MP vs L vs UL vs Tour Racquets Explained

You've found a racquet you like. Then you see it comes in six versions.

MP. MP L. UL. Pro. Tour. Team.

Same name, same paint, very different racquets.

This guide decodes the labels brands use, so you can pick the right version of the right racquet.

We'll cover:

What L, UL, Lite and SL mean
What Pro, Tour and Plus mean
How each major brand names its versions
How to pick the right one for you

Quick answer: Lighter versions (L, UL, Lite, SL, Team) are easier to swing and suit beginners, juniors moving up and players with sore arms. Heavier versions (Pro, Tour) are more stable and controlled, for advanced players with fast swings. The standard model sits in the middle, usually around 300g.

The common labels

Label	Usually means	Who it suits
MP	Midplus head (about 98 to 100 sq in), standard weight	Most intermediate players
L / Lite	A lighter version, usually around 270 to 285g	Improvers, juniors stepping up, players wanting easier swing speed
UL / SL	Ultra light or super light, usually around 255 to 270g	Beginners, younger teens, players with arm or shoulder issues
Team	A lighter, easier version of the family	Club players who want the family feel in a friendlier package
Pro	Heavier, often a denser string pattern	Advanced players
Tour	Heavier or smaller head for more control	Advanced and competitive players
Plus	Extended length, about half an inch longer	Players who want more reach and serve power

Weights here are typical, not fixed. Always check the specs on the product page.

How the big brands name their versions

Head

Head uses MP as the base model, then builds around it.

MP: the standard model, usually around 300g.
MP L: the lighter MP, usually around 280g.
MP UL: ultra light, for easier swing speed.
Pro and Tour: heavier or more control-focused. The Speed Tour 2026, for example, has a 97 sq in head and weighs 305g.
Team: a lighter, more forgiving version in some families.

Browse the Head range, including Speed and Boom.

Yonex

Yonex names models by head size, then adds a letter.

100 and 98: head size in square inches.
L: lighter. The VCORE 100L is 280g and the 98L is 285g.
SL: super light, lighter again.
Tour: heavier. The VCORE 98 Tour is 315g.

See Yonex VCORE, EZONE and Percept.

Wilson

Wilson also leads with head size.

100 and 98: head size.
L: lighter, for example the Clash 100L.
UL: ultra light.
16x19 vs 18x20: the Blade 98 comes in both patterns. 16x19 for more spin, 18x20 for more control.

See Blade, Clash, Ultra and Pro Staff.

Babolat

Babolat uses words rather than letters.

Standard (for example Pure Aero): around 300g.
Team: lighter, around 285g.
Lite: lighter again, around 270g.
98: a smaller head for more control.
Plus: the extended length version.

See Babolat Pure Aero.

Lighter isn't always easier

This one catches people out.

A very light racquet is easy to swing, but it gets pushed around by fast balls. It can also twist on off-centre hits, and your forearm absorbs that.

So if you're an adult with a reasonable swing, don't automatically reach for the lightest version. Many club players end up happier with the standard 300g model, or the L, than the UL.

Heavier isn't always better either

Tour and Pro versions are built for players who swing fast and long.

If your swing is still developing, a heavy frame will make you late on the ball. You'll lose power, not gain it.

Rule of thumb: If you can't comfortably swing the racquet for two full sets, it's too heavy for you right now.

Limited editions and "Legend" models

Special editions like the Head Speed MP Legend usually share the specs of the standard model, with a different finish.

They're a great way to get a little something special, but they won't play differently from the standard version. Check the specs to be sure.

How to pick your version

Pick the racquet family that suits your game. Our best racquets guide helps.
Start with the standard model if you're an intermediate adult.
Go one step lighter if you're a beginner, a junior stepping up, or nursing a sore arm.
Go one step heavier only if the standard model feels unstable against fast balls.
Then hit before you buy, through our demo program.

Our racquet specs guide explains weight, balance and swingweight in more detail.

Quick questions

What is the difference between MP and MP L?

The MP L is a lighter version of the MP, usually around 20g lighter. It's easier to swing but a little less stable.

What does UL mean on a tennis racquet?

UL means ultra light. It's the lightest adult version of a racquet, aimed at beginners, younger teens and players who need easy swing speed.

Is a Tour racquet better than an MP?

Not better, just different. Tour versions are heavier or have a smaller head for more control. They suit advanced players. Most club players are better off with the MP.

What does Plus mean on a tennis racquet?

Plus means extended length, usually about half an inch longer than standard. It adds reach and serve power.

MP, L, UL, Pro and Tour: Tennis Racquet Versions Explained