Extended Length Tennis Racquets are longer than the standard 27 inches and are often used by recreational players looking for more power and reach on their two-handed backhands.
The most common lengths used are 27-1/4″, 27-1/2″, and 28″, with the longest length allowed under current regulations being 29″.
This article will discuss the pros and cons of using an extended-length racquet and some of your purchasing options.
Pros of Extended Length Rackets
There are many pros to using racquets with a longer than standard length, with the main pro being the extra reach when you are pulled out wide on either side.
The extra reach is especially helpful if you have a two-handed backhand, as you won’t have the same reach as a player who plays with a one-handed backhand.
The extra length also helps give you more power on your serve and overheads as you will be meeting the ball at a higher point, and you will have more mass behind the ball.
Another advantage is that the extra reach will make it harder for opponents to pass you when you’re up at the net.
Cons of Extended Length Rackets
The main disadvantage to using a racket with an extended length is that it will be less maneuverable.
It also takes some time to get used to playing with an extended racket (especially if you have only ever played with a standard length).
Another drawback is that it can be tiring to play with as they often have a heavier swing weight than a similar standard-length racket.
3 Best Extended Length Tennis Rackets
Every player will have his or her own opinion on which extended length racquets they feel are the top three, but these are mine.
1. Babolat Pure Drive Plus
The Babolat Pure Drive Plus is probably the most popular extended-length racket amongst recreational players. It offers a good mix of power, control, and spin.
Specs: | Babolat Pure Drive Plus |
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Version: | 2021 |
Design: | ![]() |
Head Size: | 100in |
Length: | 27.5in |
Strung Weight: | 318g (11.2oz) |
Swing Weight: | 324g |
Head Heavy or Head Light: | 6 Pts Head Light |
TW Stiffness Rating: | 69 |
Power: | Low to Medium |
Beam Width: | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm |
Composition: | Graphite |
Colors: | Blue and Black |
String Pattern: | 16×19 |
Grip Type: | Babolat Syntec Pro |
2. Wilson Blade 104
Venus Williams endorses the Wilson Blade 104, which her sister Serena Williams previously endorsed before she switched to playing with the Wilson Blade SW 102 Autograph before she recently retired.
Specs: | Wilson Blade 104 |
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Version: | V8 |
Design: | ![]() |
Head Size: | 104in |
Length: | 27.5in |
Strung Weight: | 306g (10.8oz) |
Swing Weight: | 317g |
Head Heavy or Head Light: | 6 Pts Head Light |
TW Stiffness Rating: | 70 |
Power: | Low to Medium |
Beam Width: | 22.5mm |
Composition: | Graphite |
Colors: | Green |
String Pattern: | 16×19 |
Grip Type: | Wilson Pro Performance |
3. Yonex EZONE 100+
The Yonex EZONE 100+ is the extended version of the popular Ezone 100 and offers similar playability and specs.
Specs: | Yonex EZONE 100+ |
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Version: | 2020 |
Design: | ![]() |
Head Size: | 100in |
Length: | 27.5in |
Strung Weight: | 315g (11.1oz) |
Swing Weight: | 335g |
Head Heavy or Head Light: | 3 Pts Head Light |
TW Stiffness Rating: | 70 |
Power: | Low to Medium |
Beam Width: | 23.5mm / 26mm / 22mm |
Composition: | HM Graphite |
Colors: | Blue |
String Pattern: | 16×19 |
Grip Type: | Yonex Synthetic Grip |
Pros Who Use Extended Length Rackets
Below is a selection of pros currently playing with an extended racket on the ATP and WTA Tours.
- Albert Ramos-Vinolas – (27.5 inches)
- Benoit Paire – (27.5 inches)
- Bernard Tomic – (27.5 inches)
- Diego Schwartzman – (28 inches)
- Edouard Roger Vasselin – (27.5 inches)
- Elina Svitolina – (27.5 inches)
- Eugenie Bouchard – (27.5 inches)
- Evgeny Donskoy – (27.5 inches)
- Gaël Monfils – (27.5 inches)
- Hsieh Su-wei – (29 inches)
- Jamie Murray – (27.5 inches)
- Jelena Ostapenko – (27.5 inches)
- John Isner – (27.4 inches)
- Kei Nishikori – (27.25 inches)
- Novak Djokovic – (27.1 inches)
- Qiang Wang – (27.5 inches)
- Richard Gasquet – (27.5 inches)
- Thanasi Kokkinakis – (27.5 inches)
- Venus Williams – (27.5 inches)