7 Best Tennis Racquets For Spin
To survive in the modern game of tennis, players need a good amount of spin on shots. Flat shots are only going to get a person so far, and it is just tougher to keep the ball in play without some topspin on groundstrokes.
Creating spin comes down to a player a lot of times, but some racquets help create been more than others. Here is a look at 7 of the best tennis racquets for spin on the market right now.
1. Babolat Pure Aero
- Head Size: 100 sq. in
- Length: 27 in
- Strung weight: 11.3 oz / 320g
- Swingweight: 327
- String Pattern: 16×19
- Balance: 4pts HL
- Stiffness: 69
As the official racquet endorsed by none other than Rafael Nadal, it should come as no surprise to anyone that it is extremely spin-friendly. Nadal is a player who hits with a ton of topspin, specifically on his forehand. He needs a racquet that can handle all the spin he puts on shots.
The latest version of the Pure Aero has been tweaked to include a lot of things to help with creating speed for not only pro players, but amateurs as well. The biggest change is using their new FSI spin technology.
This technology spaces out the string just a little bit more for extra bite-on shots from all over the court. It’s a subtle difference, but one that people will notice when it comes to creating RPM.
In the standard model, the racquet is very lightweight and easy to whip around for more spin. The tour model is a little more focused on stability, but it still is pretty easy to develop spin. It really comes down to what a person wants, and how they swing the racquet in the first place.
Babolat’s reputation is that they are a racquet company that really helps people develop spin. This is the main reason why anyone looking to increase their RPMs starts with this brand. The Pure Aero won’t feel great in every person’s hands, but it is a bestseller for a reason. You can read our full review in this post.
Pros
- Best overall spin in the game
- Plays well all-around
Cons
- Not the most arm-friendly racquet
2. Babolat Pure Drive
- Head Size: 100 sq. in
- Length: 27 in
- Strung Weight: 11.1 oz / 314g
- Swingweight: 308
- String Pattern: 16×19
- Balance: 4pts Head Light
- Stiffness: 72
First, make no mistake: the Babolat Pure Aero is better at providing spin. However, the Babolat Pure Aero is no slouch either, giving players a great string bed with an open pattern to really hit through the ball and create power and spin.
Known as the more powerful of the two racquets, the Pure Drive comes in handy for people who really want to hit with pace and just enough kick at the end of shots. This works on the ground, and with the serve.
The head size is the same as the Pure Aero, giving a player a lot of space to work with when trying to spin the ball during long rallies. If strung the exact same way, there are just a few minor differences that the average player will notice.
The Pure Drive is a little bit easier to play with for beginners compared to the Pure Aero, which isn’t the most forgiving racquet.
For beginners, this racquet is a better option, but for players that consider themselves as an intermediate or advanced player, then there are better options for you like the Pure Aero. You can read our full review in this post.
Pros
- Perfect combo of power and speed
- Easy to serve first and second serves with
Cons
- Stiff
3. Head Gravity PRO
- Head Size: 100 sq. in
- Length: 27 in
- Strung weight: 11 oz / 312g
- Swingweight: 320
- String Pattern: 16×20
- Balance: 3pts HL
- Stiffness: 62
This new model from Head aims to increase the spin area on the racquet for players to see a difference when hitting the ball from all angles on the court. They tweaked a few things with this new release to not only allow spin but make people feel comfortable when hitting shots with a lot of spin.
How are they able to develop a bigger spin window on the racquet? It all starts with having a slight rounder racquet head that is higher in the string bed. It allows players to have a more comfortable feel when hitting the ball overall, and developing spin is easier.
Speed is another factor that helps out quite a bit when taking swings. Players can swing the racquet on the ground and on serves pretty quickly, and it just feels natural to add not only some power, but spin as well.
Players might not feel like they can plow through the court with this racquet, but they can get the ball to jump off the strings and the ground on the first bounce.
All in all, many people can’t get enough of this upgrade from Head. They feel like while other companies have embraced creating spin in the modern racquet, Head has been a little more reluctant.
Not all the racquets produced by Head have good reviews from a spin perspective, but this racquet is changing that narrative.
Some people might want a slightly more open string pattern to really see a difference, but the majority of players are going to be just fine with the 18×20 string pattern. It helps to cut down on the chances of having a lot of broken strings from the racquet. You can read our full review in this post.
Pros
- Fast racquet to whip around for spin
- Round racquet head creates bigger sweet spot and spin window
Cons
- Focuses more on control than pace with serves
4. Wilson Ultra 100
- Head Size: 100 sq. in
- Length: 27 in
- Strung weight: 11.2 oz / 317g
- Swingweight: 320
- String Pattern: 16×19
- Balance: 4pts HL
- Stiffness: 74
There are several Wilson Ultra 100 options for people to consider, but they all do a great job providing spin options. Some people might like a heavier racquet, while others are trying to keep the overall weight and swing weight down as much as possible. The build of the Wilson Ultra 100 is what makes it great for developing spin.
In the very beginning, a player will notice that the racquet is very easy to use from the very beginning. It’s a performance racquet from Wilson, but easy for beginners to jump into. Even the heaviest option does not feel overwhelming, instead, it allows a player to find their footing and see how it can benefit their game overall.
Spin is easy to develop on groundstrokes and serves, but it does its best on the ground. A player can develop some very fast racquet head speed, which definitely helps with swinging in a way that develops spin. It is also pretty easy to control shots with, which is surprising to some people who feel like they might have to sacrifice control for a little more spin.
Out of all the spin racquets that make this “best of” list, Wilson might have the one option that is the most comfortable of them all.
The company as a whole seems to really focus on making their racquets comfortable and easy on the elbow. Some spin racquets can lead to injury, but this is one to check out if arm health is a major concern. You can read our full review in this post.
Pros
- Fits many different play styles
- String pattern increases natural topspin
Cons
- Lacks just a little bit of pace
5. Prince Textreme Warrior 100
- Head Size: 100 sq. in
- Length: 27 in
- Strung Weight: 11 oz / 314g
- Swingweight: 320
- String Pattern: 16×18
- Balance: 6pts HL
- Stiffness: 66
Prince is another company not talked about too much in regards to spin, but they have some racquets that do a pretty good job of helping people play the modern type of game. The Textreme Warrior 100 has been around for quite a while, and people love the overall playability.
It weighs just 11.1 ounces, and the headlight balance allows for a whip effect for players to hit shots. Swinging the racquet like a whip is a great way to develop spin, and the racquet does the rest.
A heavy racquet in the right hands will find a way to help people develop both pace and spin on their shots. For players who are not exactly professionals, Sometimes it takes a lighter racquet to really discover spin potential.
The ball jumps off the string bed with this option from Prince, and it’s pretty impressive to see in person. Players are pleasantly surprised with what the company has been able to accomplish in a short amount of time. Having one of the very best racquets to handle maneuverability is always nice when trying to add new spin.
Don’t be afraid to try a Prince racquet to add spin to the equation. Ignore the old perceptions and see exactly how it works in the right hands. A lot of players will feel like they have discovered a whole new way to play the game and play it at a high level. You can read our full review in this post.
Pros
- Lightweight model for easy spin
- Balance allows for great whip action
Cons
- Light racquet is easily pushed around against great players
6. Yonex VCORE 100
- Head Size: 100 sq. in
- Length: 27 in
- Strung Weight: 10.5 oz / 298g
- Swingweight: 308
- String Pattern: 16×19
- Balance: 1pts HL
- Stiffness: 67
Yonex offers their VCore racquet in multiple head sizes, but the 100 model offers a larger sweet spot for both power and spin. Going lower than 100 square inches is going to be very tough from a spin perspective, which is why it is recommended to go with this model as well.
When swinging this racquet, the new technology use bionics makes the racquet feel very aerodynamic. This speeds up the swing, and players are much more inclined to hit with topspin if they can whip the racquet around.
People who are unfamiliar with Yonex racquets will notice right away that the shape of the head is slightly different. Yonex uses this as a signature style, and it helps them increase the size of the sweet spot. This is great for spin too because the larger sweet spot will allow a little more forgiveness for players who are not super advanced.
One interesting way they have improved spin is by using a material called an AMD. It is graphite that helps with the frame to work, which in turn can add a little bit of spin as well. It is brand new to these frames, and something for people to explore a little more when they are trying out the racquet for the first time.
For a little bit more precision, there is always the opportunity to drop down in head size. The vast majority of people who are trying to hit with spin will appreciate a few extra inches. That extra bit of space will allow for cleaner shots overall, and fewer shanks that end up well out. You can read our full review in this post.
Pros
- Unique head size provides a larger spin area
- Feels great on all types of shots
Cons
- Not the easiest to control
7. Volkl V-Feel 8
- Head Size: 100 sq. in
- Length: 27 in
- Strung Weight: 11.1 oz / 315g
- Swingweight: 315
- String Pattern: 16×18
- Balance: 4pts HL
- Stiffness: 70
The Volkl V-Feel 8 comes in 285 g, 300 g, and 315 g. This is the only major difference between the three, depending on how much weight a person wants with their racquet.
When looking at the standard model, this is a very fast racquet for players who play from the baseline. A player can generate a lot of power, but spin also comes pretty easily as well. It really depends on how a person takes a swing, and it becomes evident pretty quickly.
The V-Feel Technology is very helpful for people who want good feel with a racquet that can create spin. It’s frustrating for a racquet to be really stiff and rigid just to produce spin, which is why people are really pleased with the feel of this racquet. It’s also why the technology is included in the name.
The string pattern is slightly unconventional at 16 x 18, but that opens up the pattern a bit to really create a good amount of spin. It isn’t always talked about that much, but this racquet is built for quality spin a player can count on.
Pros
- Available in many different weights
- String pattern is very open
Cons
- Not widely available
Which Racquet Is The Best Overall For Spin?
When looking for a true spin-friendly racquet that can be altered to fit a player’s game, the Babolat Pure Aero is the top option on the market. The older model wouldn’t receive this award, but Babolat made some valuable changes over the last couple of years with the new version.
If the racquet doesn’t feel particularly comfortable with stiff string in it, drop down to a softer option. The racquet doesn’t tear through strings too quickly, so most players are going to be fine.
The Pure Aero also comes home the winner for its ability to do so many other things as well as provide spin. A person can really play however they’d like with the racquet. It’s just perfect for free spin. Babolat recommends players use their brand’s RPM Blast, which is a polyester string that allows for the ultimate spin setup possible.
You can read our full review of the Babolat Pure Aero in this post.
What Can Be Done To a Racquet To Improve Spin?
All the racquets listed do a great job of helping with spin, but sometimes people need additional help. When that is the case, there are several different things to look at when making an adjustment.
Remember that learning to play with a new racquet takes some time. A person doesn’t know exactly what to expect in the very beginning. It might feel perfect playing with it for a few hours, but some adjustments might be needed later on.
Lead Tape
If a racquet doesn’t feel exactly right in the arm, it might be time to add lead tape to the equation. A lot of pros use lead tape, and that has encouraged casual players to use it as well.
With lead tape, it is put strategically on the racquet to add weight in certain areas. To help well spin, people like putting lead tape at the top of their racquet, and in the handle. Experiment with just a little bit of lead tape in the beginning, but switch things up if the difference is not that noticeable.
It’s important not to add too much, too soon. A racquet that is too heavy can cause soreness or injury if a player isn’t careful.
Lead tape is also sometimes placed on the sides of the head of the racquet, which generally will help with stability. Not everyone has the same formula towards creating more spin, but most need a little more weight in the head area to get the job done.
If too much lead tape is being added to make a racquet feel differently, it might be time to just go ahead and get a new racquet. A heavier racquet without lead tape will perform better than a lighter one with lead tape all over.
String Type
A lot of people believe that the racquet makes the player, but it is actually the string that makes a huge impact in the end with someone playing. A player can have the perfect racquet for them, but they’re only going to have mild success if a subpar string is used.
There are a lot of different string manufacturers, so it’s a challenge to discover the perfect string from the very beginning. Experiment with a few different options, especially with synthetics and polyesters. These strings are going to be the best to develop spin, and they are durable as well.
A lot of topspin is going to increase friction, which in turn can frustrate people by snapping strings a little sooner than before. By using synthetics and polyesters, the string is a little stronger.
The feel of the string is also important. To add a little bit of extra bite to swings, companies will shape their string in a way that they are not a round shape like a lot of people assume. A pentagonal or hexagonal shape is pretty common.
Finally, the string gauge makes a difference in durability. A 17 gauge or 18 gauge is about as thin as tennis string gets, while a 15 gauge and 16 gauge are a little more durable. If notching is prevalent, go with a 15 gauge to prevent the inevitable a little longer. The thicker gauges will generally make the racquet play a bit stiffer, but most people are fine with the trade-off.
I listed some of the best tennis strings for spin in this post.
String Tension
It is also important to mess around with string tension with a new racquet. It will alter how some play with a certain racquet and string set up.
Those lucky to hit with a lot of spin should look into a slightly lower string tension, in the beginning, to see if there is increased snap back on the strings. It might not always work out that way, but more often than not people will notice a little bit more spin on each ball.
Don’t do anything too extreme with string tension, because it may affect the rest of the game. It’s one thing to add spin, but not at a huge sacrifice for control and power. Drop just a few pounds each time when getting a racquet restrung.
For advanced players, they can string at different tensions for the mains and the crosses. It makes a little bit of a difference to get a truly customized feel. Some will even use completely different strings to get a blend of spin and power, spin and feel, or whatever it is they are looking for.
Making The Final Choice
Even when narrowed down to the best racquets out there for spin, it’s still a huge challenge for a lot of people when shopping for a brand new racquet. There are a lot of options to consider, and racquets share a decent amount of similarities. For a more thorough guide on how to choose a tennis racquet, check out this post.
A lot of local shops and online stores offer the ability to demo racquets to play with them and feel them during play. Some will offer this service for free, while others will charge just a few dollars to start. This is far and away the best way to decide on a racquet because no one wants to buy something brand new blindly.
Reading reviews and getting opinions from others is only going to help so much. What works for a pro player or a best friend might not work the same way. Sign up for a demo, or ask nicely to play with someone’s new racquet briefly to get a feel for things as well.
Once a final decision is made, it’s time to start making the most of a new racquet and hitting with spin. It takes time and practice to start using spin effectively, but it’s a step in the right direction for any player wanting to lean into the modern game. A lot of times, players won’t change much in their game, and still, notice a difference.
Here is the full list of the best tennis racquets for spin
- Babolat Pure Aero (Best Overall)
- Babolat Pure Drive
- Head Graphene 360+ Gravity MP
- Wilson Ultra 100
- Prince Textreme Warrior 100
- Yonex VCORE 100
- Volkl V-Feel 8
