The Best Tennis Rackets for Control of 2024

Last Update:

Read our review guidelines

Most players that are serious about the game aim for control and spin as the best way to be consistent and put themselves in a winning advantage. To do that, you need to be well-equipment on the court, but finding the right tennis racket for control can be overwhelming with the never-ending options on the market.

To make things easier, we selected the best tennis rackets for control, with various options on different categories, brands, and price points. 

Control rackets are generally suitable for advanced to high intermediate players that can perform at competitive levels. If you are considering buying one, it’s important that you have mastered all the techniques and developed your own sense of game style. 

  1. Best Overall: Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13
  2. Best for Women’s: Yonex EZONE 98
  3. Best Budget: Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310
  4. Best for Control and Power: Head Gravity Pro 2021
  5. Best for Control and Spin: Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP
  6. Best for Control and Feel: Babolat Pure Strike 16×19
  7. Best Intermediate: Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8
  8. Best Prince: Prince Textreme Tour 100P
  9. Also Consider: Head Radical MP 2021

Best Tennis Rackets for Control Reviewed

We handpicked the best control tennis rackets based on their most important features, such as head size, weight, construction, string pattern, spin potential, stability, etc. Those that made the cut to our final list delivered the best performance and quality during our playtest. Make sure to check them out. 

Best Overall
The Best Tennis Rackets for Control Options: Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13
Photo: Wilson.com

This control tennis racket is made to impress! Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13 is one of the latest releases of the well-known brand, which millions have hyped. After trying this one out ourselves, we were immediately fans; it delivered a great performance and easy playability. This racket features a small 97 sq. in head with an open 16×19 string pattern. 

The frame is loaded with an incredible spin potential and just a hint of controllable power in case you need that extra push for the strokes. It helps the player to go for full, powerful swings with ease while also remaining easy to maneuver, despite the hefty weight. The best feature about this Wilson racket is, of course, the exceptional control levels, enhanced by the brand’s String Mapping technology. 

During the playtest, it was easy to control the ball’s direction and add more depth to the shouts while successfully hitting all of the targets throughout the game. It delivers an impeccable touch that feels clean at contact and adds another layer to the racket’s precision. It is also very easy to maneuver, allows enough time to switch positions, and with the right skills, it can generate crazy speed. 

It is really hard not to like this racket; it gave us nothing to complain about it. Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 is suitable for high intermediate to advanced players only, and it can be a great choice even for competitive matches. 

Product Specs

  • Skill level: High intermediate to advanced 
  • Weight (strung): 11.7 oz / 332 g
  • Extras: Spin, feel, control

Pros

  • Exceptional control 
  • Heavy spin 
  • Great feel 
  • Easy to maneuver 

Cons

  • We couldn’t find any 

See our review and playtest.

Get the Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 at Wilson’s Official Site, on Amazon, or at Do It Tennis.

Best for Women’s
The Best Tennis Rackets for Control Options: Yonex EZONE 98
Photo: Amazon.com

For our ladies’ players, we recommend Yonex Ezone 98 as the best tennis racket for control. This is one of the most popular models of the famous brand due to its amazing design and versatile frame. This racket delivered a great all-around performance during our playtest, which made the game fun. 

It features a 98 sq. in head loaded with spin, and a standard 27-inch length, to provide enough leverage on the court. This racket has a unique, isometric design to enhance sweet spot size and an open string 16×19 string pattern. 

While this racket is focused on control, it does provide descend power levels, especially in the baseline, which is perfect for players with a smaller physique and less body muscle mass. Thus making it a great tennis racket for women

Yonex Ezone 98 allowed full swings and made it easy to hit targets while pushing the ball deep on the other side of the court. It delivers a nice, crispy feel that helps the players to connect better with the ball and feel very responsive up in the net. This racket is easy to maneuver in court due to its moderate weight. 

With a little effort, it can generate some serious speed and allows the players enough time to get back into position without feeling rushed. A few times, the racket failed to deliver enough stability, making the performance feel a bit erratic. Besides that, the racket worked fine and had only minor drawbacks. 

Product Specs

  • Skill level: Intermediate to advanced 
  • Weight (strung): 11.3 oz / 320 g 
  • Extras: Control, feel 

Pros

  • High levels of control 
  • Excellent feel 
  • Highly responsive 
  • Spin and speed 

Cons

  • More stability would be nice 

See our review and playtest.

Get the Yonex EZONE 98 at Do It Tennis or on Amazon.

Best Budget
The Best Tennis Rackets for Control Options:  Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310
Photo: Amazon.com

You don’t have to compromise quality because you are worried about the price tag. We recommend Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310 as the best budget option, which comes at an affordable price while delivering exceptional control. This racket features a small size head with an open 16×19 string pattern. 

It has a high spin potential and is also very solid, which can transform this racket into a true weapon, especially during groundstrokes. Backhand slices were a delight during the playtest, while we were very happy to find that this Yonex tennis racket really moved through the air. It is reliable, responsive, and comfortable enough to make the racket feel like an extension of the player’s arm. 

The frame is well-balanced and has an enhanced sweet spot size. Due to the brand’s new technology, the racket can dampen harsh vibrations even if you miss the off-center shots. While it has a considerable weight like most control rackets, it is still easy to maneuver. 

We loved the crispy touch, which made it feel lively and offered an immediate connection with the ball. Unsurprisingly, the racket doesn’t offer enough free power, so the player should generate enough physical strength throughout the game. 

Product Specs

  • Skill level: Intermediate to advanced 
  • Weight (strung): 11.5 oz / 326 g
  • Extras: Control, maneuverability, feel 

Pros

  • Affordable price 
  • Stability 
  • Easy to maneuver 
  • Excellent feel 

Cons

  • No free power 

Get the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310 at Do It Tennis or on Amazon.

Best for Control and Power
The Best Tennis Rackets for Control Options: Head Gravity Pro 2021
Photo: Head.com

Usually, control tennis rackets have disappointing levels of power, so it can be a real struggle for players to find an option that combines both. We are here to help, so we recommend Head Gravity Pro 2021 as the best for control and power. This racket features an average 100 sq. in head, with a dense 18×20 string pattern and a standard size. 

The frame is loaded with exceptional spin potential and easy power levels while providing enough leverage. It works well in volleys, returns,s and groundstrokes, where the racket’s potential comes shining through. The Head Gravity Pro delivers excellent control and stability, helping the player redirect the ball with ease and hit targets with high precision.

The well-known tennis racket brand has used new technology to make the frame more responsive while also enhancing the crispy touch and flex. The racket does a great job at transferring energy and can absorb the shock impact for extra comfort on the arm.

The only complaint during the playtest was that we found it difficult to maneuver the racket due to its hefty weight. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced levels, so the players are expected to have the skills and techniques to take full advantage of the racket. 

Product Specs

  • Skill level: Intermediate to advanced 
  • Weight (strung): 11.7 oz / 332 g
  • Extras: Stability, control, power 

Pros

  • Excellent control 
  • Spin and power 
  • Stability
  • Enhanced comfort 

Cons

  • Not so easy to maneuver 

Get the Head Gravity Pro 2021 at Head’s Official Site, at Do It Tennis, or on Amazon.

Best for Control and Spin
The Best Tennis Rackets for Control Options: Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP
Photo: Head.com

Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP is the best tennis racket for control and spin. This model is one of the latest updates of the Speed line and has risen in popularity after the endorsement by many famous players. 

During our playtest, the racket meets all the expectations for excellent performance and easy playability. It features a 100 sq. in head size, with an open string pattern and a generous sweet spot. The frame is loaded with extra power and plenty of spins, making full swings effortless. It delivers amazing control levels and high precision, which helps the player to hit targets consistently while easily redirecting the ball. 

While the racket works well all around the court, it shines fully during the returns, where it can turn into a true weapon, especially if you have an aggressive game style. At the baseline, it felt solid and reliable, generating a lot of topspin.

This tennis racket for control is easy to maneuver, responsive, and offers a nice, crispy feeling. Due to the brand new technology, the racket feels surprisingly light despite the ample weight, but it still isn’t as comfortable as we would wish.

Product Specs

  • Skill level: High intermediate to advanced 
  • Weight (strung): 11.2 oz / 318 g
  • Extras: Control, precision, maneuverability

Pros

  • Spin and control 
  • High precision 
  • Solid 
  • Easy to weaponize 

Cons

  • Not very comfortable 

Get the Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP at Head’s Official Site, at Do It Tennis, or on Amazon.

Best for Control and Feel
The Best Tennis Rackets for Control Options: Babolat Pure Strike 16×19
Photo: Amazon.com

Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 impressed us with easy playability and a great combination of control and feel. The new technology integrated into the frame greatly enhances the racket’s performance, which is one of our favorite picks on this list. 

It has a 98 sq. in head size and weighs 10.8 ounces, which is rather light. During the playtest, it offered sharp control and high precision on the court. It was easy to predict where the ball would land while adding depth and hitting targets. This racket delivers a lot of spin and power, helping the player to be more confident on the court while going for a variety of shots.

As we expected, Babolat Pure Strike was easy to maneuver and very responsive, especially when close to the net. It can work well all around the court and is easy to weaponize if you have an aggressive approach to the game. We loved how stable and comfortable the racket was throughout the game. 

Product Specs

  • Skill level: Intermediate to advanced 
  • Weight (strung): 10.8 oz / 305 g
  • Extras: Comfort, feel, stability

Pros

  • Sharp control 
  • Soft feeling 
  • Spin and power
  • Comfortable 

Cons

  • Nothing, this racket is great

See our review and playtest.

Get the Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 at Do It Tennis or on Amazon.

Best Intermediate
The Best Tennis Rackets for Control Options: Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8
Photo: Wilson.com

Wilson Blade 98 18×10 v8 is a great option for all ranges of intermediate players that are serious about the game and aim to be more competitive. This racket features a 98 sq. in head size with a dense 18×20 string pattern. It can generate heavy spin with ease, allowing full, fast swings.

The frame feels solid and stable at an ample weight of 11.4 ounces, making it reliable throughout the game. You won’t have any bad surprises with this racket when performance becomes erratic or rushed due to the integration of the new technology, which enhances control. 

During our playtest, this Wilson tennis racket delivered laser-like precision, which was phenomenal. It never missed a target while also helping to redirect the ball and add depth with each shot effortlessly. 

It offers a crispy feel and is quite manageable on the court; It works especially well back in baseline when it has the potential to transform into a true weapon. The only drawback is the low power of the frame, which requires the player to generate enough physical strength for each shot. 

Product Specs

  • Skill level: Intermediate
  • Weight (strung): 11.4 oz / 323 g
  • Extras: Feel, control, precision 

Pros

  • High precision 
  • Control 
  • Spin potential 
  • Enhanced stability 

Cons

  • Low powered 

Get the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8 at Wilson’s Official Site, at Do It Tennis, or on Amazon.

The Best Tennis Rackets for Control Options: Prince Textreme Tour 100P
Photo: Amazon.com

Prince Textreme Tour 100P is one of the finest additions to the well-known Prince brand and their best tennis racket for control. The racket is suitable for a wide range of players, from low intermediates to highly advanced, and works great for various game styles. 

It features a 100 sq. in head with dense string patterns that can deliver impressive spin. This racket is very fast and can maintain a good pace even during heated exchanges. The flat shots were everyone’s favorites during the playtest, which helped for more penetrating volleys.

It feels solid and stable throughout the game due to the versatile frame. Even when aiming for ambitious targets on the other side of the court, this Prince racket was reliable and offered high precision. 

While it has a considerable weight, it is manageable and responsive in the net. While the racket is comfortable and can reduce shock impact, you can feel the harsh vibration if you miss the center shots. However, this is only a minor drawback considering the great perfomance and the variety of features. 

Product Specs

  • Skill level: Intermediate to advanced 
  • Weight (strung): 11.5 oz / 326 g
  • Extras: Spin, speed, comfort 

Pros

  • Versatile frame
  • High control levels
  • Speed and spin 
  • Enhanced comfort 

Cons

  • Transmits harsh vibration when missing the center shots

Get the Prince Textreme Tour 100P on Amazon.

Also Consider
The Best Tennis Rackets for Control Options:  Head Radical MP 2021
Photo: Head.com

A good tennis racket for advanced players should feel like an extension of the arm and help to enhance performance all around the court. This is what Head Radical MP 2021 does best, so you should consider it if you haven’t still made up your mind. This racket features a rather small head size, at 98 sq. in, with an open 16×19 string pattern and an ample weight of 11.2 when strung. 

It has great spin potential, which a player can easily access, and it even offers some free power for an extra push at the baseline. It offers high levels of control and easy targeting, which really comes in handy for aggressive players. 

With this racket, you can effortlessly decide where the ball will land and add depth for more penetrating shots. New technology integrated into the racket has enhanced stability and speed, allowing players to be more confident when going for full swings or different kinds of slices and kicks. Surprisingly, it is quite comfortable for the arm but has a low margin of error. 

Product Specs

  • Skill level: Advanced 
  • Weight (strung): 11.2 oz / 318 g
  • Extras: Spin, stability, feel 

Pros

  • Easy targeting 
  • Enhanced feel 
  • Speed and stability
  • Arm-friendly 

Cons

  • The low margin of errors

Get the Head Radical MP 2021 at Head’s Official Site, at Do It Tennis, or on Amazon.

How We Chose the Best Tennis Rackets for Control

When picking the best tennis rackets for control, our main selection criteria was, of course, control. We researched the market and decided to test some of the best-rated rackets and evaluate their performance ourselves. Only those models that delivered high control, easy targeting, and made it easy to redirect the ball made it to our final list. Other features we paid close attention to were spin, speed, stability, power, comfort, feel, etc. 

Our Verdict 

We rate as the best overall option on our list the Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13 tennis racket. It has everything a skilled player can ask for; exceptional control, spin potential, and a versatile frame that is versatile and easy to maneuver. The Head Radical MP 2021 is also a great option that made it to our list due to its sharp control, easy targeting, and enhanced feel. 

FAQs

Our guide offers all the considerations tennis players need to think about when choosing the best tennis rackets for control. Some questions may still pop up involving tennis racket size, how to choose a tennis racket, and what pro players use. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about tennis rackets for control.

Q: What are the main features of tennis rackets that make them ideal for control? 

There are many factors that contribute to the control of a tennis racket, including tennis racket weight and balance point, shape and size. Generally speaking, rackets with longer handles and lighter overall weights tend to be better for players who want more control. The surface area also plays a role; larger rackets generally offer more precision but can feel less stable during the swing.

Other features that can improve control are grip size, string pattern, beam width, and shock absorption technology. Whatever your needs may be, it is important to experiment with different rackets and choose the one that best fits your playing style.

Q: Does a heavier tennis racket give you more control?

It depends on the type of player you are. If your style relies more on power and speed, a heavier racket can help to keep the ball in play. However, if you prefer precision, lighter models may give you better control and an enhanced feel. Generally speaking, different players have different preferences when it comes to weight, so it is best to experiment and see which works better for you.

Q: How do you increase control on a tennis racket?

By increasing your control on a tennis racket, you will be able to make better contact with the ball, and send it where you want. There are a few ways to do this.

First, make sure you are using the correct grip for your hand size and strength.
Keep your arm and hand relaxed, and use as much of your body as possible to generate power. Also, use a smooth backswing and follow-through to ensure good contact with the ball. Finally, practice! The more you play, the better control you will have. With enough training and dedication, you will be able to effortlessly control your racket in any situation.

Q: Are there specific strings that are better suited to players who prefer a more controlled style of play? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it all depends on the player’s personal preferences, playing style, and skill level. However, there are some general guidelines that you can use when choosing tennis strings.

For example, thinner strings tend to offer more control and feel than thicker ones. Polyester or multifilament strings are often better suited for players who favor a more controlled style of play. Alternatively, natural gut or synthetic gut strings may be preferable for players who prefer less control in favor of enhanced power and spin potential.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it with your friends and family.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

I am Mario, a tennis player passionate about encouraging others to join the sport.

Here at TennisRacketBall, we strive to set ourselves apart from other review sites by making an effort to purchase and test the products whenever possible. We do not allow ourselves to be bribed! We are 100% honest with our reviews even when manufacturers do not like it.

Disclosure: TennisRacketBall.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.