How much should I spend on a tennis racket?

The reviewers we read draw a clear line between sub-$35 big-box frames (Wilson Federer, Wilson Tour Slam), $99 performance frames (HEAD Ti S6, HEAD Speed MP) and $300 player's racquets (Wilson Blade 98 V10, Yonex EZONE 100). Budget aluminum frames get a lot of love for casual play, but r/tennis commenters note cheaper sticks can vibrate noticeably and don't reward improving technique the way a graphite frame does.