BORDENTOWN, N.J. — Tennis equipment manufacturers, including Prince Sports Inc., have started the new year making noise with new racket technologies.

Recently, Prince, which is based here in Burlington County, introduced what it is calling the “next generation” of two of its top-selling models. Three major competitors — Head, Wilson and Babolat — also launched technologically advanced rackets this year. The special engineering comes at a price. The high-tech adult rackets cost anywhere from just under $200 up to $300.

“Competition is as strong as ever among the top brands,” said Keith Storey, who tracks the tennis industry as vice president of Sports Marketing Surveys in Jupiter, Fla. “Five years ago, the top four brands accounted for 84 percent of racket sales at pro and specialty stores, they now account for 92 percent. … A number of brands have fallen out of the market. However, there are still opportunities for new brands. Babolat rackets weren’t introduced in the United States until 2000.”

All the companies are competing for a slice of racket sales, which in the United States totaled $121 million in 2007, the latest year for which figures are available from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.