Best Intermediate Tennis Racket Under $100
Although beginner tennis rackets are a great way of starting tennis at a low/moderate expense, they seldom complement the styles and techniques of intermediate players that are looking to improve their game. Unfortunately, most intermediate tennis rackets are between $250 and $300! So which quality intermediate tennis rackets can you buy for under $100?
The best eight intermediate tennis rackets under $100 are:
- Wilson Blade Team,
- Head Ti.S6,
- Babolat Boost S,
- Head Microgel Radical,
- Head Ti. S5 CZ,
- Wilson Sporting Goods Racket,
- Lunnade Adult Tennis Racket,
- Wilson Tour Slam Lite Racket.
Although the above list is not a definitive list of all the tennis rackets you can find on the market for under $100, it provides enough variety that any intermediate player should be able to find features of one of the above-mentioned rackets that suit their play style. Let us explore each racket in further detail below:
1. Wilson Blade Team
Pros:
- Lightweight,
- Thin beam construction that aids control,
- The racket’s versatility complements various play styles,
- Pre-strung with Wilson Sensation Strings.
Cons:
- The racket’s light weight results in a less “solid” feel than most rackets,
- Finding the racket for $100 can be difficult, depending on the retailer.
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The Wilson Blade Team is the perfect option for intermediate players and serious beginners who are improving rapidly but are uncertain of the playstyle they wish to employ.
The racket’s lightweight provides a lot of control for players who like to spin but can also deliver some power when required, as well as pinpoint precision despite its lightweight.
2. Head Ti.S6
Pros:
- Lightweight,
- A large sweet spot to deliver power,
- Comfortable to maneuver and grip.
Cons:
- Lightweight results in less control and increased vibrations.
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The Head Ti.S6 features a large head size and a light frame; this 115 square inch head provides you with a larger sweet spot than similar racquets.
Despite its lightweight at only 9 ounces, this racket has more length than its competitors at 27.75 inches to help you hit the ball over the net even if you have compact strokes.
3. Babolat Boost S
Pros:
- Babolat Boost Technology reduces stiffness,
- Babolat uptake grip system improves handling and maneuverability.
Cons:
- The head’s lightweight reduces stability.
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The Boost S’s graphite material makes it stable and offers a solid feel on every shot you perform.
The pre-strung string system includes sixteen mains and nineteen crosses, making it flexible. Additionally, the flexibility also enhances your feel on the ball to offer you improved control.
Finally, the Woofer Grommet innovation on the strings provides additional power and comfort by reducing vibration effects on the racket. The strings are also quite tight to offer you a sturdy platform to effectively hit the ball from a distance.
4. Head Microgel Radical
Pros:
- Comfort and maneuverability,
- Great shock absorption and control,
- The racket’s versatility complements various play styles.
Cons:
- Strictly for intermediate and advanced tennis players.
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The Head Microgel Radical is an excellent racket for intermediate to advanced tennis players that are looking for a versatile tennis racket to complement any style.
The Head Microgel Radical, as the name implies, features MicroGel technology, which improves the racket’s shock absorption.
While the racket does have a smaller head for improved control and precision, this makes the racket ideal for intermediate to advanced tennis players but not suitable for beginners.
5. Head Ti. S5 CZ
Pros:
- Lightweight,
- A large sweet spot to deliver power,
- Comfortable to maneuver and grip.
Cons:
- Stiffer than other rackets on this list,
- Lightweight results in less control and increased vibrations.
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Although the Head Ti.S5 CZ racket is mainly targeted toward amateurs, the racquet provides enough control and versatility for intermediate-level players.
The Head Ti.S5 CZ features a large, heavy head at 107 square inches, which provides control and substantial power.
While the racket may come to be a little stiff, the manufacturers integrated new dampening systems into the racket, so it handles shock better than most rackets under $100.
6. Wilson Sporting Goods Racket
Pros:
- Stable and maneuverable,
- Quality strings,
- A variety of grips are available.
Cons:
- Bottom heavy racket means new owners will have an adjustment period.
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The Wilson Sporting Goods racket is an affordable option that is taller and narrower than most rackets on this list.
However, there’s a wide variety of grip sizes available, meaning a level of versatility and customization to suit your grip. Wilson Sporting Goods racquet has quality strings that are thin and tight, which are good string characteristics for amateur and intermediate tennis players.
Just be aware that this is a bottom-heavy racket, meaning new owners need to have an adjustment period before they are accustomed to this unique balance.
7. Lunnade Adult Tennis Racket
Pros:
- A broadhead provides more power,
- PU foam offers maximum comfort
- The shaft is sweat-absorbing and shock-proof.
Cons:
- Plastic may wear over time,
- Not suitable for high-intensity tennis matches.
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The Lunnade Adult Tennis Racket is ultra-light, has a good grip, absorbs shock, and has a comfortable feel.
The materials used in the racket boost its durability, as the frame is a combination of carbon and aluminum, which are also responsible for its lightweight.
Finally, the manufacturer has used additional high-end materials such as PU foam which provides unmatched without sacrificing stability. PU foam is also a shock-proof substance that protects your hand and wrists from excess vibrations.
8. Wilson Tour Slam Lite Racket
Pros:
- Shock Pads prevent excessive vibrations
- The racket’s versatility complements various play styles,
- A large sweet spot to deliver power.
Cons:
- A large grip may prove unwieldy for some players,
- A large head minimizes control.
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The Wilson Tour Slam Lite Racket’s grip measures 4 1/2 inches, making it suitable for adults making it ideal for intermediate tennis players. However, the lightweight of the racket’s frame makes it comfortable and easy to maneuver, despite the large grip.
Furthermore, the frame also features the Volcanic Frame Technology for greater power and firmness. Additionally, the V-Matrix Technology string bed boasts a large sweet spot and has long main strings to increase the racket’s tension. Finally, the racket’s shaft is shock-absorbing and reduces vibrations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although it may take some time to explore your options when buying a tennis racket, the above rackets are worth a look should you be looking for a quality racket under $100.
References
- https://howtheyplay.com/individual-sports/Best-Tennis-Racket-Under-100-Top-5
- https://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Blade-Team-Tennis-Racket/dp/B088SWH24K
- https://www.amazon.com/HEAD-Ti-S6-Tennis-Racquet-Strung/dp/B00PETDXYC/?tag=iptlworld-20
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZTXTL1Z?tag=tennisfocuson-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
- https://www.amazon.com/HEAD-MicroGel-Radical-Tennis-Racquet/dp/B002O3Z51A/?tag=iptlworld-20
- https://www.amazon.com/HEAD-Ti-S5-Strung-Tennis-Racquet/dp/B01GQJ17LY/?tag=iptlworld-20
- https://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Hammer-Strung-Recreational-Tennis/dp/B007ATJ7TY/?tag=iptlworld-20
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MZKHHMV?tag=tennisfocuson-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQKBPV8?tag=tennisfocuson-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
