Mizuno Enters Competitive Racket Space with Two New Frames

Mizuno’s brand journey began back in 1909 with growth over the past century to become a well-known global sports brand. With popular tennis shoes and apparel, Mizuno dabbled in rackets in the 80s and 90s, but stepped away at the turn of the century. That was the case until this past month.

The brand reenters the tennis racket industry with two ambitious frames: the AcroStrike 98 and the AcroSpeed 100. Built with proprietary technology, the hopes are that these rackets will compete with the racket industry that includes major players like Wilson, Babolat, and Yonex.

While we haven’t yet tested these new frames, the specs look intriguing. Each racket is built for two distinct playing styles to deliver a balance of precision, power, and responsiveness.

The AcroSpeed 100 is engineered for explosive pace, delivering effortless power and accelerated ball speed from all areas of the court. The AcroStrike 98 is designed for players seeking control and consistency, offering a stable, connected feel through impact.

Both frames introduce a suite of proprietary technologies developed in Japan, including:

• ENERZY Frame — A unique cross-sectional frame design that efficiently transfers energy at impact for enhanced power

• Dual Spring Technology — A carbon-based construction that amplifies frame flex and increases energy return for greater ball speed

• ABG Grommet — Designed to help strings better grab the ball, improving spin potential and control

• 4-Way Pocket Grommet System — Enables multi-directional string movement to enhance snapback and generate up to 17% more spin

• Booster Grommets — Extend ball dwell time and promote deeper, more penetrating shots

“At Mizuno, we focused on creating a racquet that delivers a completely unique feel at impact,” said Yohei Yamashita, lead engineer on the project. “By combining new frame construction with advanced grommet systems, we were able to achieve both enhanced energy return and greater dwell time, giving players a rare combination of power, control, and feedback.”

Sometimes racket options can be overwhelming with all the different features and technology. However, Mizuno’s focus on performance innovation and long-term growth in tennis give hope that they are creating quality rackets for players of all levels. 

According to Yamashita, this release is only the beginning, with future expansion expected across both product and athlete presence. It’s an exciting time in racket sports, and Mizuno has big goals to shake up the industry.