The Top 5 BEST Rackets for a One-Handed Backhand!! | Rackets & Runners 

My man bald Shelton with another cameo lmao... Loved the video, like always. Keep it up

Great video as always! You are a great reviewer, it's incredible how honest, insightful and detailed your reviews are, especially considering your reviews are on a shop's account. Keep up the good work, Luca.

When I learn to play tennis back in the dark ages it was one handed backhands with wood rackets, talk about heavy... I've played with the Gravity Pro from when it came out. Not super whippy but if you can get it moving, there is plenty of power. I've recently switched to a VCore 98 Tour. Only 15 or so grams lighter (and I guess the aerodynmics), but makes quite a difference. I don't play with a dampener so get plenty of feel.

Even though the Ezone 98 2022 hasn't had an update - aside from a cosmetic change I think it's worth throwing into that mix of racquets suited to a OHBH

I love these videos! I can’t believe this isn’t a bigger channel

ProStaff 97 is a cheat code for the one hander. It's THAT phenomenal. Everything that you said in the common characteristics is EXACTLY what I look for, and for those EXACT reasons. Stability, speed, and maneuverability are so incredibly important for the shot. If the frame shakes or it hurts your wrist when you turn the shoulder at the end of the shot, then the racket is immediately a no-go.

High 3.5/low 4.0 here. Recently switched to the Wilson Shift 99 (318g, 16x20, 6pts HL) , which presents as a "spin racket", and it's interesting. My forehand (eastern grip, late 80s style) hasn't really noticed much of an increase in spin, but my backhand (also eastern) spin is literally off the charts compared to before (previous racket was a Volkl V7), allowing me to hit sharp angles I never could before, and I find myself following through much more cleanly.

Great tips i agree totally on all of them! Recently i tried the new Extreme Tour and it was perfect for my one handed backhand. It is very fast and maneuverable but not so stable but since i added some weight around 315gr unstrung performed amazing!!!

For an amateur, it doesn't matter. If you have sound technique, any racquet will do just fine, except the too light toy ones, or too head heavy, but just about all modern racquets are head light. Bigger head size will help when you get old.

HAHA couldn't watch the video until the evening, but had a smile on my face all day. I'll have to test the Percept 97 at the next opportunity. Had the best experience so far with the Radical MP and the 2024 Pure Strike Thanks for the great video and of course for responding to our request :), honestly HILARIOUS.

I'm agree with your list Luca. I need great stability, at least 330 Swingweight, 64 or more Stiffness and from 95 to 98 headsize. After playing with more than 15 Racquets I'm finally pretty happy with my Head prestige Tour 2021, I have now everything that I was looking for, Spin, control, plow through, stability, feel, decent maneuverability and comfort. Cheers

Radicals , both Pro and MP with a leather grip are great great feeling OHBH . Vcore 95 is great as it is VC 98 . The Percept 97 is the only one I didn't had the pleasure to test/own ... It will be the next one I guess :) VCP H is amazing but I can't really say I'm strong enough to play it consistently thorugh 2 hours or so

As a tennis player with a OHBH, the best racket I've used is definitely the Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13. It doesn't have that muted feeling that most rackets have nowadays and has a lot of feedback. Of course, it is 315 grams plus more after stringing, changing the grip and putting on an over grip. But it has the maneuverability and head-lightedness needed for precision shots and has enough weight to block back powerful shots. I've also had the VCore 95 2023 for almost a year now but haven't been liking the muted feel on my backhand. I've tried the Percept 97 last summer and liked it on my backhand but disliked it on my forehand. I might have to demo it again because of this list! Lol.

I play with a PS97 v14 and a demo with the Percept 97 damn near made me switch. Both amazing one hand rackets though

Great video, I would also mention the lighter ProStaff for us older 1-handers! I find it quite arm friendly and still very precise to hit with

When I switched away from my Yonex VCore Pro 97 I tested the Perception 97 and the Ezone 98 and I have to say definitely try the Ezone as well. The beam helps you to create great speed with the OHB especially on faster surfaces while still beeing quite stable (I added 2 g on 12). Furthermore it helps you to be even more agressive with the FH and Serve to avoid to many backhands in a match :D For example look at Daniel Altmaier playing with the Ezone and ripping the OHB.

That was awesome to identify the introduction! Bravo 👏🏽 I’m in the midst of demoing the last batch of racquets and my 2 top contenders for OHBH and modern versatility are currently the Blade 98 v9 (16x19), and the Speed MP… The Speed is up in the air, but it has a 300g static weight with the higher swingweight at 330 (which was really good for serving). I picked up a Percept 100 to demo and I was going to replay the Prestige Tour (which I wish had a larger head size), but I tried playing a match with it last weekend and quickly reverted to the Blade 98 and an EZONE 98. Coming from the Wilson nTour 95 (a la Justine Henin’s racquet)… I just haven’t felt comfortable with modern 95s. The VCORE and Prestige Tour are back in the box to return… but it’s been a sometimes painful journey settling on a racquet that is going to help progress my game and play USTA National events. I’m curious to try the Pro Staff 97 and the Percept 97 per your suggestion, but as much as I loved the Ultra Pro… there would be a lot of trial and error customization. Much thanks for putting in the legwork and making a super insightful video for us one-handed backhanders! 🙏🏽

Finally got me to pull the trigger on a new racket! Top quality video as always! Quick question, what string setup did you find worked best for the Yonex Percept 97?

Good points made in this video and I like the confidence and dynamic of your shots. I use the HEAD IG Prestige Mid as a one-hander. Nowadays, the prostock variant (TGT292.1) is easier to get than the retail one so it costs an arm and a leg. It's worth it though: Fast through the air, stable af, and plenty of control so it boosts the confidence of a player to really step in to make the shot. For the guy handfeeding you balls to your backhand: He might want to consider feeding from a position where actual balls come from.

+1 also for the boom pro. I found a good transition from Pro Staff.

Under 310 you have terrific racquets Head extreme tour, Wilson blade, Ezone 98, Prince tour 98 Gravity tour Vcore 98. Pro staff and prestige have a to high sw to play long matches ohbh.

I agree with this. I use v core pro 97 for my one hander. I’d also say the 97D is quite good. Stability is the key here. They can be a bit underpowered though so u might have to add weight in the head

Thanks for the list! Any thoughts on the Pure Strike 97 for OHBH? Thought it would tick all the boxes. On a side note, amazing ball feeding by coach beckett😂

Switched to the new boom pro. Loving it so far, easy controllable depth and power. Head light, stable and spin friendly enough for my one hander. Is Musetti still using a verison of the extreme tour?

That was a really nice vid man! Where would you put the older Yonex Ezone DR98 here? I play with it as my main and switched to it only last year, playing a 1HB.

Amazing video, thank you for all the info! Question: what about Federer's autograph pro staff 97? Is that one even close to the top 5?

Great video! As a one-hander myself, I have used the CX 200 Tour, 2021 Prestige Pro, 2018 Vcore 95 and more recently the ProStaff 97 v14. I enjoyed them all in their own ways. I probably had my longest stint with the Vcore 95. I have not played the Percept 97 but now you got me so curious.

Hi great video as usual! 😊 Did you customize the percept 97?

I played one hand backhand in 1988 with wooden racket Lion....later with Donnay Bjorn Borg used to play with.

Great video. I have used the Percept 97 and agree with you, but I am an intermediate and struggle when on defense and it is less forgiving as I can only get depth when hitting with time. I am now trying the Percept 100 & 100D...as well as the Prestige MPL with 5 extra grams in the handle. All the percepts are very stable but a little extra lag in the ohbh when on D...but I can easily switch to a good slice. The Prestige MPL just seems less stable on the ohbh. I felt your list is great for high intermediate to advanced players...so trying to balance your advice with something more user friendly all around. Thanks and keep up the great content!! - Gabe

HILARIOUS intro I was gutting myself! Who's your coach, swear he looks familiar from somewhere. 🤥 (Edit) Luca you are one unpredictable dewd. Last year you must have vented a dozen times about dampening tech. Last year I tried 23's 97D V-Core if memory serves but anyway I was genuinely shocked how accurate that frame was. I'm sure you felt it was too mushy but without a word of a lie that racquet I was swinging for the fences... Out of my shoes as they say. It hit deep but not to long, accuracy on an inside outside f/h was well. Between you and me Fed would have squirmed with envy I was painting the lines. 🤫 So are there any V-Core 97D's still there from last year at a generous discount. Beautiful everything frankly. Alright I'll bite so are you saying the Perrrrrcept 97D is notably better? I nearly bought a 100 Pro Staff last year. Funny story I was angry with an off court conversation so I just let go and unloaded a forehand right between the guy's legs. (I'm still giggling) Well darn it all I was getting clear indications the Percept line Achilles heel is it is too mushy. Now you have me wondering. Which 97D would you go with because we all like pocketing and feel. The V-Core 97D for me seemed the Shangri-La racket, simply could do no wrong. One those rare rackets that pushes you hit harder aim deeper and closer to the side lines. Now you really have me doubting myself...Which do you prefer on a backhand between the last two 97 D's 🤔

Good video. What's your view on the Ezone 98 for a 1hbh? Also, on grip size. I heard a normal or larger grip size is better than the current standard of a smaller grip for the topspin players. What's your view?

Nice! Where do you think is the best place to add weight for the ohbh? Are you looking for 3/9 forgiveness, or more swing/recoil?

First of all, your backhand was looking mighty impressive for someone who doesn’t hit it all the time!! I’ve only recently gotten the v-core 95, but I love it. Super stable and very quick through the air. Mega forgiving, makes it feel like a 98 most of the time haha makes it great for serve returns and blocking heavy balls if you don’t have enough time to set up. Definitely not as precise as your top picks on this list, but the extra spin really makes it worth it for me :)

Great video , thank you. I'd like to know which racquet and string you recommend for a 55 years player intermediate level , some knees injuries as well. I prefer control racquets over powerful ones. I play an average of 5 days a week. I tried several types of racquets but not sure if I am able to pick one to be my official racquet of choice, I tender to change every 2 months my point of view. Thank you

Thoughts on Ezone 98? Just got a new one 50/50 pound Yonex Poly Tour Strike 1.25 strings. Feels OK on the single backhand.

Gonna demo these, and a few more, my two Volkl 10's are getting a little battle worn. The tech just keeps getting better, an arms race!

Hi Luca, thanks for the video. Why didn't you mention the Head Boom Pro?

Thoughts on the TF40 315? Underrated racquet with good feel, maneuverability, and spin generation.

I've been playing with a KTour Team FX for the past 10 years and was thinking about getting a Clash 100 v2 or a Blade 98 v9, does this make any sense? I have zero knowledge on rackets. Would love if somebody could help me. I like to play aggressive and force top spin shots (but have trouble controlling the game), right forehand and 2 arms backhand.

I miss one racket/brand on that list - ProKennex. I switch to my Ki Q+ Tour Pro 98 (315gr) when I have arm or shoulder issues. (Playing with a one-hand backhand comes with a price.) Guess the weight compartments stabilise it a lot and provide additional power from the baseline, it’s very whippy and last but not least it has that Head-style grip. Personally I prefer the rectangular grip for my one-hander, I grew up with rounded grips but it doesn’t feel as good as the rectangular ditto for my one-handed backhand. That racket has a great spin potential which comes in handy when hitting balls closer to the net. Though, it can’t beat my go-to-racket, Yonex VCore Pro 97D (2019 version). That’s a beast for hitting one-handers and a better choice overall. Your review focused mainly on backhands so from that point of view I understand your racket choices. But a racket also needs to work for other strokes. The Prestige and ProStaff may be good for backhands but they are advanced and difficult to handle overall. I used Prestige for 15 years but switching to the VCore Pro made life on court in general so much easier. In addition to backhands it’s also unbeatable when it comes to slices and serves.

The blade 98v8 is still my match stick - with a bit of weight added for stability and more headlight. Just a great mix of speed and solidity. Less muted than the V9 I’m guessing? Feel not an issue for me anyway. But my new love is the Prestige MPL. Born to be customised. I’ve hit the MP and Pro and genuinely think the modded MPL is better for most players. Forgiving yet precise, great feel and fast as lightning through the air. Stability and plow not a problem after a little weight added - and the 16x19 string pattern gives you that extra pop and spin. Give it try!

Owned all of these except for the percept. I have landed on a weighted up Prestige Pro, RF97, PK 325 and a Zuus 100 as may preferred sticks in rotation right now. This video makes me want to play the Percept now. I am a Canadian who lives in L.A. so I get to play outdoors 3 times a week all year round - if you are ever in L.A. I got the club hookup for ya :)

Also the Prestige with the 16x19 String Pattern is good Choice for OH.

Great video. What about the Pro Staff RF?

Loved the video, tried all these rackets but always go back to my Prestige Tour 95 16x19. Best blend of everything

Has anyone tried ProKennex Black Ace Pro for SHBH?

I have a OHBH and demoed the 97 and loved it for that. On forehands it was nice, but it is so headlight with low swing weight in stock form that I struggled with heavy hitters. Curious to know if the Percept 100D could offer best of worlds, or that the bigger head size takes away too much maneuverability for a OHBH

As a club player with a 1HBH I used to love the Pro Staff 97 V14 before moving to the Blade 100. It's just much more comfortable and I don't feel like I'm losing much compared to the Pro Staff.

"I typically use a one-handed backhand and have found that with good technique, you can play effectively with any racket. I don't entirely agree that a racket should weigh 300 grams or more because if you lack strength, it can be challenging to time your swings perfectly for optimal contact. Personally, I use the Vcore98 and Radical MP rackets, and I agree that a more spin-friendly racket is generally better. My backhand is more consistent with the Vcore98, even when I'm running fast. On the other hand, rackets designed for flatter hits can sometimes struggle, especially on low balls (which is a problem I encounter with my Radical MP). By the way, this is my longest comment on your channel 😂😂. Thanks for the video, as I always look forward to this topic! 🎉🎉"

I wonder how you'd compare the 97 with the 97D. I had the opportunity to hit with a friend's 97D and loved it. The level of precision was ridiculously good.

For my one hander i rely exclusively on my Pro Staff Six One 95 pro stock The pro staff 97 is also super good, easier to use.

The Head Boom Pro is also a great Racquet for the one handed Backhand players, its my racquet of choice and I think my backhand improved a lot with the Boom Pro ( auxetic 2.0), I think thats because of the racquet face shape idk but something in that Racquet makes it easier to hit it cleaner than when im hitting with my Percept 97

The technique of one handed backhand is much more important than the racquet itself. You can't cheat the shots with arm or wrist like forehead and two handed backhand. Ones someone dominanted the one handed technique. The choice of racquet would lean more towards his/her forehand preference since the percentage of using backhand during a match is very low. I personally use the blade pro 1619 with a unstrung swimg weight of 303.

Surprised the pure strike 97 isn’t mentioned! Dominic Thiem wouldn’t be pleased 😜

The Diadem Elevate V3 is excellent for a one-handed backhand as well.

Should using a one-handed backhand affect my string choice? Also, I LOVE my one handed backhand with the Head Boom Pro (previous version). Something about it just gives me some effortless power. Might have to give the prestige a try. I sometimes use my vcore 98 FOR the more muted feel--I often switch to it when dealing with tennis elbow. Not sure if just random chance, but my slice also feels better on it than my Head racquet.

Great review - you just missed the head extreme tour which is fantastic for one handers!

I am a OHBH and nothing was better for me than the Gravity MP... it's not soo heavy, the 16x20 string pattern gives a lot of control/spin and the feel of the Heads are the best... Only problem is stability against big hitters, that the frame is not soo good... and mine is customized now with some weight... Now i am looking to try the Gravity PRO, because of more weight (and tho more stability) and more control and the lower angle on the slice backhand... let's see how it goes... got curious about the Prestige and the Percept, altough i don't like the feel of the Yonex... Wilson Blade 98 and Pro Staff are really really good for the OHBH, has an amazing feeling and stability, but i don't like them a lot to mobility, does not fit my game... Nice video btw, a lot of great options and i was happy to see the Gravity and the Speed here!

Solid list! I’d put the PS97 over the Percept 97 though all day any day. :) Where is your Boom Pro? No honorable mention? :) Maybe not the most rock solid but it can shoot out a OHBH pretty nicely when paired with the right string.

I'm looking for a racket with especially control but also enough power. Yonex percept 97/100D maybe? I'm using a babolat pure aero for a year now, but it's a little bit stiff and I miss control/flat hitting. What's your advice?

Hi, I'm looking for a forgiving racket with good feel, control, and spin. I'm currently using an ezone 98 and find it a little too unforgiving and stiff. What would you recommend?

I guess not a surprising list. I usually use an Extreme Tour w/ lead tape @ 12 o'clock. Not ideal but I feel confident using different rackets while hitting my one-handed backhand and gear my racket choice more toward what I like using on the forehand. Eventually I'll try out the Pro Staff and Percept. But I'm so used to playing the Extreme Tour and Pure Aero 98 that it's really hard to get myself to make a switch.

Makes you appreciate Gasquet who has/had one of the best one backhands on tour playing with a head extreme pro 100sq inch

Consider that my 1hbh is my "natural" shot, and that I obviously played w/ Prestige Pro (90!) as a young boy, now I felt in love with the Gravity Tour... as the Prestige would be too demanding now that I'm older. The way I test a frame is simple: IF my bh is ON, then maybe I can play with the stick, otherwise, no chance. Of modern frames I tested, the only other one I liked was the Boom Pro. Speed Pro and VCore 98 were simply "wrong". Amen.

Any thoughts on tecnifibre tfights for this? at 300, 305 or 310

Hey Luca! I’m also a local vancouverite and just started posting my own tennis videos. Just want to say keep up the great work and maybe one day we could collab. Cheers

The one hander is such a beautiful liability.

Maybe a top 5 for rackets that are comfortable yet powerful. Like a lot of people, my arm / shoulder can't handle stiff rackets like a pure drive, but I still want some help from the frame. The current vcore 100 comes to mind for this category.

I play with a TF40 18x20 at 305gms, i also find it decent for OHB..what are your thoughts?

Thoughts on the boom pro? Would it be in the top 10?

the PRO STAFF 97, are you talking about this year's model?

I am finding difficulty in choosing what to buy btw Ezone 98 vs Boom Pro can you suggest me what to choose

anybody has a take on body height and style of backhand (one or two hander)?

What about prostaff X? Very much like 97, classic feel, slighter bigger and forgiving

Did you also try the Prince ATS Textreme Tour 95 or 98?

Prince tour 95 2015 and prince tour 310g 2019 very good

Video on Top 5 Power Racquet please

The OHBH is so elegant and the way tennis should be played in my opinion.

I'm having a hard time finding a racquet for lefties! Any suggestions? 🤪

100+ has so much power but your topspin stroke has to be amazing

Prostaff 85, classic prestige mid are the best for single backhand, that's why they are still being sold at tw.

percept 97D is even better. But if you really want the ultimate precision, speed, feel etc.. you have to try an old Pro staff 90

T-fight 315 is incredible for 1hbh. It’s stable and great with spin.

is the percept 97 okay stock?

I don't think I've ever seen a buggy whip one hander before ;)

Am using the vcore 95. Demo'd the Percept last weekend after the recommendation. Surprisingly not very maneuverable or whippy. It's stable, yes. A bit more helpful than vcore 95 when on the defensive. Overall, a little disappointed.

can you guys make a top 5 all rounder racket video?

What about 6.1 95 prostaff? 331gr unsprung frame, hand heavy, 95sq.?

what about the Head Radical Pro 98?

Did you try shift pro?

Babolat aerostorm is my pick

18x20 microgel radical for me

For a guy who doesn’t hit one handed, your preparation and technique are pretty decent

How about the vcore 98?

Mb you going to make “best leather grips”?;)😮

Radical MP and Blade 100 v8 and T-Fight ISOFLEX 300 👍

Pro Staff RF97 is above all. It's in another league ;)

Where is the Blade? :( l was thinking to buy it but niw l m confused

good athlete