New paint jobs arrive every season; genuinely better rackets do not. These are the frames from our current wall that we would actually spend our own money on in 2026, by player type.
Best all-round club racket: Yonex Ezone 100 (300g)
The Ezone 100 remains the easiest recommendation in tennis: easy depth, a forgiving 100 sq in isometric head, comfortable response, and enough control to grow into. From improver to strong club standard, it just works — and it comes with our free restring.
Best for precise ball-strikers: Yonex Ezone 98 (305g)
The Ezone 98 trades a little forgiveness for noticeably more connected feel and directional control. If you hit the middle regularly and want the racket to stop helping and start obeying, this is the step.
Best control frame: Yonex Percept 97 (310g)
The Percept 97 is the flexible, traditional player's racket — surgical placement, superb feedback, built for full swings and one-setter legs. Advanced technique required; magic when you have it.
Best modern control-plus: Yonex Percept 100D (305g)
The Percept 100D pairs the Percept feel with a denser 18x20 bed in a 100 head — flat hitters and doubles tacticians, this is your frame.
What about Wilson, Babolat and Head?
All three brands' current lines are on our wall and worth your demo time — browse Wilson, Babolat and Head. The right answer is the frame your arm likes at your weight and head size — our choosing guide narrows it to two or three candidates in five minutes.
Strings decide the winner
Identical frames play like different rackets with different setups. Every racket we sell includes a free professional restring — matched to your game via our tension guide.
FAQs
What is the best tennis racket for a club player in 2026?
For most: a 100 sq in, 300g frame — the Ezone 100 being the benchmark. Precision hitters step to 98 sq in.
Are 2026 rackets better than last year's?
Marginally, sometimes. Last season's colourway at a discount is often the smartest buy on the wall — check the racket sale.
Should I copy a pro's racket?
Pro frames are heavier, more head-light and stiffer-strung than retail versions — and pros are paid to swing them. Buy for your game.
Demo in store or browse the full tennis racket collection.