Choosing a Tennis Racket

…some basics, but speak to the experts for more detailed, personalised advice.

When you are considering buying a new tennis racket you might need some help. The following thoughts are not intended to replace a discussion with a racket expert but just to give you a feel for some of the things they will talk to you about when you come into the shop.

If you are an active tennis player you may know the type of racket you need. It’s likely that you will know what you have been playing with and whether you’ll stick to that style of racket because it is working well for you or you plan to change because it isn’t.

If you are trying to replace on a ‘like-for-like’ basis then the advice you need is simpler – what rackets, from which manufacturers are most similar to what you currently play with? But remember technology moves on. So, even with like-for-like replacement you may find you need to try a few rackets first.

If you are looking to change the characteristics of the racket you play with then the racket choice becomes more complex. You may be looking for more power, more control, more comfort… or a combination of all three. Working out what it is that you need or want from the racket can go a long way to giving you a more focused search for a new racket, you don’t need to know exactly what you would like but a vague idea of desired characteristics gives us a base to work around.

If you do require some guidance, maybe we can help. We have prepared four categories of rackets to suit different styles, levels and age groups. This will only be a guide, but hopefully your style of play / requirements should fit into one of these categories. This will at least enable you, if nothing else, to begin the thinking behind what you would like from the racket and help with the search for the new racket.

GAME IMPROVEMENT / POWER RACKETS

This term is used by racket manufacturers for power orientated rackets. Maybe your technique doesn’t generate enough power, or you just want a more powerful game. These rackets tend to be longer in length (27.25 inches – 28 inches) to provide more reach and leverage in to the shots. They will have a larger head (more than 110 sq inches), be lighter in weight for easier manoeuvrability (225g – 265g) and have a stiffer frame. They are designed for players with shorter, slower swing styles who need a racket to create more power.

General characteristics:

  • longer in length (27.25 inches – 28 inches)
  • larger head (more than 110 sq inches)
  • lighter in weight (225g – 265g)
  • stiffer frame

CONTROL / PLAYERS RACKETS

This category would be used by professional and high-level club players. Players who can generally generate their own power through good technique so need a racket more for control. These rackets are usually heavier (290g -340g), they have smaller heads (90 sq inches – 100 sq inches), have thinner beams giving more control and are usually standard length (27 inches) but can be a fraction longer (27.25 inches).

General characteristics:

  • standard length (27 inches –  27.25 inches)
  • smaller heads (90 sq inches – 100 sq inches)
  • heavier (290g -340g)
  • thinner beam

A MIX OF POWER & CONTROL

There are some rackets that are in that ‘grey area’ they offer some power and some control. These rackets are aimed at the player who has the technique but for whatever reason are unable to create the power needed, or they just like the feel of the racket. The racket will be a little lighter than a control/players racket (255g – 290g), and the head size may be a little larger than a standard mid-size (100 sq inches – 107 sq inches). Basically, if you feel that the game improvement/power rackets are not for you and the precision required to get the best out of the control/players racket is too much for you then maybe these are the rackets for you.

General characteristics:

  • little larger than a standard mid-size (100 sq inches – 107 sq inches)
  • little lighter than a control/players racket (255g – 290g)

PERFORMANCE JUNIOR RACKETS

Our junior range of rackets start at £20 for a basic aluminium frame and is ideal as a first time buyer’s racket. If you feel you need a racket with more feel, power and comfort then you need to consider a junior performance graphite racket. These rackets are either 25 inches or 26 inches in length (standard adult size 27 inches). The size will depend on the age and build of the child. The quality will depend on your needs. Performance Junior rackets are for juniors who require a little more from their racket. They may be a higher club level player, county player and even a nationally ranked player. Suitable ages can be anything from 8 years of age up to 12 years of age (depends on build of child).

General characteristics:

  • 25 inches or 26 inches in length
  • starter racket – aluminium frame
  • performance racket  – graphite frame