The good thing about junior racquets is that there are PLENTY out there that can replicate the quality of the adult frames that they represent.
The bad thing about them is that they can be hard to find, and even harder to find a reliable source that can DESCRIBE the benefits for you.
Your Guide
Gavin Davison
When I was a kid playing tennis, I really wished I had a VOICE of reason for what frame I should be getting, and why I should be getting it.
This is what I hope to provide for you, and I’ve listed my top recommendations for you below.
#1: Head Graphene 360+
Adding on to the already impressive list of Head Graphene racquets, we have the 360+ as my number one recommendation for junior racquets.
Not only does it have an appealing BRIGHT blue frame, but it also gives junior players everything that they can ask for.
It’s light in weight, has a relatively tight pattern on the crosses for extra control, and it’s on the cheaper side of things too – currently available for less than $100 through the link below.
Naturally, juniors don’t quite have the PHYSICAL strength of adults, so having a racquet that can be handled easily while providing enough control to build confidence in their game is just the ideal solution.
Key Features
- Very stable head frame
- Solid blend of spin and control
- Good for younger players and early teenagers
- Large head size for a more forgiving sweet spot
Specification
- Weight unstrung: 255g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 100 square inches
- Balance: 320mm
- Beam width: 24mm
Pros
- Fantastic blend of control and spin
- Available in both 26 and 25 inch racquets
- Quite cheap for such a quality frame
Cons
- Difficult to flatten out the ball with this frame
- Can be slightly unstable on quick reaction volleys
#2: Babolat Pure Drive Junior
Given that the adult version of this frame is one of my all-time favorite racquets, the Babolat pure drive JUNIOR FRAME was always going to make this list.
Of course, the junior frame is far less powerful than the one for adults, but it still carries many of the desirable characteristics seen with the full-size pure drive.
Features such as power, INTENSE amounts of topspin, nice pop off the strings, and being surprisingly stable when coming to the net are just some of the key characteristics this racquet possesses.
It may have been quite some time now since I actually used this racquet as a junior, but I can still remember the excitement of using this awesome frame.
Key Features
- The lightning blue color looks great
- Gives plenty of pop on the ball for groundstrokes
- Easy to transition from this frame onto the adult racquet
- One of the most popular junior racquets on the market
Specification
- Weight unstrung: 250g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 100 square inches
- Balance: 315mm (head light)
- Beam width: 25mm
Pros
- Can buy the 26-inch frame of the 25-inch depending on your size
- Much larger sweet spot than other junior frames
- Won’t break the bank if you get last seasons model
Cons
- Not really designed for finesse or delicate shots
- Can sometimes give a bit too much power
#3: Babolat Pure Aero Junior
This racquet is the primary frame that will lead to the INCREDIBLY popular frame used by Rafael Nadal.
It is a racquet that is purpose-built for masses of spin, but the Pure Aero is one of the few racquets that can provide this without compromising on control.
I’ve used the adult version many times, and it gives a really solid feel on the ball for a racquet that CATERS to so many spins.
While the racquet does give a mass of spin and control, it is actually quite a versatile frame.
This means that if you prefer to flatten out the ball or get to the net, the racquet will still give you what you need. This is unique, and not something that is found in many junior frames.
Key Features
- Pure Aero range endorsed by Nadal
- Unique beam design for added racquet head speed
- Much better feel than other spin specific frames
- Cool blend of yellow and black paintwork
Specification
- Weight unstrung: 250g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 100 square inches
- Balance: 330mm (head light)
- Beam width: 24mm
Pros
- Retails at less than £60 for 2019 model
- Good racquet for those transitioning into more powerful play
- Very versatile racquet to suit a wide range of game styles
Cons
- Can give a dull feel if hit out of the sweet spot
- Not suited for those with a slower swing path
#4: Wilson Blade
You may have noticed a repeating pattern here, which is that the junior frames and often BOASTS the quality found with the full-size versions.
The Wilson blade is actually one of my most recommended racquets for another category, but the junior frame has so much to offer that I just had to include it on my list.
It is a much sturdier racquet than some of the others, so it is ideal for players that prefer a stiffer feel when hitting the ball, but without losing the general touch aspect of the racquet.
I feel like this is a great racquet for players who like to hit flat from the back, have a reasonable serve, and are now looking to develop their net game.
Key Features
- Model of choice for legends like Serena Williams
- Gives a less flexible connection on the ball
- Slightly heavier than other junior frames
- Smaller head size for a more concentrated sweet spot
Specification
- Weight unstrung: 255g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 98 square inches
- Balance: 320mm (head light)
- Beam width: 20.6mm
Pros
- Much thinner beam width for extra stability
- Players cannot get away with poor technique
- The ball flies when you catch it in the middle of the strings
Cons
- The stiffer feel on the ball isn’t for everyone
- Not a great frame for those looking to apply heavy topspin
#5: Yonex Vcore 26 inch
While this list has been DOMINATED by the big three, I found a bit of a diamond in the rough for junior players everywhere.
The Yonex Vcore frame fits many of the key specifics that I look for in a junior frame.
It’s a racquet that will enable the growth and development of the game, but it’s light and versatile enough to be forgiving.
Of course, as a junior player, your game is still DEVELOPING. You may not have the right strokes in place yet, and you may struggle to differentiate between hitting flat and hitting with spin.
All of this is perfectly natural, and the Yonex Vcore but be the one to help you on your way.
Key Features
- Quite a striking red paint job
- Unique head shape for additional control
- Yonex is the brand of choice for stars like Wawrinka and Kyrgios
- Wider string pattern for extra power and spin
Specification
- Weight unstrung: 250g
- String pattern: 16 x 18
- Head size: 100 square inches
- Balance: 325mm
- Beam width: 24mm
Pros
- Racquet is available for less than £65 right now
- Suitable for quick, attacking players
- Racquet can sustain an awful lot of damage, especially with bumps and scrapes
Cons
- The color may put some male players off
- There isn’t an immediate upgrade for this racquet when progressing to full size
Conclusion
So there you have it folks, five racquets that I truly believe are some of the best junior racquets that you can possibly get right now.
I know that it can be TEMPTING for juniors to make decisions based on a racquets name or the way it looks, but this often leads to buyers remorse rather than an enhanced playing level.
Please don’t make that mistake, and take the time to experiment with each of these racquets if you must.
There is no rush when finding the best junior racquet, so take your time, do additional research if necessary, and you will reap the rewards further down the line.
