Choosing your first tennis racket can be a daunting task, with most tennis stores stocking hundreds of different rackets. Here are some tips to help you choose your first tennis racket:
- Determine your skill level: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player? This will help you determine the appropriate racket weight, head size, and string tension.
- Consider your playing style: Are you a power player or a finesse player? Do you prefer to hit with topspin or slice? This will help you determine the appropriate racket balance, grip size, and string pattern.
- Try different rackets: It's important to try out different rackets before making your decision, because the right racket should feel like an extension to the arm. Here at String Sports, we run a demo service that allows you to try rackets before you commit to buying them. This will help you determine which racket feels the most comfortable and natural in your hands.
- Consider the racket specs: Look at the weight, head size, balance, grip size, and string pattern of each racket. Generally, a lighter racket with a larger head size and more open string pattern will be more forgiving – something that most beginners will need. Need help understanding racket specs? Checkout our guide to tennis rackets here.
- Set a budget: Rackets come in a wide range of prices, from under £50 to over £200. Set a budget and look for rackets within that range that meet your specifications. (You can filter by price on our shop with the menu on the left-hand side of the screen!)
- Read our reviews: At String Sports we review a variety of rackets, so that you get a great idea of the racket before you purchase. In our reviews you can see all the specifications in addition to opinions and general information.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose a racket that feels comfortable and natural in your hands. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect racket for you, but with some patience and research, you'll be hitting winners with your new racket in no time!