COMPARE TO:
Wilson H4HOW IT TESTED:
Advanced players might be turned off by the n4’s light weight. And, if you’re used to something in the 11-ounce range, this isn’t for you. But with most of the weight toward the head, this racquet feels heavier when you swing it. And by filling the voids between the frame’s carbon fibers with silicon-oxide crystals, a process Wilson calls nCode, designers strengthened the frame for increased power and stability. Compared to their usual racquets, playtesters with medium to long swings said that they committed more unforced errors, especially with the oversize, which Venus Williams endorses. But they also cracked more winners. Sounds like the right stick for practitioners of Williams’ aggressive strategy. The n4’s greatest asset may be the way it helps players with aggressive, compact swings move the ball around with authority, letting them do more with less.

BOTTOM LINE:
It gives intermediates the power they want and offers enough control for advanced players who don’t take a big swing.

COMPARE TO:
Wilson Triad 3HOW IT TESTED:
The n3 has a lively, almost springy string bed, thanks to nZone. These large oval channels at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions of the head allow the grommets, and therefore the strings, to move more on impact. Wilson has also supersized the head and given the frame a head-heavy balance. Together, these specs make the n3 a powerful weapon for players with short strokes. It was a favorite among slice-and-dicers, junkballers, and anyone else who generated spin by taking a truncated swing. But hit out and the trampoline-like effect works against you; the problem, primarily, is balls sailing long. Maneuverability could be a little better, particularly at net, where the racquet can be a slight drag on your volleys. The n3 also has a vibration-eating yoke between the head and the handle. Fans of the frame’s three-piece predecessor, Triad 3, which shares the same head size, balance, and weight, will notice more feel and less dampening because the n3 has a thin polymer above the handle instead of a thick one in the throat. Overall, it’s a solid pick if you want comfort to go with your power.

BOTTOM LINE:
Short-swinging, spin-producing gamers will like this frame.

COMPARE TO:
Wilson n6HOW IT TESTED:
The nVision 103 is light but head heavy. The balance works to your advantage on ground strokes and serves, as the weight in the head adds momentum and power to your swing. You’ll need good racquet preparation so you’re not caught trying to whip the frame through the contact point, but if you’ve got time to set up, especially on high-bouncing midcourt balls, the nVision 103 is lethal. It also packs a wallop at net. Fans of Wilson will take notice of the head size, which almost splits the difference between what the company typically offers—95 and 110 square inches—to provide a hitting area that’s forgiving yet controllable. Sure, maybe this racquet doesn’t offer the precise shot-making that better players demand, but so what? The majority of us need what this stick can do.

BOTTOM LINE:
Head-heavy balance and light weight will allow intermediates to hit more winners.

SALES PITCH:
An update of a popular recent model, this newer version is intended to have better feel in a quieter and more playable frame.

COMPARE TO:
Wilson HTour 95HOW IT TESTED:
By filling in the microscopic spaces between the frame’s woven graphite fibers with silicone-oxide crystals, a technology the company calls nCode, Wilson has increased the racquet’s stability without adding weight. Indeed, hitting off-center won’t spell certain doom; often the racquet compensates for a mishit by keeping the ball in play. While the nTour 95 falls under the Wilson Hammer category—frames with weighty heads—it’s only slightly head heavy, so players who like evenly balanced racquets won’t be turned off. At the baseline, the nTour 95 rewards you with a nice blend of power and control if you drive through the ball instead of slapping at it. Testers said the nTour 95 wasn’t especially effective for generating spin, but it was outstanding for adding pace to flat groundies and serves. And volleys were solid. Although net-rushers will need a more maneuverable frame, power baseliners who come to net to knock off a volley or two will be pleased with what the nTour 95 has to offer.

BOTTOM LINE:
The slightly head-heavy balance gives you a little extra power, and the small head keeps you in control.