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 thing. No two players have the same game, and therefore 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.
Back to Top of How to Choose a Tennis Racquet
Amazon Top Picks for Tennis Racquets
- INCLUDED IN THIS BUNDLE: This beginner player bundle includes (1) Babolat Drive Max 110 pre-strung tennis racquet in your choice of grip size and (1) Babolat RH3 Essential Club tennis bag in your choice of color.
- RACQUET FEATURES: The Woofer Dynamic String System allows all the strings to work together during a ball strike, as opposed to non-Woofer frames that only utilize a few of the strings on contact. The result is more spin, increased sweetspot size and forgiveness on off-centered shots
- RACQUET SPECIFICATIONS: Length: 27.5"; Head size: 110 sq. in.; Weight (unstrung): 9.2 oz / 260 g; Balance (unstrung): 350 mm; String pattern: 16 x 20; Technology: Elliptic Geometry, Cortex Comfort; Grip: Cortex; Comes Pre-Strung from the Manufacturer
- BAG FEATURES: One large racquet compartment for 2-3 racquets; Adjustable, padded shoulder strap; Carry Handle on top
- BAG DIMENSIONS: L x W x H = 29.5” x 11.8” x 4.7”
- PERCEIVE. CONTROL. CREATE: The Yonex PERCEPT 97 Tennis Racquet (Olive Green) was developed to seamlessly act as an extension of the arm, effectively transmitting accurate ball information, which results in greater control. Players can “Perceive, Control, Create” with PERCEPT by enhancing their ability to feel the ball, improving their control, and creating their own distinct game on the court. Made for all-around players looking for a light, flexible racquet with precision and feel.
- FLEXCON SYSTEM: The system consists of three key components: a tapered and elongated box frame shaft, 2G-Namd Flex Force, and a newly added material called the Servo Filter. The Servo Filter is a transparent film placed between graphite that enhances flexibility when pressure is applied and filters out unnecessary vibration. Each of these three components play a role in helping the racquet flex and extend the duration of ball pocketing upon impact.
- TECHNOLOGY: Compared to a conventional round frame, a square-shaped Isometric racquet generates a larger sweet spot by optimizing the intersection of the main and cross strings. Isometric technology delivers greater control without sacrificing power. The stiff racquet face design improves ball control by stabilizing the racquet face at impact.
- SPECIFICATIONS: Strung Weight: 10.5 oz. Length: 27 in. Head Size: 100 sq. in. Balance: 4 Pts Head Light. String Advice: 40-55 lbs. Beam Width: 23 mm - 23 mm - 23 mm; String Pattern: 16/19. Composition: 2G-NAMD SPEED/HM Graphite/SERVO FILTER.
- THE YONEX PHILOSOPHY has always remained the same: to craft a better future with unique innovations. Yonex has been giving players the tools they need to triumph on the court for over 60 years.
- BEST QUALITY--The Graphite Composite Face can offer the best combination of firmness, durability and stability. Despite being very light, it is very easy to hit powerful shots. EVA Memory Core can offer more stable performance, longer durability and more control for maximum shock absorption.
- SOFT GRIP HANDLE: The special cushioned,contourned grip is applied on the racket for maximum playing. With soft non-slip sweat-resistant grip handle can avoid wrist swing and paddle slip from hand during play. Provide better control and response.
- LIGHT WEIGHT--(330g), enlarge edge curve radian design, gives player better control both on power and response.
- IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY-- Improved hole drilling technology reduce the damage to the frame structure.strengthens the surface improving the rackets durability.
- FEATURED ADVANTAGE: Matte surface helps players put a spin on their ball and get better soft touch control, extend length gives a better vision and leverage, improve the efficiency of hitting back during running.
- PERCEIVE. CONTROL. CREATE: The Yonex PERCEPT 100 Tennis Racquet (Olive Green) was developed to seamlessly act as an extension of the arm, effectively transmitting accurate ball information, which results in greater control. Players can “Perceive, Control, Create” with PERCEPT by enhancing their ability to feel the ball, improving their control, and creating their own distinct game on the court. For intermediate to advanced players looking for a flexible racquet with precision and feel.
- FLEXCON SYSTEM: The system consists of three key components: a tapered and elongated box frame shaft, 2G-Namd Flex Force, and a newly added material called the Servo Filter. The Servo Filter is a transparent film placed between graphite that enhances flexibility when pressure is applied and filters out unnecessary vibration. Each of these three components play a role in helping the racquet flex and extend the duration of ball pocketing upon impact.
- TECHNOLOGY: Compared to a conventional round frame, a square-shaped Isometric racquet generates a larger sweet spot by optimizing the intersection of the main and cross strings. Isometric technology delivers greater control without sacrificing power. The stiff racquet face design improves ball control by stabilizing the racquet face at impact.
- SPECIFICATIONS: Unstrung Weight: 10.6 oz. Length – 27 in. Head Size – 100 sq. in. Balance – 4 Pts Head Light. Tension – 45-60 lbs. Beam Width – 23 mm. String Pattern - 16/19. Composition - 2G-NAMD SPEED/HM Graphite/SERVO FILTER.
- THE YONEX PHILOSOPHY has always remained the same: to craft a better future with unique innovations. Yonex has been giving players the tools they need to triumph on the court for over 60 years.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Professional Tennis Registry (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages - 04/01/2013 (Publication Date) - Triumph Books (Publisher)
- The Yonex EZONE ACE Prestrung Tennis Racquet is offers the same Isometric HEAD shape and Oval Pressed Shaft as the other EZONE models, but in a less expensive, Prestrung model
- The EZONE is highly maneuverable and forgiving making it great for beginning players
- There is Dampening Mesh in the handle which filters out unwanted s without muting the response
- The Liner tech string technology uses straight hole grommets that provide players with added power and comfort even if the sweet spot is missed
- IDEAL FOR ADVANCED PLAYERS: Speed-oriented tennis racket for advanced players looking to achieve high ball speed, topspin, and superior accuracy and control.
- FLEXIBLE & ADAPTABLE: Providing flexibility and adaptability; the weight and balance can be adapted precisely to your preferences and playing style. Irrespective of whether you prefer power baseline shots or precision play at the net, you can adapt the racket to maximize your potential and achieve superior control over the ball. Weight (unstrung): 300 g (+/-7 g). Balance (unstrung): 325 mm (+/-7 mm). Frame width of 23.5/26/23.5 mm.
- LARGE SWEET SPOT: The racket head measures 100 square inches which offers a generous sweet spot enabling playing confidence in every shot while also offering exceptional comfort – so you can focus on your attack shots.
- CONTROL SHAPE SPEED FRAME: With its stringing pattern of 16x19, the Supreme provides extra power. For on-ball contact, the ergonomically designed racket grip provides a comfortable, stable controlled grip that reduces the risk of fatigue and elbow strain during long matches and lets you focus on playing your best game.
- STIGA | SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN: The classic Swedish table tennis company with both hobby and professional products. In 1944, STIGA started its production of table tennis products and is established as one of the world's largest premium brands of table tennis, padel, and pickleball.
- Competition racket - Unstrung weight (gr): 300
- Sieve (cm²): 645
- Stringing Plan: 16/19
- Stringed: No
- Balance Point (mm): 320
Back to Top of How to Choose a Tennis Racquet
Best Tennis Gear Tips & Tricks
Best Tennis Gift Guides
Home / Tennis Guides / How to Choose a Tennis Racquet
