Discover how to choose the best tennis racket for you. Whether you're looking for a beginner tennis racket, or a performance racket to give you the perfect combination of power, spin and control, read through our guide on how to pick the perfect racket.
Here at String Sports we pride ourselves on our tennis knowledge and can guarantee that we can find you the perfect racket no matter your level and ability. Our guide below will help you narrow down what type of racket you are looking for.
SELECTING THE RIGHT TENNIS RACKET FOR YOU.
Before you start looking at rackets its important for every player to understand the main components to a tennis racket construction: head size and weight.
TENNIS RACKET HEAD SIZES:
OVERSIZE: 105” or larger
MIDPLUS: 98” to 104”
MIDSIZE: 85” to 97”
TENNIS RACKET WEIGHTS:
LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME: 9 – 9.7oz / 255 – 275g
MEDIUM FRAME: 9.8 – 11oz / 275 – 310g
HEAVY WEIGHT FRAME: 11oz / 310g or heavier
BEGINNER TENNIS PLAYERS:
Just starting tennis? Players just starting to learn the game should start with lighter rackets, this will help build the muscles into the sport so you'r not jumping in too heavy and struggling to swing. Additionally rackets with a larger head size, often called an 'oversized', will help make contact with the ball more constantly while learning to rally. However, going oversized can slow down the learning process as going to big makes it easier we recommend going for a lighter frame with a head size of 100" to 108" if you are looking to improve your game.
When choosing a tennis racket for a beginner, here are a few things to look for:
- Oversize head size (102"-115")
- Lighter frame (255g - 275g)
- More power
Rackets to consider are rackets like the Babolat Evo range, Wilson Ultra Lite frames (UL) and the Head Team L rackets. These are sure to be a great suit to start your tennis journey.
INTERMEDIATE TENNIS PLAYERS:
Intermediate players while still learning may want to add more power and control to their game as their tennis muscles have gotten used to the game. Adding some extra weight and decreasing the head size will help generate more of their own pace naturally, while still being able to control the ball.
When selecting a racket for intermediate tennis players, keep the following in mind:
- Oversize or Midplus head size (100"-108")
- Medium weight frame (275g - 295g)
Rackets to consider are rackets like the Babolat Pure Team series, Wilson 108's and Lite (L) rackets and Head Team Rackets. These add a little more weight for added power and control.
ADVANCED TENNIS PLAYERS:
Advanced players should be using “mid-plus or mid-size” rackets, that will allow them to play with control, feel and precision. These three benefits will provide a more connected-to-the-ball feel, allowing players to play more confidently as they go for their shots with fast swings and their own power.
When selecting a racket for advanced tennis players, keep the following in mind:
- Midplus to Midsize head size (90" - 100")
- Medium to heavy weight frame (300g -320g)
OVERALL:
When choosing a racket, you should consider what you want from your racket, look at the table below to help guide you.
- Larger Headsize = More Power; Smaller Headsize = More Control
- Lighter Racket = More Power; Heavier Racket = More Control
RACKET GRIP SIZES
Racket grip sizes are measured L0 through to L4, an L0 is 4" in diameter while a L4 is 4 1/2" in diameter. Margins are very small for grips but important to make sure you are comfortable when holding a racket.
Most adult women find success with a 4 ¼ L2) while men typically gravitate towards 4 3/8 (L3).
However, recent trends have seen players using smaller grip sizes to generate more spin.
NEED HELP CHOOSING THE PERFECT RACKET?
Drop us a message or give us call and we will be more than happy to guide you to finding your perfect racket.