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Tennis · Tennis rackets

Best Tennis Rackets (2026): From Beginner to Advanced Level

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Choosing a racket because your favorite player uses it is the most common mistake: rackets of 300 g or more punish your arm if your technique isn't solid yet. What matters is weight, head size and string pattern for your level. We picked seven rackets that cover everything from your first day on court to competition level. Prices from Decathlon (Spanish store) on September 28, 2026.

How we compared

Quick comparison

RacketPriceWeightLevel
Artengo Essential€18.99Light (aluminum)Casual
Artengo TR190 Lite V2€49.99260 gBeginner
Head Speed GTouch 270€89.99270 gBeginner-intermediate
Babolat Evo Drive Lite€124.99255 gIntermediate
Wilson Blade 101 Team V10€129.99275 gIntermediate
Babolat Pure Drive€174.49300 gAdvanced
Head Speed MP 2026€240.49300 gAdvanced

1. Artengo Essential

€18.99

For playing now and then, on vacation or with the kids, without spending much.

MaterialAluminum
String pattern16x19
UseCasual

Pros

  • Very cheap and durable thanks to its aluminum frame.
  • 16x19 string pattern, easy to play with.
  • 4.8 across more than 350 reviews.

Cons

  • Aluminum transmits more vibration than graphite.
  • You'll outgrow it as soon as you play 1-2 times a week.

2. Artengo TR190 Lite V2

€49.99

Best for starting to play seriously or signing up for lessons.

Weight260 g
String pattern16x19
LevelBeginner

Pros

  • 260 g: very maneuverable and easy to swing.
  • 4.8 across more than 530 reviews.
  • Very tight price for a club racket.

Cons

  • Not very stable against fast balls.
  • You'll outgrow it once you reach intermediate level.
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3. Head Speed GTouch 270

€89.99

For fast improvers who want a brand-name racket without paying €200.

Weight270 g
String pattern16x19
LevelBeginner-intermediate

Pros

  • Speed family design, with good stability.
  • 270 g: a balance between maneuverability and power.
  • A good option for young or lighter players.

Cons

  • Few reviews so far.
  • Less control than the 300 g versions.

4. Babolat Evo Drive Lite

€124.99

For intermediate players looking for easy power without straining the arm.

Weight255 g
String pattern16x17
LevelIntermediate

Pros

  • 255 g and accessible power: the ball just flies off the strings.
  • Open 16x17 string pattern: more spin.
  • 4.8 across more than 20 reviews.

Cons

  • Less control on flat, fast shots.
  • Too light for strong players.

5. Wilson Blade 101 Team V10

€129.99

For intermediate players who prefer control and feel over power.

Weight275 g
String pattern16x20
LevelIntermediate

Pros

  • Light version (275 g) of the Blade, with a bigger head.
  • 16x20 string pattern: control and more precise shots.
  • Good feel on volleys.

Cons

  • Less power than a Pure Drive.
  • You need to generate your own pace.

6. Babolat Pure Drive

€174.49

The benchmark power racket for advanced players.

Weight300 g
String pattern16x19
LevelAdvanced

Pros

  • Power and spin with ease.
  • New Flax Tape 2.0 that improves feel at impact.
  • 4.8 across more than 40 reviews.

Cons

  • 300 g and stiff: not for beginners or sensitive elbows.
  • Less control than a control racket.

7. Head Speed MP 2026

€240.49

For advanced players who want an all-around racket: power, control and speed.

Weight300 g
String pattern16x19
LevelAdvanced

Pros

  • New HY-BOR technology for more stability.
  • Very balanced: works from the baseline and at the net.
  • 4.9 across 16 reviews.

Cons

  • The most expensive on the list.
  • 300 g: requires good technique and fitness.

Verdict

If you're just starting, the €50 Artengo TR190 Lite V2 is the most sensible buy. If you already play regularly, the Babolat Evo Drive Lite (easy power) or the Wilson Blade 101 Team (control), depending on your style. At an advanced level, the Babolat Pure Drive for power players and the Head Speed MP 2026 for anyone looking for an all-around racket.

Frequently asked questions

What weight tennis racket do I need?

To start, between 255 and 280 g. Rackets of 300 g or more give stability and power, but they only pay off with good technique: otherwise, they strain your shoulder and elbow.

What does 16x19 mean on a tennis racket?

It's the number of vertical and horizontal strings. Fewer strings mean more spin and power; more strings mean more control and longer string life.

Should I buy a tennis racket strung or unstrung?

To start, strung. Advanced rackets are usually sold unstrung so you can choose the string and tension.

How often should you restring a tennis racket?

A common rule: as many times a year as the days you play per week. If you play 2 days a week, twice a year.

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