High technology in every serve
Nanotechnology. Shape-shifting silicone. Today’s stunningly high-tech, lightweight, carbon-fiber tennis racquets will give average players glimpses of power and control they never thought possible. Of course, whiz-bang bells and whistles don’t come cheap (ironically, the pros generally use simpler, heavier and less expensive versions of the models shown here). But if you get a thrill out of a perfectly placed cross-court winner in the far corner, these racquets may be priceless.
-- Roy M. Wallack
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The Becker special
Boris Becker V1 with DNX: Shock-absorbing midsize racquet (9.5 inches wide) named after the Wimbledon champ.
Likes: Fine all-around power and control, and vibration absorption. Sensor Plus EVA (blown rubber) in the shaft absorbs shock, lessens fatigue and may help reduce the incidence of tennis elbow. Sleeves of stiff, pure DNX graphite positioned on the sides of the head and into the handle-throat juncture may add to its stable feel. Weight: 285 grams/10 ounces unstrung.
Dislikes: The shock absorption yields a hit ball with dull thunk.
Price: $240. (866) 554-7872; BorisBecker.com.
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A head’s up
Head MicroGel Radical MP: Midsize (9.25 inches wide) racquet with shock-dispersing technology.
Likes: Exceptional control and placement. MicroGel, a low-density silicon-based material bonded to the carbon-fiber frame, is designed to compress upon impact before returning to shape, absorbing the hit of the ball without twisting. Good -- not great -- power. Weight: 295 grams/10.4 ounces unstrung.
Dislikes: Lots of noisy vibration, despite MicroGel. Weak hitters may need more power. White handlebar grip gets dirty fast.
Price: $200. (800) 289-7366; head.com/tennis.
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Power of light
Wilson (K) One: Ultra-light “game improvement” racquet for beginners with oversized head (10.75 inches wide) and fan-shaped string pattern.
Likes: Real power and control. So strong that returning a shot out of the deep corner is easy. Extremely light (250 grams/8.8 ounces unstrung) for a wide racquet. Wilson says the molecularly-dense Karophite nanotech frame material is 41% stronger than a conventional graphite racquet, and that the big sweet spot, and “konnector” wings molded into the side of the head increase “dwell time” (i.e. ball control). Newbies rejoice: It works as advertised.
Dislikes: Steep price tag should include lessons.
Price: $310. (800) 946-6060; wilsontennis.com.
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Good vibrations
Babolot Z118: Oversized racquet (10.5 inches wide) with a high-tech shock-absorber.
Likes: Excellent feel and power, with decent control. Cortex, a filter/dampener at the handle-throat juncture soaks up just the right amount of vibration to maintain good feel on returns. Super light at 255 grams/9 ounces.
Dislikes: The double-hump SmartGrip handle isn’t for everyone. Meant to allow a more natural grip, it forced some testers into a too-low grip, affecting control.
Price: $229. (877) 316-9435; babolat.com.
