• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Tennis Tribe Logo

Tennis Tribe

Tennis Gear Reviews, Doubles Lessons, & Tour News

  • Gear Reviews
    • Tennis Racquets
      • Beginner Racquets
      • Intermediate Racquets
      • Advanced Racquets
      • How To Choose A Racquet
    • On-Court Gear
      • Shoes
      • Bags
      • Shorts
      • Sunglasses
      • Socks
      • Elbow Braces
    • Tennis Equipment
      • Strings
      • Ball Machines
      • Tennis Balls
      • Ball Hoppers
      • Overgrips
      • Training Aids
  • Improve
  • Podcast
  • Tribe Talk
    • Pro Tournaments
  • Newsletters
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

The 7 Best Tennis Racquets for Intermediate Players: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Will Boucek · June 15, 2022

When you buy a product through our links below, we may earn money from our affiliate partners to help support the site. However, this does not affect our evaluation or recommendation of each product. See our list of partners & how we get paid here. You can also learn our process for reviewing tennis gear here.

When looking for a racquet as an intermediate player, there are dozens of brands and dozens of more models within each brand. You can easily waste money by demoing dozens of racquets.

We’ve researched all the best tennis brands so you can find the best tennis racquet for intermediate players no matter what type of game you have. Below, you’ll learn how to choose a racquet that fits your game. Then, you’ll see the top 7 intermediate-level racquets on the market today!

Here are the 7 best tennis racquets for intermediate tennis players. We reviewed each racquet in more detail below.

  • Wilson Clash 100 – Best Overall Intermediate Racquet
  • Prince Ripstick 100 – Best for Topspin
  • Babolat Pure Drive – Best Advanced Racquet
  • Yonex Ezone 100 – Best for Power
  • Head Graphene 360+ Instinct MP – Maria Sharapova’s Racquet
  • Prince Textreme Warrior 100 – Best Light Racquet for Women & Juniors
  • Babolat Pure Aero – Rafael Nadal’s Racquet
Wilson Clash Tennis Racquet
Our pick for the best overall intermediate racquet is the new Clash 100 made by Wilson.
Read Our Wilson Clash Review

Quick Navigation
  1. How to Choose a Tennis Racquet for Intermediate Players
  2. 3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game
    1. Are You Ready for an Intermediate Racquet?
    2. Tennis Racquet Specification Chart
    3. What Type of Swing do You Have?
    4. Do You Need Help With Power or Control?
    5. Do You Play Singles, Doubles, or Both?
    6. How Often Do You Play Tennis? Do You Want to Become an Advanced Player?
  3. 3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game
  4. Reviews of the Top 7 Intermediate Tennis Racquets
    1. #1 – Wilson Clash 100
    2. #2 – Prince Ripstick 100
    3. #3 – Babolat Pure Drive 2021
    4. #4 – Yonex EZONE 100
    5. #5 – Head Graphene 360+ Instinct MP
    6. #6 – Prince Textreme Warrior 100
    7. #7 – Babolat Pure Aero
  5. Conclusion: Our Pick for Best Intermediate Level Racquet

How to Choose a Tennis Racquet for Intermediate Players

We have a complete guide on how to choose a tennis racquet, so if you’re transitioning into tennis, or just haven’t learned much about racquets before, we recommend starting there.

Quick Summary of the Guide: Bigger racquets are for beginner players and provide more power. Advanced racquets are smaller, but typically a little bit heavier. Smaller racquets help more with control, but they do have a smaller sweet spot for the player to make contact with the ball.

3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game

Free Checklist with 27 Racquet Recommendations

Download the checklist to find Your Perfect racquet!

Are You Ready for an Intermediate Racquet?

Decide which of these best describes you to see what type of racquet you need.

Beginner Tennis Players

I’m new to tennis and have played only a few times. I’m thinking about getting more serious and am looking for a racquet to practice more. I might start taking lessons too.

If this is you, see our picks for the best beginner tennis racquets.

Intermediate Level Players

I used to play recreationally, but it’s been a long time, OR I started playing in the last 12-24 months and want to take my game to the next level. I can hit the ball over the net consistently but can’t always control where it goes in the court. I mostly just try to get it back. I prefer hitting from one side to the other (usually forehand). My groundstrokes and serve don’t have a lot of power or spin.

If this is you, you’re in the right place!

Advanced Level Players

I play regularly and control shots with placement, power, and spin. I also serve with power and spin. This would be 4.0 and higher on the USTA scale.

If this describes you, then check out our six best tennis racquets for advanced players.

Tennis Racquet Specification Chart

This table provides a good general guideline to follow. There is more that goes into making a racquet than just these metrics, however, if you don’t want to spend hours reading about things like swing weight and balance, these are the most important.

Racquet SpecificationsBeginner Players OnlyIntermediate
& Some Beginner
Advanced & Some Intermediate
Head Size
(sq. inches)
107 – 115100 – 11095 – 100
Length
(inches)
At least 27.527 – 2827 – 27.5
Weight
(strung)
Under 11 Ounces10.1 – 11.5 OuncesOver 11 Ounces
PriceUnder $150$100 & up$150 & up
Power vs ControlMore PowerBalanced RacquetMore Control

If you’re still reading, then you’ve decided you’re in the right place 🙂

Intermediate players have more to consider when choosing a racquet than beginner players. You’re starting to become a better player, and there are more factors to consider.

  • What type of swing do you have?
  • Do you need help with power or control?
  • Do you play doubles or singles? Are you a baseline or net player?
  • How often do you play? Do you want to improve fast?

Answer the questions below for yourself to decide what kind of tennis racquet you need.

What Type of Swing do You Have?

If you’re developing a faster, longer swing, then you may start to look at a smaller tennis racquet (under 105 square inches). Faster swings typically mean you don’t need as much help with power, so a more controlled racquet will be a better fit. The best control racquet below is the Wilson Clash 100.

For a short or slower swing, you may still need extra power from your racquet. In this case, you can look at the 100-110 square inch racquets. Power comes from larger frames, so choose a racquet with a thicker frame like the Babolat Pure Drive or Yonex EZONE 100 below.

Stop paying full price for tennis gear! Get deals on shoes, racquets & more up to 70% off.

Do You Need Help With Power or Control?

When you’re an intermediate player, you’re starting to place your shots better on the court. You’ve also developed a swing that consistently generates power from the baseline to get the ball back over the net, deep into the court. You’ll also want to consider the weight and size of the racquet when deciding what you’re looking for.

Racquets with big frames and a large surface area will have more power in general. Smaller frames will have more control.

Most physically fit adults with an intermediate skill level and good coordination can choose a racquet between 98 to 104 square inches, and 11 to 11.5 ounces. This will provide a good combination of power and control as you develop your swing.

For smaller women or teens who aren’t as physically strong as most adults, a heavy racquet can lead to tennis elbow and other injuries. In this case, compromise with a bigger racquet head (over 105 square inches), and choose something under 10.5 ounces. The Prince Textreme Warrior 100 below is the best option for this.

Do You Play Singles, Doubles, or Both?

Some racquets are better for singles than doubles, depending on what type of game you have.

For players who prefer to stay on the baseline and hit groundstrokes, you may be able to use a racquet that has less mobility with a bigger sweet spot and extra power.

Doubles players, especially those who like to get to the net, need a racquet that has good versatility. As you start playing more competitively, the pace of the ball will get faster, so a bulky racquet will hurt your ability to react. The best tennis racquets for doubles are under 104 sq. inches, making them easier to handle and maneuver. They also help with controlling and placing your volleys.

Max Mirnyi returning in a doubles match
Max Mirnyi returns serve in a US Open doubles match. In doubles, you need a more versatile racquet for quick movement at the net.

How Often Do You Play Tennis? Do You Want to Become an Advanced Player?

You’ll need a different racquet depending on where you’re trying to go. If you plan to start taking tennis more seriously, playing leagues and tournaments, then you’ll need to buy a racquet that allows you to improve to a more advanced skill level. Any of the choices below except the Prince racquet will help you do that. You may also consider purchasing a tennis ball machine to save on lessons.

As you keep playing more tennis you may want to read more tennis gear reviews so you can get better on-court gear like the right tennis strings, tennis bags to carry your racquets, and shoes for tennis. 

If, however, you just want to hit recreationally for fun and to stay in shape, then you can work with a smaller budget and buy a racquet that isn’t quite as advanced.


3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game

Free Checklist with 27 Racquet Recommendations

Download the checklist to find Your Perfect racquet!

Reviews of the Top 7 Intermediate Tennis Racquets

Next, we’ll dive into the specifics of each racquet, reviewing what makes each one a good choice for specific types of intermediate-level tennis players.

At the bottom of each review below you will see a relative price on a scale from 1 to 3 dollar signs, and our recommended USTA Rating level for the racquets based on our research. Some racquets are good for all skill levels while others are for more specific types of players.

#1 – Wilson Clash 100

Wilson is a leading manufacturer of all things tennis, and their racquets are among the best in the industry. Their new Clash series came out in 2019, and the Clash 100 has quickly become one of the best-selling intermediate-level tennis racquets on the market.

Their new technology is what separates this racquet from Wilson tennis racquets of the past. It brings feel, control, and mobility to a whole new level. Singles players will have no trouble controlling the ball and moving their opponent around. You’ll find the comfort level on your groundstrokes is as good as it gets. For doubles players, it is easy to maneuver with great feel for your volleys.

At a weight of only 11 ounces, this racquet is easy to swing as well. The 16×19 string pattern will allow you to develop topspin on your groundstrokes. The 100 inch frame has a large sweet spot with control and comfort that is unmatched among other racquets.

This isn’t the most powerful racquet because of the focus on frame flexibility, but it’s the best option for adults who can generate their own power.

  • Price | $$$
  • USTA Rating | 2.5 to 4.5

Pros

  • Easy maneuver with excellent control
  • The best feel & comfort among all racquets
  • Very easy to swing
  • Great for adults who have fast swings

Cons

  • Expensive for people who don’t play often
Wilson Clash 100 tennis racquet
Buy On Tennis Warehouse

Other Sellers:

  • Amazon.com
  • Wilson.com

#2 – Prince Ripstick 100

The Prince Ripstick is a great tennis racquet for intermediate players who are still developing their topspin skills.

The standout feature of this racquet is the open 16×18 string pattern. This increases the friction between the strings and tennis ball, creating more spin than most other intermediate racquets. The Ripstick is available in two different weights, and also has Prince’s unique O-ports built into the frame. These open ports help reduce wind resistance which helps you generate faster racquet head speed.

This racquet also has excellent power and feel. Any beginner or intermediate player looking to develop their topspin groundstrokes from the baseline will get the most out of this racquet.

  • Price | $$
  • USTA Rating | up to 4.5

Pros

  • Excellent power & spin
  • Great feel & comfort
  • Lightweight & easy to handle
  • Great for players still learning topspin

Cons

  • Not great for advanced players
Prince Ripstick 100 tennis racquet
Buy On Tennis Warehouse

#3 – Babolat Pure Drive 2021

This is our pick for the best overall racquet in tennis. The 2021 Babolat Pure Drive provides an unmatched combination of power and control, making it one of the best tennis racquets for doubles or singles. If you’re transitioning from beginner to intermediate, or even intermediate to advanced, this is an excellent choice.

The 100 square inch frame is a perfect size for intermediate players. The wide frame gives it extra power, and the string pattern allows for extra spin. This racquet has everything you want for hitting groundstrokes from the baseline. The 2021 Pure Drive has new technology that helps increase the feel and comfort level.

At 11.2 oz strung, it’s a nice weight for intermediate players. The Pure Drive Lite is Babolat’s lightweight model in the series. Read other Babolat racquet reviews, to see which model is best for you.

Read our full Babolat Pure Drive review.

  • Price | $$$
  • USTA Rating | Any skill level

Pros

  • Great for any level
  • Fantastic balance of power and control
  • Excellent spin for players learning topspin
  • Great feel and big sweet spot

Cons

  • Good control, but not the best option
Babolat Pure Drive 2021 tennis racquet
Buy On Tennis Warehouse

Other Sellers:

  • Amazon.com

#4 – Yonex EZONE 100

Yonex is a growing tennis racquet brand that many professional tennis players are now using. The Yonex EZONE 100 is used by several professional women tennis players. 

The 100 square inch frame combined with the 16×19 string pattern makes it easy to control shots from the baseline with spin. Yonex is known for its unique frame design which creates more comfort than most tennis racquets. Also, the frame’s width and weight of 11.2 ounces, provide extra power for players who are just past the beginner stage.

This racquet is great for intermediate to advanced level players who need extra spin and power. It is not a great racquet for beginners who don’t make contact with the center of the racquet consistently, or a serve and volley player.

  • Price | $$$
  • USTA Rating | 3.0 & up

Pros

  • Great power on groundstrokes
  • Excellent topspin & comfort in the sweet spot
  • Lightweight with good mobility
  • Added power & spin on serves
  • Consistent performance from the baseline

Cons

  • High-end pricing for recreational intermediate players
  • Not great for volleys at the net
Yonex EZONE 100 tennis racquet
Buy On Tennis Warehouse

Other Sellers:

  • Amazon.com

#5 – Head Graphene 360+ Instinct MP

This is the best intermediate racquet for players who like to hit deep groundstrokes and control the point from the baseline. It’s also the racquet used by Maria Sharapova.

The 100 square inch frame gives it an excellent sweet spot. Combined with the lightweight, this racquet has good maneuverability if you play from the baseline or at the net. However, it excels for singles players looking to grind from deep in the court. You’ll be able to control the point and go for the lines better than most other racquets this size.

This tennis racquet is not a great racquet for doubles players who like to come to the net because it lacks some stability. But for most skill levels, it’s a great pick. Read our other Head tennis racquet reviews if you are partial to the Head brand.

  • Price | $$
  • USTA Rating | 3.0 & up

Pros

  • Great spin & control for groundstrokes
  • Narrow frame creates excellent maneuverability
  • Relatively inexpensive for serious tennis players

Cons

  • Not great for fast paced doubles at the net
  • Not great stability or control on volleys
Head Instinct Tennis Racquet
Buy On Tennis Warehouse

Other Sellers:

  • Amazon.com

Stop paying full price for tennis gear! Get deals on shoes, racquets & more up to 70% off.


#6 – Prince Textreme Warrior 100

Prince is one of the most trusted brands in tennis, and their Textreme Warrior racquet provides everything you need in an intermediate racquet.

A wide range of skill levels can adapt and improve their game with the Textreme Warrior. Also, it’s a more reasonable price than the Babolat choices above, especially for non-competitive players.

Its string bed of 100 sq. inches makes it an ideal racquet for low-level intermediates trying to improve their spin and control. The advanced technology Prince has put into this racquet, along with the frame design, allows you to get extra power on groundstrokes and serve. The 16×18 string pattern will help you hit better topspin and slice or kick serves.

The racquet is also only 10.3 ounces, making it the lightest-weight racquet on our list. This is great for juniors or adults who aren’t as physically strong. It also allows for more mobility in doubles.

  • Price | $
  • USTA Rating | 2.5 to 4.0

Pros

  • Good control & spin for groundstrokes & serve
  • Great feel & easy to swing
  • Very lightweight with great maneuverability
  • Good for beginner to intermediate skill levels

Cons

  • Not great for high level intermediate to advanced players
Textreme Warrior 100 Tennis Racquet by Prince
Note: The Prince Beast 100 is the new model of the Warrior 100. Some readers in Europe & Australia may see the new model with the link below.
Buy On Tennis Warehouse

Other Sellers:

  • Amazon.com

#7 – Babolat Pure Aero

The Babolat Pure Areo, used by Rafael Nadal, is the top-rated racquet for spin on the market. If you have a fast, big swing and like to hit a lot of topspin from the baseline, this racquet is for you.

The frame is 100 square inches for a bigger hitting area and is also built with aerodynamic technology to cut through the air. This will help you generate more racquet head speed, and therefore spin on the ball. The recommended string tension is in the low 50’s so you can create tons of power on your serve too.

For intermediate players, this is a great option if you’re playing singles and want to develop your ability to control your shots and the point with topspin. This racquet isn’t ideal for fast-paced doubles or a player seeking more control. Check out the Pure Aero Lite if you want a racquet that is even easier to swing.

Read our full Babolat Pure Aero Review.

  • Price | $$$
  • USTA Rating | Any skill level

Pros

  • Best racquet for power & spin
  • Heavy groundstrokes & powerful serve
  • Large sweet spot gives it good feel
  • Good for all skill levels

Cons

  • Not great for control
  • Not ideal for doubles players
Babolat Pure Aero tennis racquet
Buy On Tennis Warehouse

Other Sellers:

  • Amazon.com

Conclusion: Our Pick for Best Intermediate Level Racquet

Intermediate tennis players have literally hundreds of racquets to choose from. Depending on your playing style and goals, you will need a specific racquet.

However, our choice for the best tennis racquet for intermediate players on the market is the Wilson Clash 100.

The Clash 100 works great for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players, so you won’t have to switch racquets as you improve your game. Wilson has made the perfect “players racquet” with the best control, comfort, and feel. This racquet provides mobility for doubles, and a combination of feel and spin for groundstrokes in singles.

About Will Boucek

Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of The Tennis Tribe. He has played and coached tennis for over two decades. Will is a strategy analyst for ATP & WTA tour players and coaches. He also tests the latest tennis racquets, shoes, & other gear from Wilson, Babolat, Head, Prince, and other tennis brands. He currently lives in Fort Worth, Texas where he plays USTA leagues & tournaments.

Primary Sidebar

Doubles Only Tennis Podcast logo

Become a smarter doubles player with expert tips & strategy. Learn from ATP & WTA Coaches and Players.

Listen Here

Review Tennis Gear & Improve Your Game

  • Tennis Gear Reviews
  • Improve Your Tennis Game
  • Pro Tennis Talk

Most Popular Lessons

  • Doubles Strategy: A Complete Guide
  • How To Be A Good Doubles Partner (& What To NOT Say!)
  • 7 Tips For Poaching In Doubles
  • The 3 Step Volley Checklist [Volleys Made Simple]

Featured Product

Ebook: 25 winning doubles tactics
 

Ebook: 25 Winning Doubles Tactics

Follow Tennis Tribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn 3 doubles tactics to force errors & get more easy volleys with our free 20-page guide. Download Here

Tennis Tribe

Copyright © 2022 | The Tennis Tribe

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy