The 9 Best Tennis Racquets for Intermediate Players: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

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The best tennis racquet for intermediate players is the Wilson Clash 100. This racquet is arm-friendly with a good combination of power and control that intermediate players need to improve. I recommend the Head Extreme MP if you need a more powerful racquet. For a more control-oriented racquet, choose the Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P.

Below you will find reviews of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players. I also created a buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect racquet for your goals and game style.

With decades of experience playing and coaching tennis, as well as a certified master racquet technician on our team, our expert reviews are trusted by 10,000’s of tennis players worldwide every month. We’ve researched and play-tested intermediate tennis racquets from all the best brands, analyzing each racquet based on its specifications, power, spin, and more.

Here is a quick summary of what you should know about intermediate racquets.

• Tennis racquets for intermediate players have a slightly larger head size and weigh less than advanced racquets. Look for a racquet around 100-105 square inches and 11 ounces.
• Intermediate racquets are the same length as advanced racquets, usually 27 inches.
• Intermediate players should choose a racquet that helps their game style. Don’t choose a powerful racquet if you need help with control, for example.

Leave a comment at the bottom of this page for more personalized racquet recommendations from one of our experts.

List of the Best Intermediate Tennis Racquets

The table below shows our picks for the 9 best tennis racquets for intermediate players by category. We reviewed each racquet in more detail below.

Click the links below to order your racquet from Tennis Warehouse.

Category	Racquet
Best Overall Intermediate Racquet	Wilson Clash 100 Jump to Review
Best Intermediate Racquet for Power	Head Extreme MP Jump to Review
Best Intermediate Racquet for Control	Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P Jump to Review
Most Balanced Intermediate Racquet	Yonex Ezone 100 Jump to Review
Best for Learning & Improving Topspin	Prince Ripstick 100 Jump to Review
Great for Spin & Easy to Handle (endorsed by Coco Gauff)	Head Boom MP Jump to Review
Combination of Power & Spin (endorsed by Rafael Nadal)	Babolat Pure Aero Jump to Review
Great for Transitioning to a Control Racquet	Yonex Percept 100D Jump to Review
Best Lightweight Intermediate Racquet	Dunlop SX 300 LS Jump to Review

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Reviews of the Top 9 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.

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#1 – Wilson Clash 100: Best Overall

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 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 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 the 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 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 power. This is one of the most control-oriented of all the Prince tennis racquets.

This tennis racquet’s 100 sq. inch head size gives 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 to 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

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’s 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 tennis 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 the 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, making it one of the best tennis racquets for women.

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.

Read our full Head Boom Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.0 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 3.0 & up

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#7 – Babolat Pure Aero: Maximum 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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#8 – Yonex Percept 100D: Great for Transitioning to a Control Racquet

The Yonex Percept 100D is a great addition to the Percept line of racquets (formerly called Vcore Pro) for the 2023 release. It has unique characteristics that make it great for those wanting to try out a more control-oriented racquet that still provides some power.

This frame has added stiffness in the hoop along with a 100 square-inch head creating great stability and forgiveness. It also provides decent power but adds a rare 18×19 string pattern to maintain excellent control.

Intermediate players, particularly intermediate doubles players, will also love the maneuverability this racquet provides at the net. The 18-main string pattern gives a lower launch angle that takes a little adjustment, but it works great to keep the ball lower over the net to prevent your opponents from poaching when playing doubles.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.3 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 3.5 & up

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#9 – Dunlop SX 300 LS: Best Lightweight Racquet

The Dunlop SX 300 LS is a very easy racquet to pick up and start swinging. It is lightweight and very spin-friendly to aid those who may need a racquet that is a little less demanding.

This racquet is very stable for its weight, helping to keep the ball in play even when you miss the sweet spot of the racquet. It also provides above-average power, perfect for those still gaining strength and confidence in their game.

Intermediate players developing spin and power will appreciate how easy this racquet is to use from the first swing. Even though it is lightweight, it still feels very solid on returns and even produces good depth on volleys. Those with full, fast strokes may find this racquet a little too powerful.

Read our full Dunlop SX Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 10.6 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 2.5 to 4.0

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Buyer’s Guide: 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.

The three primary factors that should determine the right tennis racquet for intermediate players are head size, weight, and string pattern.

Here are a few questions to ask to help you choose the right racquet.

• What is your game style? Do you like to run around on the baseline, getting every ball back? Or do you prefer to play more offensively and attack the net?
• Do you need help with power or control?
• What are your tennis goals? If you’re trying to learn topspin, for example, you’ll need a spin-friendly racquet.
• What’s your budget? Serious players may want to spend more money than a non-competitive recreational player.

Lastly, once you’ve picked out your racquet, you need to pick out a set of strings to go with your new racquet.

Are You Ready for an Intermediate Racquet?

First, decide which of the below describes you best to help narrow your search for a new racquet.

Beginner Tennis Players

I’m new to tennis and don’t have much, or any, experience. I play very rarely, but I’m thinking about getting more serious, so I’m looking for a racquet to practice more. I may even 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 while since I played consistently. Or I started playing in the last year or two, but I want to try and take my game to the next level. I can play points and matches and may have a more defined style, such as attacking the net or outlasting my opponents with consistency. I still struggle to hit with power and spin.

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

Advanced Level Players

I play regularly and can hit groundstrokes and serve with spin, power, and direction. This would be 4.0 and higher on the USTA scale.

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

What Makes a Racquet Good for Intermediate Players?

The table below provides a general guideline to follow. Many metrics can be used to describe a racquet, but these are the most important things to consider.

Racquet Specifications	Beginner Players Only	Intermediate & Some Beginner	Advanced & Some Intermediate
Head Size (sq. inches)	107 – 115	100 – 110	95 – 100
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

Intermediate tennis players need a racquet that has a big enough head size to give them power and stability, but a small enough head size to maintain control. They also need a racquet that is maneuverable enough to swing without too much effort, but heavy enough to add forgiveness when they miss the sweet spot on their racquet.

Note on Racquet Length: Nearly all adult tennis racquets are 27 inches in length. They can go up to 28 inches, but this shouldn’t be a huge factor in your buying decision.

Choosing a Racquet Head Size for Intermediate Players

Intermediate players should use a racquet roughly 100-110 square inches.

• Larger head sizes will have greater power and forgiveness on off-center shots.
• Smaller head sizes provide greater maneuverability and control.

Intermediate players with slower swings or who struggle to consistently hit the sweet spot should err on the larger side, while intermediate players who are swinging faster or have the hand-eye coordination to hit the sweet spot consistently will want a racquet with smaller size.

Choosing the Right Weight for Your Racquet

The best racquets for intermediate players weigh between 10.1 and 11.5 ounces.

A lighter racquet will be easier to maneuver. If you’re not swinging very fast, you might want a light racquet that is easier to swing.

• Best Lightweight Intermediate Racquet: Dunlop SX 300 LS

On the other hand, heavier racquets will provide a little extra power and stability. The stability will help you maintain control on off-center shots, perfect for players who are physically strong and beginning to swing faster.

What String Pattern Should I Look For in a Racquet?

One aspect of tennis racquets that you should keep in mind is the string pattern. The string pattern refers to how many times the string goes up/down and left/right on the racquet.

The most common string pattern and the one most intermediate players should use, is 16×19.

A racquet with fewer strings is considered more “open” and helps promote power and spin. Racquets with more strings are considered “closed” and increase control and feel.

• Best Intermediate Racquet for Spin: Prince Ripstick 100 300g
• Best Intermediate Racquet for Control:  Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P

The Prince Ripstick has a 16×18 string pattern, making it more open and great for developing topspin. The Prince ATS Textreme Tour, on the other hand, has an 18×20 string pattern, making it more closed. While it will have less spin potential, it will offer greater control and feel.

What is Your Game Style? Do You Stay at the Baseline or Attack the Net?

Another way to help narrow your racquet search is to consider your style of play.

If you like to stay at the baseline hitting groundstrokes, a racquet that is more powerful and spin-friendly will suit you best. Players who attack the net will prefer a racquet that is more maneuverable with greater control and feel.

• Best Intermediate Racquet for Groundstrokes: Babolat Pure Aero
• Best Intermediate Racquet for Volleys: Yonex Percept 100D

What Strings Belong in My Racquet as an Intermediate Player?

Intermediate players, like beginners, don’t need to worry too much about their tennis string type or tension yet.

If you have any history of arm injuries, or you need more power, choose a multifilament string. Otherwise, an inexpensive synthetic gut string will be the best tennis string for you.

Intermediate players should stay away from polyester (and co-polyester) strings until they reach an advanced level.

As for string tension, racquets generally have a 10 or 15-pound range (i.e. 50-60 lbs) that they recommend. If you aren’t sure, just start in the middle. If you find your shots landing short, string looser for more power. If you keep hitting long, consider stringing tighter for more control.

What are Your Tennis Goals? Do You Want to Become an Advanced Player?

You’ll need a different racquet depending on your goals. 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. Most racquets on our list will allow you to 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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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, the best tennis racquet for most intermediate players 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. Wilson has made the perfect “player’s racquet” with a great combination of control, comfort, and feel. This racquet provides mobility for doubles as well as a combination of power and spin for groundstrokes in singles.