Our favorite was Wilson's Tour Slam Lite is a great all-around racket for beginners. It comes in many sizes, giving you the perfect fit. We've selected nine more athlete-approved tennis rackets plus included a handy buying guide to help you improve your game.
$30.00
Head size | 112 sq. in. |
---|---|
Length | 27.5 in. |
Weight | 10.88 oz. (308.44 g.) |
Grip size | 4 3/8 in. |
String pattern | 16 x 19 |
$79.95
Head size | 115 sq. in. |
---|---|
Length | 12.75 in. |
Weight | 8.9 oz. (252.3 g.) |
Grip size | 4 1/4 in. |
String pattern | 16 x 19 |
$119.00
Head size | 105 sq. in. |
---|---|
Length | 27 in. |
Weight | 9.8 oz. (277.8 g.) |
Grip size | 4 1/2 in. |
String pattern | 16 x 19 |
$249.00
Head size | 97 sq. in. |
---|---|
Length | 27 in. |
Weight | 12.6 oz. (357.2 g.) |
Grip size | 4 1/4 in. |
String pattern | 16 x 19 |
$18.62
Head size | 107 sq. in. |
---|---|
Length | 25 in. |
Weight | 8 oz. (226.79 g) |
Grip size | 3 7/8 in. |
String pattern | Not provided |
$38.99
Head size | 110 sq. in. |
---|---|
Length | 27.2 in. |
Weight | 10.9 oz. (309 g.) |
Grip size | 4 3/8 in. |
String pattern | 16 x 19 |
$21.99
Head size | Not provided |
---|---|
Length | 17 in. |
Weight | 7.04 oz. (199.58 g.) |
Grip size | 3 5/8 in. |
String pattern | Not provided |
$75.99
Head size | 100 sq. in. |
---|---|
Length | 27 in. |
Weight | 9.87 oz. (279.80 g.) |
Grip size | 4 1/4 in. |
String pattern | Open string |
$34.85
Head size | 110 sq. in. |
---|---|
Length | 27 in. |
Weight | 9.7 oz. (274.99 g.) |
Grip size | 4 3/8 in. |
String pattern | 18 x 19 |
$12.97
Head size | 112 sq.. in. |
---|---|
Length | 27.5 in. |
Weight | 10.26 oz. (290.86 g.) |
Grip size | 4 3/8 in. |
String pattern | 16 x 19 |
Image | 1 ![]() Wilson | 2 ![]() Head | 3 ![]() Babolat | 4 ![]() Wilson | 5 ![]() Head | 6 ![]() Oppum | 7 ![]() Street Tennis Club | 8 ![]() Senston | 9 ![]() Head | 10 ![]() Wilson |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Tour Slam Lite | Titanium Ti.S6 | Boost D (Boost Drive) Tennis Racquet | Pro Staff 97 | Speed Kids Tennis Racquet | Adult Carbon Fiber Tennis Racket | Tennis Rackets for Kids | Tennis Racket | Tour Pro Pre-Strung Recreational Tennis Racquet | Ultra Power XL 112 Tennis Racket |
Features | A Well-Rounded Racket for Beginners | Achieve More Power and Control With a Head-Heavy Frame | A Carbon Fiber Racket for Intermediate Players | Swing Like Federer With an Iconic Tool | Pro-Quality Design but Junior Sized | An Expertly Made Racket for Better Shock Absorption | Vibrant and Fun Designs for Kids | Play With a Friend or Have a Backup Ready | Titanium Build for a Wide Range of Casual Players | Oversized Racket for Generous Power |
Price | $30.00 | $79.95 | $119.00 | $249.00 | $18.62 | $38.99 | $21.99 | $75.99 | $34.85 | $12.97 |
Head size | 112 sq. in. | 115 sq. in. | 105 sq. in. | 97 sq. in. | 107 sq. in. | 110 sq. in. | Not provided | 100 sq. in. | 110 sq. in. | 112 sq.. in. |
Length | 27.5 in. | 12.75 in. | 27 in. | 27 in. | 25 in. | 27.2 in. | 17 in. | 27 in. | 27 in. | 27.5 in. |
Weight | 10.88 oz. (308.44 g.) | 8.9 oz. (252.3 g.) | 9.8 oz. (277.8 g.) | 12.6 oz. (357.2 g.) | 8 oz. (226.79 g) | 10.9 oz. (309 g.) | 7.04 oz. (199.58 g.) | 9.87 oz. (279.80 g.) | 9.7 oz. (274.99 g.) | 10.26 oz. (290.86 g.) |
Grip size | 4 3/8 in. | 4 1/4 in. | 4 1/2 in. | 4 1/4 in. | 3 7/8 in. | 4 3/8 in. | 3 5/8 in. | 4 1/4 in. | 4 3/8 in. | 4 3/8 in. |
String pattern | 16 x 19 | 16 x 19 | 16 x 19 | 16 x 19 | Not provided | 16 x 19 | Not provided | Open string | 18 x 19 | 16 x 19 |
Link |
Whether you want to hit like Federer or play casually with friends, choosing a tennis racket is a big decision. The following buying guide will explain some important features of a modern tennis racket point-by-point. We’ll focus on three major aspects here: weight, head size, and frame stiffness.
One of the most important points to consider when choosing a racket is the weight. Generally, rackets weigh 300 grams or 10.6 ounces, but the range can be anywhere from 250 to 350 grams. For beginners, this may not seem like much of a difference at first, but even a few grams will directly affect force level and endurance capacity.
Lighter rackets are easier to swing and are a good choice for beginners. However, lighter rackets lack power and control, which becomes counterproductive as you progress and begin to play more. For beginners who have experience in other ball sports and are confident in their strength, a slightly heavier racket is also a good starting choice.
To achieve more control and strength with every swing, you can go for "head-heavy" rackets with more weight near the strings and are designed to produce power without compromising weight. These rackets are highly recommended for beginners who wish to progress in the sport.
For intermediate players and beyond, it’s important to strike that balance between weight and force and lightness and maneuverability. It helps to go to a shop first and try several rackets to see what feels right; some tennis facilities even have demo rackets you can use on the court.
As a novice, a racket weighing less than 311 grams is advised to achieve more power. Those in the intermediate and advanced levels perform optimally with rackets weighing 286 to 326 grams and over 311 grams, respectively, for the right balance and control.
Meanwhile, junior rackets can range from 170 to 269 grams, with younger kids swinging better using a light racket and adding weight as they get older.
In addition to racket weight, the grip size, which ranges from 4 to 4 3/4 inches based on the circumference around the handle's edge, is equally important as this would directly affect your control of each swing.
Size 4 3/8 is often preferred by adults. On the other hand, those with very small hands use a 4 1/4 or lower grip while larger hands work better with 4 1/2 grip size.
To measure grip size, you can take a ruler and lay it flat on your palm with fingers side by side. The ruler's bottom should be at the horizontal crease of the palm. You get your grip size by measuring the tip of the ring finger.
Next, look at the surface area of the “head,” which includes the strings and upper part of the racket. Most rackets fall between 85 to 135 square inches.
According to Wilson, head size of 85 to 97 is called “Midsize,” 98 to 104 is “Midplus,” and 105 up is “Oversize.” Note that “Midsize” is actually the smallest category. Basically, a larger head makes it easier to hit the ball but sacrifices accuracy and consistency.
Oversize rackets are best suited to novices and older people since it’s a lot easier to make contact with the ball, and the size compensates for lack of strength. On the contrary, the smaller head of a midsize racket has higher control, speed, and accuracy but requires faster reflexes.
You also want to consider the term "sweet spot," which is the point on the head just a bit below the center. This spot propels the ball with more power and less vibration to the hands. Smaller rackets have smaller “sweet spots” and are best for experienced players who can generate their own speed.
Therefore, the midplus range is a well-balanced size for those starting out in the sport. For new players who want to improve their game quickly, you can’t go wrong with a midplus racket.
However, a tennis ball only makes contact for a split second, so comfort and control should also be considered. Generally, a stiff racket gives you less control because of its power potential. Meanwhile, flexible rackets are often tagged as more arm-friendly due to the absorbed shock upon impact.
The stiffness decision would be based on your play style. For example, players with fast swings prefer flexible rackets as they don't need help when hitting with pace. Slower swingers would need power assistance from a stiff racket, albeit, need to be extra cautious of arm strain.
String patterns are just as important as the frame and its stiffness. After all, the strings provide the tension you need to hit the ball just right. String pattern refers to the number of vertical and horizontal strings. Most tennis rackets are strung in five types of string patterns, 18 x 20, 16 x 19, 16 x 18, 16 x 20 or open string.
The first category gives more control and better string durability because of the dense pattern with very small spaces between the strings. However, it does not produce as much spin as the rest. Meanwhile, the 16 x 19 string pattern is the most popular type due to the added spin, power, and feel during contact. The downside is decreased control and string durability.
The other two string patterns are similar to the 16 vertical strings but provide a bit more power and spin (16 x 18) and solid feel on contact (16 x 20). Lastly, open string patterns can come in a wide combination of verticals and horizontals to provide more feel of the ball without compromising comfort.
Maintenance is important to ensure you stay in top condition for your game. We've got a few suggestions to help limit injuries and push you towards the best performance.
Finding a racket that best suits your strengths and play-style is the key to improving your game's quality. Now that you are equipped with the necessary information go and try looking for your next racket. We hope you find your perfect match!
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