Our *NEW* Top 5 Control Rackets in 2024 | Rackets & Runners 

This guy is the key reason why I have racket choosing disorder ☠️

Best tennis videos on the internet. I already selected my new racket but it doesnt matter. I'm now addicted to your content. Yes to the control tiers list

Gravity pro mentioned 💀

After a long, comprehensive racket search, I had settled on the Gravity Pro. Absolutely loved the feel, and the control and spin were great for me. Then my coach let me borrow his Percept 100. If the Gravity Pro was a 95% fit for me, the Percept was 100%. It immediately became my preferred racket. I still play with the Gravity Pro from time-to-time, and I find myself able to seamlessly switch back and forth between the two, but if I could only keep one model, the Percept 100 is it for me, hands down.

Absolutely interested in a control tier list. Actually I'm super interested in seeing an updated tier list in general. Maybe a tier list with 3 sections (power, spin, control) and a bunch of racquets ranked inside each one? Or just a general one. Personally I'm using the ezone 98 nowadays as I feel it's a nice happy medium between everything (spin, power, maneuverability, control)

Love the percept! been using the 100d with hawk touch in the cross and vs touch in the mains and its perfect! loved the video!

A video with the best string setups for these top 5 control rackets would be great 😊

I'm not even looking for a new racket but this channel got me itching for the percept

Watch this while enjoying my coffee before work. Great way to start my day!

I am playing with the Gravity Pro, with natural gut in the mains at 52lbs and Head Lynx Tour in the cross, at 50lbs, and WOW, that's the best setup i have ever tried... my racket search is over! (Played and liked Gravity MP and Wilson Blade v8).. Tried: Speed MP, Pure Strike, Pure Aero 98, Tecnifibre t fight 305, IGA, Boom MP/Pro, Solinco whiteout 305 16x19 and 18x20

Great vid! What strings do you like/recommend on the Percept 97?

Yup, a tier list would be nice.

Control tier list- yes please

Hey Luka. I really appreciate your honest and thorough reviews. Since I am playing with the black pure strike vs, why didn't you mention the pure strike vs/pure strike 97? In addition, in what tier would you rank this racket?

great video. i bought the percept 100 a few days ago, its a reall great racket. more an "in between rackett" but still. wish for a future video: Strings for controll/power/spin rackets and why. Sometimes i dont know if i should use a control string in a power racket (e.g.)

I got 2 gravity pro last week. I need some recommends. strings? tension? should I use leather grip to make it's sw lighter? or put lead type

How does the PERCEPT 100 compare to the Head Speed MP?

great summary!

I literally just demoed the CX 200 tour 18x20 from you guys and was blown away with how much spin I was getting with it. Interesting how different your experience was.

It’d be interesting to hear why you prefer the regular Percept to the 18x20 version? I’d expect that the denser version has better control but what are the negatives - e.g. manouverability, weight, smaller sweetspot. Am playing with a 2019 VcorePro 18x20 and considering to switch to the new 18x20, hence the question.

Luca, thank you for future control rackets tiers list :)

Interesting... So I have a question I have Gravity Pro 2021. I moved to this from a Wilson Blade V7. Made a MASSIVE difference to my ground strokes. I am a good volleyer and have no real issue with Gravity Pro at the net. I guess scrambling on defense from side to side at back of court maneuverability can be hard, but I assume generally that is case with heavier control rackets. So given I find the gravity PRO fine at the net should I go with Gravity Pro 2023 or the Yonex. Or just demo both lol Also what is the differnce between the different Yonex Percept 97 like L, D, H is it just weight? So one can figure out the swing weight they like best

Is there any type of customization you would recommend for the percept 97?

bought the percept about 2 months ago and i instantly felt my consistency and control go up. also think my game whent up 0.5 usta ranking

Right now i use a babolat rival 102 which is a cheaper racket. any recommendations on what i should get next? I was thinking about a pure aero but im just not sure 🤔

Great vid

Awesome video Luca! Im leaning toward the blade 18x20 because it might be a little more manageable than the gp. However I remember the launch angle was terrible on the v8. Is it the same on the v9?

Fab and impressive video analysis of my favourite racquets. Well done and much appreciated. Totally agree with your top pick, if only I was 20 years younger. Otherwise, I'd go with the 100D :)

Would love a "top 5 rackets for serves" video Loved the video, like always ❤

Yes make the list

Spot on assessment of the Blade v9’s … I ended up with both and had them customized with the same specs 11.55 > 4HL > 331 but the 16x19 is your offensive option between the 2 string patterns. The 18x20 just makes the impossible… possible. Excellent review of the 5 🤙🏽

I have recently started playing with Head Prestige MP 2024 (18×19) and I have to say that my elbow feels much better with the 2.0. aux and I managed to find the right balance between control/feel/spin/stability. I highly recommend 👌 Also, I got one-handed backhand and it works perfect for me (having in mind your excellent video for the one-handed backhands)

I tried the Percept and was very surprised at how good it felt.

Luca! Killing it on the reviews man. I now always come to see your perspective. And I need to ask you for some direct advice again please...I've narrowed it down to the Percept 97, Blade 98 16x19 V9 and the Tfight 305. I've put a leather grip on each and have added some weight at 10 and 2 on the Percept. Trying to decide on one and stick to it. Need help :) I'm 45, used to play at college level in the States and now trying to get back into it; lefty; one handed backhand (my strength); and trying to get more of a modern heavy-spin forehand compared to my more traditionally flat, not-so-reliable stroke. Any thoughts? :) Cheers, D.

Hey Luca! I wanted to ask where on the Percept 97 do you add weight? I remember you mentioning adding lead tape in your review but don’t think you specified where. This would really help me as I have a Percept 97 myself. P.S. I got the Gravity Pro and Percept 97 thanks to your recommendation! Happy to see them so high on the list.

Need a top 5 or 10 racquet paint jobs list. I just picked up the Yonex Ezone Aqua Night and I reckon it’d be in the top 5 at least…

Early reviews of the Percept 97 were saying the stock swing weight was really low. (Or am I misremembering?) Are you adding weight to yours?

What position would the Head Speed ​​Pro 2024 be in? The Wilson V8 18x20 in third too?

Awesome list and clearly articulated! Yonex is the best tennis racket manufacturer at the moment. Excellent quality control and amazing innovation. What’s been your favorite string setup on the Percept?

What do you think about the solinco Whiteout 98?

Is there much difference between gravity Tour and pro? Would it be worth to buy a pro or can i just customize the tour to get to the pro adding some weight?

What racquet is the closest to the Wilson pro staff 97 v14, in playability, control, feel, launch angle and power and spin

Luca - great review. I am requesting you do the following two reviews as well. 1. Please compare multifilament vs. polyester setups for control racquets. For e.g., how would the Yonex 97 Percept play with Head Lynx vs. Head Velocity MLT at 50 lbs? 2. I am 52 now, and I am going the other way...moving from topspin to more of a flat + slice game on both wings, with lots of volleying thrown in. But I plan against younger, more modern type of players. I prefer control racquets, so how should I set up. I current use a 2021 Radical MP, Head Lynx @49 lbs, with a leather base grip and one overgrip. i was very surprised to not find the Radical on your list of control racquets, so curious to know why. look forward to your reply/video on my asks. keep up the great work. Very well researched stuff indeed.

The Artengo TR960 Control Tour 18 X 20 needs to be on that list. Is way better than many on your list.

I agree. I love the Yonex Percept 97. Bought the gravity and Percept at the same time. Sold the Gravity. Very low power though.

Can you do a review on best arm-friendly racquets? I like gravity tour but my elbow can't handle it. Used Clash for a little bit, but it just wasn't for me. I am using Speed Pro now which my elbow can handle. Anytime I go back to using gravity tour, my elbow starts hurting after 20 mins of play.

a video that I can tell won't bring any potential choice to me but nvm this channel is just enjoyable enough to get me constantly come back and watch any new racket contents posted

When Gravity first hit the market, I was quite skeptical about this racket, but after watching your review on Gravity, I decided to give it a try. And right from the first hits, it was WOW, this is what I was looking for, although it is for advanced players, I decided to play with it because it's simply great. Thank you, Luca. I have a question regarding the new version of Gravity. Do you have any information on when the Gravity with Auxetic 2.0 might be released?

Have you tried head pro tour 2.0? Good to hear your thoughts :)

Well done! I haven't tested all of these racquets (Prestige and Dunlop are missing on my list), but hearing the explanation I could imagine how they would play. Also fits perfectly to the frames that I actually had in my hand. Tier list would be nice, but not really necessary. There were 7 popular racquets in the vid, well explained for everyone to make a preselection. What would like even more is how less popular brands would compare to these top 5. Hasn't Prince just released the new Phantom?

Luca do you think there was any especially noteworthy stick that was released recently? I play recreationally with Gravity Pro and have no plans to switch but I just can't stop the cravings of buying a new racket to add to collection.

Would definitely be interested in a tier list.

Please make that control rackets tier list you mentioned. I know it’s hard to do that since you already did the 95-98 and 100sq inch racket tier list videos but maybe look at some below 95sq inch (if I remember correctly you carried a Prestige Classic 2.0 which is 90sq inches). You could even just rank them on control alone instead of all-roundedness.

I still 100% feel the 2023 Gravity Pro is superior to all. After figuring out how to make it as good as my Head PT 10’s, I ended up adding 13 grams and got my swing weight up to 350 and a 33.8 cm balance and 24/23 Alu power. Not only is it literally just like my PT10’s but its forgiving like crazy and provides the best two handed backhand and first fist serves. At net, it’s still good enough…but that attacking game I play where I need control: I found it. Thanks again. Love your videos

how would you compare the Percept 97 vs the Percept 100D?

What do you dislike about the 97D compared to the 97?

I get that dopamine hit you mentioned from the ProStaff 97, I’d never tried one until this year as I always used Head racquets and I was blown away. In your video with Jonas you mentioned your dislike of white racquets due to the distraction whilst swinging, I actually get that when hitting with the Gravity Pro, the head shape feels oddly big to me and visually bugs me, which sucks because the feel is beautiful…I played with Speeds for years so it’s not the 100sq head, just the round shape or something

In terms of feel and comfort, how would you describe the difference between the Gravity Pro and the Yonex Percept 97D or Percept 97 customized (making it more stable)? Been choosing between the two but am someone that prioritizes control as well as depth and something that complements my 1HBH! Any advice since u also recently made a video for best rackets for a 1HBH?

I stuck with last year’s VCP 97D. The Percept was too muted for me.

I demoed the V-Core 97D last year and truly flabberghasted how maneuverable and accurate. Yes you certainly nailed the Gravity Pro 2023 buuuuut the 2024's Auxetic 2.0 I'm already hearing through the Jungle Telegraph is better. So that suggests 2024 Gravity Pro requires an open mind. How good was the Percept 97 from the baseline? Hunch pretty darn good if anything like the V-Core 97D. Remarkable racquet without the boardy feel of the Gravity Pro at the net which has cost me more points than I care to admit too. I hunch I will prefer the Percept 97 D but that's only because I have a several tricks up my sleeve I can't disclose but also because I've never warmed to a 16X19 string pattern. Back in the day half a century ago a leather grip was far different than those of today. The Gravity Pro 2023 I actually had to remove the leather grip it was so thin that it hurt my hand. What I came up with was a Canadian product called Xamza-Glu and it has improved my game in ways I neve thought possible. The base grip you always dreamed of but never heard about will be going on whatever I buy. So Rackets&Runners you failed me on Restring Zero don't lose the plot on the Xamsa-Glu universal grip. So good* not enough room here to put into words but my Gravity Pro became a lot more user friendly. You will be amazed in a good way leave it at that. 🇨🇦💯😎👍 xamsasquash.com/products/x-glu-remplacement

So the blade V9 is a better control racquet than the V9 pro ?

At last year's video, I had vcore 98,100 gravity tour, mp.. Now I have radical pro, vcore 100, percept 100d and blade 16*19. I think radical will go and definitely no more head. looking it get a percept 97 and pro staff x. Yonex is definitely nailing with updates!!!

Please review the Prince Tour 98 - been out for nearly 2 yrs and no review

You should try out the Tecnifibre rackets. Amazing ...

I have no 1 (percept 97 310) and no 2 (gravity pro, but the 360+ version in an underspec 325 swing weight) in my bag. Great rackets. Net to that the modern control racket radical pro should also be mentioned (in my bag as wel). although a 16x19, it is as dense as the percept 97 in the middle and a little bit easier to use without sacrifice of control. I also have the dunlop cx200 tour 18x20 (former version), which is my training racket as it forces you to do everything correct otherwise you get punished. I only use that racket in matches if the conditions are super warm with super bouncy balls on a bouncy court to dail in even more control and have the least power possible. Other nice rackets in my bag are the vcore 95's 16x20 (last 2 versions). In control the 2nd to last version is better as the last vcore 95 has a very open stringbed which sometimes can be launchy. And don't forget my Angell React 96 16x19 mid. That is practically a foam filled version of the prestige pro in a 96 size head and 16x19 pattern. That racket is fantastic, only downside is the lack of punch with the 1st serve.

Can you review the new Babolat pure strike 98 18x20

VOLKL C10 EVO with lead (tourna 3.63grs) on the lower part of the strings by the throat , the best !!

Is the whiteout 18x20 not considered a control racket?

In your opinion, Percept 97 or 97D?

I regret selling off my gravity pro….but it was a lil difficult to play in a long session

After playing with Gravity Pro 2023, I dont like any other rackets. I am hoping the speed pro would be similar with more power.

Percept 🐐

I'm guessing you haven't played with the Solinco Whiteout 18x20?

So Vcore 95 was on your S tier list but is not in top 5 control rackets ... How is that 😁

The blade pro is a perfect racket specifically with 4g

Personally I haven’t tired most of these racket aside from the staff and blade but I will say I’m a certified Wilson glazer so I love the v9 with 4g 125 rough at 54. Still need to try but I mean there’s really no downside to the blade to me.

bring on the tier list!

The percept cracks at the bridge check your racquets!!!

Next, top 5 control string please

I know its stupid hard to play with, but I'm determined to be competitive with my Prestige Classic 2.0!...next year. In the meantime, I'll try to make my 360+ Prestige MP work. ❤ to including the Prestige line. #dying breed Don't think I've ever played with anyone who regularly uses a Prestige l 😢 That percept is tempting though

What about the head gravity tour?

What about Babolat pure strike 97 ?

Why aren’t any Tecnifibre rackets on the list? What about TF40?

for me blade 98 18x20 was the best at control.

Try Technifibre TF 40 305 it is also a control racket.

How about Radical MP ?

so we are not including pure aero 98?????

I you prize precision then I have not seen currently any better than the pure strike 97 2024 and the prestige for some pin point accuracy . The cx 200 2024 is not as connective with 200 series family continuity like the previous version had and the 24 version is sluggish . Perhaps it comes from the box beam reshaping and or the stabslization layup . In the point andvshoot category , it is the wilson ultra pro 97 . I tried the 16x19 version . I saw your interview with tennis nerd , Head guy . Rackets today are becoming to sythetic in feel and function vs pure geometric layup and it is worsening rackets , where you will need to change directions in thd nect iteration . Choose carefully .

Dunlop CX 200, the 98 sqin frame, with a 18x20 string pattern!!!???? Now we're all really confused...🥺

Bro stop it I'm gonna buy the gravity pro if you mention it one more time

I am still gonna get the Gravity instead of the Percept. But I'll get an MP probably, maybe a tour, to get the lighter swing weight etc. I like the feel more of Head, not a fan of stiffer rackets.

Interesting, I think the opposite, gravity pro shines in volleys. I'm even doing some serve and volley from time to time just for the fun of it.

the 100D version is a easier version and i love it

No T -Fight 305?

Yonex shall become the most popular racquet brand in tennis soon

👍🏻

Now it's time for the list of best racquets to play on clay 😂😂 (just joking) ! For those who found the Gravity Pro too demanding, may I suggest to give the Tour a test? 😉

Where’s the radical😡

Just sell out and make a top 5 sexiest racquets already

It’s been almost a year? Shouldn’t the list just be the same?