As mentioned in my recent article on buying used tennis rackets, tennis can be an expensive hobby so I thought I would look at some of the best cheap tennis rackets you can get for under $100 US dollars.
I tried to find some affordable rackets that had specs similar to popular and more expensive rackets such as the Head Speed Pro, Babolat Pure Drive, and the Wilson Clash 98.
5 Best Cheap Tennis Rackets under $100 Dollars
HEAD Microgel Radical Midplus
One of the biggest downsides to buying a budget racket under $100 is that the rackets in this price range are often oversized frames that generate plenty of power but very little in the way of control.
However, the Microgel Radical Midplus is a budget option that offers good power without sacrificing too much control.
The Microgel Radical comes with a 98in² head size and is a relatively heavy frame at 312g unstrung so it is better suited to intermediate players rather than beginners.
The small head size, 18×20 string pattern, and weight make it more suitable for players hitting with a single handed backhand rather than a two handed backhand.
Specs
| Head Size: | 98in² |
| Length: | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 312g |
| Balance: | 2 pts HL |
| Swingweight: | 315g |
| String Pattern: | 18 x 20 |
| Beam Width: | 22mm |
| Stiffness Rating: | 62 |
HEAD Graphene XT Radical S
The Head Graphene XT Radical S is an oversized frame that is more suited to beginner tennis players.
The racket has a relatively low swing weight and is more head-light (or “HL”) than the Microgel Radical so it will be more maneuverable for beginners to play with.
The racket’s relatively thick beam width and oversized frame size means that generating power with this frame will not be an issue.
The Graphene XT Radical S would be my recommendation for the best intermediate racket under $100.
Specs
| Head Size: | 102in² |
| Length: | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 295g |
| Balance: | 4 pts HL |
| Swingweight: | 301g |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 19 |
| Beam Width: | 22mm / 25mm / 23mm |
| Stiffness Rating: | 60 |
Head Metallix Spark Tour Stealth
The Head Metallix Spark Tour Stealth is a slightly lighter frame than the two rackets mentioned above and is primarily aimed at casual players who aren’t playing on a weekly basis.
The Metallix Spark Tour Stealth will give you plenty of power on your shots but this will come at the cost of control.
Specs
| Head Size: | 100in² |
| Length: | 27in |
| Weight: | 275g |
| Balance: | 3 pts HL |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 19 |
| Beam Width: | 23mm |
Yonex EZONE ACE Deep Blue
The Yonex EZONE ACE Deep Blue is the first racket on this list that has a head-heavy (or “HH”) balance so if you are used to playing with an HL frame then this racket may take some time to get used to.
The combination of the HH balance, its swing weight, and the oversized frame size will mean you will get plenty of power behind your groundstrokes and volleys.
But as always with HH rackets, this comes at the cost of feel and control on your shots.
Specs
| Head Size: | 102in² |
| Length: | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 275g |
| Balance: | 3 pts HH |
| Swingweight: | 307g |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 19 |
| Beam Width: | 24mm / 26.5mm / 23mm |
| Stiffness Rating: | 67 |
Babolat Boost Drive
The Babolat Boost Drive has a bigger head size when compared with the other rackets on this list so it is definitely aimed more at beginner tennis players.
Similar to the Yonex Ezone Ace, the Boost Drive has a HH balance to help beginners get more power on their shots.
Overall, the racket is good for someone just starting out in tennis and wants a decent frame that won’t break the bank.
Specs
| Head Size: | 105in² |
| Length: | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 272g |
| Balance: | 3 pts HH |
| Swingweight: | 312g |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 19 |
| Beam Width: | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| Stiffness Rating: | 65 |