If you are an intermediate player looking for a new racquet, then it is critical you make a wise decision to improve your tennis game. At $200-$230 a racquet, making the wrong purchase can get expensive fast. If you are just starting out in tennis, then check out Best 8: Racquets - Beginner. Or if you are an advanced player, make sure you review Best 8: Racquets - Advanced. Worry not. Check out the selection of the 'Best 8' racquets for intermediate (and advanced players). In no particular order, these eight racquets represent the prime choices for players with medium swing speeds and fuller strokes.
Best 8 Racquets - Intermediate
Babolat Pure Drive
Price: $219.00 (Typically)
Manufactured by: Babolat
Head size: 100 sq in (645 sq cm)
Length: 27in (69cm)
Strung weight: 11.2oz (318g)
Balance: 4 pts Head Light (HL)
Swingweight: 324 (Range: 200-400)
Stiffness: 71 (Range: 0-100)
Technology: FSI Power, Cortex
Colors: Blue and white
Grip type: Babolat Syntec Pro
String pattern (Mains x Cross): 16 x 19
Tension: Recommended 50 lbs (22.7 kgs) to 59 lbs (26.8kgs)
Babolat Pure Drive is a very popular, versatile racquet with wide appeal due to its solid, muted feel and high levels of comfort. The wider 16x19 string pattern gives access to both power and spin.
Pros that use it: Fabio Fognini, Julia Goerges, Garbine Muguruza and Karolina Pliskova.
Dunlop Srixon Revo CV 3.0
Price: $199.00 (Typically)
Manufactured by: Dunlop Srixon
Head size: 100 sq in (645 sq cm)
Length: 27in (69cm)
Strung weight: 11.2oz (318g)
Balance: 4 pts Head Light (HL)
Swingweight: 318 (Range: 200-400)
Stiffness: 68 (Range: 0-100)
Technology: Sonic Core VG, Synchro Charge System
Colors: Black and yellow
Grip type: Dunlop synthetic
String pattern (Mains x Cross): 16 x 19
Tension: Recommended 45 lbs (20.4kgs) to 60 lbs (27.2kgs)
Dunlop Srixon Revo CV 3.0 is a great option for intermediate players. You get an easy blend of power, spin, and control in a user-friendly and maneuverable package. Well worth a demo.
Pros that use it: None known.
Babolat Pure Strike 98 (18x20)
Price: $199.00 (Typically)
Manufactured by: Babolat
Head size: 98 sq in (632 sq cm)
Length: 27in (69cm)
Strung weight: 11.4oz (323g)
Balance: 4 pts Head Light (HL)
Swingweight: 325 (Range: 200-400)
Stiffness: 67 (Range: 0-100)
Technology: FSI Power
Colors: White and orange
Grip type: Babolat Skin Feel
String pattern (Mains x Cross): 18 x 20
Tension: Range 50 lbs (22.7 kgs) to 59 lbs (26.8kgs). Optimum 54 lbs (24.5kgs).
The latest Babolat Pure Strike 98 (18x20) is an updated version is a highly maneuverable racquet with the highest levels of control and feel from 18x20 string pattern. A must demo for any intermediate.
Pros that use it: Dominic Thiem, Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) Blue
Price: $209.00 (Typically)
Manufactured by: Yonex
Head size: 98 sq in (632 sq cm)
Length: 27in (69cm)
Strung weight: 11.4oz (323g)
Balance: 6 pts Head Light (HL)
Swingweight: 316 (Range: 200-400)
Stiffness: 63 (Range: 0-100)
Technology: Micro Offset Layout, Hyper-MG
Colors: Black and blue
Grip type: Yonex synthetic
String pattern (Mains x Cross): 16 x 19
Tension: Recommended 45 lbs (20.4kgs) to 60 lbs (27.2kgs)
Yonex EZONE 98 is engineered and manufactured in Japan. It has an isometric head delivering an enlarged sweet spot for a solid, crisp feel and easy access to power and spin. One of the best lightweight players racquets on the market.
Pros that use it: Nick Kyrios, Naomi Osaka.
Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail
Price: $219.00 (Typically)
Manufactured by: Wilson Sporting Goods
Head size: 100 sq in (645 sq cm)
Length: 27in (69cm)
Strung weight: 11.2oz (317g)
Balance: 4 pts Head Light (HL)
Swingweight: 329 (Range: 200-400)
Stiffness: 74 (Range: 0-100)
Technology: Countervail, Power rib, Crush zone
Colors: Black and blue
Grip type: Wilson Sublime
String pattern (Mains x Cross): 16 x 19
Tension: Range 50 lbs (22.7 kgs) to 60 lbs (27.2 kgs). Optimum 55 lbs (24.9kgs)
Second generation Ultra 100 is a lightweight racquet with a 16x19 string pattern for intermediates looking to swing big. Get power, precision, and spin. A stiff racquet with comfort helped by Countervail technology. Demo worthy.
Pros that use it: Borna Coric, Feliciano Lopez, Lucie Safarova.
Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) Countervail
Price: $219.00 (Typically)
Manufactured by: Wilson Sporting Goods
Head size: 98 sq in (632 sq cm)
Length: 27in (69cm)
Strung weight: 11.3oz (320xg)
Balance: 3 pts Head Light (HL)
Swingweight: 328 (Range: 200-400)
Stiffness: 65 (Range: 0-100)
Technology: Countervail
Colors: Black and green
Grip type: Wilson Sublime
String pattern (Mains x Cross): 18 x 20
Tension: Recommended 50 lbs (22.7 kgs) to 60 lbs (27.2 kgs). Optimal 55 lbs (24.9 kgs).
Wilson Blade 18x20 has a blend of solid control and precise feel. Intermediates will enjoy the familiarity of this racquet that won’t let you down. Demo today.
Pros that use it: David Goffin, Karen Khachanov, Milos Raonic, Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Tecnifibre TFlash 300 PS
Price: $199.00 (Typically)
Manufactured by: Tecnifibre
Head size: 100 sq in (645 sq cm)
Length: 27in (69cm)
Strung weight: 11.2oz (318g)
Balance: 4 pts Head Light (HL)
Swingweight: 313 (Range: 200-400)
Stiffness: 71 (Range: 0-100)
Technology: Power Stab (PS)
Colors: White, red and blue
Grip type: Tecnifibre Xtra Feel
String pattern (Mains x Cross): 16 x 19
Tension: Recommended 49 lbs (22.2 kgs) to 59 lbs (26.8 kgs)
Tecnifibre TFlash 300 PS with a 100 sq in head, delivers a stable modern racquet that provides spin and precision. The Power Stab (PS) technology elongates the main strings to provide more power. An interesting demo.
Pros that use it: None known.
Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro
Price: $230.00 (Typically)
Manufactured by: Head
Head size: 100 sq in (645 sq cm)
Length: 27in (69cm)
Strung weight: 11.5oz (326g)
Balance: 6 pts Head Light (HL)
Swingweight: 318 (Range: 200-400)
Stiffness: 62 (Range: 0-100)
Technology: Graphene 360
Colors: Black and white
Grip type: Head Hydrosorb Pro
String pattern (Mains x Cross): 18 x 20
Tension: Range 48 lbs (21.8 kgs) to 57 lbs (25.9 kgs). Optimum 53 lbs (24 kgs).
Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro is a modern racquet and a surgical weapon for intermediates. The 18x20 string pattern racquet delivers a crisp feel that packs a punch. The low stiffness delivers flexibility and control. This new model is a must demo.
Pros that use it: Novak Djokovic, Fernando Verdasco, Ashleigh Barty.
Summary
Frankly, there has never been a better time to find a new intermediate racquet. All of the Best 8 racquets are worthy of a demo. As always, we like to pick three to try first. It's mightily close. The three we’d recommend demoing by any intermediate are Babolat Pure Strike 98 (18x20), Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) Blue and Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro. Enjoy.
