How To Choose A Tennis Racquet: 5 Steps

Tennis is a sport with a lot of equipment. As you get into tennis you will eventually want to purchase your own racquet instead of borrowing one from a friend or coach. Getting your own tennis racquet is the first step on your journey! Even if you just want to play with friends at the recreational level, having your own racquet can make it easier and more fun to play. So, how do you choose a tennis racquet? Follow these five steps and all the tips and tricks below to get yourself on the right track!

1.  Check out Racquets in Person

It can be tempting to just order the first racquet you find online. However, before you go any further into your tennis journey, actually look at them in person. You can go to a sporting store, a tennis speciality store, or a tennis club to look at racquets. Have an employee help guide you through the racquets a little bit, and see which brands you like. Wilson, Head, Babolat, and Dunlop are some of the most popular and trusted tennis racquets brands on the market. What feels comfortable to hold? Is a certain size too heavy? If you tell the employee information about your tennis game, your skill level, and goals it will help them to guide you in the right direction. Before you look into anything about racquets and sizes, just go take a look at them! Take notes and pictures of racquets you like, grip sizes, dimensions, and any other information you gather.

2. Grip Size

As you’re checking out racquets in person, you should know about racquet sizes and measurements. For adult players, you will be looking at grip sizes from 4 to 4& ⅝ inches. To figure out your size, find the line that sits in the middle of your palm on your dominant hand and measure to the top of your middle finger. If you measure this area and you find yourself in between grip sizes, don’t fret. Typically, players will lean to the shorter side because, if you have to, you can try to elongate your grip with an overgrip. Another way to check proper grip size is to grab the racquet with a continental grip, as if you’re giving the racquet a handshake. There should be an inch worth of space between your fingers and your thumb when you are gripping the racquet this way. If there’s no space, this grip size is too small.

If you’re a more advanced player, there are certain factors to keep in mind with grip size as well. If you hit with a lot of topspin, or are trying to, opt for a slightly–slightly–smaller grip because this will let you take the ball faster and generate spin more easily. Now, if you already have a racquet that you don’t like but you’re sure the grip size is correct, check the handle of the racquet or the butt. The current grip size should be listed, as a number from 0-5. 0-5 correspond to grip size values from 4 inches to 4 and ⅝ inches. 

3. Choose Your Racquet Size

The racquet size makes a substantial difference in playability. You can check out racquet size easily while you’re looking at racquets in person. In both your dominant and non-dominant hand, practice holding the racquet by your side naturally with the head of the racquet pointed to the ground. The general rule of thumb for the correct racquet size is that the racquet should be right above the floor but not hit the ground. When we refer to racquet size, this generally refers to the head size, or the part of the racquet above the grip. What is the difference between head sizes for racquets? Let’s break down the differences between midsize and oversize (106+ square inches) head sizes.

If you’re a beginner, you may want to look into an oversize racquet. Oversize racquets have a higher margin for error. If you’re a beginner player, you probably want to have a larger surface area to make contact with the racquet. You’ve probably heard the phrase “sweet spot” when coaches or players talk about where they want to hit the ball on the racquet. An oversized head size, however, might be slightly more difficult to move and manipulate. They will give you more power, which as a player with strokes still in development, can be very useful.

So do midsize racquets have less margin for error and power? Well, if you’re a more advanced player, this racquet type is going to be significantly easier to manuever. For quick, precise strokes and movements, a midsize racquet is the way to go. Once your strokes are fully developed and your technique is nailed down, midsize racquet heads work well.

4. What Type of Racquet

There’s more to the racquet than the grip size and head size. You also have to think about racquet weight, balance, and material. Generally, these three categories are of less importance compared to head size and grip size, but these factors can still greatly influence the player. So, before you decide on a racquet, check out these three items.

Balance

What does racquet balance mean? This element refers to how the weight on a racquet is distributed. Regardless of what the racquet weighs, the distribution of weight affects the balance. Racquets are either balanced to be head-light (with less weight towards the top of the racquet and more in the handle) or head-heavy (with more weight up top). In order to see this on a racquet, there is a points system. Large negative numbers mean that a racquet is head light whereas head-heavy racquets will have positive numbers. The closer to zero indicates the more balanced the weight distribution is.

Generally, a head-light racquet is better for a heavier weighted racquet and a player who wants to swing fast, precisely, and with less power. Typically, these players are not beginners, unless the beginner is physically very strong. Head-heavy racquets will give you a fuller swing and more power, but you might find it to be harder to move. This is why you should practice your swings when testing out racquets?

Weight

The two general categories of frame weight are simply light and heavy, 9-10 oz. and 11-12 oz., respectively. If you’re a beginner, you will want a lighter weight to begin so that you can develop your stroke, generate more power, and avoid hurting yourself. The more you play tennis, the more tired your body will become. So, for a beginner, start with a lighter frame, unless you think your strength and weight warrants a heavier frame. If you’re an intermediate player still working on perfecting your spin, consider a lighter weight as well. Heavier-framed racquets are typically for heavy, aggressive hitters. Even though these racquets are not easy to maneuver, compared to lighter frames, this racquet weight will help strong hitters carry out their strokes.

Material

The last factor to consider with racquet type is material, which correlates with price point, power, and competition level. The three most popular material categories are aluminum, graphite, and carbon fiber. How should you choose between these three? Well, if you’re a beginner you almost certainly want to go with aluminum. Why is that? Aluminum racquets generally cost less, but they also are just lighter. As a beginner, these racquets can feel the steadiest, and they also let you develop your strokes without other stressors.

What is the difference between graphite and carbon fiber racquets? Graphite racquets are more geared towards intermediate and advanced players. These racquets don’t lean as much towards power and control, so they are good for players whose games are strong but still in development.

Carbon fiber is the prime material for advanced, hard-hitting players. These racquets last a really long time when taken care of properly. More than that, these racquets allow you to generate significant power. Keep in mind that these racquets do tend to be the most expensive, so they aren’t for beginners or not serious players in that sense.

5. Test out the Racquet

Once you have looked at some racquets in-person, be sure to actually test them out! How can you do this without buying one? Well, if you’re in the sporting store, you can practice swinging and going through your strokes with the racquet. Does it feel comfortable? Too heavy? Be aware. If you belong to a tennis club, you’re in luck. At most tennis centers and country clubs, they will have racquets for you to “demo”, or try for free, to see how you feel when playing with them. If you see a racquet that you like in a tennis store, check and see if a tennis center or tennis club has the same racquet for you to try or a similar one. This way you can actually see what it’s like to play with this racquet. Don’t forget to ask friends, too. Perhaps they have a racquet you can try out that you end up loving.

Choosing a Racquet FAQs

Should I buy a racquet that the pros use?

If you’re looking at tennis racquets online or in-person, you will definitely see racquets that have big-name players on them. If you like a certain tennis player, it can be super tempting to get a racquet just because it’s used by that star. Try not to fall into this trap. The racquets used by the pros are certainly reputable, but remember all the previous steps when choosing a racquet. If you’re not completely set on it or how it feels, don’t buy it just because you like a player! The same goes for if you see one of these racquets online but can’t actually hold it or try it out before buying it. When possible, go to the lengths to see a racquet and hold it in person.

Is it worth buying a new tennis racquet over used?

Whatever suits your price point! If you’re burying a used tennis racquet, make sure it’s in very good conditions and there’s no significant wear or tear to the frame. However, if the racquet seems like it’s in great condition, this can be a smart purchase. Don’t fret if you see a racquet that is part of a previous generation. Usually, within recent times, nothing has changed within the racquet technology, and it’s just a different paint job, so don’t feel like you have to buy the newest model. The most important thing if buying a used racquet is that it’s in good condition and that you like its balance, weight, material, and feel.

Should I buy a racquet strung or without strings?

There is not necessarily a right answer to whether you should buy a racquet with or without strings. If a racquet is cheaper without strings, buy it that way, and then get it strung to the tension that makes the most sense for your tennis game. Check out our article on the cost of stringing to learn more about string types, tension, and where to get your racquet strung.