Tennis.com recently released their 2019 racquet guide, featuring the best and brightest offerings from the biggest brands in tennis. This year's racquets were play-tested by folks with varying preferences and skill levels. Racquets were strung according to the manufacturers' recommendations and players were allowed to test the racquets until they felt they'd formed a solid opinion.
The editors at Tennis.com published reviews of dozens of racquets in the March/April issue of Tennis magazine, but only five racquets among them were considered worthy enough to be named Editor's Choice. Check out the winners below!
BEST PLAYER'S FRAME:
Head Size: 95 sq. in.
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11.6 oz.
Balance: 9 pts. HL
Swingweight: 306
RA Rating: 63
Beam Width: 20.5 mm
String Pattern: 16x19
NTRP: 4.5+
Editors liked: lighter; more open string pattern; more spin, pop, and forgiveness
Great for: highly skilled all-court players
BEST GAME-IMPROVEMENT FRAME:
HEAD Graphene 360 Instinct Lite
Head Size: 107 sq. in.
Length: 27.2 in.
Weight: 9.7 oz.
Balance: 1 pt. HH
Swingweight: 294
RA Rating: 60
Beam Width: 23 mm / 26 mm / 23 mm
String Pattern: 16x19
NTRP: 2.0-4.0
Editors liked: plays with the control/feel of a heavier racquet; smaller head; stable and comfortable response
Great for: developing players, intermediates, seniors
BEST NEW INNOVATION:
Head Size: 100 sq. in.
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 10.9 oz.
Balance: 9 pts. HL
Swingweight: 294
RA Rating: 53
Beam Width: 24.5 mm
String Pattern: 16x19
NTRP: 3.0-4.5
Editors liked: lots of control in a quick, flexible, comfortable racquet; “arm friendly”
Great for: players seeking a totally different feel/playability, players looking to give their arm a break
BEST NEW FRAME:
Head Size: 98 sq. in.
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11.1 oz.
Balance: 6 pts. HL
Swingweight: 308
RA Rating: 65
Beam Width: 21 mm / 23 mm / 21 mm
String Pattern: 16x19
NTRP: 4.0+
Editors liked: improved precision; more compact head size, thinner beam, and softer flex; firm with plenty of “pop”
Great for: top juniors, college players
BEST UPDATE:
Head Size: 98 sq. in.
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11.4 oz.
Balance: 7 pts. HL
Swingweight: 311
RA Rating: 63
Beam Width: 22 mm / 22 mm / 21 mm
String Pattern: 16x19
NTRP: 4.0+
Editors liked: able to handle most strokes; good “pop” but not too much; more spin-friendly; comfortable and responsive
Great for: players who appreciate balanced spin, power, and precision