Holiday Gear Gift Guide (Part 1): Top Racquets from 2022

Babolat Pure Aero 2023

Price: $259

If you like to hunt down your opponents with pace and spin, the Pure Aero is one of the premiere weapons for the job. The tighter string pattern on this update offers greater command to swing more freely and play closer to the lines. A new dampening technology made of flax fibers at 3 and 9 o’clock and inside the handle also improves the frame’s feel at contact. The subtle tweaks filled in the gaps without diminishing the racquet’s primary credentials. Aggressive baseliners will appreciate the amount of work on they can put on the ball, and the pressure it applies to their opponents.

Dunlop SX 300

Price: $199

Taking the Dunlop SX 300 out for a spin is an accurate description. The frame produces ground strokes that fly off the string bed with tons of action and energy. The wicked curves and kicks will make it seem like you’re serving with a wiffleball. Updates to the grommets and string spacing enhance this trait, while making the racquet more comfortable than its predecessor. It may not be the most precise racquet going, but that’s the price for the extra boost. If you find power in spin, the SX 300 may take your game to another level.

Head Speed Pro 2022

Price: $269

There aren’t many 18x20 frames more playable than this latest installment of the Speed Pro. The addition of Auxetic to its composition improves sensation at contact and creates a more solid and comfortable feel than the outgoing model. Yet it still produces a dependable, controllable ball that allows for aggressive swings and targeting. It remains demanding at times, but the racquet continues to evolve into a more user-friendly model that can appeal to players beyond just the most advanced circles.

Solinco Whiteout 305

Price: $220

While an established string brand, Solinco has its sights set on becoming a complete tennis equipment company. That means adding worthy racquets to their lineup. The sleek-looking Whiteout 305 is a 98 square-inch model with all the trappings of a player’s frame—versatility, precision, feel—but with more free power. An open 16x19 string pattern creates a higher launch angle than many frames in this category, with access to excellent spin-potential. A fun addition is a trap door at the base of the racquet that can be swapped out for a 5g or 10g plate to easily modify and tailor the weight of the frame. All in all, the inaugural Whiteout sets a high bar.

Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 ISO

Price: $239

At one point this season Tecnifibre had world No. 1s in both men’s and women’s singles and doubles, as well as the top boy’s junior all wielding its frames. One of which—Daniil Medvedev—swings the T-Fight 305, an all-court brawler with an attractive blend of power, precision and flair. The ISO in its name stands for ISOFLEX—variable racquet stiffness for a more consistent response. The frame’s unique 18x19 string pattern offers just enough spin potential to pair with reliable control. The balance and hefty swingweight can take some adjustment, but once acclimated the frame plays solid as a rock, delivering a heavy and destructive shot.

Wilson Ultra 100 v4

Price: $249

Wilson gave the Ultra a significant overhaul that garnered impressive results. A thinner, more aerodynamic shaft enhances maneuverability, feels better in the hands and sports a striking new cosmetic. Under the hood, Wilson added its FortyFive technology that increases the frame’s flexibility and encourages it to bend in the most advantageous fashion while still retaining impressive power and stability. It’s still a rather firm frame, but there’s a more refined feel and improved comfort. The heightened playability makes it even more attractive to players who want racquets that provide a maximum return with minimal effort.

Yonex EZONE 100

Price: $259

The “Easy One” continues to live up to its name as a racquet you can just pick up and play with almost no learning curve. For the EZONE’s 7th generation, the frame’s beam width has been slightly increased and the shaft given a more convex design to improve stability and power. It’s a user-friendly racquet from all areas of the court, but really shines on the baseline where it’s controllable power and easy access to spin gives users a wide array of options—grind, counterpunch or step inside the court to take control with aggression.