We think that you consider yourself to be a good tennis player who is accountable enough for his play. Your basics are adequate, and you believe you have a good enough understanding of the game to upgrade to a more intermediate racquet. Well, you are at the right place!
Choosing a racquet isn’t rocket science, but it’s also not a simple task. First, you must consider selection depending on your playstyle and comfort level, as changing a racquet every few months is impossible for most people due to the high cost of racquets.
When it comes to buying a racquet, intermediate players have more options than beginners. You’re starting to improve as a player, and there are many more things to think about.
To determine what type of tennis racquet you require, answer the questions below.
- What kind of swing are you using?
- Do you require assistance with power or control?
- Do you like to play solo or doubles? Do you prefer to play at the baseline or the net?
- How often do you go out and play? Do you want to make rapid progress?
However, worry not! By the end of this article, you will get answers to all the questions along with the best three tennis rackets that suit your requirements.
What Materials Are Used in Modern Rackets/Racquets?
Tennis rackets nowadays are manufactured from a blend of graphite and carbon fiber. But why?
- The first is to stiffen the racket,
- The second is to provide stability while the racket moves through the air.
- These two elements, titanium and tungsten are also utilized to provide extra racket rigidity if needed.
- Modern materials like graphite and carbon fiber are stronger, lighter, and more pleasant than traditional materials like wood and metal.
- Tennis players had difficulty moving their racquets, which resulted in a considerably slower-paced game.
- Lighter materials are opening the way for quicker tennis nowadays, which is enhancing the sport’s appeal.
How to choose your Tennis Racquet if you are an intermediate player
So let’s get started with the factors you need to keep in mind before choosing a tennis racket.
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Size of the Racquet head
If you’re a beginner moving to an intermediate-level player, you’re likely to have an enormous racket that gets mixed up with all the other intermediate to pro-level rackets. The lesser the spectrum rackets travel, the less power they have and the more control they have.
The sweet place to hit gets smaller as the head size gets smaller. However, compared to the larger sizes, these rackets have greater rigidity and a more substantial feel. We would recommend keeping in the mid-plus range for an intermediate player, limiting it to a range of 98 sq.in-100 sq. in.
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The grip that is secured
In your palm, a stiffer tennis racquet will feel more stable. This is especially essential when playing against a stronger opponent, as you may need to counteract the strength of their strokes to return them properly. When buying an intermediate-level racquet, seek something that is both comfortable and sturdy.
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String Pattern of the Racquet
As the tennis ball sinks deeper into the strings, the open string pattern (1619) creates greater power in the strokes and generates an extra edge in terms of force. The string spacing is significantly greater, but the string pattern (1820) gives the shots more control.
When picking a racket or racquet, keep this in mind. If you are primarily a topspin player, a 1619 string pattern racquet should be enough; however, if you are a control or all-around player, an 1820 string pattern should suffice. So the next time you see a difference in string patterns, you’ll know it’s not just for show.
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What Swing Style Do You Have?
If you’re working on making a faster, longer swing, you might want to consider a smaller tennis racquet (under 105 square inches). With faster swings, you won’t need as much power assistance, so a more controlled racquet will be a better fit.
You may still require more power from your racquet if you have a short or slower swing. In this scenario, you should choose racquets with a surface area of 100-110 square inches. In addition, larger frames provide more power, so look for a racquet with a thicker frame.
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Assistance with power or control
When you reach the intermediate level, you begin to better place your shots on the court. You’ve also honed a swing that generates consistent power from the baseline, allowing you to return the ball far into the court. When selecting what you want, you should also think about the racquet’s weight and size.
In general, racquets with bigger frames and surface areas will have higher power. Conversely, more control will be available with smaller frames.
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Do you prefer singles, doubles, or a combination of the two?
Depending on the sort of game you play, some racquets are better for singles than for doubles. If you prefer to stay on the baseline and hit groundstrokes, you might be able to get away with a racquet with less mobility and larger swing weight.
Players in doubles, particularly those who prefer to get to the net, require a racquet with a lot of flexibility. In addition, as you get more competitive, the ball will become quicker, and a bulky racquet will hinder your ability to respond.
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Do you play tennis on a regular basis? Do you want to learn how to play at a higher level?
Depending on where you want to go, you’ll need a different racquet. For example, if you want to take tennis more seriously and participate in leagues and tournaments, you’ll need to invest in a racquet that allows you to progress to a higher level of the game.
As you continue to play tennis, you may want to read additional tennis gear reviews to upgrade your on-court equipment. If you simply want to hit for pleasure and to remain in shape, you may work with a lesser budget and purchase a racquet that isn’t nearly as sophisticated.
3 Best Tennis Racquets For Intermediate Players
Keeping all the above factors in mind, we have chosen the top 3 racquets you must consider before choosing.
1. Wilson Clash 100 Tennis Racquet
Wilson is a renowned producer of tennis equipment, and its racquets are among the best on the market. The Clash 100 is one of the best-selling intermediate-level tennis racquets on the market, debuting in 2019.
The innovative technology distinguishes this racquet from previous Wilson tennis racquets. It elevates the sense of touch, control, and movement to new heights. As a result, Singles players will have little difficulty controlling the ball and maneuvering their opponent.
You’ll find that your groundstrokes are as comfortable as they come. It’s simple to move for doubles players, and you’ll have a terrific feel. This racquet is very easy to swing, weighing only 11 ounces. You may create topspin on your groundstrokes using the 16/19 string pattern. The 100-inch frame offers a wide sweet spot and unrivaled control and comfort among racquets.
2. Babolat Pure Drive Tennis Racquet
The Babolat Pure Drive tennis racquet from 2021 has an unrivaled mix of power and control, making it one of the greatest tennis racquets for doubles or singles. This is a fantastic pick if you’re going from beginner to intermediate or even intermediate to advanced. You’ll appreciate the Babolat Pure Drive if you’re still working on your game; you like to smash aggressive shots and go for the winner far more than you should.
The broad frame adds to the power, while the string pattern adds to the spin. This racquet comes equipped with everything you’ll need to hit groundstrokes from the baseline. Babolat developed Cortex Smooth Feel, a revolutionary technology that dampens vibrations in the frame before they reach your wrist and elbow.
In addition, the strings are densely packed in the center sweet spot with the FSI string spacing, while they are wider apart at the periphery. This concentrates the Pure Drive’s power where it is most needed.
3. HEAD MicroGel Radical Tennis Racquet
The MicroGel technology in the racquet absorbs impact and distributes it evenly throughout the frame, offering excellent comfort and feel. However, when it comes to producing adequate force for the blows, the lightweight design of the Head Microgel racquet may be a hindrance. However, the racquet’s weight distribution provides excellent balance.
It has a 98-square-inch head that allows you to smash the ball longer, with a greater bounce and stronger spin on each stroke. This racquet is ideal for aggressive players since it is intended to absorb a lot of shocks while still providing comfort and decreasing hand tension.
The bat is 10.4 ounces in weight, with the handle being somewhat heavier than the head. One of the major features of the racquet’s incredible mobility is its unequal distribution.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve progressed to the intermediate level, you’re probably devoted to tennis and serious about developing. Investing in a tennis ball machine is one thing you can do to speed up your progress. In addition, it’s something to consider now that you’ve decided to take tennis seriously.
We hope that these factors, along with the best tennis racquets for intermediates, will help you make an informed decision. Do you see any other parameters while making a choice? Let us know in the comments below.
