How to Buy a Tennis Racquet

With so many tennis racquets on the market, choosing one can be as intimidating as facing Roger Federer. This guide provides a breakdown of the basics so you can choose the best equipment for your game.

Junior Racquets

The colors and styles are cool, but what racquet is best for your child or grandchild? Well, if they are just getting started, check out junior racquets, which are pre-strung, super light, and sold in graduated lengths (21, 23, 25, and 26). Most junior racquets come with information that matches up the height of the child with the appropriate length of frame. In general terms, the smaller (in height) the child, the smaller the racquet length should be.

Pre-Strung or Premium?

If you’re just starting out or haven’t played in some time, a pre-strung racquet is your best bet. Pre-strung racquets cost less than the performance models and can get you started for less than $50.

If you are a player with some serious game, you will want to look into a premium or performance racquet. Most premium racquets are priced higher, because they feature the latest technology. With performance racquet, you usually have to buy string separately.

Power or Control?

If you’re a beginner, you should play with a racquet that’s light enough so it’s easy to swing and powerful enough so it adds juice to your strokes. Your best bet: Go with a racquet that weighs between 9 and 10 ounces and has an oversize head measuring at least 100 square inches (which will give you more power and a greater margin of error).

As you improve, you’ll want to try a racquet that offers more of a blend of power and control. That means finding a racquet with a smaller head and heavier weight—in other words, specs that compliment long, grooved swings.

Head-Heavy or Head-Light?

Head-heavy frames give you more power on ground strokes but are less maneuverable, which can pose a problem when you’re at net. Baseliners typically prefer head-heavy sticks. Head-light frames are easier to swing at net, but they won’t deliver the power of head-heavy frames when you hit from the baseline. Serve-and-volleyers and doubles specialists tend to like head-light racquets. Evenly balanced racquets offer a blend of power from the baseline and maneuverability at net.

What Size Grip Should I Use?

Fitting your hand to the right grip isn’t as cut and dry as measuring your feet for the proper shoe size. Generally, you should use the largest grip size that feels comfortable (a too-small grip can allow the racquet to twist in your hands on off-center hits).

But there is one easy way to find your grip size while your shopping in the store. Pick up a racquet with your forehand grip. Put the index finger of your other hand between your fingertips and the heel of your hand. If the finger fits, you’ve found the ideal grip size. If it has room to wiggle, the grip is too big. If it doesn’t fit in the gap, the grip is too small.