Holiday Shopping List: Top Racquets of 2023

**Babolat Pure Aero ($259)**

If you’re part of the “spin to win” crowd, there’s arguably no racquet better-suited to the task than the Pure Aero. Throw in a healthy power supply and it’s one of the game’s premiere options for baseline aggression. For this latest installment in the popular franchise, Babolat decided to tighten the string pattern slightly—it’s still plenty wide—to give the frame a bit more feedback and control.

The SMAC vibration dampening has also been removed and replaced by NF2 Tech at 3 and 9 o’clock and inside the handle. It performs a similar function, but is made from flax fibers—commonly used in alpine skis—which is a more natural product designed to give better feel at contact.

**Babolat Pure Drive ($249)**

Powerful, stable, user-friendly and capable of mashing the ball at a moment’s notice. That’s what fans of the Babolat Pure Drive have come to expect of the all-time great ‘tweener frame. This model has an updated lay-up composition in the hoop of the frame for better stability and subsequent energy return, particularly at faster swing speeds. SMAC material—a thin viscoelastic rubber integrated into the lay-up—has been extended into the shaft to help disperse vibrations, rather than simply dampen like previous model. That said, few players gravitate to the Pure Drive because its warm and fuzzy; taking the cover off the ball is more the attraction.

**Babolat Pure Strike 98 (16x19) ($159)**

The Pure Strike is Babolat’s more control-oriented family of racquets. It’s constructed with a hybrid beam that combines the stability and precision of a square shape with the punch of an elliptical design. It’s combination of power, spin and precision make it a versatile, all-court option. For the third generation of the frame, a new vibration filtration technology (C2 Pure Feel) has been added to the layup to improve the overall responsiveness of the frame at contact. It also boasts visual elements—urban and contemporary graphics, striking red font and bumper—that give this version some added aggression to balance the otherwise clean aesthetic.

**Head Extreme MP 2022 ($259)**

Built for spin, the Extreme MP produces forceful, energetic shots tailor-made for aggressive baseline tactics. As with the other Head frames on this list, it has been given the Auxetic treatment in the yoke of the frame for more dependable contact and an improved response. And when compared to the outgoing model, the 16x19 string pattern is slightly denser for better control. This addresses the one negative Head heard from players regarding the previous model—it could be a bit unruly. There’s just enough feel for touch and volleys to implement some all-court guile, but this racquet is really at home letting loose on big serves and heavy groundies.

**Head Radical MP 2023 ($259)**

Dubbed “The People’s Racquet” by Head, the Radical MP continues the franchise’s tradition of balancing power and control with all-court versatility. This latest is updated with Auxetic—a carbon fiber construction in the yoke of the frame that resists deformation at contact for overall better response at contact. Head’s Dynamic String Pattern creates a tighter configuration in the center of the string bed for heightened command. Bread-and-butter shots are highly repeatable and predictable, leading to consistent ball striking. Volleys can be punched through the court or finessed with equal measure. If you like to attack from all areas of the court or play lots of doubles, the Radical MP has you covered.

**Head Speed MP Black 2023 ($259)**

The all-around versatility and playability of the Speed MP has made it the best-selling model in Head’s entire lineup. The frame features an attractive balance of power and control with plenty of spin potential to boot. It’s a racquet with the necessary forgiveness for novices and intermediates to grow with, yet still refined enough for more accomplished players. This current version features Auxetic  construction in the yoke, which gives the frame an overall sturdier and comfortable feel, particularly on off-center hits. The softer flex of the latest Speed only adds to the pleasing response at contact. This special-edition Black cosmetic has the same specs and playability as the standard in-line model.

**Tecnifibre TFight ISO 305 ($249)**

The TFight 305 offers an attractive blend of power and precision with some touch thrown into the mix. The ISO in its name stands for ISOFLEX—variable racquet stiffness depending on the location of the frame for a wider sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-center hits. The frame’s RS Section beam combines the control of a square shape with the power of an elliptical design. It packs a lot of punch and has a beefy feel for its weight thanks to a 3 pts. HL balance and a considerable 330s swingweight. The racquet dominates contact, whether crunching a ground stroke or simply blocking back a heavy serve. A unique 18x19 string pattern is a worthwhile compromise between the spin-potential of a 16x19 and the directional control of an 18x20.

**Wilson Blade 98 v8 (16x19) ($249)**

The Blade 98 hardly needs an introduction. It’s winning balance of power to control and responsive feel translates to highly effective all-court performance coveted by accomplished performers. It’s versatility makes it a popular choice for big hitters, counterpunchers and finesse players alike. The manageable weight and low swingweight also allows users to tailor the specs to their liking. The more open string pattern of the 16x19 version affords greater access to spin and a bit more pop than its more precise 18x20 sibling. This latest version has a distinctive bending profile (dubbed FortyFive) that bolsters stability and complements the modern swing, without adding stiffness. It’s shown here in a unique US Open-inspired cosmetic.

**Yonex EZONE 100 ($259)**

There’s a reason Yonex likes to dub this franchise the E-Z-One—it’s one of those racquets almost anyone can pick up and use right away with almost no learning curve. The 100’s combination of ready power and access to spin make it a groundstroke machine. Whether grinding, counterpunching or stepping inside the court to take control with pace, the racquet excels at baseline warfare. It’s solid for its weight with a clean, crisp response. For this latest model, the flex is slightly lower and the beam width slightly thicker so there’s more comfort and feel without sacrificing stability. It’s the type of frame that provides a welcome boost to strokes without crossing the line into excessive.

**Yonex VCORE 98 ($259)**

Give it a rip, grind out a rally, or rush the net, the VCORE 98 hits lots of winners. This 7^th generation—noted with an “07” inscribed on the beam—has a lowered flex that gives the racquet a sweeter feel at contact, along with a deeper pocket. The beam has been thinned at the tip to help bolster racquet acceleration, with a slight widening of the head at the 2 and 10 o’clock positions of the face to help expand the sweet spot in the upper hoop. This also results in more spacing of the main strings. Along with the new silicone-infused grommets for faster string snapback, it’s an ideal platform for added spin to produce an exceedingly lively ball.