Best Control Rackets

Wilson Blade 16x19 v9

Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Why we love it: Although its heritage does not stretch as far back as the Pro Staff, the Wilson Blade is a favorite in today's power game. Updated for 2024, the Blade 98 16x19 continues to impress. The changes from the v8 to the latest Blade 98 16x19 v9 are slight. The latest version is slightly more stable and powerful. Although we find this open pattern version to offer plenty of control, those looking even more precise targeting, the Blade 98 18x20 v9 is an excellent option.

Head Prestige Pro 2023

Skill level: Advanced
Why we love it: The Prestige has a long, storied history with legions of fans. That story continues with the Head Prestige Pro 2023. This latest version swings more quickly than the Prestiges of the past, making it easier to flick when stretched out wide. Still, this racket's specs line up to equate control and feel. In the right hands, this Prestige Pro can also deliver loads of plow through, but it does it with pinpoint accuracy, making it an easy choice for best in terms of control and feel. Read our full review for all the details.

Prince Phantom 100X (320g) 2024

Skill level: Advanced
Why we love it: Like previous versions, this racket's 18x20 string patterns and 59-RA stiffness capture the pinpoint accuracy and buttery feel of the game's best traditional player's rackets. With its 327 RDC swingweight, the Phantom 100x 18x20 offers a nice balance between speed and stability, giving it a stable feel against higher levels of pace without feeling sluggish in the front court.

Babolat Pure Strike 97

Skill level: Advanced
Why we love it: For 2024, Babolat changes up the naming for its heaviest Pure Strike. Once called the Pure Strike VS, the updated Pure Strike 97 deftly mixes control with an improved feel. Compared to previous versions, this Pure Strike 97 has a plusher feel and better ball pocketing.

Yonex Percept 97D

Skill level: Advanced
Why we love it: As the evolution of the Yonex VCORE PRO line, the Percept series puts a focus on control and feel. The most controlled in the line is the Yonex Percept 97D. It pairs a 626-square-centimeter head size with a tight 18x20 string pattern to deliver pinpoint accuracy. Compared to the VCORE PRO 97D, our playtesters found similar accuracy but a heavier, more dampened feel. Find all of the details in our full review.

Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14

Skill level: Advanced
Why we love it: The Pro Staff line has been around for 40 years now, and although much has changed over the years, this Pro Staff 97 v14 has the same aramid fibers as the Original Pro Staff 85 to keep it rooted to its heritage. This latest version comes in a more solid feel and with a heftier swingweight, making it feel closer to the RF racket. Our team loved the precision, plow through and feel coming from this new version, earning it a spot on our list of best control rackets. Get the full details in our full review.

Prince Tour 100 (290g)

Skill level: Intermediate
Why we love it: As the lightest member of the Prince Tour family, the Tour 100 290g delivers the blend of power, control and feel of the line in an easy-to-use package. When our playtesters took this racket to the courts, they were impressed by its all-around playability. The racket feels stable for its weight at contact and played well from all areas of the court. Although it's great for intermediate players, we found this racket would also be a great option for customization as players get stronger and improve. Read our full review for all the details.

Tecnifibre TF40 305 (16x19)

Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Why we love it: The TF40 305 (16x19) impresses with its feel, stability and blend of power and control. This more open string pattern of the two TF40 305s offers plenty of control but a bit more forgiveness and easier access to topspin than its 18x20 counterpart. Its impressive combination of spin, precision and speed make it a great option for intermediate and advanced players.

Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20

Skill level: Advanced
Why we love it: The CX 200 Tour 18x20 has classic written all over it thanks to its 613-square-centimeter head size, thin straight beam and leather grip. Pair those traits with the tight string pattern and you have a racket that earns high marks in the control category. For this 2024 update, Dunlop retools the beam, adding more of a box shape below the 10/2 axis to enhance stability, control and feel.

Head Speed Pro

Ability level: Strong intermediate to advanced
Bottom line: The latest version of the Speed Pro keeps much the same formula that has made it a player favorite. There's a traditional 18x20 string pattern for accuracy, and a hefty swingweight for stability and plow through. With this 2024 update, the racket has a slightly softer feel and a low flex for plenty of comfort. Our playtesters highlighted a softer feel in their review of this 2024 Speed Pro.

How We Pick

Wonder how we choose best gear recommendations? We gather from our playtesters' firsthand experiences reviewing and playing with all the tennis gear. We form our lists based on their reviews and feedback. You can find all of our product reviews here.