The men’s tennis game is full of grueling baseline battles, power groundstrokes, large amounts of spin, and even larger serving speeds for those bigger guys.
This is exactly why male players LOOK FOR RACQUETS with a more compact sweet spot, a heavier frame, and racquets that are typically more head heavy than other racquets designed for female players and juniors.
Your Guide
Gavin Davison
Throughout my career, I’ve used many of these racquets, but I’ve concentrated on my favorite five to bring you the best (in my opinion) on the market right now in 2021.
#1: Wilson Pro Staff 97 Autograph
I’ve listed the Wilson Pro Staff in my other article, but this one comes with a few upgrades that are well SUITED to male players.
This racquet was used by Federer in previous seasons, which is part of the reason why I have selected this frame.
It’s now available at a discounted rate but still plays phenomenally well.
One of the major reasons I have picked this at number one is because it has all of the same specifics as other Pro Staff models, but it carries much more weight in the frame.
This beast is a whopping 357g when strung, so you do need physical STRENGTH to manipulate the racquet head.
Since the Pro Staff was used by Federer and even Pete Sampras back in the day, it’s undeniable that it is one of the best frames out there.
Key Features
- Used by a couple of the games great’s including Federer and Sampras
- Quite easy on the eye with the black-and-white color
- One of the heaviest frames that you can currently get
- This is the 2018 model, so it is cheaper
Specification
- Weight strung: 357g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 97 square inches
- Balance: 315mm
- Beam width: 21.5mm
Pros
- The racquet has absolutely awesome feel on the ball
- Smaller head size for more concentrated power
- Federer’s signature has been lasered onto every racquet
Cons
- The frame can be far too heavy for some people
- The leather grip that the racquet arrives with is not comfortable at all.
#2: Yonex VCore Pro97 D
While conducting my research to provide this INFORMATIVE article, I have to say I have been really impressed with the range that Yonex has provided.
They’ve managed to create a hidden weapon with this frame, and it is undoubtedly tailored to suit those stronger male players.
It may not be as VISUALLY appealing as other frames, but it is just as good for the general performance.
This racquet supports many key features when looking into racquets suited for male players, such as the smaller head size and the additional weight in the frame.
There aren’t too many top-level players using this racquet, which is a bit surprising for me, but that by no means suggests that it isn’t a top-quality racquet.
Key Features
- Offers additional weight without being stupidly heavy
- Relatively thin beam leading to reduced vibration
- This is the racquet of choice for players like Chung and Tiafoe
- Provides a much sturdier frame than other Yonex models
Specification
- Weight strung: 326g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 97 square inches
- Balance: 320mm (7 points headlight)
- Beam width: 20mm
Pros
- There aren’t many other racquet models with a beam as thin as this one
- Vibration-dampening mesh has been manufactured into the handle
- Racquet offers a relatively good feel around the net for both volleys and drop shots
Cons
- The racquet is quite pricey compared to others on this list
- The color blend that has been used for the frame is not very attractive
#3: Babolat Pure Strike VS Tour
Babolat has CHURNED OUT another top-drawer racquet with this one, and the vs. tour has a much stronger focus on control and feels than other models.
As you will see through the product link, this frame has the same appealing color blend as all of the other strike frames, and in my opinion, it is a really comfortable racquet to use.
This racquet is much HEAVIER than some others in the strike range, so if you don’t mind a heavier frame and you are looking to try and incorporate much more control into your game, this is a racquet that you should look to try out.
Key Features
- Very appealing white and orange color scheme
- Quite a unique 16 x 20 string pattern
- Surprisingly head light considering the weight of the frame
- Not overly expensive as it isn’t the top Strike model
Specification
- Weight strung: 337g
- String pattern: 16 x 20
- Head size: 98 square inches
- Balance: 320mm (7 points headlight)
- Beam width: 21mm
Pros
- You can currently get these racquets at quite a discount
- A fantastic frame for those who can already generate power
- Given that the racquet is 7 points headlight, you can wield this frame quite easily
Cons
- Some players do not like racquets that are significantly headlight
- Not a great racquet if you prefer a string tension of 60lbs or above
#4: Head Prestige Graphene 360+ Mid Tour
The Head Prestige is one of my all-time favorite frames, but Head has continued to do a great job in EXPANDING the variety of specifications for this racquet.
This particular frame has been used by players like Pablo Cuevas and Gilles Simon, who have been right at the top of the ATP Rankings in their time.
This racquet can take a little bit of getting used to, but after just a few practice sessions, you will feel the benefits.
It really is one of those racquets that you can just GRIND it out from the baseline all day long, or if that isn’t really your game style, this racquet is great for power players.
Key Features
- Quite a tight string pattern for added control
- 12-Very small sweet spot, but one that supplies huge power when connected design
- The reduced vibration means that it is very easy on your elbow
- It is on the heavier side, but due to the balance you won’t feel too much pressure in your wrist
Specification
- Weight strung: 335g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 93 square inches
- Balance: 320mm (7 points head light)
- Beam width: 20mm
Pros
- Has a very thin beam which makes the racquet feel more solid
- Really nice color on the frame, displaying bright red all the way around
- Has spiral fibers in the lower racquet head, catering to added flex on impact
Cons
- At 93 square inches, this head size leaves no margin for error
- The racquet retails at close to £200
#5: Tecnifibre T-Fight 315
As I’ve mentioned before, I have had quite a good EXPERIENCE with Tecnifibre products in the past.
That being said, I must admit that I haven’t really used their racquets very often. Although in recent years, it does seem that Tecnifibre is making a bit of a push into the racquet manufacturing industry.
I haven’t hit with this racquet personally, although several of my tennis PLAYING friends have and they seemed to adore this frame.
Given that Tecnifibre is also the main sponsor of Daniil Medvedev, one of the most exciting prospects in the tennis world right now, I feel that this gives a good amount of credibility to their brand.
Key Features
- Made with Dynacore HD and Graphite materials
- Has something called ‘Xtreme Touch Construction’ in the racquet shaft
- Racquet head offers more flexibility than most
- Allows for rapid acceleration towards the ball thanks to the balance
Specification
- Weight strung: 332g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 98 square inches
- Balance: 320mm (7 points headlight)
- Beam width: 22.5mm
Pros
- The added flex in the frame gives a bit of a springboard effect
- 7 points head light makes it much less stressful on the arm
- A very good frame for those already competing in tournaments
Cons
- Some players prefer a stiffer racquet head, which isn’t what this racquet provides.
- Quite a low string tension range, between 49 and 55lbs
If you’ve been a fan of tennis for many years, you will have noticed that several of these frames have been used by the LIKES of Marat Safin, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer.
All of these players have been legends in their own right, and between them, they have more than 30 Grand Slams.
Now I’m not saying that this level of success has been achieved purely down to their frame of choice, but surely it had something to do with it?
Whatever your views are on this, you can be sure that these frames offer top-quality performance!
