The Best Tennis Rackets

Buying Guide

Whether you’re new to the game of tennis or working hard to improve at the sport, your tennis racket will have a direct impact on how you do on the court. But choosing the right tennis racket can be tough, especially if you’re new to the game.

When you’re on the court, three features help drive your performance on the court: the first is head size. The larger the head size, the more power you have, but a smaller head size gives you more control as you’re hitting. A larger head size can also increase the likelihood you’ll hit the ball with each try, which makes it a great option for beginners. As you become more comfortable on the court, graduating to a smaller head size could be in order.

The second element influencing court performance is weight. As with head size, there are benefits to both lighter and heavier rackets. A lighter-weight racket will give you more power, but one that is heavier offers more stability and control.

That also goes for the third element: the stringbed. The more open the stringbed, the more power you’ll have. A more open string pattern provides a softer impact and accentuates spin while providing less control.  A more dense stringbed offers better control and a more consistent ball response. The strings’ tension level also plays a role in how the stringbed operates.

For a beginner, a larger head size, heavier racket and denser stringbed could give you the control you need while you’re learning. You can then graduate to a lighter racket with a smaller head and denser stringbed to give you extra power for when your racket connects with the ball.

• Your style of play will ultimately decide the perfect racket for you. If you already have a fast, powerful swing, you’ll need to focus on a racket that gives you more control since you’re already packing plenty of punch. If you aren’t sure about your own style, ask your coach to analyze it for you.
• The length of your racket comes into play. Keep in mind that longer rackets can reduce your control. Choose one that gives you the reach you want but also doesn’t get in the way of your game.
• The grip of a tennis racket is an important part of its performance. You’ll want to be comfortable, but you’ll also want to make sure it’s sized for your own hand. This measurement is known as “grip size.” Find yours by measuring the length in millimeters between the tip of your ring finger and the second line on your palm. You can then compare that to online grip size charts to determine the racket you need to buy.
• More advanced players will often buy the frame of the racket and have it professionally strung. Prestrung tennis rackets can sometimes have inferior strings that will get in the way of gameplay.