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The Best Tennis Racket

The do-everything spin machine that's taken over college and pro tennis — huge power and topspin in a controllable 98 head. · Updated June 25, 2026

Babolat Pure Aero 98

Babolat Pure Aero 98

4.8star.shop score
$279Buy on Amazon

Also at babolat.com

★star.shop pickReddit favorite

star.shop researches products across the internet, Reddit, Wirecutter, and other review sites, filters out SEO spam and fake reviews, and recommends the single best option, so you can buy with confidence, no digging required.

Pros

  • Elite spin and power in one frame — repeatedly rated top-tier ('S') by high-level reviewers and the most popular racket in college tennis
  • 98 sq in head with a 16x20 pattern gives more control and stability than the bigger Pure Aero 100, while keeping the signature easy power
  • Genuinely does everything well — capable on serves, baseline rallies, and aggressive topspin shots, making it a great single racket for advancing players
  • 2023 update improved control and stability over previous generations
  • Babolat is widely regarded by the community as the brand with the most coherent, purpose-built lineup
  • Forgiving enough for solid 4.5-level players, yet rewarding for advanced and pro-level play

Cons

  • Powerful and stiff frames in this family can be hard on the arm/elbow if your technique isn't solid — not the most comfortable choice for injury-prone players
  • Spin-and-power profile demands decent swing speed; lower-intermediate players may struggle to tame it in matches
Minor nitpicks
  • Strings and grips are the only consumable/replaceable parts, but that's normal for any racket — frames last 10+ years with re-strings and re-grips
  • Rackets are deeply personal — even a top pick like this won't suit everyone, so demoing before buying is strongly advised

The other picks

  • RedditYonex Ezone 98 / VCORE 98 — Best quality control of any brand and the VCORE edges out even the Aero on pure spin; Ezone gives easy power and comfort
  • RedditWilson Blade 98 (V9/V10) — Preferred for control, soft arm-friendly feel, and the best touch and volleys
  • RedditHead Speed MP 2024 — The 'jack of all trades' baseline — light, nimble, does everything well and ideal for testing what you want
  • r/BuyItForLifeWilson Pro Staff RF97 — The classic buy-it-for-life frame used by Sampras and Federer, though heavy with a small string bed for modern play