We spent 30 days, Feb 1 - March 1, demoing 21 fan-favorite frames for 2021 to bring you this comprehensive review. Whew!
We chose the most popular frames from these top manufacturers: Babolat, Head, Wilson, Yonex.
This year, we decided to review 98 and 100 sq. inch models. Tweener and Player Frames for 3.5-4.5 players.
The La Jolla Tennis Workshop was our choice for their demo program. It's our way to support a local small business and a community favorite here in Southern California during a tough 12 months of lockdowns.
Challenge: 30 Days to demo 20 Racquets for only $20?!
Most online shops let you try 3-4 racquets for 2 weeks at $25. A local tennis workshop offers more options and key qualities you can't get online: in-person service that cares about the small details and puts customers first. After getting feedback from a few "secret shoppers" and interviewing their staff, everyone I spoke to was knowledgeable, helpful, efficient, and customer-friendly.
Their main highlight is an excellent demo program of $20/month (4 weeks) to take out 3 racquets at a time for up to 5 days each. You can exchange demos as often as you like. If you buy from them, the purchase price is reduced by the amount of the demo cost. I purchased two racquets, and they gave me an additional $10 off for the pair. Please just mention Jacky sent you from Tennis-Bargains.
Mark, the owner, is very fair and knowledgeable about the subtle differences. After my feedback, he was the one who customized a recommendation for the final racquets I'll be using in the next few years. I only switch racquets every 4-6 years, so with this important decision, I did a very thorough playtest with as many popular comparison models back-to-back.
Jason was very good about notifying customers when a racquet on the waitlist might be available again. The La Jolla Tennis Workshop is right across from the La Jolla Library. Please visit if you're in San Diego.
How we tested and compared our 98 and 100 frames
All frame sizes tested were 98 or 100 square inches this year. All fit into two general categories:
The "Tweener" (10.5oz-11.5oz) is intended for rising juniors or players in the 3.5-4.0+ levels, usually at 100 sq. inches. Extra power is given from the frame and launch trajectory.
The "Player Frame" (11.5+ oz) category is for high intermediate to advanced adults at the 4.0-4.5+ levels and generally have <100 sq inches. Generally, good technique is required, along with good timing.
Playtests and feedback:
We compared 3 similar models in each round with reference string tension at around 53 lbs. The strings used were the recommended poly/hybrid provided by the manufacturer. The racquets were used against 3-5 players ranging between 3.5-4.5 levels of different playing styles with feedback given as the "weight of my shot" and observations from the receiving end.All of the top frames listed below were also used in match-play situations with both feeds and serve to start the point. Every 4 games, I would change a racquet and record my observations and results. Photos were taken of each racquet
Full Demo List
Babolat: Pure Strike 3rd gen 18x20/98/100; Aero MP/Tour; Pure Drive VS/100/Tour;
Wilson: Blade 18x20, Clash Pro, Burn 100, Ultra 100;
Yonex: Ezone 98/Tour, VCore 98;
Head: Radical MP/Pro, Extreme MP/Pro, Speed MP/Pro.
Best of Breeds
Top Picks by Size and Play Style
Post-covid Tennis Racquets - Reviews and Prices
The breakthrough designs
Yonex - VCore and Ezone Designs
VCore adds slightly more spin potential on a slightly more forgiving frame in terms of stiffness. I felt the Vcore 98 was superior in class among the other 98 frames.
Head Racquets - Top Picks: Extreme, Gravity, and Radical
ATP Pros: Alexander Zverev and Andre Rublev both sport the Head Gravity.
Most Arm-friendly
Wilson Clash
Pros: Lots of flex. Perfect for the baseline rally. Most arm-friendly frame with a RA rating of 55! Most frames have 60+ RA. Anything above 65 is considered stiff. The Clash Pro offers slightly more weight.
Cons: Against fast serves and strong volleys, the flex on these frames can work against you. Many players have added lead on the frames.
Head Gravity
Pros: The heavier Pro version feels very solid with amazing plow-through yet in an 18x20 closed pattern and a 100 sq. inch head size with a thinner 20 mm beam.
The Tour model is slightly lighter and more spin-friendly. It has a larger sweet spot than most other 100 sq. inch frames due to the "teardrop" shape.
Cons: Slightly less maneuverable at the net with the higher swing weight. Must have good preparation and technique for quality shots.
New Edition of Best Sellers (Babolat):
Babolat Pure Aero (the new 2020-21 "Banana" yellow)
But if the spin game and loop shots are your game - there is nothing better. Paired with RPM Blast, it creates easy spin, power, and depth access.
Simply choose the weight that is most appropriate for your swing and abilities (Lite < Team < Base < Tour).
Babolat Pure Strike (3rd Gen in Red and Black)Babolat Pure Drive (Metalic Blue) - the 2021 versions felt very solid and the Tour is one of the most improved lines for Babolat. With previous models, my game style did not particularly work with the Pure Drive even since the Roddick days. The post-2021 models feel much more approachable.
I also tried the VS 98 version but it requires a much faster and full swing with lots of racquet head speed. I typically generate a topspin shot for most groundstrokes.
However, after trying the new Pure Drives, I was impressed by how well they accommodate hitting a flatter ball and has a lot of control through contact. Rumor is that the swing weight can be slightly higher than the specifications.
If you want a true Tweener, ensure your racquet has the right weight and balance. The metallic blue color scheme also impressed other reviewers.
Frame Stiffness and Injury Prevention - Frames and Strings
A word to anyone with pain, try to use as thin of a string as possible and lower the tension by a few pounds. By the time you lose tension enough to restring, the mains should be nearly breaking too. If your strings last forever and you have arm problems, I suggest putting fresh strings at a thinner gauge.
Happy Playtesting!