In this article, I will look at some of the best tennis rackets for attacking players while providing useful tips on what you should look out for when buying a racket to suit an attacking playing style.
3 Best Rackets for Attacking Players in 2023
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, selecting a racket that suits your playing style is crucial.
I have carefully handpicked the below tennis rackets that are most suitable for players who love to play aggressively and go for more winners.
These rackets are designed to provide the necessary control and precision that aggressive players require to execute their shots effectively.
NB: The below rackets are in no particular order.
1. Babolat Pure Strike VS
The Babolat Pure Strike VS is aimed at players who like lots of control, precision, and taking the ball early, which makes it a great frame for players who like to attack.
The Pure Strike VS is a good all-round frame that offers players good stability at the net and plenty of feel and control from the baseline.
The only real downside is a lack of free power, so you will need to be able to generate your own power on your shots.
Specs
The Pure Strike VS has a 97in head size, a strung weight of 332g, a swing weight of 322g, and a thin beam width for extra control.
- Head Size: 97in
- Length: 27in
- Strung Weight: 332g, 11.7oz
- Balance: 7 pts Head Light
- Swing Weight: 322g
- Frame Stiffness Rating: 63
- Beam Width: 21mm, 22mm, 21mm
- Power Level: Low to Medium
- Grip Type: Leather Grip
- String Pattern: 16 x 20
2. Wilson Blade 98 18 x 20
The Wilson Blade 98 18 x20 is a great racket for heavy hitters who want lots of control and precision so they are free to go for their shots.
The Blade 98 18 x 20 is also very popular on the pro tours with players like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Aryna Sabalenka, and Karen Khachanov endorsing the frame.
Similar to the Babolat Pure Strike VS, the Blade 98 does not offer much in terms of free power so it is best used by advanced players.
Specs
- Head Size: 98in
- Length: 27in
- Strung Weight: 323g, 11.4oz
- Balance: 4 pts HL
- Swing Weight: 327g
- Frame Stiffness Rating: 60
- Beam Width: 21mm, 21mm, 21mm
- Power Level: Low
- Grip Type: Wilson Pro Performance Grip
- String Pattern: 18 x 20
3. Wilson Pro Staff 97 V14
The Wilson Pro Staff 97 V14 is the lighter version of the racket used by probably the greatest attacking player of all time Roger Federer, the Wilson Pro Staff 97 RF97 Autograph.
However, Federer’s racket is a very heavy racket to play with so most recreational players will be better off going with the lighter Pro Staff 97, as it offers a similar amount of control and precision to the RF97 but with a much lower strung and swing weight.
Specs
Head Size: 97in
Length: 27in
Strung Weight: 332g/11.7oz
Balance: 7 pts HL
Swing Weight: 332g
Frame Stiffness Rating: 66
Beam Width: 21.5mm, 21.5mm, 21.5mm
Power Level: Low
Grip Type: Wilson Pro Performance Grip
String Pattern: 16 x 19
What should Attacking Players look for in a racket?
Generally speaking, most players who like to play with an attacking style (especially on the pro tour) will have a control-oriented racket with a 95 to 98 inch head size and a strung weight of approximately 320g/11.3oz or higher.
If you want to get a racket that works well with your offensive playing style then it is important to get one that has a good balance between power and control.
You don’t want to get a racket that is so low-powered that you struggle to hit winners past your opponent and conversely, you don’t want a racket with poor control e.g Clash 108 as this will cause you to make too many errors on your shots.
An example of a poor choice for attacking players (in my opinion) would be the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph, as although you get tons of control with this frame, most recreational players are going to struggle to consistently hit winners as it is very low powered and requires a lot from the player using it.
Attacking players will also want a frame that has good touch and feel so that you can put away those easy volleys at the net with power and precision.
Lastly, I would recommend that you avoid spin-friendly frames e.g Babolat Pure Aero as you want to be able to easily flatten out your shots to hit winners.