Best tennis racquets for intermediate to advanced players

• Last updated: July 31, 2022

You have been practicing your tennis moves for a while now. Your trainer keeps telling you that you are getting better, and it’s time to take a further step to increase your skills. This signals that you have become an intermediate player, and now is the time to get the best intermediate tennis racket that suits your strengths.

A quick online search on tennis rackets for intermediate players will offer hundreds of results. One of the greatest blessings from the free market is the possibility of choosing a racket that fits our game correctly. Tennis rackets are offered in different sizes, weights, and builds, and their framework is created to affect your game positively.

We are going to share our picks for the best tennis rackets for intermediate players with you. Remember that these intermediate tennis rackets have been chosen based on their reputation among intermediate players. 

They are regarded as some of the best-manufactured products out there. We paid attention to the numerous reviews of many tennis players about how these rackets have helped them increase their skills on the court for the better.

Babolat Pure Drive - The Best Tennis Racket For Intermediate Players

Babolat Pure Drive is not something ordinary. Born in 1994, Pure Drive optimizes the modern tennis game requirements. The target specifications may not have changed virtually, but the Pure Drive has undergone several technological tweaks that have altered the response and the feel.

The string spacing has been widened, and the grommet holes have been redesigned. The cortex dampening system has also been updated. For a fearless tennis player, the Pure Drive is a must buy, which dominates the opposition with huge serves, pierces the volleys, and offers a spin load and a heavy groundstroke.

Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, the Pure Drive is easy to use and is loaded with spin and power. The updates in the features are amazing, and even those who have not gravitated to the Pure Drive should check this model.

Why The Pure Drive?

The Pure Drive stays updated with the modern demands of dampened rackets. The new dampening system lets it absorb the vibrations better than the previously made rackets. The 16*19 string patterns give a higher angle to the ball launched, offering more power, which lets the volleys start flying at every shot.

The Pure Drive, much like the Drive Max 110, is well suited for you if you are a baseliner who plays aggressively.

Groundstrokes

Those who review the groundstrokes state that the Pure Drive could be used effortlessly, and the players do not have to swing a lot to create power.

Volleys and smashes

The Pure Drive makes hitting the volley’s spots easy and gives the player complete control of the game. The racket also gave effortless power.

Serves

The flat serve works nice, which makes it easy to hit flat and big.

Regarding durability, the racket is mainly for intermediate tennis players and lets you play with power. It has a small head size, and the beam is thin and flexible, which makes the Pure Drive racket robust.

Speaking about its quality, the Babolat Pure Drive racket has seen a change in its spacing and grommet shaping, giving it extra control and power compared to any standard racket.

The Pure Drive racket is efficient and suits players who hit the ball with more power and need a spin. The racket is comfortable on the arms and feels smooth while hitting the ball because of its excellent vibration control. The racket’s color, style, and design are also the product’s unique selling points. The colors are great and come with a matt finish.

Babolat Pure Drive is easy to control and has a high-power level, making the player feel like crushing the ball. The new version uses the SWX pure feel that reduces vibration while keeping the Pure Drive features at heart.

Pros

• Well-balanced
• Fully loaded with power
• Increases the potential of spin
• It is user friendly

Cons

• The racket has a muted feel, which may not be suited for all
• The power at times could be a bit hard to control

HEAD MicroGel Radical - The Most Versatile Tennis Racket

The HEAD brand has been a preferred choice for professionals and beginners alike regarding fantastic tennis rackets. Most of their models are pretty versatile in performance, regardless of your type of game.

The Microgel Radical OS is undoubtedly one of their best products for players who have improved their game after a year or two of practice.

This racket packs a punch for raw power by measuring 98 square inches, with a beam of 21mm, a string pattern of 18x20mm, and a weight of 10.5oz. It’s beneficial to hit fast and with accuracy.

Intermediate players will appreciate the impact distribution that will remain the same until their strength increases, and they need a sturdier model.

Pros

• Incredibly versatile
• Well-balanced
• Great for fast deliveries
• Suits perfectly baseline players

Cons

• Not the best option for powerful shots

Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 - The Best Racket for Power

Using some of the most advanced technology integration in the manufacturing of tennis rackets in the industry, the Wilson Hyper Hammer is one of the best options if you are looking for a heavy racket for firm hits.

The product is manufactured using Hyper Carbon, and it has a net that goes 100 square inches on a 27.5 frame and a total weight of 9.0 Oz. This racket is the embodiment of balance, fusing high-end finishes and lighter materials that perform just like the heaviest rackets out there.

The Hyper Hammer technology, an exclusive feature of Wilson, brings all the benefits of calculated, spot-on swings with potent hits. Remember that these products were created to perform like heavy rackets by taking away their issues.

Pros

• Wide head size
• Created using Hyper Hammer technology
• Firm grasp favors high impact hits with great accuracy

Cons

• Consistency is somewhat compromised if you don’t get the hang of it

Wilson Blade 98 - The Most Spin Friendly Racket

Sale

Wilson Blade 98 (16x19) v8 Tennis Racquet (4_3/8)

• Braided Graphite + Basalt Elastic and reactive...
• Parallel Drilling Grommet construction provides a...
• Top Grip Taper Tapered grip lends better feel for...
• FORTYFIVE° Patent-protected frame layup produces...

Were you looking to improve your swings and spins? This second Wilson Racket on our list is one of the most reliable rackets you can buy as an intermediate player.

This racket’s overall design looks tame and vintage, but it has everything you need to increase your skills and outperform yourself.

With a total weight of 11 ounces, this racket might feel a tad heavy for younger players, but adults on a roll can easily manage it.

Pros

• Large head size
• Easy to swing and spin
• Quite versatile

Cons

• Can be a bit heavy for young players
• Needs a bit of getting used to

Prince Textreme Tour 100P - Best Grip and Handle

This racket is terrific for players who get their hands sweaty between sets. The Prince Textreme Tour 100P has one of the best grips for a tennis racket for mid-level players.

This product is manufactured using last-generation materials to increase the racket’s stability and stiffness as you hold it and increase the strength of your swings.

The head is ample at 100 square inches on a 27-inch length. The string tension can withstand d as much as 55lbs, and the whole racket weighs 10 ounces. It is the best option to keep delivering your powerful swings and returning serves.

Pros

• Firm grip specially designed for sweaty hands
• Can withstand a lot of tension from intense gameplay
• Good racket for rallies and strategic plays

Cons

• Will quickly need to be replaced if you drastically improve

Babolat Pure Aero - The Most Cost-Efficient Tennis Racket

Before we dive in on this racket’s review, we need to clear up a couple of things. The Babolat Pure Aero was not chosen because it’s the cheaper option but because it delivers a lot based on the price tag.

Most Babolat models have a price between $170 and $220, which is excellent. This is the favorite racket of world champion Rafael Nadal, and it can be easily spun, showing a vast range of power on the baseline with every single swing.

The aerodynamic design is probably one of the most imaginative we have found. This feature is also topped with aero-modular technology and has a head sized at 100 square inches in a 27 inches frame. It weighs 10.5 inches and is one of the flashier rackets you will find, with enticing colors and an extensive catalog of models to choose from.

Pros

• Incredible racket at this price point
• Great balance and versatility
• Lightweight but yet powerful

Cons

• Not the greatest looking racket out there

Best Tennis Racket for Intermediate Players – The Only Guide You'll Ever Need

The more you look for the features that favor Intermediate players, the more you will find reviews telling you that you should make a choice based on balanced features.

This is probably because intermediate players know enough about the game to improve their skills but not so much to reach the levels of professional players.

The two essential traits you should look for in any racket if you are a mid-level player should be these: 

Rackets with Moderate Weight

You don’t want anything that weighs too much, but you don’t want anything that feels too light. The racket’s weight is determined by the materials used to manufacture it.

While in the past, most rackets used wood and nylon string, these days, they use a lot of polymers and lightweight metals to help players get more control over their spins and to deliver the most power out of each swing.

Rackets with a Heavy Head and a Sturdy Grip

Tennis rackets are helpful based on the height of the player and their size and build.

Players of small stature will deliver their best game with a big-sized head racket. That way, they can make up for their size with a wide range of action and a better shot to swing back.

Players with big builds will serve better than rackets with heavy grip. Their swing power will be increased tenfold.

Additional Features to Consider While Choosing a Racket

There is much more information to process when you are making your purchase, and this holds especially true if you buy online.

Keep in mind that we have gathered most of these features based on the experienced of many players and reviews across the internet.

The consensus seems to focus on balance, but we would do a disservice to our game if we chose something based on reviews alone. Take these other recommendations at heart when you pick your racket from your favorite outlet.

Get a Racket that Gives you Full Control

If you are playing at intermediate levels, you are no longer focusing your attention on hitting back the ball alone. Once you have a handle on the game, the rules about sets, and how the scores are handled, you need to create your identity for the game.

The identity is closely related to how you play, how you swing, and how you spin. Get a racket that allows you to do just that. The more you feel in control of your racket, the more you’ll be able to enjoy the game.

Play with a Racket that Feels Heavy on your Hands

It’s a fact that a heavier racket can affect your game negatively if you don’t know how to handle it. Your trainer will have a pretty good idea about the best racket that suits you when it comes to weight.

Try to go a couple of extra ounces over the given recommendation. Please take a couple of swings with it and see how much time it takes you to get used to it. If the racket feels too heavy and your arms get tired after two sets, that’s not the best option.

Look for a Racket with Extra Spin

Intermediate players know the importance of being able to spin their rackets in a match, and they can deliver better swings with one side after the other has been tensed for too long. You also need to check their string pattern and tension to ensure you are playing with something that can withstand your long hours of practice.

Get a Racket with a Perfect Grip for You

This is probably the most personal choice you can make out of all the features you should look for in a racket.

The grip is where you hold the racket as you play, and that’s the space of the racket that should feel right for you at every moment of any given match.

 If the grip of a racket feels weird or uncomfortable, you won’t be able to score a point cleanly. You also won’t be able to get the full strength out of your swings.

Look for a bargain (Cost-Effectiveness)

Rackets for intermediate players are pretty tricky when it comes to cost. They are not cheap, like entry-level rackets, but not as expensive as high-end products for professionals. There are many budget options in this peculiar spectrum, but the best ones are slightly pricey.

Most of these are also produced by established brands that have been improving rackets as time goes by. Wilson, Head, Textreme, and Babolat have customized technology on each of their rackets, and they are also some of the best-ranked rackets in the world by regular players and pros alike.

Frequently asked Questions

What's the Best Tennis Racket Brand for Intermediate Players?

Our picks include four popular brands. If we had to choose one that stands out from them, it would have to be our Babolat pick. We stand by our choice over the most balanced option with the Head racket we ranked first, but if you have a little more money to spare, you should go for the Babolat.

What is the Best Second Choice of Tennis Rackets on the List?

Head would be the most logical choice or either one of the two Wilsons we recommended, and the Textreme is best suited for more experienced players.

What's The Best Option When it Comes to Head Size and Grip for Tennis Rackets?

Sometimes bigger is better. Most options we listed have a head size of 100 square feet or close to it. If the racket is made using light materials, it becomes incredibly maneuverable.

The player will be able to get the most of them with precise hits and a lot of power with minimal effort. The grip depends a lot on what feels suitable for the player, and what’s important is that they can hold the racket without problems until the end of the match.

Is it True that Heavy Rackets are Better?

They are beneficial as long as you can handle them without losing head speed. You will be ready to hit heavier balls, as well. They get some time to get used to, but once you do, you will score points left and right in the blink of an eye.

What's the Best Tennis Racket for Quick Spin?

In our list is the Wilson Blade 98S Countervail, but this also falls in the land of “what feels best for the player,” which is very personal at the end of the day. String tension plays a significant role in this regard, as tennis players need to make the switch when they feel a side is losing the ability to manage their swings.

The Tie-Breaker

You reached the end of the road with us, and we are glad you stayed up to this point. A large number of options available and the increasingly long list of features on every single racket in the market can make the job of hunting one pretty intimidating.

It is good to have options, but you should never choose something based on looks. As you probably know by now, even something as simple as a racket handle has a great deal of effect on your game.

You can’t let randomness affect your performance. It is best to take advice from those who have tried these products before you. That way, you can make an informed purchase.

Do you feel that we covered all the grounds with this guide? Would you like to know something more about rackets for intermediate levels? Hit the comment section below and share your thoughts with us!

Kevin Fitzgerald is a tennis coach based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Kevin was introduced to tennis by his father at the age of 3. Tennis quickly became a passion, and he started coaching at the early age of 16. Kevin now writes for several tennis related blogs and magazines.

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