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.
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Amazon Top Picks for Tennis Racquets
- Wilson H2 Adult Recreational Tennis Racket - Grip Size 3 - 4 3/8, Grey/Black
- Pre-strung; Graphite composition provides excellent mix of control, feel and power with strong construction; C-Matrix Technology creates superior stabilization for a smoother swing
- Oversized head generates impressive power and added forgiveness with enlarged sweet spot
- Perforated grip aids moisture absorption
- Lightweight, head-heavy frame provides easy power and arm-friendly comfort
- Wilson XP 1 Adult Recreational Tennis Racket - Grip Size 4 - 4 1/2", 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!
- Wilson Ultra 100L V2 Adult Performance Tennis Racket - Grip Size 0 - 4"
- Lightweight and easily maneuverable from all angles on the court
- Power Rib throat geometry optimizes power through greater stability and stiffness
- Crush Zone grommet system compresses at impact to boost power and ball dwell time on strings
- Hotspot (hottest part of the sweetspot) increases by 15% for more explosive power
- POWER: You want power, stop looking around. Whatever your skill level is, power is what made this racquet iconic. Not only it is used widely used on Tour, but this is also one of the bestselling racquets of all time because of its versatility bringing power in the palm of the hand of any player
- EXPLOSIVITY: You wish you had an extra pop when things get tough, here comes explosivity. When the intensity is high you can rely on your racquet to do exactly what you are longing for: produce a killing shot, even on off centered hit. A new lay-up has been developed to do exactly that, put a smile on your face… and a grin on your opponent’s one
- FEEL: You need feel, now feel the difference. Yes, feel is important even in a powerful frame. We all understand that if you cannot control your shot, power is meaningless. Get ready for a new experience you will not only feel but also hear through this unique sound at ball impact.
- SPECIFICATIONS: Head Size: 645 cm² / 100 in²; Length: 685 mm / 27 in; Weight (unstrung): 285 g +/- 7g / 10 oz; Balance (unstrung): 320 mm +/- 7mm; Swing Weight: 285; Stringing Pattern: 16/19; Stiffness (RA): 72; Section: 23-26-23; Composition: Graphite; Recommended String: RPM Power/Xcel; Tension Recommended: 23-27 Kg; Recommended Grip: Syntec Pro
- READY FOR THE COURT: Choose to have your new Babolat racquet strung with Babolat 16 gauge syn gut at mid range tension in your choice of color at no additional charge. Please note, Babolat logo stenciling is not included with custom stringing service.
- Wilson Blade 98 V6 Adult Performance Tennis Racket - Grip Size 1 - 4 1/8"
- Open string pattern adds flexibility and provides better feel for ball
- Braided Graphite + Basalt composition improves the flex of a racket to produce enhanced feel and control
- X2 Ergo compatible handle creates optimal personalized feel for modern 2-handed backhand
- Parallel Drilling provides a consistent, more forgiving string bed response
- Wilson Ultra 100 V2 Adult Performance Tennis Racket - Grip Size 2 - 4 1/4"
- Superior versatility and power
- Power Rib throat geometry optimizes power through greater stability and stiffness
- Crush Zone grommet system compresses at impact to boost power and ball dwell time on strings
- Hotspot (hottest part of the sweetspot) increases by 15% for more explosive power
- Package Includes: you will get 12 pieces of 27 inch tennis rackets with overgrips and 6 balls, along with 12 pieces of carry bags, enough quantity to meet your practical and replacement needs, you can share these tennis rackets with your friends and family
- Lightweight and Comfortable: these tennis racquets are lightweight yet sturdy, each racket weighs only 0.57 lb, easy to hold and swing, you will not feel tired after a long time of use; The lighter racquet is easy to hold and swing, providing you with a good playing experience, which is more likely to inspire beginners a strong interest and confidence with playing tennis
- Reliable Material: the tennis racquet is made of quality and reliable material, high intensity and durability, and the overgrip wrapping is strong, soft and shockproof, less racket vibration protects your hands from injury; Each racket is 27 inches long to bring out the better in you during practice or matches; The extra large net racket allows for more accurate hitting and is made of quality aluminum alloy, which is strong and sturdy and not easy to break
- Considerate Design: with oversized tennis surface, it is easier to catch the ball and more powerful to hit the ball, the shock absorption and non slip grip will make these tennis racquets more comfortable to use
- Tennis Rackets Size: measuring about 27 inches, 105 sq. inches in head size, weights about 9.2 oz, the racket allows you to grasp the rhythm of offense and defense at any time, so whether you are a beginner or an experienced one, it is suitable for you, providing you with a good playing experience
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