Game Improvement Racquets Review

We selected the leading game improvement racquets to see how they matched up in terms of power, control, maneuverability, stability and comfort. Below you will find mini reviews with information on how each racquet performed in each category. If there is one category which most appeals to you, you can check the scores for the top racquets in that category and then scroll right to the appropriate mini reviews.

Power Wilson n1 87 Wilson n3 85 Volkl Cat 1 Fire 84 Thunder RIP 84 Liquidmetal 8 80 1000G ICE 78

Comfort Volkl Cat 1 Fire 84 Wilson n3 79 1000G ICE 78 Thunder RIP 78 Liquidmetal 8 76 Wilson n1 75

Control Liquidmetal 8 78 1000G ICE 77 Wilson n1 76 Wilson n3 75 Thunder RIP 74 Volkl Cat 1 Fire 73

Maneuverability Liquidmetal 8 83 Wilson n3 80 Thunder RIP 80 Wilson n1 78 1000G ICE 78 Volkl Cat 1 Fire 78

Stability Wilson n3 78 Wilson n1 78 Thunder RIP 78 Volkl Cat 1 Fire 77 Liquidmetal 8 75 1000G ICE 75

Wilson n1 Summary

Power 87 - The n1 has to be the most powerful game improvement racquets currently on the market. Not only is it powerful, but the delivery of power is smooth. There are no hot spots or sudden drops in power when making contact in different areas of the stringbed. With the n1 we found instant zip on our serves, volleys and groundstrokes, all of which had more depth and came off the court with good pace. The extended length provides additional leverage on serves, overheads and groundstrokes. If you are looking to add power to your game, this is the racquet for you.

Control 76 - With good access to spin and consistent power delivery, we found plenty of control with the n1. Despite the racquet's 28 inch length, we felt in control of the tip of the racquet, making it easy to guide the ball to an intended target. Also adding to the control of the n1 is the good stability offered at contact.

Maneuverability 78 - For a racquet that is 28 inches long the n1 is very maneuverable. While players used to standard length racquets will find the extra length noticeable, we found this an easy racquet to get around, and the length matched up nicely with the 115 square inch headsize. From the baseline, the n1 felt like it had just enough weight in the head for stability without feeling heavy or sluggish.

Stability 78 - It's not easy to produce a racquet that is both stable and maneuverable, but Wilson has nailed the formula with the n1. We found the n1 to be solid from all areas of the court. Serves hit slightly off-center still found their mark and there was no sudden drop-off in pace. Likewise, the feel at net was solid and stable with little effort required to place the ball deep.

Comfort 75 - The n1 offers a crisper feel compared to the n3. With no Triad style dampening system, we had more feel off the strings and felt in tune with our strokes. The sub 10 ounce strung weight of the n1 makes it a comfortable racquet for smaller players to wield, and we never experienced any arm fatigue during long hitting sessions. The large sweetspot and comfortable stringbed (we used Wilson NXT 17 gauge string at mid tension) made the n1 feel softer than its 71 RDC stiffness rating.

Liquidmetal 8

Power 80 - While game improvement racquets are often referred to as power racquets, not all beginners need only power. Take the Liquidmetal 8 for instance. It offers a decent level of power, but nothing that will blow you away. It is, rather, a control oriented game improvement racquet. Don't get us wrong, hitting with depth and pace is easy with the Liquidmetal 8, it's just that the ball does not fly off the strings as much as other racquets in the category. The power level of the Liquidmetal 8 makes it a perfect choice for stronger beginners or those with a naturally long swing. Players that are looking for a racquet that will still suit them as their game and technique improves should also take a close look at this one.

Control 78 - At slow to moderate swing speeds, the Liquidmetal 8 offers a great deal of accuracy and control. We found the open string pattern to provide good access to slice and topspin. Players who like to mix it up with angles and different spins will find lots of control with this racquet. We also found good control on flat strokes and could increase the pace of a point without fear of too much power sending the ball long.

Maneuverability 83 - At only 9.4 ounces and a close to even balance point (4 points head heavy), the Liquidmetal 8 is one of the easiest of the game improvement racquets to get around. At net the racquet feels very fast, making it a good choice for doubles players and those who like to take the ball early. Smaller players who want an easy swinging racquet that offers plenty of control should also find the Liquidmetal 8 a willing partner.

Stability 75 - Part of the comfortable feeling of hitting with the Liquidmetal 8 comes from the racquet's stability. Even off-center shots come off the stringbed with a firm and controlled feel. At net, the Liquidmetal 8 felt fairly solid, which was a nice accompaniment to its maneuverability.

Comfort 76 - The Liquidmetal 8 is a very comfortable racquet. There is a slightly muted feel at contact that has a pleasing silky quality to it. Little racquet vibration is transmitted to the player and the stringbed feels very soft and forgiving with a 17 gauge multifilament string at mid tension. With this set-up we also found a generous sweetspot and a comfortable and consistent response across the stringbed.

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