The game has sped up tremendously over the years with technology improving each year. You should make sure you are playing with a racket that will allow you to keep up with the times. After all, your racket is your tool: it should work for you, not against you. Thankfully, there are rackets on the market for any type of player.

These days, many players are looking for something with a little more easy power. With so much to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out which racket is best for you. We have come up with a simplified list to make your racket-choosing task a bit easier. Let’s get into it:

When looking for a powerful racket, the “specs” that you’ll want to consider most are head size, weight, and string pattern. Large head sizes, light rackets, and open string patterns will generally lead to more pop off the strings. When looking at rackets to choose from, look for some combination of these 3 things to find what you want.

Here are the powerful rackets on the market that we recommend as of July 2020:

• Babolat Pure Aero
• Babolat Pure Drive
• Head Graphene 360 Extreme Pro
• Prince O3 Legacy 105
• Wilson Ultra 100 v3

For more detail into each of these rackets, keep scrolling. We have chosen these rackets based on our own hitting and play-testing experience, as well as conducting research of the specs that generally lead to power. Advanced specs can be found by clicking any of the photos of the rackets. Enjoy!

Our Recommended Powerful Rackets

Babolat Pure Aero

Endorsed by Rafael Nadal, this racket will be sure to pack a punch. The Babolat Pure Aero is one of the rackets that is popular among all levels of players because it provides great maneuverability. The Aero technology (aerodynamic beam at the throat of the racket) allows the racket to glide through the air as the player swings.

As for the actual specs of the racket, it has a good combination of what we look for in a powerful racket. The head size is 100 sq. in., which is on the larger side for a racket that is popular among advanced players. This racket weighs 11.2 oz (318g) strung, and tte string pattern is 16/19, providing a good amount of power and spin.

When I tested this racket, I couldn’t believe how big the ball came off with little effort. One impression I had was how easily the racket responded to spin. It seemed that I was able to add more power and spin with less effort, so this is a great option if that is what you may be looking for.

A downside to this racket was the control. As powerful rackets generally lack control, this did not come as a surprise. For my specific game style, it was too much as I struggle a bit more with finding control on my own. If you are interested in more in depth specs and information on this racket, click here.

Babolat Pure Drive

Originally used by Andy Roddick back in his world #1 days, this racket has remained a best seller for Babolat. Currently used by Fabio Fognini, it provides great power and a large sweet spot. Using this racket will allow you to find the extra pop you’re looking for.

Similar to the Babolat Pure Aero, the Pure Drive is widely used among all levels of play. Funny enough, the racket specs that we look for in a powerful racket are exactly the same in the Pure Aero and Pure Drive. It weighs 11.2 oz. (318g) strung, has a head size of 100 sq. in., and has a 16/19 string pattern. These 3 things, like the Aero, contribute to great swing speed.

The main difference is the technology. When I hit with the Pure Drive, I felt that it was a bit easier to control. The swing speed is not quite as fast, which we can likely attribute to the shape of the beam. The more traditional beam shape produced less spin.

Personally, I liked this racket because it gave me a bit more control than the other “powerful” rackets that I’ve tried. It was easy to swing, but had a bit more stability at contact. The Babolat Pure Drive is a great option and definitely worth testing for yourself.

Head Graphene 360 Extreme Pro

The Extreme Pro is back and better than ever, after skipping a generation. Richard Gasquet and Matteo Berrettini are among the top professionals that use this one as it creates spin and power at will. The unconventional color scheme of this stick will cause many to overlook it, but don’t be so fast to write it off.

The specs of the racket have everything we look for in a powerful racket. The head size is 100 sq. in., and the string pattern is 16/19. The main difference is that this one is a fair amount heavier than the others we recommend. At 11.6 oz. (329g) strung, we think that players with sound technique will benefit from using this one. This extra weight behind the ball will allow good ball strikers to plow through groundstrokes. However, you may want to consider other frames if your ball striking is not a strength.

When I tried this racket, I was surprised at the ball control I had when I needed it. I think that the extra weight allowed me to keep the ball on the string bed a split second longer, allowing for better placement especially on groundstrokes. The large head size and open string pattern gave me good access to spin when desired.

Prince Legacy O3 105

If you are an intermediate ball striker looking for a little extra zip on your shots, look no further. The Prince Legacy O3 105 will be sure to give you the power you’re looking for.

This racket is very light, weighing 10.4 oz. (295g) unstrung. The string pattern is 16/19. This racket has the largest head size of the rackets recommended in this article at 105 sq. in.

Typically I think that these specs can be too “flimsy” for players of an intermediate level and higher, but this racket was a bit different because of how dampening it is on contact. I was impressed with the user-friendly feel this racket gives.

Most rackets shake and rattle at the contact point when they are this light and the sweet spot is this big, but the Prince O3 Legacy 105 is different. If you try it and you’re looking for something with even more power, Prince makes a version with a 110 sq. in. head as well.

Wilson Ultra 100 v3

This line of Wilson racket is gaining steam as you see more pros using it each year. Endorsed by Borna Coric, Feliciano Lopez, and Vika Azarenka, this powerful racket can be well used by all levels of players.

This racket meets all of the spec requirements that we look for in a powerful racket: 100 sq. in. head, 11.2 oz (318g) strung, and 16/19 string pattern. The beam is slightly thicker than some of the other rackets on this page, so it absorbs pace nicely on contact.

One of the things that struck me when I tried this racket was the maneuverability. I found it extremely easy to get this racket flying through the air. As racket head speed is important for creating power and spin, this component of the racket made it quite attractive. I also found that when serving, I easily found some extra pop, which never hurts.

Conclusion

Now that you know our favorite powerful rackets out there, hopefully you can make a more informed choice. We want to stress the importance of trying rackets out before you buy them. At Tennis Warehouse, you can demo rackets and return them before you have to commit. Everyone plays tennis differently, so what we like may be totally different than what you like. Click any of the racket photos above to be taken directly to tenniswarehouse.com, where you will be able to browse a large selection of rackets.

Let us know in the comments below what you thought of this article, and what racket you have chosen to be your tool!

It is undeniable that serving and volleying is becoming more and more rare in professional tennis. While we still see players doing it, the play is used more as a variation tactic instead of the main game plan. This happened because, as rackets evolved, it is much easier to return fast serves in today’s game. 

Be that as it may, a lot of us miss the old days of watching Pete Sampras, Pat Rafter, John McEnroe and so many other masters of serving and volleying. On top of that, there are tons of players who love to serve and volley and we hope it never goes out of style. So if you love crashing the net, we want to help you pick the right tool for the job.

The key components of a good serve and volley rackets are control, touch/feel, and maneuverability. Because it is such an aggressive tactic, precision is a must-have. Historically, the best rackets for serving and volleying typically have smaller head sizes and thinner beams, as they provide extra precision and feel, especially on volleys. 

The best rackets for serving and volleying in the market as of July 2020 are the following:

• Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph
• Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Midplus
• Babolat Pure Strike
• Yonex VCORE Pro 97HD
• Wilson Blade 98 18×20

If you want to learn more about each racket, pros and cons and who we believe each racket is more suitable for, keep scrolling down.

Serve and Volley Rackets – What To Look For

Before we move on to the list of rackets, we want to highlight some of the important metrics that we used in order to select them. There are hundreds of different rackets in the market with unique attributes but when it comes to serving and volleying we focused on:

• Touch/Feel
• Control
• Maneuverability

We selected the each racket based on our personal hitting experience as well as performing in-depth research focused on those three metrics. We also provided a few alternatives at the end of the article for players who care less for control and want more pop on their serves. Without further ado, let’s get to the rackets.

Best Serve and Volleying Rackets

Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph

When we think about serving and volleying, Pete Sampras’s original Wilson Pro Staff is the “O.G.” racket. Today, the remastered Pro Staff RF97 Autograph is a modern take on a classic. Roger Federer is arguably the best server and volleyer in tennis today and his racket is one of the best out there for the job.

This is a heavy frame, weighing at 12.6oz/357g when strung. However, it is extremely head light (9 points) so its weight does not sacrifice maneuverability. The racket is extremely well balanced because it provides incredible feel, touch and control while still rewarding big cuts. 

Personally, I have played with this frame several times and it is the best racket I have ever used for anything that requires a good feel. Slices and volleys were outstanding and it was incredibly precise on serve. This is a serious contender for best serve and volleying racket on the market.

The only downside to it is that the weight is not for everybody. You need to be strong enough to swing the racket. Luckily, Wilson makes a lighter version so you can try that one out. For more on the Wilson Pro Staff 97RF Autograph, click here.

Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Midplus

The Prestige lineup is one of the most recognizable on the market. Prestige rackets always aimed at providing an old-school feel to a modern frame. The 2020 version does just that. It is arguably the best in class when it comes to control and feel. 

The updated Prestige weighs 11.9oz/337g when strung, 98sq inches head size and balanced at 7pts HL. The 2020 version comes with an increased sweet spot and Head’s Graphene 360+ technology for more comfort and forgiveness.

I played on the tour using the previous generation Prestige and I loved it. Truthfully, it was not the best fit for my game since I am more of a baseliner/counterpuncher but the racket felt amazing on serves and volleys. When I tried this version, I immediately liked that it was more user friendly without sacrificing the Prestige feel. 

This is a fantastic option for serving and volleying in this modern era of tennis. For more information on the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Midplus, click here. 

Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 3rd Gen

Babolat was always known as the rackets for power because of the Pure Drive and Pure Aero lineups. But the Pure Strike lineup added a much needed control aimed frame to the brand’s quiver. The Strike is a bit more friendly than the Pro Staff and Prestige we saw above. It is definitely aimed at solid baseline players who want spin and control.

However, the racket still performs on serves and volleys. It weighs in at 11.4oz/323g when strung, 98 sq inches head size and 4pts HL balance. While a bit lighter, it is balanced so the swingweight is higher. Because of that, it is incredibly stable and maneuverable while still rewarding aggressiveness.

This is the racket of choice of our team member, Austin Rapp. When I asked him about it he said “this is a great all around racket made for modern tennis. It is solid from the baseline but if you want to be more offensive and serve and volley, it feels crisp yet comfortable”. 

This is the most user friendly racket on our list and a great option for less advanced players. For more info on this racket, click here.

Yonex VCORE Pro 97HD

This new addition to the VCORE Pro lineup is quickly becoming one of the most popular releases from Yonex. It added a true “players racket” to the Yonex lineup to rival rackets like the Prestige. It is aimed at maximum control and precision and boy, it delivers.

Weighing at 11.9oz/337g when strung, 97 sq inches head size and 7pts HL, the VCORE Pro 97HD provides phenomenal control and buttery feel. It is stable and maneuverable for volleying and it has enough mass and precision for great serves. It has the highest rate in touch/feel between all rackets in this list. 

This racket is nothing short of fantastic. When I hit with it I immediately fell in love. It was good from everywhere on the court and I could not recommend it more. For more info on the VCORE Pro 97HD, click here.

Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v7

And finally, the last racket on our list is the great Wilson Blade 98. The Blade lineup is one of the most popular among tour players because it is an all around fantastic racket. It is also a highly customizable frame so players can adjust it to their preferences without sacrificing feel. 

Weighing at 11.4oz/323g when strung, 98 sq inches head size and 4pts HL, the Blade shines on touch/feel so you can volley with pinpoint accuracy. Much like the Strike, it is a great racket for baseliners but the extra control is perfect for serving and volleying and aggressive playing styles. 

The Wilson Blade is one of my favorite rackets on the market; it is one I highly recommend for players less advanced on their tennis journey. I can’t guarantee you will serve like Milos Raonic but there is a reason he uses this racket. For more info on the Wilson Blade, click here.

Bonus Rackets

Now, in this list we clearly focused more on the traditional style of rackets for players who like to serve and volley; frames that excel on control and feel. However, I believe that we should not overlook the power friendly rackets in today’s market. Heck, the Bryant brothers play with the Babolat Pure Drive nowadays. 

More power typically means less feel but at the same time, popping massive serves will earn you extra free points and easier volleys. So if you are looking for something less traditional or you love powerful rackets, these are 4 frames we believe are worth checking out: (a lot of doubles players use these)

• Babolat Pure Aero
• Babolat Pure Drive
• Yonex EZONE 98
• Wilson Ultra

Conclusion

There you have it. Again, we want to emphasize that picking a tennis racket always comes down to personal preference so you should always try them out before you make a purchase. At the same time, there are hundreds of rackets in the market so picking the right one for your game can be overwhelming. If you like to serve and volley, we believe that these are the best options on the market today for this kind of game style. What racket are you currently playing with? Let us know in the comments below!

Picking the proper tennis racket to suit your child’s game is important not only for performance, but for injury prevention. With so many options on the market, you are sure to find something they really like with some research.

Choosing a racket that fits your child can be overwhelming, but don’t worry. This detailed article will tell you what you need to know to choose the perfect racket for your 12 year old. We will provide checkpoints based on your child’s ability level, strength/size, and game style to help you better find the best racket for your child. From there, we will give you some specific rackets we recommend.

When choosing the perfect racket for your child, it is necessary to consider a racket’s length, weight, and head size. If you see a chart recommending certain rackets based on the size of the player, it is usually misleading. Your child’s tennis ability often plays more of a factor in this decision.

Playing With a Full-Size “Adult” Racket

First thing’s first: if your 12 year old hasn’t already switched to an adult sized racket, now is the perfect time to do so. While the category of “adult size” can be deceiving, almost all 12 year olds are ready to play with a full sized racket, especially if they have experience playing the sport.

The great thing about the racket market is that there are so many to choose from, ranging from light to heavy. Even if your child isn’t the biggest kid on the block, he or she can be sure to find something they are comfortable playing with. 

Choosing the Proper Racket Weight For Your 12 Year Old

Finding a racket that is the proper weight for your child is as important as anything. We commonly see young juniors playing with a racket that is too heavy or too light. This will make it difficult for your child to reach their optimal performance and lead to a higher risk in injury. As a 12 year old’s muscles and joints are growing rapidly, its important to protect their young shoulders, elbows, and wrists.

It seems fairly self-explanatory why a racket too heavy can cause injury: imagine swinging a club around for 2 or 3 hours. However, many people don’t realize that injury can occur from using a racket that is too light as well. The lighter the racket, the more a player is able to whip around too much. This “whipping” can cause a lot of stress on arms, especially wrists. Additionally, rackets that are too light can lead to inefficient technique, causing long term problems.

Obviously every 12 year old is different, so it is up to the parent and the coach’s discretion to decide what is best. Here are a few things to watch for:

• Fatigue: If your player complains about arm fatigue after fairly long practice sessions or matches, consider checking the racket weight. It’s important to listen to your child’s comments about how their body feels. Even the most subtle aches and pains can become serious with time.
• Technique/Effort Level: This is something that a coach should give insight on. If a racket is too light, your player’s stroke may look too wild. If he or she looks like they are swinging a club and using a lot of strength to hit the ball, the racket may be too heavy. The less effort your child has to put into each shot, the less likely they are to injure themselves.

Choosing the Proper Head Size (Sq. inches) For Your 12 Year Old

After exploring length and weight, you will want to consider checking rackets with different head sizes. This aspect of choosing a racket is often overlooked, but will play a large factor in how the racket actually feels to your 12 year old. 

If you don’t know much about how the head size of the racket affects the playability, here is a quick rundown. The majority of the most popular rackets on the market have a head size between 95 sq. inches and 100 sq. inches, but there are many rackets that fall outside of that range. There are other factors that will play into how a racket feels, such as string pattern, but the head size will give you a good idea. 

Generally, a bigger head size will lead to a bigger sweet spot. This gives a player more power and spin, while a smaller head size will give a player more stability. Higher level players will say that small head sizes provide more control because they are conditioned to hitting the ball in the middle of the strings. However, beginners will find more control with a larger head size because it is easier to make good contact with the ball. This is where you, as the parent, will need to analyze your child’s ability level.

As for feel, a racket head size that is too small will feel like a wooden board, while one that is too big will feel like a trampoline. It is important for your player to enjoy playing with the racket that they have. If you have the time to test a variety of rackets, we highly recommend doing so. If not, try to select a racket that is somewhere in the middle of the pack and branch out from there.

5 Rackets We Love For the “Average” 12 Year Old

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for, its time for the fun part. We have made a list of the rackets that we like for the average 12 year old. When we say average, we mean that these are the “middle of the pack” rackets that anybody is bound to like. Not too heavy, not too light, normal head sizes, etc.

The rackets below are linked to our friends at Tennis Warehouse, so click on the pictures for easy access to all the additional information that you need to make a decision.

Obviously these frames all have different feels, so we highly recommend trying them before you buy. Through Tennis Warehouse, you can demo rackets and send them back when you are finished trying them. Enjoy!

Babolat Pure Drive

Originally used by Andy Roddick back in his world #1 days, this racket has remained a best seller for babolat. It provides great power and a large sweet spot. Using this racket, you will find that extra pop you’re looking for on the serve and forehand.

Head Graphene 360 Radical MP

The radical is a classic head racket endorsed by Andy Murray. This frame will provide intermediate-advanced level players the stability they need for their all-court game without losing easy power.

Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP

This racket is the lighter version of Novak Djokovic’s racket. The head size is 100 sq. in., giving a large sweet spot and ample spin. If you like the way this racket feels but you’re looking for more stability, you can always try the “Speed Pro” version, which is slightly heavier and more advanced player friendly.

Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7

One of the most popular rackets in the world, the blade offers a more dead and controlled feel great for advanced juniors. We don’t recommend this stick for beginner 12 year olds, but we do think that it rewards good fundamentals.

Yonex EZONE 98

The Yonex EZONE is a great all around racket. It provides a lot of speed and all court playability. It’s forgiving, but not muted and most players will enjoy this racket regardless of level.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this article informative and helpful in finding your 12 year old the best racket possible. Remember to consider the most important things: length, weight, and head size. For any questions you may have while choosing a racket, feel free to contact us and we will do the best we can to assist you!