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
- 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
- Wilson XP 1 Adult Recreational Tennis Racket - Grip Size 3 - 4 3/8", Black
- Designed for ultimate combination of power and comfort
- XP's Power Profile Frame Geometry produces ultimate power at a lighter weight
- Design includes both velvet and super gloss paints together to deliver elegant, tonal look
- High Performance Carbon Fiber offers increased frame stiffness for explosive power
- INCLUDED IN THIS BUNDLE: This tennis doubles starter set includes (2) Wilson Pro Staff Precision Tennis Racquets, (1) Advantage II Tennis Bag in your choice of color, and (3) tennis balls.
- RACQUET FEATURES: At a heavier weight and an oversized head, this frame carries plenty of power with some extra margin for error on strokes that miss the center of the string bed. Its aluminum composition lends a durable feel, and its extra length gives players more time to make a play on the next ball with extended court coverage. Longer strings boost deflection speed for more power.
- RACQUET SPECIFICATIONS: Head Size - 110 sq in; Length - 27.5 in; Strung Weight – 11.5oz; Balance - 3 pts Head Light; String Pattern - 16 Mains / 19 Crosses. Grip Size - (4 3/8"); Pre-strung.
- TENNIS BAG FEATURES: The main zippered compartment holds up to 2 racquets without covers. There is also a smaller, zippered compartment to hold all your accessories. Adjustable shoulder strap with pad and padded top handle. The bag is made of a sturdy canvas material and weighs 13 ounces.
- PERFECT RECREATIONAL TENNIS OR BEGINNER STARTER SET: The Wilson Pro Staff Precision Tennis Racquet Doubles starter set is ideal for recreational beginners and those looking to hit the court for the first time!
- Headsize: 105 sq. in.
- Length: 27 in.
- Weight (strung): 9.8 oz.
- Balance: 13.875 in. Head Heavy (3pts)
- String Pattern: 16x19
- 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
- HEAD PEDIGREE: Born out of revolutionizing how we ski and play tennis, HEAD has constantly pushed athletic equipment into the modern era. For all levels of play, HEAD offers nothing but top tier tennis equipment.
- MIDPLUS PERFORMANCE: The HEAD Radical MP graphite tennis racket is an ideal choice for a wide range of more serious players. Experienced players looking for a swift yet stable racquet with controllable power will love the Radical MP.
- UNPARALLELED SHOTS: The head light balance adult tennis racket boasts unmatched energy transfer and clean impact feel thanks to spiralfibers throughout the racquet.
- DURABLE GRAPHENE: Made with a durable and lightweight graphite spiralfiber technology, this is a professional level tennis racket built to last.
- DIMENSIONS: Frame Weight: 300 g / 10.6 oz, Head Size : 98in, Grip Size: 4 1/8in, Length: 27in, String Pattern: 16/19.
- Wilson Clash 100 Pro V2 Unstrung Performance Tennis Racket - Grip Size 3 - 4 3/8"
- Racket comes Unstrung; Horizontal Bending: Horizontal bending of racket frame creates industry-leading flexibility for enhanced control on more traditional, horizontal swings.; Torsional Bending: Torsional bending features proprietary carbon mapping to stabilize frame flexibility on off-center hits.
- Clash Benefit: All-Around Playability; 16x20 String Pattern: Slightly larger string pattern provides balance between control, spin, and power; Super Head-Light Balance: Reduces swing weight and amplifies control of the head through the swing
- V2 Updates: Revised construction at tip of hoop supplies additional consistency and an enhanced sweet spot; Innovations: Groundbreaking technologies elevate playability by combining flexibility and stability for a feeling unlike any other
- Reduced Environmental Footprint: End-cap, bumper composed of Agiplast, plant-based materials; Design: Red and black anodized elastic finish pops on court to match the excitement of playing with the racket
- 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.
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