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You want to upgrade from your current racquet - maybe you’re seeking more power, more control, more comfort... or a little of all three. Whatever your reason(s) for purchasing a new racquet, you have some basis on which to make your decision.

Then again, you may not have a clue as to which racquet is best for you and are simply motivated by a review you read. Add to the confusion the shear amount of racquets available and choosing the right racquet becomes pretty daunting! To make this process a little easier, here’s a primer on racquet characteristics and how they affect performance. We also suggest you read our racquet reviews where you’ll find detailed information from real tennis players on how a specific racquet performs on-court.

Today, there are 3 major racquet categories, with several subcategories. They are:

Category 1: Power or Game Improvement Racquets

This is the term used by racquet manufacturers for power-oriented racquets. In most cases, these racquet models feature oversize to super-oversize heads (107-135 square inches), are lightweight (8-9.5 ounces), longer (27-29 inches) stiffer and are balanced head-heavy (or evenly balanced) to retain enough weight in the hitting zone. Designed for players with shorter, slower swings and who want more power from the racquet. Here are some of the top game improvement racquets:

Game Improvement Racquets
Babolat Y 118 Smart Grip Racquets An ergonomic Smart Grip handle shape combines with a powerful response that's perfect for the beginning player. This one is light, stable, comfortable and well worth a demo. Headsize: 118sq. in. Length: 27.5in. Strung weight: 9.6oz.	Head Crossbow 10 Racquets A large headsize and CrossBow technology offer maximum power while maintaining comfort and light weight maneuverability. Head size: 124 sq. inches. String pattern 16/19. Weight: 9.7 ounces.
PowerAngle GRAND Racquets A spin-friendly and very comfortable racquet that is diagonally-strung and ideally suited to beginner through intermediate level players. Strung Weight: 9.2oz. Length: 27.3 inches.	Prince EXO3 Silver Racquets A power-oriented racquet with a generous sweetspot and excellent access to spin. Excellent choice for 2.0-4.0 level players. Headsize: 118 sq in. Length: 27.5". String pattern: 16/19.
Volkl Power Bridge 1 Racquets An extremely powerful, comfortable and spin friendly racquet. Well suited to beginners to 3.5 NTRP level players seeking maximum results from minimum efforts. Headsize: 115sq. in. Length: 27.8 in. Strung Weight: 9.3oz.	Wilson K Factor KOne.FX Racquets A powerful racquet that is a great fit of beginning players, this one also impresses with comfort and control. Headsize: 122sq. in. Length: 27.5in. Strung weight: 9.3oz.
Wilson K Factor KZero Racquets A great choice for beginners seeking a game improvement racquet. The KZero is the lightest racquet in the K Factor line. Impressive power and control. Super oversize head: 118 sq. in. Length: 27.5 inches.

Category 2: ‘Tweener Racquets

There are several models that offer a blend of features from game improvement and player’s racquets. They are often light-er (9.5-11 ounces), balanced anywhere from slightly head-light to slightly head-heavy, have midplus (95-102 square inches) heads and are usually extended length (27.5-28 inches). These racquet models offer low-medium to medium-high power and are most appealing to intermediate-advanced players, seeking enhanced maneuverability. Here are some of the top 'tweener racquets:

Tweener Racquets
Babolat Pure Drive GT Racquets A new Graphite/Tungsten construction makes this the most solid Pure Drive to date. Standard length. Strung Weight: 11.2oz Headsize: 100sq. in.	Babolat Pure Drive Standard Cortex Racquets Babolat's hugely popular Pure Drive gets updated with new Cortex technology. Offers the same great playability with more comfort and a solid feel.
Boris Becker Pro Racquets A versatile racquet that offers impressive power and excellent access to spin for intermediate to advanced players. Maneuverable and comfortable, this racquet is ideal for today's topspin power hitting. Headsize: 100sq. inches. Standard length.	Dunlop Aerogel 4D 500 (5Hundred) Racquet This spin-friendly, light weight racquet is extremely maneuverable as well as forgiving. A great choice for the player looking to transition to a higher level. Head size: 100 square inches. Strung weight: 10.2 ounces. Length: 27.0".
Head MicroGEL Extreme Racquet 2009 A new cosmetic and Teflon grommet system update the popular Extreme. This remains a very maneuverable and spin-friendly stick suitable for the 4.0+ player. Headsize: 100 sq in. Length: 27.25".	Prince O3 Speedport Red Racquets Very spin friendly, very maneuverable and very comfortable, this impressive racquet will appeal to a variety of player types from the 3.0 to 5.5 level. Length: 27.25. Headsize: 105sq. inches. String pattern: 16/19.
Volkl Power Bridge 8 Racquets Advanced power hitters and improving intermediate players will love the spin potential and comfort from this versatile racquet. Offers improved feel over most competing racquets. Headsize: 100sq. inches. Strung weight: 11 ounces. Standard length.	Wilson K Factor Kobra Tour Racquets Offering excellent pop, good spin, and a good, solid feel, the [K]obra is a great choice for a variety of playing styles. 100 sq. inch head. 27" length. 16/19 string pattern.
Yonex RDiS 300 Midplus Racquets A maneuverable and spin friendly racquet that offers a crisp yet comfortable response. A solid choice for 4.0+ level all court players. Headsize: 100sq. inches. Length: 27 inches. Stiffness: 62RA.

Category 3: Control or Player’s Racquets

Denotes racquets that would be used by professional and high-level club and college team players. These models are typically heavier in weight (11.5-13+ ounces), have smaller heads (85-98), thinner, more flexible beams and are balanced head light to retain maneuverability. The result is a low-power racquet, designed for players who provide their own power and prefer a racquet that offers more control. Can be standard or extended length. Here are some of top player's racquets:

Player's Racquets
Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. Racquets A control oriented player's racquet that impresses with its feel and stability from all areas of the court. Best suited to 4.5+ level players who generate their own power. Standard length. Headsize: 95sq. inches.	Boris Becker 11 Racquets Offering a very high level of feel and control for advanced players (4.5+), the Becker 11 provides a responsive feel akin to the classic Volkl player's racquets. Headsize: 98sq. inches. Strung Weight: 12 oz. String Pattern: 18/20.
Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 (2Hundred) Racquet Adding strength and stability with directional braiding, 4D, Dunlop has made the latest 2hundred even more solid than the last. String Pattern: 18/20. Head size: 95 square inches. Strung weight: 11.9 ounces.	Fischer M Comp 95 Racquets This stable and comfortable racquet offers the ultimate in control. Advanced players will find this one feels like an extension of their arm. One of Fischer's No Tolerance racquets, each unstrung racquet is built to an exact weight of 330 grams, guaranteed.
Kneissl Red Star Racquets An impressive control oriented racquet that's well suited to all court players. Offers excellent feedback, a high level of control and excellent bite on slice shots. Length: 27.5 inches. Strung weight: 11.2 ounces. Swingweight: 327 (RDC).	Prince EXO3 Rebel 95 Racquets The racquet choice of ATP Tour Professional Gael Monfils, this player's racquet offers the utmost in control and precision with a hot-knife-through-butter smoothness. Headsize: 95 sq. in. Standard length. String pattern: 18/20.
Wilson K Factor KPro Staff 88 Racquets Pete Sampras' choice and the racquet equivalent of combining axe like power with scalpel like precision. Best suited to stronger, advanced level players (NTRP 5.0+). Strung weight: 12.8oz. Stiffness: 67 (RA). Swingweight: 345 (RDC).	Wilson K Factor KSix-One Tour 90 Racquets Racquet choice of Roger Federer, the KSix-One Tour 90 is the most forgiving Tour 90 yet. Subtle updates to the frame design make this one a must hit for 5.0+ level players. Standard length. Strung weight: 12.5 ounces. Swingweight: 336 (RDC). Balance: 9pts head light.
Yonex RDiS 100 Mid Racquets Providing a firm and crisp response, this racquet is well suited to advanced level players. The 12.1 ounce strung weight and 68RA stiffness combine for excellent power and stability in a player's racquet. Midsize: 93sq. inches.