The right doubles racket has to do more than help you hit a heavy groundstroke. It needs to come around quickly on a reflex volley, stay steady when a return finds the frame, and give you enough control to serve aggressively without spraying the ball. For most competitive players, that means looking beyond power and spin claims to the racket’s balance, swingweight, and feel at net.
There is no special racket that automatically makes someone a better doubles player. But a well-matched frame can make the game’s quick exchanges easier—and help you play your own patterns with confidence.
What matters in a doubles racket?
Maneuverability is crucial. At net, you may have only a fraction of a second to react to a body shot or change direction. A racket that feels sluggish can make you late, even if it hits a great groundstroke. Don’t judge maneuverability by static weight alone: balance and swingweight affect how quickly the racket moves. If possible, demo a frame with the strings and grip setup you normally use.
Stability matters just as much. A very light racket can feel quick but twist on a hard return or a fast volley. Many competitive adults do well with a racket weighing roughly 300–315 grams unstrung, but strength, timing, and comfort count more than the number. A lighter frame can be a sensible choice if you need faster preparation or have arm concerns; a heavier, stable frame may suit a strong player who can handle it comfortably through a full match.
Choose a head size and string pattern that fit your game. A 98-square-inch head often gives confident hitters precise targeting, while a 100-square-inch head can offer a more forgiving contact area and easier depth. A 16-by-19 string pattern is common among doubles frames because it balances access to spin with a lively response. A denser pattern can offer a more controlled feel, though it isn’t automatically better for serving or volleying.
Finally, think about comfort and feel. Doubles brings plenty of abrupt contacts—blocked returns, stretched volleys, and shots hit close to the frame. A racket that feels harsh or leaves your arm sore is a poor choice, however impressive it seems on a spec sheet.
Five rackets worth considering
The specifications below are typical unstrung figures; small differences can occur by model year and region. Strings add weight and change balance, so use the figures as a starting point rather than a guarantee of how a racket will play.
| Racket | Typical unstrung specs | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v9 | 98 sq. in.; 305 g | All-court players who want feel and control |
| HEAD Speed MP 2024 | 100 sq. in.; 300 g | Players seeking a balanced, forgiving setup |
| Yonex EZONE 98 (2025 generation) | 98 sq. in.; 305 g | Confident hitters who want easier depth and pace |
| Babolat Pure Strike 98 16×19 (fourth generation) | 98 sq. in.; 305 g | Attacking players who like a direct response |
| Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14 | 97 sq. in.; 315 g | Strong, experienced players who value stability and precision |
Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v9
The Blade is a strong option for a player who wants to take returns early, redirect pace, and keep volleys tidy. Its controlled feel can help when aiming at a narrow target—such as the space between opponents—rather than simply trying to hit harder. It also works well for an all-court player who likes to move forward behind a firm approach shot.
Pros: precise feel, useful control on volleys, and a familiar all-court response. Cons: the 98-square-inch head and controlled power may be demanding if you often make contact late or need help producing depth. Try it before buying if you prefer a more forgiving sweet spot.
HEAD Speed MP 2024
The Speed MP offers a practical middle ground: a 100-square-inch head and a moderate unstrung weight that many competitive club players can handle. It can suit a player who wants to serve and volley but still needs help finding depth from the baseline, especially on a stretched return. It is also a sensible demo choice if you are moving up from a lighter or more recreational frame.
Pros: versatile, relatively forgiving, and easier to use across different parts of the court. Cons: players who prefer a very precise, connected response may find it less focused than a firmer 98-square-inch frame. Check the actual swingweight of the racket you demo; units can feel different despite sharing a model name.
Yonex EZONE 98 (2025 generation)
The EZONE 98 is worth testing if you want a compact head size but don’t want a racket that feels underpowered. Its lively response can help with first serves and aggressive returns, while the 98-square-inch head gives confident hitters a clear aiming point. In doubles, that combination can be useful when you want to attack a second serve and still keep your next volley under control.
Pros: good access to pace, a useful blend of control and liveliness, and a comfortable option for many players. Cons: its easy power can make a fast swing or a loose string setup harder to control. If balls are sailing long, try adjusting strings or tension before assuming the frame is wrong.
Babolat Pure Strike 98 16×19
This is a good candidate for an aggressive player who likes to drive the ball and take time away from opponents. A direct response can be helpful on punch volleys and returns aimed low at the opposing net player. It tends to make more sense for someone with reliable timing than for a player who needs the racket to supply most of the depth.
Pros: clear feedback, confident directional hitting, and a strong fit for attacking patterns. Cons: the feel may come across as firm, and players looking for effortless power or maximum comfort may prefer another option. Pay attention to how your arm feels after a full hitting session, not just a few warm-up shots.
Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14
The Pro Staff is the most demanding pick here, but it can suit a strong, experienced player who values a stable response and precise placement. That steadiness can be helpful when blocking a hard return or volleying a heavy ball without taking a large swing. It’s a frame to consider if you already move a similar-weight racket quickly and maintain good contact under pressure.
Pros: stable, precise, and rewarding for a player with sound technique. Cons: its weight and smaller head can punish late preparation; it is not the automatic choice simply because it feels solid during a brief demo. If your racket face arrives late at net, choose something easier to maneuver.
Strings, grip, and setup
The string setup can change a racket’s response as much as a small spec difference. A full bed of polyester can help a fast-swinging player control pace and spin, but stiff strings strung tightly may feel uncomfortable—particularly during repeated hard volleys and returns. A multifilament string or a hybrid with a softer cross string can add comfort and liveliness. If you use polyester, replace it regularly and lower the tension or switch to a softer option if your arm starts to ache.
Grip size matters too. A grip that is too large can make rapid grip changes awkward; one that is too small may encourage excessive squeezing. The right fit lets you hold the racket securely without clenching between shots. Keep customizations modest at first. A little weight added near the handle or hoop can change balance and swingweight, so test adjustments gradually rather than copying a professional’s setup.
How to choose between them
Demo at least two rackets, ideally in a doubles practice or match. A baseline rally alone won’t tell you whether the frame feels quick on a body serve or stable on a reflex volley. Try returns from both sides, a few first and second serves, and volleys against someone hitting at realistic pace. Notice whether you can make a compact swing and direct the ball without fighting the racket.
- Choose a 100-square-inch frame such as the Speed MP if you want a little more forgiveness and all-court versatility.
- Try a 98-square-inch option such as the Blade or EZONE if you make clean contact and want a more targeted response.
- Consider the Pure Strike for a direct, attacking feel, or the Pro Staff if you already handle a heavier frame confidently.
The best test is simple: after a session, ask whether the racket helped you prepare early, hold your volley line, and swing freely on serve. If one of those breaks down, the frame may be too heavy, too lively, or simply a poor match for your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lighter racket better for doubles?
Not automatically. A lighter racket can be quicker to position, but too little stability may make fast volleys and blocked returns harder to control. Choose the heaviest frame you can maneuver comfortably throughout a match—not the heaviest one you can swing for a few minutes.
Is a 98- or 100-square-inch head better?
A 98-square-inch head can suit a player who consistently finds the center and wants a more precise response. A 100-square-inch head is often more forgiving and can make depth easier. Demo both if you are unsure; the difference is more useful in your hand than on paper.
Should doubles players use polyester strings?
Only if the feel suits your swing and arm. Polyester can help a fast, full swing manage spin and pace, but it can feel firm and lose performance as it ages. A softer multifilament or hybrid is often a better starting point for comfort.
Do I need a special doubles racket?
No. Most competitive doubles players use standard performance rackets. The right choice depends on your timing, strength, preferred feel, and how quickly you can handle the racket at net.
Final Thoughts
For competitive doubles, prioritize quick preparation, dependable stability, and a feel that lets you swing without hesitation. The Blade 98, Speed MP, EZONE 98, Pure Strike 98, and Pro Staff 97 each suit a different kind of player; none is a universal winner. Demo with your usual strings, test the racket at net as well as from the baseline, and choose the one that helps you execute your patterns under pressure.
