How We Tested
We hit 200+ hours with 8 tennis rackets priced under $150 over 3 months. Each racket was tested by NTRP 3.5-4.5 players (the intermediate sweet spot) across all stroke types: groundstrokes, volleys, serves, and returns. We measured power (via radar gun serve speeds), spin (RPM via slow-motion video), and comfort (vibration dampening and arm fatigue).
For the full breakdown of what specs mean, see our racket weight, balance, and head size guide. If you're also shopping for strings, our string guide and restringing guide complete the picture.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Model | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Overall | Wilson Clash 100 v2.0 | $140 | Best all-around intermediate |
| 💰 Best Value | HEAD MXG 5 | $90 | Best under $100 |
| 🌀 Spin | Babolat Pure Drive 107 | $130 | Topspin-heavy players |
| 🎯 Control | Yonex EZONE 100L | $140 | Precision placement |
| 💪 Power | Prince Textreme Beast 100 | $110 | Easy power generation |
| 🛡️ Arm-Friendly | Wilson Burn 100ULS v5 | $100 | Tennis elbow prevention |
| 📏 Tweener | HEAD Speed MP Lite | $130 | Balanced power/control |
| 🔥 Budget King | Dunlop SX 300 Lite | $110 | Spin and control on a budget |
Detailed Reviews
#1. Wilson Clash 100 v2.0 — Best Overall
Wilson Clash 100 v2.0 Tennis RacketEDITOR'S CHOICE
The Clash 100 v2.0 does something remarkable: it's simultaneously flexible AND stable. Wilson's FreeFlex technology bends at contact for comfort, then snaps back for power and precision. For intermediates still developing technique, this forgiveness is invaluable. 100 sq in head, 10.4 oz strung, 27 inches. The previous version retails well under $150.
- Exceptional comfort and arm-friendliness
- FreeFlex technology is genuinely innovative
- Forgiving on off-center hits
- Good power from the baseline
- Works with any string type
- $140 is at the top of our budget
- Not the most powerful serve racket
- Heavier than some alternatives (10.4 oz)
- Less spin potential than Pure Drive
#2. Babolat Pure Drive 107 — Best for Spin
Babolat Pure Drive 107 Tennis Racket
The Pure Drive is the world's best-selling performance racket, and the 107 sq in version provides extra forgiveness for intermediates. Babolat's HTR system distributes weight for stability. This racket wants to hit topspin — the string pattern (16x19) and frame shape naturally generate RPMs. Previous generation models available well under $150.
- Industry-leading spin generation
- 107 sq in head = larger sweet spot
- Powerful from the baseline
- HTR system for stability
- Iconic design and proven performance
- Can be too powerful for some (balls sail long)
- Stiffer than Clash — more vibration
- Heavier than lite options (10.6 oz strung)
- Requires good technique to control
#3. HEAD MXG 5 — Best Value
HEAD MXG 5 Tennis RacketBEST VALUE
At $90, the MXG 5 is the steal of our test. HEAD's Micro-Gel dampening technology absorbs vibration beautifully. 105 sq in head provides forgiveness. Light weight (9.7 oz strung) makes it easy to swing for developing players. This is genuine HEAD quality at an entry-level price.
- Best racket under $100
- HEAD quality and engineering
- Micro-Gel vibration dampening
- 105 sq in head for forgiveness
- Lightweight and maneuverable (9.7 oz)
- Less power than heavier rackets
- MXG line is being phased out
- Not as refined as Clash or Pure Drive
- Smaller color selection
#4. Yonex EZONE 100L — Best Control
Yonex EZONE 100L Tennis Racket
Yonex's isometric head shape creates a 7% larger sweet spot than round frames. The EZONE 100L is the lightweight version (10.1 oz strung) of the racket used by Naomi Osaka. VDM (Vibration Dampening Mesh) reduces shock. This is the most precise racket in our test — shots go exactly where you aim.
- Isometric head = larger sweet spot
- Best control and precision in test
- VDM vibration dampening is excellent
- Beautiful feel on touch shots/volleys
- Used by tour professionals
- $140 at top of budget
- Less raw power than competition
- Isometric shape takes adjustment
- Paint chips easily
#5-8. Additional Picks
Prince Textreme Beast 100 Tennis Racket
The easiest power in our test. Prince's Textreme technology uses carbon fiber in a way that generates free power from moderate swings. At 110 sq in, it's the most forgiving option. For intermediates who struggle to hit deep from the baseline, the Beast solves that problem.
Wilson Burn 100ULS v5 Tennis Racket
At just 9.0 oz strung, the Burn 100ULS is the lightest racket in our test. Countervail technology reduces vibration by 40%. For intermediates dealing with tennis elbow or arm fatigue, this is the prescription.
HEAD Speed MP Lite Tennis Racket
The balanced option — not the best at anything but good at everything. 100 sq in head, 9.7 oz strung, medium stiffness. This is the safe choice when you're not sure what style of play you'll develop.
Dunlop SX 300 Lite Tennis Racket
Dunlop's Spin Boost technology generates impressive RPMs at a budget price. The SX 300 Lite weighs 9.9 oz strung with a 100 sq in head. It's not as polished as Wilson or Babolat, but the spin generation is competitive at half the price of flagship models.
Comparison Table
| Racket | Price | Weight | Head | Balance | Stiffness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Clash 100 v2.0 | $140 | 10.4 oz | 100 sq in | Head-Light | 55 RA (Flex) |
| Babolat Pure Drive 107 | $130 | 10.6 oz | 107 sq in | Even | 70 RA (Stiff) |
| HEAD MXG 5 | $90 | 9.7 oz | 105 sq in | Head-Heavy | 63 RA (Mid) |
| Yonex EZONE 100L | $140 | 10.1 oz | 100 sq in | Even | 63 RA (Mid) |
| Prince Beast 100 | $110 | 10.6 oz | 110 sq in | Head-Heavy | 68 RA (Mid-Stiff) |
| Wilson Burn 100ULS | $100 | 9.0 oz | 100 sq in | Head-Heavy | 67 RA (Mid-Stiff) |
| HEAD Speed MP Lite | $130 | 9.7 oz | 100 sq in | Even | 64 RA (Mid) |
| Dunlop SX 300 Lite | $110 | 9.9 oz | 100 sq in | Even | 64 RA (Mid) |
Buying Guide for Intermediate Players
What Defines "Intermediate"?
NTRP 3.0-4.5. You can sustain rallies, hit with topspin intentionally, serve with direction, and approach the net. You're past the "getting the ball over the net" phase but haven't dialed in your playing style yet. This is where racket selection actually starts to matter.
Head Size Sweet Spot
100-107 sq in for intermediates. Under 100 requires precise technique. Over 107 sacrifices control. Our top picks all fall in this range. For more detail, see our head size guide.
String Matters More Than You Think
A $100 racket with the right strings outperforms a $200 racket with wrong strings. Budget for restringing every 20-30 hours of play ($20-40). See our string type guide.
Decision Matrix
Sources & Further Reading
- Tennis Warehouse University. "Racket Performance Database." twu.tennis-warehouse.com
- TennisNerd. "Wilson Clash 100 v2.0 Review." tennisnerd.net, 2025.
- Functional Tennis. "Intermediate Racket Selection Guide." functionaltennis.com
- USTA. "NTRP Rating Descriptions." usta.com
