Best Tennis Racket for Intermediate Player

By Lin
Last Update:

There are many choices for intermediate rackets available on the market. All of them are great, some rackets have more power, and others have more control. We’ve gathered all the information including racket pros, cons, specifications, and advice you need for your new racket.

Babolat Pure Drive

Our top pick is Babolat Pure Drive. It provides effortless power, topspin, and excellent mobility, allowing you to shoot wins from anywhere on the court. This is so far the best tennis racket for intermediate player.

Here is the list of the 8 best tennis rackets for intermediate players.

  1. Babolat Pure Drive (Best Overall)
  2. Babolat Pure Aero 2023 (Best for Spin and Power)
  3. Wilson Blade 98 (18×20) V8 (Best for Control and Comfort)
  4. Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13 (Best Control and Precision)
  5. Prince ATS Textreme Tour 98 (Best Less Expensive Racket)
  6. Head Speed Pro (Best for Speed and Control)
  7. Head Prestige Pro (Best for Feel and Precision)
  8. Yonex Ezone 98 (Best User-Friendly Racket)

How Do I Choose an Intermediate Racket?

Select a heavier weight (280g -330g) with a smaller head size (97 – 100 sq. inches) than your current racket, to gain more power and speed, as well as control, which will result in precise shots.

What is an Intermediate Tennis Player?

At the recreation level, a player with a 3.0 NTRP rating is considered an intermediate player. A 3.0 player is fairly consistent with forehands and backhands but lacks directional control, depth, and distance on shots. Moreover, the player is uncomfortable handling shots outside of the strike zone and the net.


The 8 Best Tennis Rackets for Intermediate Players

All these rackets are perfect for intermediate players or beginner to intermediate level. Keep reading to find out more.


Babolat Pure Drive – Best Overall Intermediate Racket

Babolat Pure Drive

This racket is known for its solid power and playability. It’s easy to hit strong groundstrokes with some topspin. The racket weighs 11.2oz / 318g and is perfect for all-court players. With its simple power, spin, and maneuverability in all areas of the court, the Babolat Pure Drive is best for offensive players.

Pros

  • explosive power
  • easy to maneuver
  • some topspin

Cons

  • less control and feel

Specifications

Head Size100 in² / 645 cm²
Weight (unstrung)10.6 oz / 300 g
Balance (unstrung)320 mm / 7 pts HL
Length27 in
String Pattern16×19
Rec. String Tension50-59 lbs / 23-27 kg

Babolat Pure Aero 2023 – Best Immediate Racket for Spin and Power

Babolat Pure Aero 2023


Babolat has upgraded its signature model in which power and spin are perfectly balanced. With the new Pure Aero, you can produce strong groundshots that are fast and spinny. Also, it has increased maneuverability, which makes it suitable for all court players.

Pros

  • balance of power and spin
  • maneuverability

Cons

  • less control and comfort

Specifications

Head Size100 in² / 645 cm²
Weight (unstrung)10.6 oz / 300 g
Balance (unstrung)320 mm / 7 pts HL
Length27 in
String Pattern16×19
Rec. String Tension50-59 lbs / 23-27 kg

Wilson Blade 98 (18×20) V8 – Best Intermediate Racket for Control and Comfort 

Wilson Blade 98 v8 18×20


The Blade 98 (18×20) V8 is a great option if you want more precision and control without sacrificing power. With FortyFive layup, this racket provides increased ball stability and feel. An 18×20 open string can provide more control and durability for intermediate players.

Pros

  • ultimate control
  • comfortable
  • easy to maneuver

Cons

  • lack of topspin and power

Specifications

Head Size98 in² / 632 cm²
Weight (unstrung)10.7 oz / 305 g
Balance (unstrung)320 mm / 7 pts HL
Length27 in
String Pattern18×20
Rec. String Tension50-59 lbs / 23-27 kg

Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13 – Best Control and Precision Racket

Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13


If you want to play with a clean and crisp feel, Pro Staff 97 v13 is the perfect racket for you. This racket maintains a great feel and response to your game with easy mobility for volleys, slices, and drop shots. It provides a classic feel to the game with its vintage cosmetics. The only drawback is that it almost does not produce much power or spin.

Pros

  • great control
  • direct response
  • more feel at ball contact
  • easy to maneuver

Cons

  • less power and spin

Specifications

Head Size97 in² / 626 cm²
Weight (unstrung)10.1 oz / 315 g
Balance (unstrung)310 mm / 10 pts HL
Length27 in
String Pattern16×19
Rec. String Tension50-59 lbs / 23-27 kg

Prince ATS Textreme Tour 98 – Best Less Expensive Racket

Prince ATS Textreme Tour 98


This racket checks all the boxes you want. It provides precise control, excellent mobility, topspin, ease to swing, and enough power. The 62-RA stiffness of the frame leads to a comfortable ride with excellent feedback. We like everything about this frame, especially its reasonable price.

Pros

  • easy to control
  • some topspin
  • easy to maneuver
  • solid feel
  • less expensive

Cons

  • none

Specifications

Head Size98 in² / 632 cm²
Weight (unstrung)10.8 oz / 305 g
Balance (unstrung)315 mm / 9 pts HL
Length27 in
String Pattern16×19
Rec. String Tension48-57 lbs / 22-26 kg

Head Speed Pro – Best Intermediate Racket for Speed and Control

Head Speed Pro


This is the perfect racket for players who love fast-paced tennis games. It is also very easy to handle for all-court style players. Besides, the racket provides ultimate comfort and an amazing feel.

Pros

  • optimal control
  • great speed
  • plush feel

Cons

  • none

Specifications

Head Size100 in² / 645 cm²
Weight (unstrung)10.9 oz / 310 g
Balance (unstrung)315 mm / 9 pts HL
Length27 in
String Pattern18×20
Rec. String Tension48-57 lbs / 22-26 kg

Head Prestige Pro – Best Intermediate Racket for Feel and Precision

Head Prestige Pro


Formally named Prestige MP, the Prestige Pro provides surgical precision with an 18×20 string pattern. It combines outstanding control with improved plow-through. The low stiffness rating keeps it flexible and comfortable without compromising stability. This racket is ideal for those who prefer precision and feel.

Pros

  • precise control
  • stability
  • plush feel

Cons

  • less topspin

Specifications

Head Size98 in² / 632 cm²
Weight (unstrung)11.3 oz / 320 g
Balance (unstrung)310 mm / 10 pts HL
Length27 in
String Pattern18×20
Rec. String Tension48-57 lbs / 22-26 kg

Yonex Ezone 98 – Best User-Friendly Racket

Yonex Ezone 98


Ezone 98 has its name for the user-friendly benefits to all styles of tennis players. With the recently released version in 2022, the racket added control and feel so that it will be easy to perform the shots with intention. The square-shaped frame boosts a higher percentage of quality shots. It is a great racket if you want all accessible features at once. And it’s the best tennis racquet for beginners to intermediate.

Pros

  • large sweet spot
  • control
  • arm-friendly

Cons

  • less power

Specifications

Head Size98 in² / 632 cm²
Weight (unstrung)10.8 oz / 305 g
Balance (unstrung)315 mm / 9 pts HL
Length27 in
String Pattern16×19
Rec. String Tension45-60 lbs / 20-27 kg

FAQs

Which tennis racket is best for power and control?

There are not many rackets available that can produce such easy power as the Babolat Pure Drive. This racket combines good control with serious power.

How many tennis rackets should you have?

There is no definitive answer, but most experts recommend having at least two tennis rackets on hand. This way, you can have a backup in case one breaks or you want to try a different type of racket.

How often should you change your tennis racket?

For recreational players, it is recommended to change your racket every 2-3 years. For competitive players, it is recommended to change your racket every 1-2 years.

Should I demo the rackets?

Of course, you can choose any rackets you’re interested in from our list. And we found that Tennis Warehouse Demo Program has a reputation there.

Should I play with a lighter tennis racket as I get older?

The only reason you should switch to a lighter racket is if your strength has declined. Other than that, age is not the most significant factor. If your strength has declined, then get a slightly lighter racket.

Conclusion

Now you’ve known all the features of each racket above, choose a racket that best fits your style of the game. Our top pick immediate racket is the Babolat Pure Drive which has all you need as an immediate player or even as an advanced player.

Photo of author

AUTHOR

Editor of All Points Tennis and a huge Roger Federer fan, I've spent countless hours studying his moves, especially his forehand and one-handed backhand. I also love writing about all the technical stuff like rackets and strings. I'm super pumped to share my insights with fellow tennis lovers here.