7 Best Tennis Racquets For Power & Control

No matter what level a tennis player plays at, they are always looking for the perfect balance of power and control. Power is needed to put away shots and have success against better players, while control keeps the ball in play and moves the opponent around.

With a good amount of racquets on the market, a person usually has to sacrifice one or the other. Those looking for a good balance of power and control should look at these seven racquets to see how it plays for them particularly.

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1. Babolat Pure Aero Tour

Head Size: 100 sq.in
Length: 27 in
Weight (strung): 11.9 oz / 339g
Balance: 6pts HL
String Pattern: 16×19
Flex: 69
Swingweight: 328

A lot of people know about the Babolat Pure Aero, since it is the racquet of choice for Rafael Nadal and it has a lot of power, but some people feel like it lacks a certain amount of control and feel. That is why for a more well-rounded option, the Babolat Aero Pro Tour 2019 is the best of both worlds.

The racquet not only brings more control of the table, but stability as well. It has a very soft feel compared to the past Babolat options in this line, which is a welcomed change for many. This allows for better touch near the net, without sacrificing much power at all.

This is still a racquet that has more power than control, but the gap is closed significantly. If a player wants to rip a serve or forehand, they can do so easily. Thanks to the increased spin and control, more balls will stay in and the racquet just seems more dialed in during the entire match.

The main challenge for a lot of people going with the tour model instead of the regular model is that it does weigh a little heavier. If a player can’t handle this type of racquet, start with the regular model and perhaps add some lead tape here and there for added control.

The tour model is a step up that will be noticed right away, but there are enough benefits for those looking for a truly balanced power/control racquet. You can read our full review in this post.

Pros

Outstanding topspin opportunities
Very powerful
A great racquet to serve with

Cons

A little demanding for beginning players
Lacks a little touch and feel

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2. Babolat Pure Strike 98 16×19

Head Size: 98 sq. in
Length: 27 in
Weight (strung): 11.4 oz / 314g
Balance: 4pts HL
Stiffness: 66
String Pattern: 16×19
Swingweight: 327

If the 100 square inch head size is too much with the Pure Aero, a slightly smaller option that recently released is the Babolat Pure Strike 98. This is the third generation of the racquet, and they have helped make this a very playable option for many different skill levels.

The power is pretty much on par with the Babolat Pure Aero, and a smaller head size gives most players a little bit more control. This is great news for anyone who might be a little hesitant to try out this racquet. They have maximized the sweet spot, allowing people to hit more shots with power, even if they are not completely dialed in.

Control comes to life the most on the serve with this model in particular. Players who have tested the racquet are very quick to point out that it is balanced just right for a perfect first and second serve for a lot of people. Those who like to hit with a lot of pace on their first serve will particularly like this current model compared to the previous generation.

If there is anything a person might be sacrificing, it’s maybe a little bit of volleying. Maneuverability is good but not great, and that holds a few people up when they are playing. It’s a very minor complaint of a racquet that is truly a great blend of power and control. You can read our full review in this post.

Pros

Great power in all aspects of the game
Improved feel from the second generation
A very stable racquet

Cons

Comfort could use a slight improvement

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3. Wilson Clash 100

Head Size: 100 sq. in
Length: 27 in
Weight (strung): 11 oz / 312g
Balance: 7pts HL
Stiffness: 55
String Pattern: 16×19
Swingweight: 312

When Wilson finally released the Wilson Clash earlier in 2019, many people were blown away with the feel of the racquet when giving it a demo. As time went on, people realized it was more than just a new technology or a gimmick, providing players with a very unique way to play the game and not feel the same type of elbow or arm pain they are used to.

The first racquets in the line were the Clash 100, and it was for good reason. The standard model has a very flexible feel, but for the purpose of this article, the combination of power and control put it near the top right away. This was a game changer from Wilson, and many players of varying skill levels jumped on it.

Control is what makes it stand out as a truly remarkable piece of equipment for tennis players. Players can pinpoint their shots with great frequency once they are used to how the racquet plays. This works in all aspects of the game as well, meaning that a player will notice a difference in their serve as well as groundstrokes and volleys.

Out of all the strokes, the lack of power on the serve is what people notice the most. It works perfectly fine with power on groundstrokes and volleys, but players who crank first serves will notice a slight drop in spin. The additional control usually makes up for it with most players, so they are still left satisfied. You can read our full review in this post.

Pros

Flexible, comfortable feel
One of the best combinations of power and control on the market
Spin potential on serves and groundstrokes

Cons

Hard to get a ton of power on serves
Other Clash options might fit certain games better

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4. Yonex EZONE 98

Head Size: 98 sq. in
Length: 27 in
Weight (strung): 11.4 oz / 323g
Balance: 6pts HL
Stiffness: 63
String Pattern: 16×19
Swingweight: 316

A lot of people like 100 square inch racquets from Yonex, but their unique head size allows players to drop down a little and still have a great sweet spot to work with. That is exactly what the Yonex EZONE 98 brings to the table. Endorsed by Nick Kyrgios, it has a great blend of power and control people can get behind.

Serving with this racquet is truly amazing. Players are able to not only power through the court with bombs for first serves, but there is enough control to put a good amount of kick on the second serve as well. Power is there with the groundstrokes and volleys, but the serve feels like one of the best racquets on the market.

Control is solid, as long as a player gets used to the somewhat stiff feeling of the racquet at times. Some people don’t like the touch and feel of the racquet, but it’s unique rather than poor. There is an adjustment period needed, but nothing too crazy that it takes more than a few sessions.

Some players can pick up a 98 square inch racquet and instantly feel the difference. This really shouldn’t be the case at all with the very crisp feel, and the precision that a person can get with this racquet as well. Yonex is one of the most underrated brands right now, but this racquet has continued to sell well since release.

Like any racquet with Yonex, make sure that the shape of the head is something that doesn’t make much of a difference. Some people just don’t like the feel of tennis racquets made by this company because of that. It’s their unique calling card, and they believe that they provide the best sweet spot for players of all skill levels. You can read our full review in this post.

Pros

Very crisp feel on all strokes
One of the best racquets to serve with in the game
Amazing topspin potential

Cons

Lacks solid feel
Slice and volleys could be better

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5. Head Graphene 360 Radical MP

Head Size: 98 sq. in
Length: 27 in
Weight (strung): 11 oz / 312g
Balance: 6pts HL
Stiffness: 68
String Pattern: 16×19
Swingweight: 324

Head has several great racquets for people to choose from, but the most balanced of the player racquets is the Head Graphene 360 Radical MP. Many people like that it is very easy to swing and control spin, while also creating a good amount of pace without overswinging.

The racquet has been around since the 1990s, and many people like the line for its overall game. People who like all-around options like the fact that they can hit the ball with speed and precision. It does just about everything well, with its strong suit being serves, and it’s weak spot being stability.

Spin is very easy to create with the Radical, and players never have to feel like they are swinging differently to get unique results. As long as a player swings the way they are used to, they will find success.

Volleys take a little bit of getting used to, especially with the somewhat low stability and comfort with the racquet. Slicing is also not the best, but it’s still a very capable doubles racquet.

Those who are used to playing with the line will like the adjustments they have made for the new version. Many feel like it is a step in the right direction, without changing up the overall feel the racquet too much. There’s always that balance, because people who love the Radical don’t want them to mess with things too much. You can read our full review in this post.

Pros

Great maneuverability
Large sweet spot for power/spin
Improved serving precision

Cons

Not the most comfortable racquet to play with
Stability is lacking a bit

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6. Prince Textreme Beast 100

Head Size: 100 sq. in
Length: 27 in
Weight (strung): 11.2 oz / 317g
Balance: 6pts HL
Stiffness: 67
String Pattern: 16×19
Swingweight: 322

This is one of the best selling racquets for Prince, and it comes in a variety of different setups. This is a very powerful racquet, and some people feel like it is almost too powerful. The good news is that with the latest model, they have increased control, making it a more balanced racquet than most people realize.

First things first, people should realize that this is a power racquet at heart. Even though they have added control to the new generation, it still provides very easy power. This also comes with a good amount of spin, and a great sweet spot to work with.

Focusing a little more on the control, most people notice it as a huge difference with groundstrokes. During a rally, it is much easier to keep the ball in play instead of hitting through the court consistently.

Nobody wants to be put in that situation, as it’s frustrating, to say the least. Recreational players can have some pretty big strokes, but if they can’t keep them in, it doesn’t prove to be all that valuable.

On serves, players feel a bit more dialed in as well. Any racquet that is endorsed by John Isner is going to be a racquet that can provide power and control with the shot. Players never feel overwhelmed, and it’s easy to move the ball around to either side of the service box.

When looking at this racquet from an overall perspective, there isn’t a weak spot, other than some saying it has too much power.

It would be great if there was just a little bit more balance between power and control, but most people who play casually will benefit from the added power. There’s always a chance to manipulate the racquet a bit with a low-powered string to balance it out as well.

Pros

Very powerful
Provides great topspin potential
Easy to maneuver

Cons

Can prove to be too powerful for some players
Volleys lose a little control

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7. Volkl V-Sense V1 Pro

Head Size: 99 sq. in
Length: 27 in
Weight (strung): 11.3 oz / 320g
Balance: 3pts HL
Stiffness: 66
String Pattern: 16×19
Swingweight: 317

Think of this racquet from Volkl as the counterpart to the Prince racquet above. Instead of leaning towards power, this is a control racquet with just enough added power to make it balanced. Players love the very responsive feel and maneuverability of the racquet, which allows them to put the ball where they want to go.

Control becomes more and more important when a player can create their own power by themselves. It’s sometimes difficult to put balls exactly where they need to be, especially on volleys. This racquet works well for both singles and doubles, and advanced players never feel like they are playing at a disadvantage.

Serving is above average with the racquet. Expect to get a lot of first serves in, and plenty of topspin on the second serve. What really stands out is like the Wilson Clash, this is a very comfortable racquet to play with. It has a very muted feel that many people like. It doesn’t have quite the same touch and feel as the Wilson Clash but, but it is still very similar with comfort in that regard.

Volkl doesn’t get as much attention as some of the other brands, but the Volkl V-Sense V1 Pro comes in many different setups. If a person wants slightly more out of the racquet, they can adjust what they purchase and go from there.

This is their most popular line of racquet right now, and a lot of people point to this as one of the better first options for people moving to a true player racquet.

Pros

Amazing maneuverability
Comfortable to hit with
Just enough power

Cons

Stability isn’t that great
Tough to slice with consistently

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Final Things To Consider

A lot of tennis companies and shops will try to sell players on going with a power racquet, control racquet or comfort racquet. The truth of the matter is, more and more people are looking for something that is well-rounded. It makes sense for players who have an all-around game, because a player can feel like they are not sacrificing anything.

Nobody wants to be the player who hits the ball extremely hard, but has no idea where it is going. Most don’t want to be known as a basic pusher either. A good, overall racquet is going to allow a player to have the most customization they are looking for.

For a more thorough guide on how to choose a tennis racquet, check out this post.

The only way to truly get a racquet that fits a certain playing style is to demo as many as possible. These seven are a great starting point for those who are looking for power and control. They don’t all play the same, and that’s good for the consumer. It allows each player to find the racquet that works for them best, and hopefully takes their game to a new level.

The good news is that there are a lot of tennis stores that encourage people to try out racquets and see what works best for them. Demo opportunities are even available online for people who want to try things out. At the end of the day, shopping online and purchasing a racquet is usually the best way to go. Prices are slightly cheaper, and shipping only takes a short amount of time.

Here is the full list of the best tennis racquets for power & control