5 Best Graphite Tennis Racquets

Graphite tennis racquet lovers are always looking for the best thing they can count on to play the game consistently.

It can sometimes be challenging for players to pick out a racquet that works for them without giving it a demo. That’s why so many companies offer demo programs, even if they are through the mail.

What are the five best graphite tennis racquets to try out? Most people have a pretty good idea of what they want and what they don’t after trying out at least a couple of these graphite options.

1. Prince Phantom

Not all players have outstanding control of their racquet. They might be able to provide their own power, but getting the ball to go where it needs to is important at any level.

That’s where racquets like the Prince Phantom come into play, since it’s a control-oriented racquet no matter what version a person purchases.

Popular versions like the Phantom 93P and 100X both come in versions that have 18×20 string patterns. The denser string pattern helps with the control of shots. Players won’t be able to get as much spin with a control-oriented racquet, but this is great for flatter hitters who want to have pinpoint control and feel.

Since the Phantom is such a popular line, Prince has roughly a dozen different options for people to sift through. They know that everyone wants a little bit of a tweak to their racquet to personalize it for their game. Trying out one or two that seem close might be the best way to pick out the perfect Prince Phantom.

Along with the graphite that is used for composition with the racquet, there’s also Textreme and Twaron. Combined with graphite, it makes for a very flexible feel that helps out many players who have had elbow issues in the past.

Pros

  • Easy racquet to control
  • Anti-torque system makes the racquet more stable and powerful
  • Many different variations for a customized fit

Cons

  • Closed string pattern doesn’t provide a lot of natural spin
  • Thin beam isn’t for everyone

2. Head Instinct

Head has many different families of racquets, but the Instinct is a great option for graphite racquet lovers wanting to play a modern game.

Right away, players will notice that they get free access to a lot of power and spin that they might not have from all the racquets. When used the right way, it can prove to be an extremely beneficial racquet to have a player step up their game.

One of the best things about the Head Instinct is that it is a racquet an intermediate player can grow with. Even if they don’t have command with all their strokes just yet, it is forgiving enough that it won’t feel too overwhelming.

As players develop, they will start to love the Head Instinct more and more. There’s a reason why professionals use this on tour and find a lot of success.

Options like the MP and Graphene 360+ are perfect to check out. Older players might want to go with a slightly bigger head size, as the largest one is 115 in.². They all provide quality comfort and feel depending on the type of play a person gravitates towards.

Pros

  • Very arm-friendly
  • Competitive pricing
  • Great access to power and spin

Cons

  • Swingweight is a little low on most standard options
  • Sweet spot is slightly smaller than other 100 in.² racquets

3. Babolat Pure Aero

The Babolat Pure Aero is built for players who want a combination of spin and power in their game. After being around for quite a while, the latest iteration is meant to bring a certain set of balance to the table. Having a more all-around racquet from Babolat makes a huge difference with marketability.

Meant for intermediate or advanced players, aggressive baseliners will find the most value with this racquet. They can have good control of the ball by hitting with pace and providing enough topspin to get players off the court. Serving is easy with first or second serves. 

The technology behind the Babolat racquet is how it all works. They still use Cortex dampening material in the racquet, but it’s been moved to the head to make for a slightly softer impact.

There’s also a technology called FSI Spin, which gives the string spacing a little bit more space in general so that the strings move and snap with each shot. This creates extra bite on the ball and causes opponents to feel like they can’t keep up.

You can read my review of the Babolat Pure Aero here.

Pros

  • Excellent spin
  • A lot of free power
  • Built for intermediate or advanced players

Cons

  • Strings break fairly easily
  • Not the most stable racquet

4. Babolat Pure Drive

The Babolat Pure Drive has been right up there with the Pure Aero as far as hot sellers are concerned in tennis. It remains one of the top graphite racquets out there for anyone who likes a racquet that’s light and powerful.

One of the first things a player will notice is that they can accelerate very easily with this racquet with all strokes. Serving feels easy and comfortable, and groundstrokes can allow players to blast balls from the baseline.

Babolat’s made a little bit of a change with the feel of the racquet, which is great for people who have complained in the past that it’s a little stiff. There is a technology called SWX Pure Feel in the shaft, and it’s a flexible piece of rubber that is between the carbon inside the graphite racquet.

FSI Power Technology also helps out players wanting a little more spin out of this racquet. It won’t have quite the same spin potential as the Pure Aero, but players can generate topspin relatively easily with the right strings.

Most will end up trying out both the Pure Drive and the Pure Aero when they are looking to make a final decision. Both are great racquets, but players who give them both a try will tend to gravitate towards one or the other based on their playing style.

You can read my review of the Babolat Pure Drive here.

Pros

  • Very powerful
  • Feels more flexible than the previous model
  • Better spin potential

Cons

  • Might be too lightweight for some play styles
  • Feel take some getting used to

5. Wilson Clash 100 v2

After making a huge splash with the first version of the Wilson Clash, the V2 brings even more value to the table. It has a lot of similarities to the first one, but Wilson has tweaked it a bit so that it feels just right.

Maybe the biggest change is the stability of the racquet compared to the original version. That was one complaint that some players had, but it feels much more stable with shots all over the court. That means players will have more confidence in all the different shots they had to stay in the point.

FORTYFIVE is the new frame technology used by Wilson in this racquet. It allows the racquet to bend a little and soften impact. It’s built for the modern game, and makes it perfect for intermediate or advanced players. Most importantly, it allows a person to feel much more comfortable with their arm after long sessions.

There are a lot of variations to the Wilson Clash V2, but the standard option is still 100 in.² with the head size and 11 ounces strung. It received a slightly different paint job which also helps it stand out in the crowd.

You can read my full Wilson Clash review here.

Pros

  • Perfect for many levels of tennis
  • Very easy on the arm
  • Provides a surprising amount of power

Cons

  • Standard version is a little light for some
  • Spin potential is lacking

Is a Graphite Tennis Racquet the Way to Go In Today’s Game?

It’s pretty easy to see that graphite tennis racquets are the most popular options currently on the market today. A lot of tennis players will only play with graphite racquets, and it’s the go-to choice currently.

The racquet might not be 100% made out of graphite, but it does provide all the benefits of this option. People need a lightweight racquet that still has strength and flexibility. Few alternatives can match the overall effectiveness of graphite.

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