What a great post by our fellow tennis player, Will, a former US college player and co-founder of thetennisbros.com about how to choose a tennis racquet.
We all want to get the absolute most out of our tennis games, and while much of that is going to come from hard work, talent, and mental effort, your tennis gear can undoubtedly make a small difference. In a game where an entire match can swing on the result of a single point, the small difference of having the right racket can really swing things in your favor! So, to make sure you have peace of mind that you’re playing with the right racket for your game, here are 4 handy tips to help you choose the perfect stick.
There is No Best Racket
People often ask what’s the best racket out there, but there is no answer to this question. Novak Djokovic might be the best player in the world, but if the average person tried to play with his racket, it’s likely they’d think it was almost impossible to use. What is really important is finding the best racket for you and this is a very personal choice based on individual criteria. No two players have the same game, and so no two people are going to have exactly the same requirements for a tennis racket.
This means the first thing you have to ask yourself is, what is it that you specifically want from your racket? Do you value power, control, spin, maneuverability, comfort, feel or something else? When you know the answer to this question, then you can’t start to narrow your search.
Heavier isn’t Always Better
When you see the pros on TV it’s interesting to know what kind of rackets they play with (many of them have customized specifications that don’t match what you buy at the shops). If you look up the pro’s actual specifications, you will often find they use really heavy rackets, and you think, well, if it’s good for them, then it’s got to be good for me. This isn’t the case though, because the extra weight is only useful if you can wield it effectively.
Likewise, you might think a super light racket is ideal because you can swing really fast, but then you don’t have the weight to convert swing speed into power. You’ve got to find the weight that works for you and allows you to comfortably swing with plenty of speed while giving you the stability to create power.
This is the number one reason why you should demo your rackets before you buy them! The more time you spend with your racket the more you will be able to feel if you have the right weight.
Brand Names Aren’t Everything
The big brands make some great rackets, but so do the lesser-known racket manufacturers. Don’t talk yourself out of a great racket just because you are not familiar with the brand name.
Yes, it is nice to rock up with the same racket as Roger Federer and look like a tennis GOAT, but at the end of the day, picking the right racket is all about finding the right stick to help you play great tennis.
Sometimes the best racket for you isn’t going to be from the most well-known brands and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Your Racket is Highly Customizable
Choosing the right racket is very important, but even when you commit to a racket, there’s a lot you can do to change the way it plays. Your strings play a massive part in how your racket performs, and by making little changes to your setup you can have your racket playing exactly how you want it.
So, if you find a racket that feels almost perfect, but is just missing a little something, see if you can add the extra je ne sais quois by optimizing your strings.
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Head to Your Local Pro Shop
We do list a few beginner racquets below, but for anyone thinking about taking the game seriously, you’ll want to head to your local pro shop, which will offer you the latest racquets, customized and expert advice from a pro, as well as recommendations on grip, grip size measurements, strings (types & tension) and a host of other tennis equipment expert advice, all contributing to your game. A relationship with a local pro goes a long way, over a long time, towards your game and may just be the difference between a W or a L. All that said, the most important advantage you’ll get from your local pro shop is demos to try out – and there is no better way to choose a tennis racquet than by testing it yourself, whether it be match play, hitting with a pro, hitting against a wall or even using a trainer/rebounder in your local space.
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Amazon Top Picks for Tennis Racquets
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Professional Tennis Registry (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages - 04/01/2013 (Publication Date) - Triumph Books (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- United States Professional Tennis Registry (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 264 Pages - 04/01/1998 (Publication Date) - Triumph Books (Publisher)
- What You Get: you will get 16 pieces of 27 inch tennis rackets and 8 tennis balls, as well as 8 pieces of carrying bags, the number is plenty to cover your current demands and the replacement needs; You may also lend these tennis balls to your friend and family
- Reliable Material: the tennis racket set is mainly made of quality and reliable metal material, ensuring good intensity and durability; The overgrip wrapping is robust, cushioned, and shockproof, reducing racket vibration and protecting your hands from harm while enhancing your comfort level when playing with your friend or family
- Comfortable and Lightweight: these tennis rackets for adults are lightweight yet firm; Weighing only about 0.57 lb/ 9.2 oz a piece, they are easy to grip and swing, and they won't tire you out after a lengthy session of play, bringing you a satisfying sports experience
- Thoughtful Design: the beginner tennis racket has an oversized tennis surface that makes it easier to catch the ball and more powerful to strike it; The non slip grip and shock absorption make it pleasant to use
- Tennis Racket Size: approximately 27 inches in length, about 105 square inches in head size, and only 0.57 lb/9.2 oz in weight per piece; This allows you to master the rhythm of attack and defense at any time, so regardless of skill level, the junior tennis racket is appropriate for you and will make for a pleasant game
- Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Adult Recreational Tennis Racket - Grip Size 2 - 4 1/4", Black/White/Green
- Power frame for players with short, compact swings
- Hammer Technology creates a larger sweet spot for more power and forgiveness
- Perimeter Weighting System improves torsional stability
- Head-heavy balance increases stability and momentum in a lighter frame
- Headsize: 105 sq. in.
- Length: 27 in.
- Weight (strung): 9.8 oz.
- Balance: 13.875 in. Head Heavy (3pts)
- String Pattern: 16x19
- INCLUDED IN THIS BUNDLE: This tennis doubles starter set includes (2) Wilson Energy XL tennis rackets, (1) Advantage II Tennis Bag in your choice of color, and (3) tennis balls
- RACQUET FEATURES: The Wilson Energy XL tennis racket is an oversized recreational racket for any player type. The extra-large head (112 square inches) and extended frame length (27.5 inches) provide more power to kickstart your game. This entry level racket features plenty of power, forgiveness on off-centered shots, and stability at 10.3 ounces strung.
- RACQUET SPECIFICATIONS: Head (sq cm): 722; Head (sq in): 112; Length (cm): 69.9; Length (in): 27.5; String Pattern 16x19; Strung balance (cm): 33; Strung balance (pts): -6; Strung weight (grams): 291; Strung weight (ounces): 10.27; Taper System (mm): 21mm V Beam
- BAG FEATURES: The Wilson Advantage II Tennis Bag holds up to 2 racquets without covers in the main compartment and features a small front pocket for any tennis accessories. It has a padded grip and adjustable shoulder strap for multiple transport options. Comes in multiple color options.
- PERFECT RECREATIONAL TENNIS OR BEGINNER STARTER SET: The Wilson Energy XL doubles tennis racquet starter set is ideal for recreational beginners and those looking to hit the court for the first time!
- Ideal for Beginners: This prestrung Wilson Blade Team V8 tennis racquet is an excellent choice for beginner and recreational players looking to improve their skills.
- Lightweight Frame: With a lightweight frame construction, this racquet offers an easy swing and maneuverability on the court.
- Large Sweet Spot: The generously sized sweet spot on the racquet face provides a forgiving and consistent response on off-center hits.
- Shock-Absorbing Grip: The shock-absorbing grip helps reduce vibrations and fatigue during extended play sessions.
- Customizable Grip Size: Available in various grip sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your hand and playing style.
- TOP QUALITY: The carbon fiber surface provide high performance for high speed impact hit and response. The EVA Memory Foam Core with new hole distribution, provides a stable better control performance while the hand has a soft feel for long time play.
- SYMMETRIC CONSTRUCTION:The improved hole drilling technology with hole distribution provide better control and reduce the wind resistance for better speed hit. Symmetrical hole construction provides a great hitting experience.
- TENDED LENGTH: Provide greater leverage on the serve-greater impact and a longer reach and can also improve the efficiency of retrieving a shot when running.
- ROUND SHAPE: The round shape design provides balance for defensive offense and defense performance.
- DIMENSION: Padel Thick: 1.46 inch.Weight: 360g-370g.Suitable for beginner to advanced players
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