One thing that’s great about tennis in the Hamptons is the style that the tennis community brings to the court.  People want the best of everything: top of the line shoes, sunglasses, shorts, polos…etc.  However, I see WAY too many people out there playing with tennis racquets that don’t stack up to the competition.  Obviously practice makes perfect, but an upgrade in racquet and new technology will only help!  Here are the best new racquets to take your game to the next level.

Beginners:

Donnay X-P Dual Lite
Price: $ 198
Head Size:102 sq. inches
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 10.2 oz
Balance: 0 points head light
String Pattern: 16 mains x 20 crosses
NTRP: 3.0-5.0
Ideal Swing Type: Short to Medium

Are you a beginner, but still want to be noticed this summer?  Look no further than the new Donnay X-P Dual Lite.  Donnay is shaking up the industry by introducing the thinnest beam line of racquets and the only non-hollow frames available currently.  The X-P Dual Lite comes in two colors, white / black or pink / white and at 10.2 ounces, with an even balance, this racquet will help you generate more topspin and get greater wrist snap on your serves.  The ultra thin beam of this racquet will also allow you to get greater spin on your slice ground strokes.  The only racquet on the market made from a single mold, the X-P Dual Lite makes for almost no shock to the arm on off-center hits, an increased sweet-spot, and will reduce the chance of racquet related injury significantly. *Available exclusively in the Hamptons at Future Stars Tennis Club in Southampton, NY or online at www.DonnayUSA.com

Intermediate:

Head Youtek Seven Star
Price: $300
Head Size: 115 sq. inches
Length: 27.33 inches
Weight: 9.2 oz.
Balance: 7 points head heavy
String Pattern: 16 mains x 20 crosses
NTRP: 2.5-4.0
Ideal Swing Type: Short

The new Head Youtek Seven Star is the only racquet in Head’s Star Series to feature a full control ring, which intends to make the strings move less at impact and improve control and accuracy.  The Seven Star is a very spin friendly racquet, and stands out on serves and maneuverability at the net.  Players will feel comfortable playing with this frame for long periods of time without worrying about their arm getting tired or overworked.  It is the most technology-packed racquet in its line.  Club doubles players looking for a boost in their power will find that the Head Youtek Seven Star really delivers.  *Available at all tennis retailers

Advanced:

Donnay X-Dual Gold 99
Head Size:  99 sq. inches
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 10.9 oz
Balance: 5 points head light
String Pattern: 16 mains x 19 crosses
NTRP: 4.0-7.0
Ideal Swing Type: Medium to Long

The Donnay X-Dual Gold 99 is another very impressive offering in the Donnay line.  The dual core series features Donnay’s Xenecore material running through the entire frame.  At 15 mm in width, it is the thinnest beamed racquet available on the market currently.  This allows for players with medium to fast swing speeds to get through the ball quicker, allowing for more power and spin potential.  The entire Donnay line has the biggest sweet spots of any racquets I have play tested, providing players with more confidence and less shock to the arm during play.  The Gold 99 stand out feature is control: performance players will love the access to power, but will thrive with the increased accuracy.  Want to alter the weight / balance of your Donnay?  No problem.  Donnay is the only manufacturer to offer a full customization kit, allowing players to accurately alter the weight and balance of their racquets without the hassle of lead tape.  *Available at www.DonnayUsa.com, or select retailers