At the net, a racket that feels quick in your hand can be worth more than one that promises effortless power from the baseline. But intermediate doubles players still need enough stability to handle a hard return, enough control to aim a volley, and a comfortable setup for a long evening of sets. The right racket balances those jobs rather than excelling at just one.
For many players, a 100-square-inch head and a medium weight make a useful starting point. From there, your swing, comfort needs, and preferred style of play can narrow the choice. These six rackets offer different takes on that balance.
What to look for in a doubles racket
Doubles rewards fast preparation and clean contact. You may have less time to set up at the net than you do from the baseline, and a racket that feels sluggish can make reaction volleys harder. At the same time, an overly light frame may twist on a firm return or a punch volley.
- Head size: Around 100 square inches offers a useful mix of forgiveness, control, and maneuverability. A 98-square-inch head can suit a confident, consistent striker; a larger head can help if you want a bigger contact area.
- Weight: Many intermediate players do well with roughly 285–305 grams unstrung. Heavier rackets can feel steadier, but only if you can move them comfortably through volleys and serves.
- Balance and swing feel: A racket that feels quick to bring around can help at the net. Don’t judge by balance numbers alone: two frames with similar specs can feel different in motion.
- String pattern: An open pattern can add spin and liveliness. A denser pattern often gives a more controlled response, though string choice and tension matter too.
- Comfort: If you have a history of arm or shoulder pain, prioritize a comfortable frame and sensible strings over extra stiffness or power.
Specs can change between model years, and grip, strings, and overgrips alter a racket’s final weight and balance. Check the exact version before buying, and try a demo if you can.
Six rackets worth considering
| Racket | Best fit | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Blade 100 | All-court control | Connected feel with useful pace and a forgiving head |
| Yonex EZONE 100 | Easy power | Lively response for serves and deep groundstrokes |
| Head Speed MP | Balanced play | A versatile blend of speed, control, and spin |
| Babolat Pure Strike 100 | Directional control | A more precise feel for players who like to drive the ball |
| Yonex Percept 100 | Touch and placement | A composed, control-oriented response |
| Wilson Clash 100 | Comfort | A flexible-feeling option with an accessible response |
Wilson Blade 100
The Blade 100 is a strong all-round choice if you want to volley with confidence but still build points from the back. Its larger head than the Blade 98 gives a little more forgiveness, while its controlled feel can help on angled volleys and half-volleys. It suits an intermediate player who likes to take the ball early and direct it rather than rely on the racket to supply all the pace.
Pros: Versatile, controlled feel; useful forgiveness; works well for all-court play. Cons: Players seeking effortless depth may find it less lively than a power-focused frame. It’s worth testing the specific version, since feel can vary across generations.
Yonex EZONE 100
If your serve and first volley are important weapons, the EZONE 100 is a compelling option. Its lively response can help produce depth without a full, exhausting swing, which is handy when you’re pushed wide or reacting to a fast ball. At net, it has enough forgiveness for a slightly off-center block volley, though players who prefer a muted, low-powered feel may find it too energetic.
Pros: Accessible power; forgiving contact area; useful for serves and deep returns. Cons: The livelier response may take adjustment for precise touch shots, and players with arm sensitivity should pay close attention to string choice and tension.
Head Speed MP
The Speed MP makes sense for a player who moves between roles—serving and volleying one point, trading groundstrokes on the next. It aims for a middle ground: enough pace and spin to be effective from the baseline, with a manageable feel for quick exchanges. That versatility is valuable in doubles, where one partner may spend more time at the net and the other may cover from the back.
Pros: Balanced performance; adaptable across styles; generally easy to use in fast exchanges. Cons: It may not feel specialized enough for players who want either maximum power or a distinctly precise, traditional response.
Babolat Pure Strike 100
The Pure Strike 100 is a good candidate if your first priority is directing the ball. It can suit an aggressive doubles player who likes to take a return early, drive through the middle, or hit a firm volley into space. The 100-square-inch head offers more margin than a smaller control frame, but the response is still aimed at players who bring their own swing and want the racket to feel composed.
Pros: Strong directional control; useful for compact, attacking strokes; forgiving enough for everyday doubles. Cons: It may feel demanding if you want the frame to generate most of your pace, and it isn’t the first pick for someone seeking the softest possible feel.
Yonex Percept 100
For players who value placement over free power, the Percept 100 is worth a demo. Its control-oriented character can help with touch volleys, lobs, and returns aimed at the opposing net player’s feet. It’s especially appealing if you already swing with reasonable speed and want a more measured response. A player with a shorter or slower swing may prefer a livelier frame instead.
Pros: Composed feel; good for placement and touch; a sensible control option with a 100-square-inch head. Cons: Less effortless power than more lively alternatives; may reward a fuller swing more than a casual one.
Wilson Clash 100
The Clash 100 deserves consideration if comfort is a major concern or you simply prefer a more flexible-feeling racket. It can be a forgiving partner for recreational doubles, where repeated serving and quick exchanges add up over a long match. Some players love its distinctive feel; others find that it doesn’t give the crisp feedback they want on volleys.
Pros: Comfortable feel for many players; forgiving; accessible for a range of strokes. Cons: The unusual response is personal, so demoing matters. Players who want a very direct, firm connection at impact may prefer another frame.
Make the racket work for your doubles game
Don’t choose by the power level of a single groundstroke. Test the shots that decide doubles points: a blocked return, a reaction volley, a low pickup, an overhead, and a serve followed by a quick move forward. If the racket feels easy to position and stable on imperfect contact, that’s a promising sign.
Strings can change the experience substantially. A multifilament string or a softer hybrid can make a firm-feeling racket more comfortable. Polyester can offer control and spin for players who swing fast, but it is usually a poor default for someone with arm pain or a modest swing speed. If you use polyester, avoid leaving it in the racket long after it has gone dead, and consider a lower tension or hybrid setup. Ask a qualified stringer to help match the setup to your game.
Also leave room for small adjustments. A slightly larger grip can make a racket feel more secure, while an overgrip adds a little thickness and weight. If you’re unsure, use the grip size that lets your hand stay relaxed rather than squeezing through every volley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 100-square-inch racket a good choice for doubles?
For many intermediate players, yes. It provides a practical blend of forgiveness, control, and maneuverability. A smaller head can work if you consistently find the sweet spot; a larger one may help if you want more forgiveness.
Should a doubles racket be lightweight?
It should be easy for you to move quickly, but the lightest option isn’t automatically best. A frame that is too light for your swing can feel unstable against hard shots. Demo rackets around the middle of the intermediate range and choose the one you can maneuver without losing stability.
Is a power racket bad for volleys?
No. A lively racket can help with serves and deep returns, and it can be effective at net once you adjust to its response. The key is whether you can keep volleys controlled. If balls regularly sail long, try a different string setup or a more control-oriented frame.
Should I buy the same racket as my doubles partner?
Only if it suits your game. Partners often have different swings, comfort needs, and preferred roles. Matching rackets can make sharing equipment simpler, but it won’t automatically improve team chemistry or results.
Final Thoughts
A good intermediate doubles racket should feel quick in close exchanges without becoming unstable when the pace rises. Start with a manageable 100-square-inch frame, then choose between a livelier option such as the EZONE 100, a versatile one such as the Speed MP, or a more control-minded choice such as the Blade 100 or Percept 100. The best test is a real doubles session: if you can react, place the ball, and serve comfortably late in the match, you’re close to the right fit.
