BORIS BECKER TENNIS

BECKER 11

Head Size: 93, 98

Length: 27

Weight: 11.9 oz, 11.6 oz., 11.5 oz., 10.4 oz.

Retail: $200

The flexible Becker 11 is now available in four incarnations (including a not-for-the-faint-of-heart 93-square-inch edition) for accomplished all-courters who demand pinpoint precision in a traditional, thin-beamed frame. Ideal for topspinners, and surprisingly more forgiving than many mid-size offerings. DNX technology (an ultra-strong carbon fiber) adds stability on off-center shots and assists in generating more power.

“Maximized feel and ball control. Non-tournament players need

not apply.”

V1

Head Size: 102, 110

Length: 27, 27.5

Weight: 10.1 oz.

Retail: $220

The tech-driven V1 (available in mid-plus and oversize editions) is chockfull of features — everything from the Sensor Plus Shaft Dampening System (which eliminates vibration before it reaches the handle) to big grommets (which make for a larger sweetspot).

“A ‘tweener frame (3.5-5.0) that centers on power and stability.”

BECKER PRO

Head Size: 100

Length: 27

Weight: 10.4 oz.

Retail: $200

Are you a free-swinging player looking for a little more pop, yet a closet traditionalist who’s not willing to give up the soft feel and control of your trusty “players” frame? Engineered to transfer more pace and spin, the new evenly-balanced Becker Pro may be exactly what the doctor ordered, thanks to DNX technology strategically placed at 3 and 9 o’clock on the racket face, as well as in the grip handle.

“Ambitious players will be smitten with the Becker Pro’s ability to generate power and precision. Optimal feel, accurate ball-placement.”

DUNLOP

AEROGEL 6HUNDRED

Head Size: 105

Length: 27.25

Weight: 10.5 oz.

Retail: $190

To better understand the on-court benefits of the 6Hundred, you must first get a grip on Dunlop’s groundbreaking Aerogel technology. Aerogel is the world’s lightest solid, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t tough stuff. Consider this: despite being made up of 99 percent air, a block of Aerogel the size of the human body can support the weight of a midsize car. What does all this mean for your game? The 6Hundred is a highly stable, lightweight weapon that minimizes frame torsion and puts the power back into your shots.

“A game-improving frame that can help you maximize power on your groundies, while delivering comfort and touch at the net.”

AEROGEL 8HUNDRED

Head Size: 110

Length: 27.5

Weight: 9.5 oz.

Retail: $220

Unique to the 8Hundred is Dunlop’s Vibrocore technology, an additional layer of protection against vibration and shock for players who’ve experienced arm trouble or are looking to reduce the risk of tennis elbow. The 100 percent Hotmelt graphite racket is yet another alternative from Dunlop for game-improvers, a true walloper that provides power without compromising control.

“You’ll feel the added power and strength from head to handle.”

AEROGEL 1THOUSAND

Head Size: 118

Length: 27.5

Weight: 9.2 oz.

Retail: $190

The 1Thousand features the largest head size in the Aerogel lineup, a 118-square-inch trampoline of a stringbed that’s well suited for power-hungry poachers and weekend warriors alike. Like its Aerogel brethren, this stick comes complete with Dunlop’s patented Aerobridge technology - a new dampening system that cancels out vibration via an injection-molded polymer sleeve in the throat of the racket.

“Raring rookies and senior stalwarts with short, compact strokes will benefit from this forgiving frame, which doesn’t buckle on off-center hits. Make no mistake about it — the 1Thousand packs a punch.”

FISCHER

PRO NO. 1 X-LITE

Head Size: 98

Length: 27

Weight: 9.2 oz.

Retail: $170

The Pro No.1 X-Lite is designed for tournament newbies who aren’t yet comfortable wielding a 10- or 11-ounce racket. Its classic thin-beam profile, combined with Fischer’s space age and ultra-light Aircarbon provides a solid feel upon racket-to-ball impact.

“Fischer has successfully bridged the gap by introducing lightweight maneuverability for competitive juniors with pro dreams.”

M MOTION

Head Size: 112

Length: 27.7

Weight: 9 oz.

Retail: $230

Magnetic Speed — listed among Time magazine’s “most amazing inventions” upon its debut — is essentially two unipolar piezotec magnets (at 3 and 9 ‘clock on the hoop) that help lessen the natural deformity that occurs when racket meets ball. Fischer capitalizes on the technology here with the lightweight, 27.7-inch M Motion and throws in its new VibraStop grip, an innovative, think-outside-the-box design that reduces vibration.

“A nice combo of power and comfort in a game-improvement racket.”

M VISION

Head Size: 102

Length: 27.5

Weight: 8.3 oz.

Retail: $180

The M-Vision’s feathery frame is a smart choice for athletic women who value both playability and visionary design. Fischer’s Stability System (FSS) stabilizes the racket even on off-center hits, the flattened grip end-cap cuts down on blisters, and the Grip Dampening System (GDS) nullifies tennis elbow by absorbing torsional vibration and reducing shock.

“Excellent acceleration in a super lightweight, women’s-specific racket.”

M1210

Head Size: 118

Length: 27.7

Weight: 7.9 oz.

Retail: $250

Tipping the scales at an airy 7.9 ounces (yes, that’s less than a can of tennis balls), the M1210 is officially the lightest racket on the market. This one’s all power and sweetspot, and should be a favorite amongst senior swatters and doubles specialists. Fischer’s Magnetic Speed System pays off when it comes to ball acceleration, and the Grip Dampening System (GDS) decreases shock at the moment

of impact.

“Seemingly lighter than air, the M1210 puts roaring reach in the palm of your hand. A poacher’s

delight.”

GAMMA

T-5

Head Size: 100

Length: 27

Weight: 11.3 oz.

Retail: $150

It may not be flashy, but what the all-graphite T-5 lacks in bells and whistles it more than makes up for in the crucial areas of comfort and control. This is a lunch-pail-and-hard-hat tournament frame designed for intermediate-to-advanced all-court grinders ISO a denser string pattern for more spin and control.

“A nicely-balanced, no-nonsense wand for aggressive all-courters.”

C-1

Head Size: 110

Length: 27.75

Weight: 9.5 oz.

Retail: $190

While Gamma’s T-5 caters to aggressive movers and shakers, the black-and-gold C-1 is engineered for recreational players with short, compact strokes. This lightweight frame offers an extra large sweetspot and in nice blend of power and comfort.

“Gamma’s ‘tweener stick for NTRPers in the 2.5-4.0 spectrum.”

HEAD

MICROGEL EXTREME MP

Head Size: 100

Length: 27.25

Weight: 10.4 oz.

Retail: $160

The Extreme’s on-the-money combination of weight and balance makes it very quick through the air. The new geometry and MicroGel technology (a revolutionary new silicone-based, low-density material) provide maximum spin and a rock-solid feel. When combined with carbon composite fibers in the racket head, MicroGel deforms and compresses upon ball impact, uniformly absorbing and distributing the impact load around the entire frame, offering extra stability against twisting.

“Ivan Ljubicic’s on-court artillery is light, solid and fast. A perfect combination of weight and balance.”

MICROGEL RADICAL OS

Head Size: 107

Length: 27

Weight: 11.1 oz.

Retail: $180

Andre Agassi may have ridden off into the sunset, but the original radical of radicals’ signature frame of choice is still going strong. The oversized edition of the MicroGel Radical boasts a large sweetspot with remarkable feel. An excellent racket for aggressive, competitive players with long, fast swing speeds — players, like Agassi, who enjoy taking the ball on the rise and crushing winners to all corners of the court.

“The oversize head, large sweetspot and great feel make every shot count.”

PRINCE

OZONE TOUR/OZONE PRO TOUR

Head Size: 100

Length: 27

Weight: 10.9 oz., 11.6 oz.

Retail: $200

The official on-court weaponry of Russian renegade Nikolay Davydenko, the Ozone Tour and Ozone Pro Tour (the heavier of the two) is no-nonsense, pedal-to-the-medal performance gear for ATP/WTA-level players who have no problem generating their own power, but are looking for more racket speed and control.

“A tour-proven stick — plain and simple. The Pro Tour edition’s denser string pattern makes for some extra spin and stability.”

03 SPEEDPORT WHITE/03 SPEEDPORT PRO WHITE

Head Size: 100

Length: 27

Weight: 10.6 oz./10.9 oz.

Retail: $220

Think of the versatile 03 Speedport White and Jelena Jankovic-endorsed 03 Speedport Pro White (the heavier of the two, with a denser string pattern) as updated versions of Maria Sharapova’s O3 White, both of which tout Prince’s bigger-is-better Speedports. The idea here is to reduce drag and increase racket speed, helping you get into position faster for better ball contact, increased power, maximum spin and pinpoint precision.

“For serious, tournament-level performers looking for optimal feel, control and racket speed in a traditional, thin-beamed frame.”

03 SPEEDPORT PLATINUM

Head Size: 125

Length: 27.5

Weight: 8.9 oz.

Retail: $290

When the 03 Speedport Platinum and its cousin, the 03 Speedport Gold (see below), were unveiled in January, no one knew quite what to make of the new Strung-Thru-Stringing System. But Prince — no stranger to pushing the proverbial envelope — has grown accustomed to such reactions over the years. From the days of the original Oversize and Longbody frames to the revolutionary Speedport technology introduced last year, the folks at Prince have been, if anything, forward thinking. The main strings on the feathery Platinum are extended through the yolk of the racket, creating an extended sweetspot for the already-larger-than-thou 125-square-inch bomber.

“Unmatched comfort and unparalleled maneuverability for club/recreational players in the 2.5-3.5 range on the NTRP scale.”

03 SPEEDPORT GOLD

Head Size: 115

Length: 27.5

Weight: 8.8 oz.

Retail: $270

Like its counterpart (see above), the 03 Speedport Gold is easy to spot with its think-outside-the-lines Strung-Thru-Stringing System and oversized ports. An extremely lightweight stick (it tips the scales at a mere 8.8 oz.), the Gold is engineered for beginners to intermediates in need of some muscle.

“Ideal for players with moderate stroke lengths and speeds.”

WILSON

[K]FIVE 108

Head Size: 108

Length: 27.25

Weight: 9.5 oz.

Retail: $250

Wilson’s [K]Factor technology has been reaping rewards ever since its introduction one year ago. Combining the next generation in nanoscience with four new technologies — [K]arophite Black, [K]onnector, [K]ontour Yoke and [K]ompact Center, the [K]Five 108 sets a new benchmark for game-improvement rackets by offering a blend of comfort, control and maneuverability.

“This one’s for gung-ho gamers (2.5-3.5) who want to take their game to the next level.”

[K]PRO OPEN

Head Size: 100

Length: 27

Weight: 10.6 oz.

Retail: $200

As its name connotes, the [K]Pro Open is an ideal choice for aggressive Open-level competitors and pros (think Spaniard Feliciano Lopez) who hit a heavy ball and don’t skimp when it comes to spin. Explosive power combined with a stable feel and enhanced maneuverability for big hitting baseliners looking to push their opponents around the court.

“For competitive performers with fast, long stroke styles. Top-spinning Western grippers will love its grip-and-rip feel.”

[K]BLADE 98

Head Size: 98

Length: 27

Weight: 10.7 oz.

Retail: $210

When the multi-talented Frenchman Jo-Wilfried made his surprising run to the Aussie Open final in January (taking out Rafa Nadal in the process), he was wielding the new [K]Blade 98. The most versatile choice in Wilson’s [K]Blade family, the Blade 98 is spot-on when it comes to delivering the control expected in today’s top player frames.

“Delivers a solid feel for accurate and dependable shotmaking from anywhere on the court.”

YONEX

RDS 001

Head Size: 98

Length: 27

Weight: 11.1 oz.

Retail: $180

Aussie Lleyton Hewitt has made a nice living grinding his opponents into the court. The two-time Slam champ has done it with speed, he’s done it with tenacity and he’s done it with super-steady shotmaking. His racket of choice? The RDS 001. Yonex has molded Elastic Ti into the shaft, giving the frame a powerful rebound effect that kicks in a fraction of a second after impact and deflection. In essence, the RDS 001 snaps back to its original shape to launch the ball down court with accuracy and with the full energy of the swing. There’s not a lot of sweetspot here, but if you consistently hit clean shots, you won’t find a better control frame anywhere.

“A thin-beamed throwback strictly for pro-level performers.”

RQis1 TOUR

Head Size: 95

Length: 27

Weight: 11.3 oz.

Retail: $190

Aussie Open runner-up and Indian Wells champ Ana Ivanovic’s on-court armament, the headlight RQis1 Tour, is reinforced with Yonex’s CS Carbon Nanotube technology, which increases dwell time (and therefore power) by holding the ball on the strings longer.

“For solid hitting players with long, full strokes (4.5 and up). Lots of action of topspin and slice shots.”

RQis2 TOUR

Head Size: 100

Length: 27.5

Weight: 10.2 oz.

Retail: $200

Yonex’s versatile RQis2 Tour is not only a good fit for full-swinging tournament players on the high end of the NTRPers scale, it’s also capable of holding its own on the WTA Tour (see Eastern Euros Nicola Vaidisova and Maria Kirilenko). Soft grommets at the four corners of the RQis2’s isometric frame are designed to reduce shock on off-center hits, widening the sweetspot yet further.