Most tennis players today prefer smaller and lighter tennis rackets over heavier ones. However, some players still find heavier tennis rackets better as they have more power, better control, and less shock to avoid tennis elbow. There are many heavy tennis rackets on the market, but we have chosen 5 of the best. So, what are some of the best heavy tennis rackets?
The 5 best heavy tennis rackets include:
- Babolat Pure Drive 2021 – Best overall
- Head Graphene 360 + Speed Pro – Best balanced
- Babolat Pure Aero Plus – Best for power and spin
- Wilson Blade 98 v8 – Best for comfort and stability
- Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 – Best for control
If you are purchasing a heavy tennis racket for the first time or replacing your old one, and only want the best, you are in the right place. To learn more about some of the best heavy tennis, below we discuss 5 of the best heavy tennis rackets in more detail to help you make the right decision.
The 5 Best Heavy Tennis Rackets
Choosing the right heavy tennis racket can be difficult as there are so many to choose from, each with its own unique features, benefits, and design. However, below we have narrowed it down for you by selecting the 5 best heavy tennis rackets with their features, pros and cons discussed.
1. Babolat Pure Drive 2021 – Best Overall
The Babolat Pure Drive is considered the best overall heavy tennis racket on the market. This racket is the new and improved version of previous versions of the Pure Drive. Babolat incorporated a more thin and flexible viscoelastic rubber in the shaft of the racket to dampen the vibration when the ball hits the racket.
In addition, the new Babolat Pure Drive includes FSI Power Technology. FSI Power Technology is the widening of the space between the cross strings of the racket to increase power, spin, and comfort.
Features of the Babolat Pure Drive 2021:
- Length: 27 inches.
- Weight: 11.2 ounces.
- Composition: Graphite
- Racket color: Blue
- String Pattern: 16 Mains/ 19 Crosses
Pros:
- Great for both beginners and advanced players.
- FSI Power Technology for increased power, spin, and comfort.
- Less vibration.
Cons:
- The power of the racket makes it difficult to control.
2. Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro – Best Balanced
The Graphene 360+ Speed Pro is the best heavy tennis racket for players looking for something more balanced in terms of control, stability, and power.
This tennis racket has the traditional 18×20 string pattern with a 62-RA stiffness, giving players the control and feel they want. The Graphene 360+ technology used in the lower head of the Speed Pro is a combination of Graphene 360 and SpiralFibers. This signature technology gives the racket its power and stability.
Features of the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro:
- Length: 27 inches.
- Weight: 11.6 ounces.
- Composition: Graphene 360+/ Graphite
- Racket color: White/Black
- String Pattern: 18 Mains/ 20 Crosses
Pros:
- Graphene 360+ technology for power and stability.
- Balanced racket.
- Easy to handle and good feel.
Cons:
- Not as powerful as the others.
- More suited for advanced players and not beginners.
3. Babolat Pure Aero Plus – Best For Power And Spin
The Babolat Pure Aero Plus is one of the best-selling tennis rackets for its ability to allow players more control over the ball and the power to apply more spin to the ball.
This racket features FSI Spin technology, which means the string spacing is wider compared to previous versions of this racket. The length of the racket has been extended as well. The FSI Spin technology and the extended length offer plenty of power and spin for kick serves and hitting slices.
Features of the Babolat Pure Aero Plus:
- Length: 27.5 inches.
- Weight: 11.3 ounces.
- Composition: Graphite
- Racket color: Yellow/Black
- String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Pros:
- Great spin and power for groundstrokes and serves.
- Extended length for more power.
- Suited for beginners and advanced players.
Cons:
- Extended length makes it a bit challenging to swing.
4. Wilson Blade 98 v8 – Best For Comfort And Stability
The Wilson Blade 98 v8 is one of the most comfortable and stable heavy tennis rackets on the market today.
The comfort and stability come from Wilson’s FortyFive technology in the racket. FortyFive technology is a carbon-mapped weave in the frame of the racket whereby the fibers are weaved at a 45-degree angle which allows it to flex during impact.
Additionally, for even more stability, this racket features Direct Connect Technology which connects the butt cap directly to the carbon fiber section of the handle.
Features of the Wilson Blade 98 v8:
- Length: 27 inches.
- Weight: 11.3 ounces.
- Composition: Braided Graphite.
- Racket color: Green.
- String pattern: 16 Mains/ 19 Crosses
Pros:
- Comfortable and good feel.
- Great stability and easy to handle.
- Flexible.
Cons:
- Not as powerful as other rackets.
- Not recommended for beginners or intermediate players.
5. Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 – Best For Control
The Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 is not the most powerful racket, but it makes up for this in its design for optimal touch and control. This racket is great for players who want precise control when hitting the ball.
Wilson has incorporated String Mapping technology into this racket which aims to improve the control and feel of the racket by creating a denser spacing in the hitting area on the head of the racket for a more controlled response.
Furthermore, Wilson has not neglected power or stability. The racket’s weight offers enough power for players, and the speedy 321 RDC swing weight offers a decent amount of stability.
Features of the Wilson Pro Staff v13:
- Length: 27 inches.
- Weight: 11.7 ounces.
- Composition: Graphite braided with aramid.
- Racket color: Black
- String Pattern: 16 Mains/ 19 Crosses
Pros:
- Best racket for control.
- Great precision.
- Good feel and spin.
Cons:
- It is not a very powerful racket.
Conclusion
These 5 best heavy tennis rackets that we selected are great options. Whether you want a powerful racket, one that is easy to control, or perhaps a more balanced racket, one of these tennis rackets should tick all the boxes for you.
As mentioned above, the Babolat Pure Drive 2021 is the best heavy tennis overall, however, the others are equally as great, and all of them are without a doubt worth the investment!
References
- https://livehealthy.chron.com/benefits-heavier-tennis-racket-1761.html
- https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/racquet_reviews/MPB10review.html
- https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/ProKennex_Ki_Q_Tour_Pro_315/descpageRCPK-QTKIM0.html
- https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Graphene_360_Speed_Pro/descpageRCHEAD-H3SPRO.html?from=tribe
- https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Drive_2021/descpageRCBAB-BRPDR.html?from=tribe
- https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Babolat_Pure_Aero_Plus_Racket/descpageRCQBA-BPAPR-EN.html?from=tribe
- https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Wilson_Blade_98_16x19_v8_Racket/descpageRCWILSON-16BV8R-EN.html?from=tribe
- https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Wilson_Pro_Staff_97_V130_Racket/descpageRCWILSON-W97V13-EN.html?from=tribe