10 Best Racquets for Intermediate Players: Tips to Choosing the Right Racquet

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If you achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lack depth and variety, it is important to choose the best racquets for intermediate players. A good racquet can make a big difference in your game, and help you improve your skills.

As an intermediate player, you have likely developed some basic skills and are starting to play more competitively. At this level, it is important to choose a racquet that suits your playing style and ability. You also want a racquet that is comfortable to use and will not cause any pain or discomfort.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best racquets for intermediate players, and why it is important to choose the right one for your level. We will also provide some tips on how to find the best racquet for your needs. So if you are looking to take your game to the next level, keep reading!

List of the 10 best racquets for intermediate players

How to choose the best tennis racquet for intermediate players.

Whether you are just starting out and you have no idea how to go about it, or you have worked hard to move from a beginner to an intermediate player, sacrificing all those weekends to practice and now you are looking to upgrade your racquet to match your newly hard-earned skills, choosing a racquet can be a daunting task. Due to the unlimited options available and the different features to consider such as the weight, the type of material used, the style and pattern of the strings, the value, the size and grip of the tennis racquet, it can be overwhelming.

So let’s start at the very beginning and look at the three critical factors to consider when choosing a tennis racquet.

Head Size

For beginner tennis players, it is important to choose the best lightweight tennis racquet for your current skill level. What you must look out for firstly is a racquet that has a wider surface area or head size, this is the total surface area that is covered by the strings. The bigger this area is the more margin of error you have if you do not hit the ball with precision.

Weight

Secondly, the best tennis racquet for beginner to intermediate players must not be too heavy, it must be lightweight enough to give you control and power whilst not compromising grip and comfort. A heavier racquet brings more power and stability through the swing, it also absorbs more shock than lighter racquets. Whilst a lighter racquet enhances flexibility and spin, this type of racquet might be recommended as the best tennis racquet for high school players. Avoiding injury is also a crucial factor to consider, therefore a lightweight tennis racquet might also be the best tennis racquet for senior players.

Balance

The third factor to consider is the racquet’s balance. This is measured by how weight is distributed throughout the racquet. There are three categories within this factor, these are:

Head Heavy Racquets

These types of racquets as the name suggests, generally have most of their weight distributed near the head. This provides players with more power, stability, and precision when coming into contact with the ball. They also tend to be lightweight allowing for more flexibility.

Head Light Racquets

For this type of racquet, its weight is distributed nearer to the handle. This gives players added flexibility and more control over the head of the racquet. They also tend to absorb more shock and vibrations. They are however on the heavier side of the spectrum.

Equal Balance Racquets

These types of racquets tend to have the weight well distributed throughout the racquet. The weight is equally balanced at the head for stability and power whilst also providing enough weight at the handle to absorb shock and vibration.

The above factors are very important to consider when moving up a level in tennis because as your skills advance your racquet also needs to evolve with you.

Most intermediate tennis players now have to work on achieving more control and power in their movements, so the lighter racquets with a wider surface area may no longer be required. If you now fall in this category, you might want to look for a racquet that is heavier and offers more stability and power.

Best racquets for intermediate players review.

For your convenience, we have narrowed down 10 of the best intermediate tennis racquets reviewed on Amazon to help you make a good choice and find the perfect fit

Wilson Tour Slam – best intermediate tennis racquets.

We have rated this racquet as the first on the list because of its versatility. It can be used by the beginner player as well as the intermediate player. And depending on the size this is one of the best tennis racquets under $100 to buy, making it a very affordable racquet.

Boasting a lightweight feel considering its large surface area, it has been deemed as one of the best racquets for intermediate players because of its generous margin of error and flexibility. If you are looking for value for money, power, control as well as comfort, this is one of the best tennis rackets for the money.

Product Features and Specifications

The Wilson Tour Slam Tennis Racquet has the following features and specifications:

  • It has a large 112 square inch head, which provides a good amount of surface area for any errors, and it weighs 10.3 ounces with a 16×19 string pattern
  • Its Volcanic Frame Technology provides enhanced power and stability, especially for players with short and compact swings
  • The strings are Pre-strung and feature longer main strings of explosive power
  • It has Stop Shock Pads that reduce racket vibration for greater control
Pros
  • It is stable and provides for power and control on contact
  • It offers a wider sweet spot
  • It is made from high-quality aluminum which ensures durability
  • Suitable for beginners and intermediate players
Cons
  • Handle grip may be large for younger players or beginners
  • May be heavy for some players
  • Because it is very powerful, it can hinder your normal playing style

Babolat Pure Drive 2018 – best vibration dampening system Tennis Racquet for intermediate players

Coming in second is the Babolat Pure Drive 2018. This is the embodiment of modern tennis because of its sophisticated design and ability to propel the ball further due to its raised sweet spot. It is ideal for all intermediate to advanced players. This racquet is one of the most powerful tennis racquets and assists in improving maneuverability.

Product Features and Specifications

  • Its head size is approximately 100 square inches and it weighs around 10.6 ounces unstrung with a 16×19 string pattern
  • It is designed with a high-quality absorbing material which dampens vibrations
  • The Pure Drive has FSI technology with an open string pattern to improve your spin potential and allows the ball to be in contact for a longer time with the string
  • It has an Internal Cortex System and Woofer Technology
Pros
  • Offers great power and spin
  • Very stable and large sweet spot
  • Great new and modern design
Cons
  • A bit on the more expensive side of the spectrum
  • Very powerful but stiff and can be uncontrollable for less skilled players
  • Not recommended for beginner or less skilled intermediate players

Head MicroGel Radical – Best Midplus Tennis Racket for intermediate players.

The HeadMicroGel Radical Racquet has a well-balanced body. Its Micro-Gel technology makes it one of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players. It requires a certain level of practiced skill to master it.

The technology used throughout the racquet creates a unique, strong, and durable racquet that can deform and compress when coming into contact with the ball, allowing all of the shock to disperse evenly throughout the frame.

Product Features and Specifications

  • The racquet weighs 10.4 ounces and is standard in length at 27 inches
  • Head size comes at 98 or 107 square inches
  • It boasts the unrivalled HEAD Radical series quality
  • MicroGel Technology allows the racket to absorb the shock received from the ball and evenly distribute it throughout the frame improving stability and comfort.
Pros
  • It has a dense tightly strung pattern (18 x 20) which gives you the advantage of stronger contact and maximum accuracy, therefore prioritizing control
  • Easy to control how deep the ball lands and in which direction due to the increased width
Cons
  • Smaller sweet spot
  • The design sacrifices power for control

Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 – best Tennis Racquet for intermediate players.

Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 tennis racket is designed for the beginning to intermediate player with a moderate best swing speed, who wants more power from their game.

This racquet has a larger head size that makes it easier to hit winners and generate more power on your shots. The Hyper Carbon construction ensures performance all around the court, from the baseline to the net. With its pre-strung Wilson Ultra Synthetic Gut Control strings, you get better control and durability than ever before.

Product Features and Specifications

  • It has a head size of 110 square inches and 27.5 inch length
  • It uses Hyper Carbon, which is 4 times stronger, stiffer, and lighter than titanium.
  • Hammer Technology makes the racquet lighter with a higher and larger sweet spot

Pros

  • It is much lighter than most racquets
  • Increased racquet length for better reach and serves
  • Large beam width and heavy head provides power

Cons

  • It has little stability and shock absorbers
  • The head heavy design may result in too much power with full swings

Oppum T80 Racquet

The Oppum T80 Tennis Racquet is the best adult carbon fiber tennis racket for intermediate players. It has a very good balance, shock-proof and throw-proof, especially affordable and the quality of the racket is really outstanding.

The OPPUM T80 is made from carbon fiber and aluminum metal, offering you great performance without unnecessary weight or bulkiness. The frame of this tennis racket is very sturdy and can withstand the pressure applied when hitting.

You can use this racket with confidence. The package includes 1×Racket, 1×Carrying Bag, 1×Tennis Grip, 1×Shock Absorber. This tennis racket is about 0.61lb in weight and 685mm in length with face size 110 inches square and grip size 4 3/8.

Product Features and Specifications

  • 100 square inch head size and very lightweight at 0.61 pounds (unstrung)
  • It has a wooden handle and perfect grip size.
  • Double Hole Technology.
  • The racket is guaranteed, especially for beginners and entertainers.
  • Best customer service after sales.
Pros
  • Numerous features at a very affordable price
  • Suitable for both genders
  • The very lightweight and broad face
Cons
  • Strings tend to lose tension after several uses, so it needs restringing
  • Not very durable

Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph Tennis Racquet

The Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph Tennis racquet is designed for the intermediate player who wants to enhance the best performance and pure playability.

Featuring the same head size and open string pattern as the previous model, this racquet promises added pop, forgiveness, and spin potential. You’ll also enjoy the sleek new Pro Staff cosmetics with laser printing and the classic leather grip.

Product Features and Specifications

  • The head size is 97 square inches it has a length of 27 inches.
  • The strung weight is 12.6 ounces
  • The grip of the racquet is made out of graphite and kevlar, giving a very stable and comfortable grip.
Pros
  • Lightweight and grip-friendly
Cons
  • It is a bit expensive
  • Small sweet spot and not very forgiving

The Babolat Drive Max 110 Racquet

This racquet is definitely value for money, at just under $100 you can get a quality racquet that will give you speed, power, and control. It is one of the best racquets for intermediate players because of its lightweight feel and extended sweet spot that has become a Babolat trademark.

The Babolat Drive Max 110 is a revised version of the Overdrive 110. For better vibration control, it includes Babolat’s Cortex vibration filter at the top of the handle. The racquet is derived from the lightweight Overdrive 110 and features a more powerful and forgiving oversized head with the additional length for enhanced forgiveness, stability, and comfort.

Product Features and Specifications

  • The head size is 100 square inches and it weighs 11.3 ounces with a length of 27 inches.
  • It has a moderately dense 16×20 string pattern that makes for a solid and stable feel on contact.
  • Babolat Drive Max 110 is geared to the beginning to intermediate player.
  • The 0.5 inch added length and 110 sq. in. headsize.
Pros
  • The stability ensures powerful shots
  • Comfortable grip size made with Cortex Comfort technology
  • Extended sweet spot
Cons
  • String quality is not that great, other players have reported having to restring
  • Racquet can be very stiff making it harder for less skilled players to control the ball

Head Ti.S6 Tennis Racquet

HEAD Ti.S6 tennis racquet is the perfect balance of power, control, and precision for intermediate players. With a headlight balance, you can swing fast without losing control and hit with more power on your groundstrokes thanks to the open string pattern which gives you more spin potential.

HEAD’s latest racquets are designed to perform better than ever before. With the new AEROFOIL technology, HEAD has developed a racquet that is fast and powerful while also being extremely maneuverable and easy to control.

The 17/19 string pattern combined with the new Flexpoint technology makes this racquet ideal for all surfaces and will help you take your game to the next level!

Product Features and Specifications

  • Head size is 115 square inches and this allows for maximum power
  • The weight is 8.9 ounces making it very lightweight
  • It has a comfortable grip and shock stop technology that reduces vibrations.
  • Beam of the racquet is 28.5mm.
  • The racquet is extra long in length at 27 3/4″.
Pros
  • The graphite and titanium construction provides strength and stability without adding unnecessary weight
  • The big head, head heavy frame, open string pattern and large sweet spot provides power with less energy from the player
Cons
  • For an intermediate player that is trying to advance their skills, this racquet might not be ideal because it does all of the work for you.

Wilson Blade 98 Countervail Racquet

This racquet has been manufactured by Wilson with comfort in mind. The shock-absorbing technology ensures that the player experiences less fatigue, therefore, maximizing performance by limited vibrations. This version seeks to strike a balance between power, spin, and precision.

Product Features and Specifications

  • The racquet is for a player with a bit more advanced skill set, it has a head light balance and weighs 11.04 ounces
  • The head size is 98 square inches
  • It has a secure grip technology which helps with control
  • Two string patterns 16×19 and 18x 20 pattern depending on the power that you might be looking for
  • It was designed with countervail technology which means that it offers additional carbon fibers along the frame of the racquet
Pros
  • It offers great stability and maneuverability
  • It has reliable power when serving and great shock absorption capacity
Cons
  • It is quite expensive compared to other products

Wilson Clash 100 Racquet

Wilson’s new Clash 100 family of best racquets is designed for intermediate players looking to elevate their game. The Wilson Clash 100 features a combination of best-in-class control and flexibility that will help players hit more aggressive groundstrokes while still maintaining touch and feel on volleys.

The Wilson Clash 100 comes in two versions, this Clash 100 for Intermediate to Advanced players and the heavier Clash 100 Tour for Advanced players. Both versions feature all-new technology that features proprietary carbon mapping, StableSmart frame geometry preserves the stability of traditional frames through the mid-point.

Product Features and Specifications

  • The head size in 100 square inches with a length of 27 inches.
  • Its strung weight is 11 ounces and it has a head light balance.
  • It is made out of graphite.
  • Best-in-class control and flexibility.
Pros
  • It has a good grip size that gives you more control
  • It provides excellent spin and power and is praised for its stability
  • It can bend with the modern swing, making it the first of its kind in terms of flexibility
  • It has great shock absorption ideal for those with injuries
  • It is lightweight and this assists in ball control
  • It has a large sweet spot
Cons
  • It is quite an expensive investment

Best racquets for intermediate players buying guide.

So here we will discuss other factors to consider before buying the best racquets for intermediate players

Playing level

It is important to determine your purpose in the sport before you buy a racquet. If it is just a leisure activity for you then it is best not to spend over $100 on something that you are not taking seriously.

Price

Whilst it might seem attractive to buy from the brand that your favorite tennis player has endorsed it is important to take a step back and really do some research to narrow down your choices. Generally the higher the price the better the racquet but take this advice with a pinch of salt and do the research, the statement is not entirely true, some racquets are more expensive because of celebrity endorsements and not because of the quality.

Stringing

Generally, the less expensive racquets use basic materials compared to the more expensive racquets that use advanced technologies which do more when the ball comes into contact with the racquet, however, this factor is not much of a problem because restringing is always an option.

Surfaces

If you are just a beginner player or a leisure player then the type of racquet you buy and the surface you play on are not much of a concern, however, intermediate players with high-quality racquets need to watch for surfaces that best suit the type of racquet you have. Checking the packaging or the manufacturer’s website is a good place to start.

FAQ

Should I order a strung or unstrung racquet as an intermediate player?

Honestly, this all depends on the level that you are at, if you have decided or if you have identified the kind of player that you are, that is whether you focus on power, swiftness, flexibility or spinning then getting an unstrung racquet that you can tailor might be a better option in improving your skills.

How do I know when I have found the best racquet as an intermediate player?

The most important thing to think about as an intermediate player is that you want a racquet that compliments your skills and allows you to improve. Generally, a racquet that does all the work for you in terms of power and control will not be a good purchase. You will want a racquet that can provide some power without sacrificing control so that you can be able continuously to improve your own skills.

In terms of balance which is better, a head heavy racquet or a head light racquet?

Weight distribution is a big concern when it comes to balance. Some experts are of the opinion that light, stiff and head-heavy racquets carry a bigger risk to develop the dreaded Tennis elbow than other types of racquets. There are advantages and disadvantages to each combination, so whilst the jury is still out, there are guidelines and experts that can assist you in making the decision, and if all else fails you can always modify your racquet until you find the balance that suits your personal preference and comfort.

How do I figure out my playing style as an intermediate player?

As you move from a beginner to an intermediate player, improving your skill means that you have to come up with a tailor-made playing style. This influences the type of racquet you buy as well as the kind of drills and practice you focus on. Some of the questions that might be helpful in figuring out your playing style are:

  • What are you better at, power or control?
  • What type of swing do you have?
  • Are you a net or a baseline player?

Conclusion:

In conclusion, there are a lot of racquets to choose from depending on your personal preferences, playing style, purpose, and goal in the sport. All these factors will determine the kind of investment you will make in your racquet. These 10 racquets for intermediate players all have excellent features but we would recommend the Wilson Clash 100 as it works well for intermediate and advanced players, therefore, making it a worthwhile investment for those who are seeking to improve their game with a durable and quality racquet.