A farmer cannot go to his farm without the necessary tools needed for him to perform his job effectively. Similarly, it is impossible for a tennis player to participate in the sport without his/ her racket. A good tennis racket is important because it helps a player to develop their stroke, technique, and other skills related to the game. The choice of racket a player should opt for is largely dependent on their skill level, playing style and sometimes their budget. The price of a racket can easily fool you into buying an expensive racket because you think the cost translates to the quality of the racket. This could not be further from the truth as there are a numerous tennis racket variation that you can acquire for under 100 dollars. Below is an insightful list of some of the best rackets under 100 dollars that will offer you great performance without causing any major rips in your pockets.
Table of Contents
HEAD MicroGel Radical Tennis Racket
Intro
The HEAD MicroGel radical racket is a tennis racket that is best suited for intermediate level players. The construction of the racket uses an avant-garde silicone-based material, with an exceedingly low density to ensure that the racket performs significantly well. Weighing at only 10.4 ounces, players will appreciate the consistency, reliability, and comfort that the racket offers regardless of whether they are playing at the net or the baseline. Additionally, they will find the rock-solid feel of the racket on ball impact to be outstanding. The HEAD MicroGel Radical Tennis racket features a 98 square inches head size, 21mm beam, 18 x 20 string pattern and a standard 27-inch length.
Pros
- The racquet offers players with excellent control capabilities.
- It is surprisingly sturdy and feels very comfortable to a player’s grip.
- The racquets evenly distribute the impact of a ball to ensure that the ball is not easily deflected and that shock vibrations are manageable.
- The HEAD MicroGel Radical racket provides players with more spin as it is much wider than some of its competitors.
Cons
- It is not suited for beginners as it requires players with a little more experience.
- It has a relatively small sweets pot unlike some of its competitors that have much larger sweet spots.
HEAD Titanium Ti S5 Comfort Zone Pre-strung Tennis Racquet
Intro
Effectively utilizing Head’s Comfort Zone technology in its functionality, the Titanium Ti S5 is yet another racket that cost less than 100 dollars, but still does an exceptional job when put to task. You should opt for this racket if you have a slow to medium speed swing as it has a relatively bigger sweet spot. It is one of the few rackets that feels gentle on a player’s arm but delivers a smooth hit and visibly fewer vibration than most of the other rackets in its category. Player can opt between choosing the Titanium Ti S5 with a 4 3/8 or 4 1/8 grip size. If you’re a novice looking for a racket that will ensure your tennis journey starts off in the right way, then you should consider this racket as it was intended with you in mind.
Pros
- The racket is already pre-strung, which makes it easier for beginners who most likely do not want to deal with stringing the racket.
- Players can barely feel any vibrations when using this racket as it is extremely gentle on players arms.
- The racket is lightweight and therefore, easy to swing and move around.
- It requires minimal effort but delivers immense power.
Cons
- Its frame and handle dent or break rather easily.
Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Strung Tennis Racket
Intro
The Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 is one of my favorite rackets simply because of the explosive power that it delivers. Its power can be attributed to the rackets iconic frame that features an oversized head that is much larger than that of the typical rackets. Albeit its lightweight, the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 has a strong and durable feel, and it provides players with an immense amount of accuracy and control. It features a 110 square inch head size, 16 x 20 open string pattern and measures 27.5 inches in length. It is the ideal racket for players whose swings are short and compact.
Pros
- It has a relatively large sweet spot in comparison to other rackets within its category.
- It offers players with enhanced momentum and stability thanks to its light frame and heads heavy balance.
- The racket is typically pre-stung, which makes it much easier for players to use immediately.
Cons
- The racket does not absorb vibrations as effectively as other rackets.
- The racket is constructed using graphite which makes it easily breakable and prone to damage. Players, therefore, have to exercise caution with this racket.
Wilson [K] Zero Strung Performance Value Tennis Racket
Intro
Even though some of the Wilson K Zero rackets cost over 100, there are a few grip sizes that cost under 100 dollars which is why we included the racket in our list. And if you are a player who is restricted by your budget, you should be more than glad it fits in the category as it is an amazing racket that delivers a beautiful performance when it is put to task. The Wilson K Zero is lightweight weighing at 9.1 ounces when it is strung. Players using the racket will appreciate its lightweight because it makes swinging the racket feel like it is swinging through air. However, do not misconstrue this racket’s lightweight for lack of power. Wilson constructed the K Zero racket, for players who would like to have power and comfort throughout their game. The K Zero will allow you to play hard but not feel sore. Finally, the racket brags a 118 square feet head size, 6-point balance, a 9.1 ounces weight and a variety of exclusive technology that contribute to its performance and functionality.
Pros
- It has a larger sweet spot which translates to more power for a player.
- The racket is pre-strung, which make it easy for beginners to maneuver and use.
- It is constructed using high-grade strings and it extremely durable and long-lasting.
- Players experience less fatigue when using the Wilson K Zero tennis racket.
- The Wilson K Zero feels great to use and the e [K] Factor technology applied in its construction aids with mobility and stability.
Cons
- Due to its lightweight and the amount of power it delivers, this racket does not absorb shock as well as others. However, this is an issue that can be fixed with a shock absorber.
Babolat Boost Strike Tennis Racquet
Intro
The Babolat Boost strike racket is ideal Junior and novice players transitioning to their initial full-size frame. This is because the racket brags a ton of precision, spin, power, and value all elements that are important for both experienced players as well as those developing their skill. The racket which has a weight of 10.1 ounces when strung is lightweight, has a 16 x19 string pattern and an oversized head that measures 102 square inches. All these features give the Boost strike racket a wonderful feel to their hand as well as a precise and crisp swing action. When designing this racket, Babolat included their seasoned Woofer grommet system which ensures the string bed is both powerful and has some element of comfort given that the racket’s beam is extremely powerful and firm.
Pros
- The racket is constructed using graphite which makes it highly durable and long-lasting.
- It is extremely light to not only hold but use, and it allows for great maneuverability.
- The racket has a large sweet spot which means that it is an extremely forgiving racket and it also offers immense power.
- Its handle is wonderful and has a great grip.
Cons
- When using this racket, players may occasionally need a dampener to tone down the amount of shock vibrations that this racket produces when it is hit by the ball.
- Some players may find the grip size of the racket to be less than ideal for them.
Babolat 2019 Boost D
Intro
This racket was intended for players looking for comfort and maneuverability. Just like the Babolat Boost strike, the Boost D features the Woofer grommet system which ensures the string bed is powerful and interacts with the frame beautifully when it is hit by the ball. It has a large sweet spot that can be attributed to its oversized head that measures 105 square inches. In addition to this, it is also has a 16 x 19 string pattern, weights 9.8 ounces when strung, is 3 points heady heavy and is 27 inches long.
Pros
- The fact that the racket is relatively head heavy means that players get an immense amount of power when using it.
- The woofer grommet system ensures that the racket remains comfortable to use.
- The racket does not limit a player’s maneuverability
Cons
- Not everyone will find the grip size of the racket to be functional for them.
Final Thoughts
We hope that the list above provides you with an idea of what to consider when looking for an ideal racket that will not break the bank and that you have been able to find your ideal racket somewhere amongst all the rackets we have discussed.