We did a massive post with racquets for advanced players, trying to reflect on who is using what on the pro tour, but also giving options that are commercially easily available. But there are smaller brands creating some excellent racquets, so let’s take a look at those.
In the racquets for advanced player post, we mentioned mainly Wilson, HEAD, Babolat, Yonex, Dunlop and Tecnifibre. But the choice does not end with those brands! We have some interesting options if don’t want to go mainstream and perhaps try something a little different.
Spin-oriented racquets
For players who enjoy a spin-friendly racquet with a high launch angle, the first racquet that comes to mind is the Prince Ripstick. This racquet is actually used by two players on the WTA Tour and although it does look quite extreme with its large o-ports it provides a nice response and excellent playability. If you want more control, you get the 98, if you want more free power, you get the 100.
Nordicdots stand out with their clean design and excellent feel. The racquets tend to be more for advanced players than beginners and that is also the case with the Model 99. Gen 2 of this racquet (image on top) comes with a more open pattern and a more aerodynamic beam for a higher launch angle and better spin potential. The impact is plush and the higher-than-average swing weights make their racquets stable without customization. Another benefit of Nordicdots is that they always list the exact spec of each racquet on the box, so you know what you are buying.
Solinco has an interesting spin prototype out called M3, this is something to keep your eyes on in the near future. I have asked for a Blackout 98 for a while and I heard that might be in the works, too. The M3 is not out yet, though and I think that will be a 2027 release.
Control racquets
Mantis were acquired by Tim Farthing from Tennishead and relaunched some interesting racquets with new cosmetics. The Mantis Pro 310 keeps the excellent playability from before the rebrand and should be on your radar if you are looking for a control racquet.
Functional Tennis are more known for curating practice content on Instagram, but also for their popular Saber training tool. Last year, they also released a full-size control racquet called the FT 99. This racquet plays like a slightly more forgiving and powerful Radical, which is actually a great spot to be. This racquet plays very nicely with good feel and some excellent spin potential as well.
My favorite racquet from Nordicdots is the Model 98 Pro, which comes with an 18/19 string pattern, a 310-gram unstrung weight, and a nice feel on impact. If you like a solid and dependable racquet and don’t mind a slightly higher swing weight on average, this is a great choice.
The Prince Tour 98 is another excellent option if you want a bit more power than most control racquets offer. It has a slightly thicker beam and the 16/19 pattern offers nice access to spin. Now they have the beautiful cosmetic collab with Toroline, as well.
Power racquets
This is a category where it is more difficult to find any strong competitors to the main brands. I did like the Mantis PS 300, but my main favorite in this category by some margin is the Mizuno Acrospeed. This frame offered excellent dampening, good directional control and a generous injection of power. It is a strong competitor to the Babolat Pure Drive and Yonex Ezone. For a smaller head size and more control, there is also the Acrostrike.
I also have to shout out the Solinco Blackout 300, which was a huge improvement over the predecessor. Better comfort, more solid feel and precise power. Maybe too much dampening to be a complete home-run, but still a very good option in the power category.
Find all the mentioned racquets at our partners below:
- Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada)
- Tennis Warehouse Europe (10% off with code TNERD10)
- Tennis Only (AU)
- HEAD official website (USA)
- Wilson official website
- Nordicdots
- Functional Tennis
Summary
As you can see above, you don’t need to go “mainstream” to find a good tennis racquet to build your game with. There are plenty of options in all the relevant categories that compete well with the bestsellers you find in the other post. As always, a lot depends on personal preferences. This could be related to feel, grip shape, personal racquet history, but also which cosmetic you prefer. It’s a jungle out there. But I hope this kind of post can help you find a good racquet for your game!
