Feeling rusty? More rackets to get you back into tennis!
Do you feel a bit daunted by the prospect of picking up a racket again for the first time in months? Here at All Things Tennis, we are guiding you through some of the best rackets to get you back playing tennis. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, we take a look at the rackets that could inspire your game! Here is Part Two of our “Feeling Rusty” reviews – check out Part One here.
Beginners: Babolat Plus Range and Dunlop FX 700
With an extra 0.6 inches extended length, the Babolat “Plus” Pure Aero + and Pure Drive + offer the beginner a tangible advantage. The extra length provides greater reach and easier power, making it an ideal racket to build up confidence and get you playing tennis again. Endorsed by former Wimbledon semi-finalist Sam Querry, the Babolat Pure Aero + is 27.6 inches long, but retains the traditional 300g weight - allowing for huge topspin and maximum racket head speed. Both the Pure Drive + and Pure Aero + come with either standard strings and next day delivery, or with a free upgrade to the best Babolat strings available, strung by our professional stringer. For more information, check out our in-depth Babolat Pure Aero review.
Babolat Pure Drive +
For the ultimate sweet spot, try the Dunlop FX 700. With the largest headsize in the Dunlop Force range, this racket is great for improving timing while keeping maximum comfort. Weighing only 270g, the Dunlop FX 700 is extremely manoeuvrable and easy on the arm, making it a versatile racket for beginners with a variety of game styles. Whether its topspin, power or control that you are looking for, the Dunlop FX 700 has something to offer!
Intermediate: Head Radical S, Head Radical MP, Head Extreme S and Head Extreme MP
For the beginner looking to push on towards intermediate level after the break, or intermediate players not quite ready for the advanced stage of playing, the Head Graphene 360 Radical S and Head Graphene 360 Radical MP could suit you. The new and improved 2021 version of the Head Radical S comes with an enhanced flex feel and exceptional manoeuvrability. At just 280g, this is a versatile racket that is easier on the arm than the heavier model of the Radical, and has extra power with the larger headsize.
The Head Radical MP also comes with a brand new 2021 design and flex feel, offering a more powerful alternative to the Radical S. Weighing 300g, the MP is definitely a racket for the higher end of intermediate players, offering great control and power when used with good technique.
Head Graphene 360+ Radical S
Created specifically for intermediate players, the Head Graphene 360+ Extreme S is a player friendly, easy use racket. As one of the lightest rackets in the Extreme range, the Extreme S offers a flexible and controlled feel that makes it popular amongst players who have suffered from tendonitis or arm injuries.
For a more professional feeling racket, try the Head Graphene 360+ Extreme MP. The Extreme MP is one of the most popular rackets in the Head collection, with increased feel and flexibility and a solid 300g weight. Ideal for higher intermediate level players pushing towards the advanced level, the Extreme MP supports players looking to create topspin and play aggressive tennis.
For more information on Head rackets, check out our in-depth review.
The Head Graphene 360+ Extreme S
Advanced: Yonex Ezone Tour 2020, Yonex V Core 98 305, and Babolat Pure Strike 18x20
If you are an advanced player, you are probably desperate to get back playing and rediscover your fluid technique. Having not played for so long, this might be the best time to try a racket that could elevate your game and results. For the ultimate precision racket, look no further than the Yonex Ezone Tour 2020. Designed to create maximum feel and control, the Ezone Tour has a built-in Vibration Dampening Mesh that reduces vibrations by up to 30%. At 315g, this is a heavy racket that will reward the advanced player with easy power when used with good technique.
If you are looking for more spin but still to generate lots of power, the Yonex V Core 98 305 is the racket for you. It is 10g lighter than the Ezone Tour, allowing for a faster racket head speed to generate topsin. The isometric head shape is unique to Yonex, and gives the user a different feel for the sweet spot and swing. Both of these rackets are highly popular amongst professional players, with a host of big stars such as Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka using the Ezone Tour and V Core models.
The Yonex V Core 98
Finally, the Babolat Pure Strike 18x20, used by US Open champion and world number four Dominic Thiem, is a classy looking racket specifically recommended for the advanced player. The Pure Strike suits a flatter game style that revolves around feel and ultimate control but, as Thiem proves, the racket is versatile and can suit a variety of game styles. The Babolat Pure Strike would be a great buy if you are looking to take your game to the next level!
AllThingsTennis.co.uk (ATT) is the UK’s fastest growing dedicated tennis retailer. Tennishead readers receive an exclusive five per cent discount on all purchases from AllThingsTennis.co.uk when using this coupon code: TENNISHEAD5. All rackets over £100 are entitled to a free premium string upgrade.
