shock absorbent but what we like about it the most is its durable Nano titanium material.
Pros
- Relatively durable tennis racket
- Good value for money
- Great for beginners
- Less strain on the arms and hands
- Packs a bit of power
Cons
- The strings donât last as long as advertised
Overall Ratings
Buying Guide Of The Best Tennis Racquet for Intermediate Players
Here are some of the important aspects that you should watch out for when buying your next tennis racquet.
Weight and size
The first two and obvious considerations that you should make when purchasing your next tennis racquet are weight and size. Try to gauge which comfortable weight category can you handle for a racket and also which size or length of a racket would be most effective for you.
Naturally, kids that do tend to be smaller need shorter rackets while teens and adults would then have lengthier ones. So, whatâs considered long or short when it comes to tennis rackets?
Well, a standard tennis racquet, or what an adult would most likely utilize is 27 inches in length. But the maximum length allowed for a tournament is 29 inches. Â Some pro-athletes prefer this extra length so theyâd have more leverage and can generate more power for their strikes.
Kids as early as 8 years old or younger may play tennis with a 19 to a 23-inch racket. While anyone older up to probably their teens can practice with a 23 to a 25-inch racket. And then youâll on your way to using 27 inches but you may utilize a 26-inch racket as you transition to the standard 78-foot court should you want to.
In terms of weight, a tennis racquet may go for 240 to 310 grams. Racquets that exceed 300 grams are considered heavy. The weight and size of your tennis racquet will hugely affect your gameplay and overall feel for it.
Head size
The next important thing that you need to consider for your tennis racquet is its head size. Now a racquetâs head size is generally categorized over 4 groups: midsize, midplus, oversize, and super-oversize.
Midsize racquets will go for 85 to 96 square inches, midplus ones go for 96 to 106 square inches, oversize racquets are those that go for 107 to 115 square inches, and super oversize racquets are within the 116 square inches and up category.
Now, which one is fit for you? Well, the head size creates the sweet spot of your racquetâs face. Meaning the larger the head size the larger the sweet spot will be thus the racquet would then be more forgiving.
From that, you can already tell that the more forgiving a racquet is the better thatâd be for beginners. So, if youâre just starting out then an oversize (or super oversize for younger kids) is fit for you. For intermediate players, you can go for a midplus head size and advanced ones can go for midsize racquets.
As your racquet gets smaller the more powerful and precise it will get. Of course, youâd need a lot of practice to harness this type of racquetâs full potential.
Grip
Grip size for your tennis racquet ultimately determines how comfortable youâll be when wielding it on the court. As the game gets intense, youâd want something that wouldnât add extra strain on your hands.
Grip size for rackets go from 1 to 5 (thatâs 1 = 4 1/8 inches to 5 = 4 5/8 inches). Most kids should go with a grip size of 1 while women should go for 2 to 3, and lastly, men can go for 4 to 5 depending on what they are comfortable with.
Strings
And of course, we need to talk about the strings. Itâs important to know that tennis racquet strings are made from different materials and since you have two sets of strings on a racquet, the main and crosscut strings, you can actually mix and match and find the right combination of materials for you.
Tennis racquet strings are made mostly of nylon (solid core), multifilament, polyester, and natural gut (cow membrane). Each would have certain advantages so please do take note that you can use one material for the main string and another for the crosscut string. Itâs your choice and exploring different options should pay off.
The strings will also come in different gauges plus you may string them according to the tension that you wish to play with. Take note that low tension gives your racquet more power while higher tension would give you better control.
Also, tennis racquets may come unstrung or strung.
Find the right balance
Having discussed all of the important aspects that you need to take note of when choosing your next tennis racquet, you need to find the right balance to accommodate your gameplay and skill-level.
So, what are your choices? As mentioned, itâs all about balancing power and control or rather prioritizing either of these two important aspects. Usually, a powerful racquet will have all the qualities that youâd need as a starter to an intermediate-level player.
This is because advanced and pro-athletes prioritizes control for they have the skill to make up for the weaknesses of a control-oriented racquet. But take note that thatâs not always the case. Some athletes will choose powerful racquets that are heavier and has a larger head size.
So itâs all about finding the right balance for you.
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Tips, tricks, and best practices to improve your game
Here are some valuable advice from experts and pro-tennis players alike for you to elevate your game to the next level.
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- Most of the time, tennis is a game where you need to go against your instincts. Especially when it comes to holding your racquet. Instinctively, newbies would tend to hold the racquet tightly even if they arenât nervous but that should not be the case. Hold or grip the racquet rather lightly.
- Practicing how to serve? Make sure to remember the C-shape and play with one familiar pattern first. Donât rush, youâre not in the French Open just yet. Learn to learn the game little by little. Serve on a C-shape execution and youâll reduce your risk of committing an error.
- Tennis also requires footwork. Itâs not just hand-eye coordination. Angle your feet, watch how the pros move across the court.
- Always keep your eyes on the ball. Donât look at the spot where it will land.
- Never forget the fundamentals if youâre already an intermediate tennis player. Just like in any other sport, once you get the hang of it, itâs easy to be undisciplined. But you wonât go far that way. Make sure to still practice the fundamentals honestly. Itâs the little things that will mean big when the game is on the line.
- And lastly, to be a better tennis player or athlete in general, do some helpful things off the court. Eat well and do plenty of other types of exercises, especially cardio.
Final Thoughts
Having your preferred tennis racquet by your hands at all times will go a long way. That familiarity, feel, and control that youâll have over it can make a difference in your game especially when it gets intense.
You may not be or not yet a professional player but enjoying and playing the sport the right way is always best for the experience. And for those who are aiming to get to the top, donât worry, pick one of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players that weâve listed and itâll surely help elevate your game.
Of course, youâre going to have to practice and practice a lot. Enjoy and stay active!
The post On your way to the top! Here are the 10 Best Tennis Racquet for Intermediate Players appeared first on Reviews For Tennis.