The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Racquets to put on the wishlist

Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Origin

Price: $247 (25% discount from Nov. 25 – Dec. 2)

Website: babolat.com

Babolat has some nice collection of goodies in honor of Nadal’s retirement. The Pure Aero Rafa Origin is the closest thing a mere mortal can get to Nadal’s very own frame. It closely resembles the specs and technology of his racquet—right down to limited dampening features so you know when contact is off-center—which is why it’s heavier and stiffer than the standard Pure Aero. It swings like tank, but the reward is tons of stability and plow through for heavy ground strokes. If that racquet proves too much to handle the Pure Aero Rafa ($224 with the same discount) is a lighter and more manageable model with the same cosmetics.

And if you want to add something to carry either frame, the RH6 Pure Aero Rafa ($120 during the sale) provides the perfect home. Any piece would be a coveted collectable.

Shop all racquets on TennisShop - Powered by Tennis-Point

Dunlop LX Team 107

Price: $129

Website: dunlopsports.com

The L in this racquet franchise stands for Lite. As the name suggests, they are lightweight frames with oversized heads for easy power and extreme forgiveness. They’re intended for players with modest swings who want the racquet to do the bulk of the work. The Team 107 is a brand-new member in the lineup. It has slightly different dimensions than the other models in the line—smaller head, thinner beam, more weight and denser string pattern. It’s still packs a punch and is user-friendly, but has a bit more command for improving players with medium-paced strokes. It also carries an attractive price tag for those not looking to break the bank on a new frame.

Head Speed MP 2024

Price: $259

Website: head.com

The Speed MP has emerged as Head’s most popular model and this latest edition only adds to that distinction. It’s a do-everything well type of frame that offers help to your strokes without going overboard. The update has Auextic 2.0 technology which expands the carbon fiber construction from the yoke into the handle. It helps improve the feel and predictability at contact. It’s a home bashing balls at the baseline with pace and spin, yet has just enough touch and feel to also finish points at the net. Making it a versatile racquet that suits developing players with room for growth, and accomplished vets looking for something a bit more user-friendly.

Pallap Control Velocity Star 01

Price: $200

Website: pallapusa.com

Ok, this is not a tennis racquet, but padel is starting to take off in this country. More and more courts are popping up, and tennis players are gravitating towards the game’s fast-paced and engaging playing style. Pallap equipment is a favorite in Europe, and is just about set to open operations in the U.S. The brand’s name comes from combining “padel” and “slap”, the latter being the sound of the ball hitting the racquet, then the wall surrounding the court. The Control Velocity Star is one of their best-sellers. The racquet’s tear drop shape and basalt-carbon fiber layup create an attractive blend of speed and ball control. The unique bridge stabilizer affords a nearly vibration-free, cushioned response at contact, without the need for any additional dampeners. This rewards with a comfortable feel and clear ball connection for enhanced precision. If you want to be one of the first to pick one up, the pallap website will go live around Thanksgiving.

Tecnifibre TF40 290

Price: $239

Website: tecnifibre.com

Tecnifibre’s TF40 frames are designed for discerning players looking for top-notch feel and complete command over their shots. This third generation is primarily a cosmetic update—and the camouflage-inspired army green and orange colorway looks sharp—except for the 290g model which brings an entirely new weight to the lineup. Like its heavier siblings—the 305g and 315g—it sports the R-shaped beam construction for impressive stability and control, along with foam filling throughout the frame for a dampened, solid feel. The lighter weight makes the racquet more accessible for rising juniors transitioning into a full-sized frame, or established players who want something speedy that sits more on the control end of the spectrum.

Volkl Vostra 9 (305g)

Price: $250

Website: volkltennis.com

Compared to its predecessor, the latest V9 underwent a significant overhaul. The variable beam is now thinner and has a lower flex for greater control, feel and comfort. Like the other Vostra models it has Red Cell technology—a composite of the V-Cell carbon fiber that carries over from the previous generation with REVA (Revolutionary EVA) dampening resin to improve performance and feel at contact. The V-shaped throat (V-Engine), a familiar staple in older Volkl frames, has also returned, lengthening the main strings for a more elastic string bed. It’s a smooth handling and predictable frame that fits nicely in the Volkl racquet hierarchy between the more powerful and spin-friendly V8, and the more demanding V10. It’s a solid, all-around performer for accomplished players seeking a control-oriented, but still user-friendly 100 square-inch frame.

Wilson RF 01

Price: $279

Website: wilson.com

For the uninitiated, the RF collection is a collaboration between Roger Federer and Wilson. The RF 01 is the middleweight of the three-frame family, and arguably has the widest appeal. Compared to the Pro model—Federer’s preferred frame—it swings easier, and has a softer more comfortable feel at contact. Its added flexibility also promotes a higher launch angle for easier depth. Although it has a 16x19 string pattern, the spacing is somewhat tightish in the sweet spot, giving it impressive directional control. This helps when hitting into smaller windows and attacking short balls. The racquet also is a capable performer at net, making it a dependable all-court weapon.

Yonex Percept 100D

Price: $269

Website: yonex.com

The Percept is the evolution of Yonex’s VCORE Pro franchise, and the 100D is an entirely new addition. It’s 18x19 string pattern sets it apart from anything else in the brand’s lineup. It’s more precise than a 16x19 pattern, with better spin-potential and pop than an 18x20. Compared to the Percept 100, it also has an additional 5g of weight, which gives the frame a bit more clout. Unlike the three Percept 97 models, the 100D is has a firmer feel, resulting in a crisp, solid response. The unique setup provides the 100D with much of the shot quality and precision of a smaller head size, but in a more forgiving package.