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

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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 and play-tested 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.

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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.

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 Specifications	Beginner Players Only	Intermediate & Some Beginner	Advanced & Some Intermediate
Head Size (sq. inches)	107 – 115	100 – 110	95 – 100
Length (inches)	27-28	27 – 27.5	27 – 27.5
Weight (strung)	Under 11 Ounces	10.1 – 11.5 Ounces	Over 11 Ounces
Price	Under $150	$100 & up	$150 & up
Power vs Control	More Power	Balanced Racquet	More 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 Prince ATS Textreme 100P or the Wilson Clash 100.

For a short or slower swing, you may consider tennis racquets with power. 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 Head Extreme MP or Yonex Ezone 100 below.

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 Head Boom MP 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.

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.

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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: Best Overall Intermediate Racquet

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.

Read our full Wilson Clash Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 2.5 to 4.5

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#2 – Head Extreme MP: Best Intermediate Racquet for Power

The Extreme has become a popular racquet among intermediate players over the past decade. Endorsed by ATP top 10 player, Matteo Berrettini, the Head Extreme offers excellent power and spin.

The 100 square inch frame is a perfect size for intermediate players. The wide frame gives it extra power, and the open string pattern allows for added spin. This racquet has everything you want for hitting big groundstrokes from the baseline. At 11.2 oz strung, it’s a nice weight for intermediate players. You can swing this racquet with ease and maneuver it at the net for quick volleys.

It lacks some control and stability for higher level players, especially at net. However, intermediate players will have no problems defending and attacking with this racquet.

Read our full Head Extreme Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.2 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: Any skill level

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#3 – Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P: Best Intermediate Racquet for Control

Prince is one of the most trusted brands in tennis, and their ATS Textreme Tour 100P is a great option for stronger players who can create their own power. This is one of the most control-oriented of all the Prince tennis racquets.

This tennis racquet’s 100 sq. inch head size give it a generous sweet spot for a wide range of skill levels. The advanced technology Prince has put into this racquet, along with the frame design, allows you to create decent power. However, the area that this racquet performs best is its feel and control. The tight string pattern and flexible frame allow players take big swings on groundstrokes and still control the tennis ball with precision.

At 11.4 ounces, it has good stability as well but isn’t too difficult to handle. Any physically strong adult who wants a comfortable racquet with maximum control will love the Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P.

Read our full Prince Tour Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.4 oz.
• Price: $$
• USTA Rating: 3.5 & up

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#4 – Yonex Ezone 100: Most Balanced Racquet for Intermediate Players

Yonex is a fast growing tennis racquet brand that many professional tennis players are now using. The Yonex Ezone 100 is used by several professional women tennis players and is a well-balanced racquet for most skill levels.

The 100 square inch frame combined with the 16×19 string pattern makes it easy to control shots from the baseline with spin. Yonex tennis racquets are known for their unique frame design which creates more comfort than most other 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.

Read our full Yonex Ezone Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.2 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 3.0 & up

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#5 – Prince Ripstick 100: Best for Topspin

The Prince Ripstick is one of the best tennis racquets for spin. It helps intermediate players who are still developing their skills generate extra topspin.

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.

Read our full Prince Ripstick Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.2 oz.
• Price: $$
• USTA Rating: up to 4.5

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#6 – Head Boom MP: Great for Spin & Easy to Handle

This is the best intermediate racquet for players looking for a user-friendly racquet that provides lots of power. A version of this racquet used by Coco Gauff.

The 100 square-inch frame gives it an excellent sweet spot. Combined with the 318 swing weight, this racquet gives excellent ball feedback 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 advanced 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.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.1 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 3.0 & up

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#7 – Babolat Pure Aero: Great for Power & Spin

The Babolat Pure Aero, 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. For more power or control, you can read more Babolat tennis racquet reviews. 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.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.2 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: Any skill level

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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.