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Racquet brands, compared
What each manufacturer goes for, where they are more alike than they admit, and how to choose without following the logo.
Every brand has an identity, but the real difference between two racquets is almost never the brand: it is the specs. That said, each manufacturer does have clear tendencies.
Wilson
Tennis's oldest name. The Pro Staff line is pure control, small heads and dense patterns, built for players who generate their own power. The Blade is the middle ground and probably the most common frame in serious club tennis. The Clash went for a very flexible frame aimed at comfort.
Babolat
Started making strings and came late to racquets, but defined the modern spin game. The Pure Drive is one of the best-selling racquets in history: powerful, stiff and accessible. The Pure Aero is built around topspin.
The flip side of that stiffness is that Babolats have a reputation for being demanding on the arm. If you have elbow history, the string you put in matters.
Head
Strong on control and feel. The Prestige is one of the most traditional lines left, heavily control-oriented. The Radical sits in the middle and the Speed aims at fast, modern play.
Yonex
Recognizable by its squarer head, a design that widens the sweet spot toward the edges. They have a good reputation for comfort and are a frequent choice for players wanting a frame that does not punish the arm.
Tecnifibre, Prince and Dunlop
Tecnifibre is French, also very strong in strings, with frames that lean toward feel. Prince and Dunlop have less tour presence today but keep solid models, usually at a better price.