The 7 Best Tennis Rackets for Intermediate Players in 2023
Tennis is a very popular sport that people of all ages and skill levels enjoy.
If you’re an intermediate player looking to improve your game, selecting the right tennis racket can make a significant difference.
But, with so many options available, choosing the best one for you can be tough.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best tennis rackets for intermediate players, taking into consideration factors such as weight, head size, balance, and more.
Quick Summary
Rank | Best Tennis Racket for Intermediate Players |
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Are You an Intermediate Player?
First, we have to determine what skill level you are. There are three different skill levels:
- Beginner: You’re new to tennis and you’ve just started learning the basics of the sport. You haven’t developed proper technique or footwork yet, and struggle to consistently hit the ball over the net. If this is you, check out my guide on the best tennis rackets for beginners.
- Intermediate: You have some tennis experience and have developed a certain level of skill. Your shot consistency has improved and you have a greater knowledge of the game. If this is you, then don’t go anywhere!
- Advanced: You’ve been playing tennis for many years and have developed advanced skills and techniques. You can also perform a wide variety of shots and have a good understanding of tactics and strategy.
Still in the right place? Then let’s move on!
How to Choose the Best Tennis Racket for Intermediate Players
Here are the most important factors you should consider when looking for the best intermediate tennis racket.
Racket Weight
The first factor to consider is racket weight.
The weight of your tennis racket can have a significant impact on its overall performance.
Lighter rackets are easier to maneuver and more arm-friendly, but they aren’t as stable when hitting the ball. Heavier rackets are more stable and provide more control, but require more effort to swing.
I’d recommend a racket weighing between 10 and 11.5oz for an intermediate-level player. This weight provides the ideal balance between maneuverability and control.
It is recommended that you increase the weight of your racket as you progress in the sport. For advanced players, I’d recommend a racket that weighs over 11oz so you have more stability for your high-powered shots.
Racket Head Size
Racket head size can also have a major impact on your performance.
Racket head sizes fall into 3 categories:
- Oversized: 105+ in²
- Mid-plus: 98-104 in²
- Midsize: 85-97 in²
Oversized rackets provide more power and spin, and are more comfortable to use. This makes them perfect for beginner players. Midsize rackets provide more control and stability, making them ideal for advanced players who are looking for a racket that can control their powerful strokes.
Mid-plus rackets give the perfect balance between power, spin, and control, which is why I’d recommend them for intermediate players.
Skill Level | Head Size |
Beginner | 105+ in² |
Intermediate | 98-104 in² |
Advanced | 85-97 in² |
Budget
Budget is, of course, an important factor to consider when choosing a tennis racket.
Expensive tennis rackets are typically made out of higher-quality materials and have more advanced technology which can help improve your performance. However, this doesn’t mean that a more expensive racket is the best choice for you.
When thinking about your budget, you should consider your level of play and how often you play.
If you’re an intermediate-level player who plays 2-3 times a week, I’d recommend spending at least $150 to get an excellent racket that will last a long time. If you want to progress in the sport and become an advanced player, you may even want to consider spending more.
Tennis Racket Specification Chart
Specifications | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
Length | 27-29 in | 27 in | 27 in |
Head Size | 105-115 in² | 100-110 in² | 95-100 in² |
Weight | <10.5 oz | 10-11.5 oz | 11+ oz |
Price | Up to $150 | $150+ | $200+ |
Do you Want Power or Control?
When you first start playing tennis you want a racket that provides high levels of power and is comfortable to use.
However, as you progress in the sport, your swing improves and can naturally generate enough power to get the ball over the net. This means that a racket that provides more control would be better suited.
As an intermediate player, you want the best of both worlds. That is why you should choose a racket weighing 10 to 11.5oz, and measuring 98 -104 in². This will give you a good balance between control and power.
What is Your Swing Style?
Your swing style can also affect what racket you should choose.
Swing style refers to the way a player swings their racket during a shot. Most players either have a long, smooth swing or a short, compact one.
If you have a long swing you’d benefit from a racket with a smaller head size and more flexible frame so you have more control over your powerful shots. I’d recommend a head size under 105 in².
If you have a short swing you’d benefit from a racket with a larger head size and stiffer frame to help you generate more power. I’d recommend a racket between 100-110 in².
Take the time to analyze your swing and experiment with rackets that have different head sizes so you can find the right fit for you.
What is Your Playing Style?
And finally, your playing style is something you should consider when looking for the best tennis racket for you.
Singles players who like to stay at the baseline and hit groundstrokes would benefit from a racket that is heavier and has a larger head size. This will help you generate extra power on your strokes and put your opponent under more pressure.
However, if you’re a player who likes to move up to the net, then having a lighter racket with a smaller head size would be beneficial. This helps with maneuverability and allows you to react quicker, which is especially important when you’re hitting volleys.
But, at the end of the day, it is all down to personal preference.
Reviews of the Best Intermediate Tennis Rackets
1. Wilson Clash 100 v2
Price: $$$$
Pros
- Very comfortable to use
- Good power
- Good control
- Lots of spin
Cons
- Expensive
The Wilson Clash 100 v2 is my pick for the best tennis racquet for intermediate players.
The Clash was released back in 2019 and it quickly became one of the most popular intermediate rackets on the market due to its innovative technology.
The Wilson Clash v2 has a stiffness rating of 57, making it one of the most flexible rackets in the world. This is due to Wilson’s new FORTYFIVE technology that allows the racket to bend and soften the impact of the ball like no other. When testing out this racquet I found that it had an exceptional blend of feel and comfort making it very enjoyable to use.
Furthermore, the Clash is easy to swing at only 11oz, and has a 100 inch frame that provides an excellent balance of power and control.
If you’re willing to spend the extra money, the Wilson Clash 100 v2 is the racket I’d recommend for any intermediate tennis players.
Specs
Wilson Clash 100 v2 | Specs |
Head Size | 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
Length | 27 in / 68.58 cm |
Strung Weight | 11oz / 312g |
Balance | 7 pts HL |
Swingweight | 313 |
Stiffness | 57 |
Beam Width | 24.5mm / 24.5mm / 24.5mm |
String Pattern | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
2. Babolat Pure Aero
Price: $$$
Pros
- Loads of spin
- Decent power
- Lightweight
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Not the most arm-friendly
- Stability
Endorsed by Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, the Babolat Pure Aero is a great option for players looking to add more spin to their game.
The Pure Aero is one of the most spin-friendly rackets on the market, making it ideal for players who want to control their big swings. Plus, with a weight of 11.2oz, this allows you to swing faster on the ball and help you hit more powerful groundstrokes.
With the new model, Babolat has dropped the stiffness rating from 67 to 65. However, this racket still feels relatively stiff. While this helps with control, it does mean that the Pure Aero isn’t the most comfortable racket.
If you’re an intermediate to advanced player who’s looking to add more spin to their game, then I couldn’t recommend the Babolat Pure Aero more.
Specs
Babolat Pure Aero | Specs |
Head Size | 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
Length | 27 in / 68.58 cm |
Strung Weight | 11.2oz / 318g |
Balance | 4 pts HL |
Swingweight | 322 |
Stiffness | 65 |
Beam Width | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
String Pattern | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
3. Yonex EZONE 100
Price: $$$
Pros
- Great control
- Excellent power
- Good spin
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Comfort
Yonex has quickly become one of the most popular tennis racket brands on the WTA and ATP Tour. One of my favorite rackets by Yonex is the EZONE 100 due to how well-balanced it is.
Throughout the years, the EZONE range has been known for its control and spin capabilities. However, paired with the latest 2G NAMD Speed technology that helps with flex in the frame, the new EZONE 100 provides a lot more power.
Compared to the EZONE 98, I found that the Yonex EZONE 100 provides more power and is more forgiving making it ideal for intermediate players.
Yonex rackets are known for their unique head shape and it is no different with the EZONE 100. Yonex claims that this isometric head shape increases the sweet spot and improves racket maneuverability. However, I’m not sure how true this is.
Specs
Yonex EZONE 100 | Specs |
Head Size | 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
Length | 27.5 in / 69.85 cm |
Strung Weight | 11.2oz / 318g |
Balance | 3 pts HL |
Swingweight | 336 |
Stiffness | 67 |
Beam Width | 23.8mm / 26.5mm / 22.5mm |
String Pattern | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
4. Head Boom MP
Price: $$$
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- Good power
- Maneuverability
- Lightweight
Cons
- Stability
The Boom MP was released in 2022 making it one of Head’s newest rackets.
Designed specifically for intermediate-level players, the Head Boom MP is an easy-to-use racket that provides plenty of power. This is thanks to the Graphene 360+ and Auxetic technology that helps with frame flex. This means that even though the stiffness rating is quite high, the Boom MP is still very comfortable to use.
With a weight of 11.1oz, the Boom MP felt effortless to swing, allowing me to accelerate more on the tennis ball. Plus, I found that the Head Boom MP provided fantastic ball feedback, which made me feel like I had a better connection with the ball.
If you want something that is both comfortable and powerful, the Head Boom MP is a great option.
Specs
Head Boom MP | Specs |
Head Size | 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
Length | 27 in / 68.58 cm |
Strung Weight | 11.1oz / 315g |
Balance | 5 pts HL |
Swingweight | 318 |
Stiffness | 64 |
Beam Width | 23.5mm / 24.5mm / 23.5mm |
String Pattern | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
5. Tecnifibre TFight ISO 300
Price: $$$
Pros
- Good control
- Lots of spin
- Good amount of power
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Comfort
If you’re looking to improve your consistency and add some more control to your game, then I’d recommend the Tecnifibre TFight ISO 300.
In recent years, Tecnifibre has taken the tennis world by storm, becoming a very popular tennis brand. Even the likes of Daniil Medvedev and Tallon Griekspoor use Tecnifibre rackets.
The TFight series is a personal favorite of mine with the Tecnifibre TFight 300 RS being my racket of choice for many years. However, Tecnifibre improved the TFight series in 2023 by introducing ISOFLEX technology, which offers a more forgiving and consistent feeling string bed.
And it doesn’t disappoint!
The racket’s control has improved, and it even generates a good amount of power for a 98 square inch head size.
Plus, the all-white look is definitely unique.
Specs
Tecnifibre TFight ISO 300 | Specs |
Head Size | 98 in² / 632.26 cm² |
Length | 27 in / 68.58 cm |
Strung Weight | 11.2oz / 318g |
Balance | 4 pts HL |
Swingweight | 320 |
Stiffness | 66 |
Beam Width | 22.5mm / 22.5mm / 22.5mm |
Composition | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
6. Babolat Pure Drive
Price: $$$
Pros
- Loads of power
- Lots of spin
- Good weight balance
Cons
- Hard to control
- Not very arm-friendly
If you’re looking to add more power to your game, look no further than the Babolat Pure Drive.
In 2021, Babolat released an updated model of the Pure Drive, featuring a new HTR System that improves the rigidity of the frame and improves energy transfer to the ball. They’ve also included their FSI Power Technology which increases the size of the sweet spot and provides extra power.
The Babolat Pure Drive weighs 11.2oz and is easy to maneuver, helping you make your shots even more explosive.
The only downside is that this racket can be hard to control due to how powerful it is. However, paired with a tennis string made for control, this can help you hone in on that power and create a deadly weapon your opponents will be scared of.
In fact, I love the Babolat Pure Drive so much that it’s been my racquet of choice for over a year now. I just wish they made it more arm-friendly.
Specs
Babolat Pure Drive | Specs |
Head Size | 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
Length | 27 in / 68.58 cm |
Strung Weight | 11.2oz / 318g |
Balance | 4 pts HL |
Swingweight | 320 |
Stiffness | 71 |
Beam Width | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
String Pattern | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
7. Head Extreme MP
Price: $$$
Pros
- Loads of power
- Good amount of spin
- Good weight balance
Cons
- Hard to control
Endorsed by Matteo Berrettini, the Extreme MP is Head’s most popular racket for intermediate players.
Much like the Head Boom, the Extreme also features Graphene 360+ and Auxetic technology, which helped me generate more power on my strokes. Additionally, Head has included Spin Grommets meaning this racket has an excellent blend between spin and power.
At 11.2oz, it is the perfect weight for intermediate level players, allowing you to easily swing the racket and react quickly for volleys at the net. With the newly updated model, Head has made the Extreme MP slightly more head light for easier acceleration.
The Head Extreme MP is perfect for intermediate players who prefer to stay on the baseline and be aggressive.
Specs
Head Extreme MP | Specs |
Head Size | 100 in² / 645.16 cm² |
Length | 27 in / 68.58 cm |
Strung Weight | 11.2oz / 318g |
Balance | 4 pts HL |
Swingweight | 322 |
Stiffness | 66 |
Beam Width | 23mm / 26mm / 21mm |
String Pattern | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to the best tennis rackets for intermediate players.
What is the Best Intermediate Tennis Racket?
My pick for the best intermediate tennis racket is the Wilson Clash 100 v2.
The Clash 100 v2 provides an excellent blend of power and spin, and is one of the most comfortable tennis rackets on the market due to its extremely low stiffness rating.
How Do I Choose a Tennis Racket for an Intermediate Player?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a racket for an intermediate player.
However, the most important are weight, head size, and budget. You may even want to consider your swing style and game style as these can also impact what racket would be best suited for you.
What are the Best Strings for Intermediate Players?
As an intermediate player, you should have developed a good level of natural power.
This means that a polyester or multifilament tennis string that provides more spin and control would be best suited for you.
See my list of the best tennis strings for spin to learn more.
Final Words
Congratulations! You should now have a better understanding of the best tennis rackets for intermediate players and the factors you must consider.
The next step is to get out there and practice so you can become an advanced player!
Featured Image: Srinrat Wuttichaikitcharoen