When we run racquet reviews in TENNIS Magazine we always save a few just for the website. It’s not a reflection of their quality, but rather an added bonus for our tennis.com readers. In the September issue we evaluate 11 different frames, but these three can only be found here. I’d be curious to read what you think of them or any of the other new models currently on the market.

Head CrossBow 6

Price: $250
Head Size: 112 sq. in.
Length: 27.3 in.
Weight: 9.8 oz.
Flexibility: Stiff
Balance: ½ in. head heavy
Ideal Swing: Medium
NTRP: 3.0-4.5

Sales Pitch: A powerful racquet with a manageable balance that will appeal to a large range of players.
Compare To: Head Metallix 6
How It Tested: The name of the racquet comes from Head’s new power technology in the bridge of the frame. The bridge, or CrossBow, is suspended and moves independently from the rest of the racquet (don’t worry, it won’t come out). When a ball hits the strings, the bridge stores energy and then releases it into the shot as the ball leaves the stringbed. Sort of like slingshot. Playtesters did find a good level of power, but you need proper timing to tame it. If you’re late on the ball it can take off on you. Otherwise control is not a problem and the racquet has a solid feel at impact, especially on volleys, thanks to the re-designed Head Stabilizer in the shaft (those metal wings). The Stabilizer moves in the opposite direction to the flex of the frame, serving as a counterbalance for more backbone. While the frame is stable, some playtesters did find it a bit rigid and challenging when hitting with touch or sharp angles. But the ones who prefer a stiffer frame and like driving the ball were highly impressed.

Bottom Line: Intermediate club players with a hankering for power will find this racquet to their liking.

Prince O3 Black Longbody

Price: $220
Head Size: 100 sq. in.
Length: 27.5 in.
Weight: 11.4 oz.
Flexibility: Firm
Balance: 3/5 in. head light
Ideal Swing:
NTRP: 4.0-5.0

Sales Pitch: An extended length frame for more advanced players looking to generate excellent racquet head speed.
Compare To: N/A
How It Tested: With the addition of a longbody model, Prince has got most of its bases covered when it comes to its popular O3 Speedport Black frame. There’s a Team version for players who need a lighter, less demanding option and now this offering for those who prefer a half inch of extra length on their racquet. Indeed, if you’re not use to an extended racquet it does take some adjustment, particularly on ground strokes where some playtesters felt they were late on the ball. Once you adapt to the length control from the baseline does improve, although it’s not pinpoint. Still, the added leverage proved great for adding pop to serves and overheads, and reaching for stretch volleys. The large rectangular holes on the frame – Speedports – cut down on wind drag for enhanced swing speed and, by allowing more freedom for the strings, gives the frame a soft, deadened feel at impact. As with the other O3 Speedport Black racquets, the longbody version comes with String Hole Inserts (grommets, basically) that can be placed in the ports to give the racquet a more traditionally feeling stringbed, with heightened feedback.

Bottom Line: If you like longer racquets, or want to make the switch to one, this longbody offers plenty of pop and comfort.

Volkl Powerbridge 8

Price: $200
Head Size: 100 sq. in.
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 10.9 oz.
Flexibility: Stiff
Balance: ½ in. head light
Ideal Swing: Medium to long
NTRP: 3.5-5.0

Sales Pitch: A power-oriented frame for aggressive all-courters who like to hit with lots of pace and topspin.
Compare To: Volkl DNX 8
How It Tested: It’s got some heft, but it’s still very maneuverable. There’s plenty of power, but not so much that it can’t be controlled. Sound familiar? The Powerbridge 8 is one of those ever popular ‘tweener racquets that’s not quite a true advanced player’s frame, yet still has enough performance characteristics to appeal to accomplished competitors. Volkl has long used it’s DNX material (strong carbon fibers) in different parts of their racquets and for the first time it’s being put at the 6 o’clock position – the Powerbridge – on the racquet face. The goal is to strengthen that part of the frame for an overall increase in stability and power. Playtesters found plenty of both in the Powerbridge 8, with good jump on their shots when they found the sweet spot, and a solid response at contact. Although some complained the frame felt a little too stiff. At just under 11 ounces and with a head light balance, it’s fairly easy to handle at net and generate good swing speed at the baseline. The 16x18 string pattern allows for ample spin, which some testers said was necessary to control the racquet’s power.

Bottom Line: Not as comfortable as we would have liked, but provides big power for free swingers looking for some extra juice.