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After testing, studying, and researching all the major tennis racquet brands, we have our picks for the best tennis racquets for spin.
Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced tennis player, you have a lot of choices when it comes to spin-oriented racquets. Below, we’ll review the best tennis racquets for spin to help you choose the right one for your skill level, budget, and preferences. Before we get into the specifics, here is the list of top spin racquets for 2022.
The 8 Best Tennis Racquets for Spin
What Makes a Tennis Racquet Have More Spin?
Before we review each racquet in more detail, let’s look at what actually makes a tennis racquet generate spin on the tennis ball.
String Pattern: Tight vs Open String Patterns
String pattern refers to the number of main and cross strings in the racquet. Common string patterns include 16×19, 18×19, and 18×20.
- The higher the numbers, the closer the strings will be together. This is called a “tight” string pattern and helps players with control and feel.
- Smaller numbers of mains and crosses make for an “open” string pattern which can help with power and spin.
If you need help deciding which type of string to use, see our list of the best tennis strings.
Weight: Lighter Racquets Increase Spin Potential
The weight refers to the weight of the racquet. This is often measured without strings in the racquet but is sometimes measured with strings.
For spin, generally, you will swing a lighter racquet faster, leading to increased spin. Nevertheless, if the racquet is too light for the user, it will result in swing mechanics issues.
Testing different racquets to find one you can comfortably swing is best.
Balance: How the Weight is Distributed Affects Spin
The balance point of a racquet is defined as the point along the length of the racquet where the weight is split evenly between the head and the handle. An evenly balanced racquet would have its balance point exactly in the middle of its length.
Since most adult racquets are 27 inches long (68.59 cm) a balance point of 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) is halfway up the racquet. Therefore the racquet is considered to be “evenly balanced”.
- “Head heavy” racquets have a balance point greater than 13.5 inches. This makes it more difficult to swing, but provides extra stability and power.
- “Head light” racquets have a balance point less than 13.5 inches. This makes it easier to generate racquet head speed and spin.
Still, if the racquet is too head light, causing you to over swing, it will reduce your efficiency. This is why finding an equilibrium between balance and comfort is important.
Frame Size: Racquet size has little impact on spin potential
The frame size refers to the part of the racquet that holds the strings together. Frame sizes range from as little as 90 square inches for advanced tennis racquets. While tennis racquets for beginners can be up to 115 square inches.
For spin, there is a very minimal correlation to frame size. Still, as with anything, an optimal frame size for most players is generally between 98 and 105 square inches.
Length: Longer Racquets Create More Leverage
The length of tennis racquets is typically 27 inches. Oversized racquets may be up to 28 inches in length which can add spin to your shots, due to increased leverage.
Beam Thickness: A Thinner Beam Can Mean More Spin
The beam thickness refers to the racquet frame’s width when looking at it from a profile view. This is usually measured in millimeters. A racquet with a wider beam will typically have increased power while smaller beams will offer better control and feel. Thinner racquet beams are often less stiff as well.
Stiffness: A Flexible Racquet Has More Spin Potential
The stiffness of a racquet refers to how flexible it is. This is on a scale from 0 to 100 with 100 being the stiffest. More flexible racquets bend as you swing and make contact. This can help generate more potential energy resulting in more spin. However, stiffness is less of a factor than string pattern, type, or tension.
The best tennis racquets for power are generally stiffer and more stable but offer less comfort and feel. Players with elbow tendonitis should consider a less stiff, more flexible racquet.
How String Type & Tension Affect Spin
The string type and tension you use can be just as important as the racquet.
General consensus has been that string tension does not affect spin, however, string type can. Polyester strings generally create more spin because they are stiffer. Gut strings offer less spin, but excel in other areas like comfort.
Read our guide on the best tennis strings to find the right string for your skill level and playing style.
How to Choose a Tennis Racquet with Spin
Below we’ll help you find a spin-friendly racquet that fits your game. Read our guide on how to choose a tennis racquet for more details on finding the perfect racquet
How Your Skill Level Affects Spin
In general, beginners will need larger frame sizes with bigger sweet spots to increase solid contact and power. If you are looking to improve your topspin, an open string pattern can help.
More advanced players will have smaller frames with tighter string patterns to increase control. These players are able to generate spin better on their own due to advanced technique.
This chart will give you a high-level idea of what to look for in a tennis racquet.
| Racquet Specifications | Beginner Players Only | Intermediate & Some Beginner |
Advanced & Some Intermediate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size (sq. inches) |
107 – 115 | 100 – 110 | 95 – 100 |
| Length (inches) |
At least 27.5 | 27 – 28 | 27 – 27.5 |
| Weight (strung) |
Under 11 Ounces | 10.1 – 11.5 Ounces | Over 11 Ounces |
| Price | Under $150 | $100 & up | $150 & up |
| Power vs Control | More Power | Balanced Racquet | More Control |
The Best Racquets for Learning Topspin
When you’re first learning topspin, you’ll want a racquet that is easy to swing and has an open string pattern.
Here are 3 of the best options based on your ability:
What Type of Swing Do You Have? What Is Your Playing Style?
How do you like to win points? Do you like to control the point with spin or do you hit with more power or control?
You’ll want to choose the best tennis racquet for your playing style. Here are 3 of the best options for players seeking more spin:
Reviews of the Top 8 Spin-Friendly Racquets
Review each of the top racquets for spin on our list in more detail below.
#1 – Babolat Pure Aero
- Skill Level: Intermediate & Advanced
- Where It Excels: Maximum spin plus good power.
- What It Lacks: Control & stability when defending against pace.
Used by Rafael Nadal, the Babolat Pure Aero is an offensive weapon. It will help you generate tons of spin and power on both groundstrokes and serves. If you get an approach shot, for example, this racquet is what you’ll want in your hands. It’s a great racquet for intermediate and advanced tennis players who play with aggression.
Specifications
- Head Size: 100 sq. in.
- Strung Weight: 11.2 oz.
- Length: 27 in.
- String Pattern: 16×19
Other Sellers:
#2 – Yonex Vcore 98
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Where It Excels: Stability against pace with great feel and spin.
- What It Lacks: It lacks a little bit of comfort, but not much.
The Vcore 98 has earned a reputation as a powerful, spin-friendly racquet. Used by several professional tennis players, this racquet is known for its spin from the baseline. It also helps you increase feel, and offers solid stability, in a muted frame.
Specifications
- Head Size: 98 sq. in.
- Strung Weight: 11.4 oz.
- Length: 27 in.
- String Pattern: 16×19
Other Sellers:
#3 – Head Extreme MP
- Skill Level: Any Skill Level
- Where It Excels: Spin, power, & easy to maneuver.
- What It Lacks: Not great for control or volleys.
The Extreme is a great racquet for most players because it helps them unleash their spin potential. Beginners will enjoy the power level and large sweet spot. Intermediate players can use this racquet to develop their topspin and slice skills. Advanced players will be able to control the point with aggressive strokes and add power to their serve.
Specifications
- Head Size: 100 sq. in.
- Strung Weight: 11.2 oz.
- Length: 27 in.
- String Pattern: 16×19
Other Sellers:
#4 – Wilson Burn 100S
- Skill Level: Beginner & Intermediate
- Where It Excels: Lots of control & easy spin.
- What It Lacks: The racquet can lack feel at times resulting in loss of control on some volleys.
The Wilson Burn 100S is a great racquet for baseliners. The Burn is a well-balanced racquet built with great spin, control, and some power. It has a 100-square-inch frame and open string pattern for plenty of spin. Any player who wants controlled power from the baseline will like this racquet.
Specifications
- Head Size: 100 sq. in.
- Strung Weight: 11.3 oz.
- Length: 27 in.
- String Pattern: 16×18
Other Sellers:
#5 – Prince Ripstick
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Where It Excels: Easy to swing & generate spin/power.
- What It Lacks: Not great control or stability against fast-paced balls.
The Ripstick is built for spin. The open string pattern (16×18) helps beginners and intermediate players learn topspin. This racquet has an easy-to-swing frame with O-Ports that improve racquet head speed. You’ll generate easy power on groundstrokes and serves.
Specifications
- Head Size: 100 sq. in.
- Strung Weight: 11.2 oz.
- Length: 27 in.
- String Pattern: 16×18
#6 – Head Boom MP
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Where It Excels: Power, spin, maneuverability, & comfort. This is a balanced racquet for high-level beginner to high-level intermediate players.
- What It Lacks: Stability on volleys & returning fast serves.
The Head Boom is a new racquet that is built for the modern club tennis player. It has a very comfortable 100-inch frame that is easy to swing with a generous sweet spot. You’ll create plenty of spin from the baseline. The lightweight handling lets you move around the court with ease and it adds MPH to your serve as well.
Specifications
- Head Size: 100 sq. in.
- Strung Weight: 11.1 oz.
- Length: 27 in.
- String Pattern: 16×19
Other Sellers:
#7 – Head TI S6
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Where It Excels: A quality racquet for cheap.
- What It Lacks: Not great for serious improvement.
If you’re looking for your first racquet and want lots of spin, this is the one for you. This racquet is designed with the beginner in mind. It has a larger head size, longer frame, and is easy to swing. You don’t have to find the sweetspot with this one to get a ton of spin.
Specifications
- Head Size: 115 sq. in.
- Strung Weight: 8.9 oz.
- Length: 27.75 in.
- String Pattern: 16×19
Other Sellers:
#8 – Prince Textreme Warrior 100 ESP
- Skill Level: Beginner & Intermediate
- Where It Excels: Maximizing spin from the baseline and on serves.
- What It Lacks: Lacks a little bit of plow-through.
The Textreme Warrior 100 ESP is built for spin. This racquet is designed with an extremely open string pattern to increase the spin of all your shots. The racquet gives aggressive players the ability to take big swings and keep the ball in the court. It is also a great option for players who like to slice their backhand.
Specifications
- Head Size: 100 sq. in.
- Strung Weight: 11.1 oz.
- Length: 27 in.
- String Pattern: 14×16
Other Sellers:
Conclusion – Our Pick for the Best Overall Tennis Racquet for Spin
The best overall tennis racquet for spin is the Babolat Pure Aero. Not only does it provide maximum spin from the baseline and on serves but it also is a very powerful racquet.
It also helps you provide control and offers solid stability in a comfortable frame. The Pure Aero is the #1 racquet for players who use spin to control the tennis ball.