I know I’ve got a lot of rackets on my desk waiting to be reviewed right now, but let’s put a pin in that for a second because when you look at what’s coming in 2026, it’s hard not to get excited.

What I want to do today is walk through everything we know is coming, talk about what I’m most excited about, and also (just for fun) share what I hope these rackets play like once they’re out. That said, the final products could end up being very different.

So with that in mind, let’s get right into it because there are a lot of rackets coming in 2026.

Yonex Vcore

The new Vcores haven’t officially launched yet, but at this point there’s enough information from early play tests that most people know what to expect The major change across the entire line is simple: more power.

Whether that’s something I personally like, I’m still trying to figuring out, but from a market perspective, it makes complete sense. Power is what players are chasing right now, and Yonex has clearly leaned into that trend.

The Vcore 98, in particular, is one of the most powerful 98-square-inch rackets I’ve ever tested, to the point where I’d argue it’s no longer primarily a “spin racket”. It’s a power racket that happens to produce a lot of spin. Control is a bit lacking at times, at least for me, but I also recognize that players who generate heavy spin will have fewer issues with control.

What Yonex absolutely nailed here is the satisfying factor. Even though the feel is dampened and definitely not classic, when you catch the ball cleanly you get this unique, positive feedback that very few rackets offer and that’s when you know you’ve hit a heavy ball.

The Vcore 100 follows a similar path: a higher launch and more power and compared to the Ezone 100, I actually find the Ezone to feel a bit spinnier and more forgiving. Like with the 98, the Vcore 100 is now the power racket in their line, the Ezone is the spin frame.

Then there’s the Vcore 100D, which tones things down a little while still being extremely powerful, and rewarding. Part of me wishes Yonex had given us a 98D as well, just to see how a denser string bed could rein in the launch and add control, but they’ve already given us a lot, so I won’t get greedy.

The Vcore I’m most excited about, though, is the one I haven’t tested yet: the Vcore 95.

With a smaller head size and a denser pattern, control should naturally be better than on the bigger Vcores. And if Yonex has managed to carry over the large sweet spot and added power we’re seeing in those rackets, this could be a truly special modern 95.

Head Speed

The big news from Head this year is the introduction of the Speed Tour, with a 97-square-inch head. This is a racket a lot of us have been asking for, and it feels like a natural evolution of the Speed line.

Speeds already offer a clean feel and surprisingly good control for their head size and beam thickness. Shrinking that down to 97 square inches will only improve those characteristics, while still keeping the good power and spin we expect from a Speed. If we’re talking about a truly well-rounded 97 for the modern game, this could be one of the best options out there.

It will also feature Head’s Hybor technology, which I really appreciated in the Speed Legend Pro & MP that I reviewed a few months ago. Hybor enlarges the sweet spot while adding its own, unique feedback. For me, it’s one of the best modern layups currently available and I can’t wait to try it out in a racket with a smaller head.

 

Babolat Pure Aero

The Pure Aero is the only Babolat racket we’re getting this year, but it’s a big update.

I’m currently testing the 98 and what I’ll say for now is that it’s very different. I’m generally a fan of big changes, but after the success of the previous Aero 98, this feels like a risky move.

The Aero 100 has also changed significantly, which is interesting considering its mold had stayed largely the same since 2005. That’s going to take some adjustment for Aero purists, and again, time will tell if it was a wise decision to drastically update such a storied line.

If anyone can do it, though, it’s Babolat. Historically, they’ve set trends — the original Aero, the Pure Drive, the Aero 98 — these are era-defining rackets. So if they think this is the way to go, I’m willing to trust them until I’m shown otherwise

Either way, this new Aero is going to be one of the biggest reviews of the year.

 

Wilson: Blade, Pro Staff, and the Mystery Frame

Wilson is busy in 2026.

We’re getting a new Blade surprisingly soon, and from what I’ve heard, it’s more than a cosmetic and layup update. Rumour has it we’re getting a mold change, which would be a massive deal for a line that’s historically stayed very consistent.

If the Blade does get slightly thicker in the hoop while keeping that flex in the throat, it could be exactly what modern players are looking for: more power and spin without losing too much control, which is a key part of the Blade’s identity.

The Pro Staff update seems much more subtle, potentially just a new paint job. Wilson may also be cutting some of the rackets in the line and, honestly, that’s fine. The Pro Staff doesn’t need reinvention, it needs to stay true to its roots

The most intriguing Wilson release, though, is the mystery, blacked-out racket we’ve seen players like Tsitsipas testing. This appears to be an entirely new line, and after viewing some close-up shots, this will likely be a modern, control-oriented spin racket with a 98-square-inch head and an aerodynamic throat. The combination of power, spin and control that you get with this style of frame (Aero 98, Vcore 98, etc.) is clearly something that high-level players value, and logically Wilson would want a piece of that pie.

It’s not a new Shift, by the way, and it may even replace it. I’m not entirely sure where Wilson is taking the Shift, but it’s due for an update any time now, or it’s probably time to put it in the bin.

But as far as the mystery black racket is concerned: with so many pros experimenting with it, this could be one of the most important Wilson releases in years and, like everyone else, I can’t wait to get my hands on one.

 

Tecnifibre, Head Boom, etc.

I’m also incredibly excited about what Tecnifibre is doing this year. I’ve been invited to Paris for a racket launch in February, which will be my first experience like this with a brand. I genuinely have no idea what we’re testing — it could be anything from a new TF40 to an entirely new line — but if last year’s T-Fight is anything to go by, my expectations are high.

Head is also updating the Boom, probably with Hybor in the layup, similar to the Speed. The Boom doesn’t need major changes as it’s already excellent at what it does, and this feels like a smart update that will subtly improve the feel.

And finally, Head is launching the Squared line: a true Clash competitor focused on comfort and forgiveness. This is something Head has needed in their lineup for a while, and it should be an interesting alternative for players who like the Clash but want a different feel.

That’s it for the rackets! As you can see, tons of frames to get excited about — the reviews are piling up so it’s time for me to get back on court and test them all!

Keep an eye on our coming soon page and click Notify Me to be the first to know when a new racket hits our shelves.