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UK based stock, staff and How to choose a tennis racket
Deciding on a new tennis racket can be tricky, but it's also a chance to find the perfect partner for your time on the court. Our team lives and breathes tennis, and we've put our years of experience on court into this tennis racket buying guide, to help you find a racket that feels so comfortable it could have been made for you.
We'll walk you through the main points to consider, so you can confidently pick the perfect tennis racket and get out onto the court to play your best game with maximum enjoyment.
Tennis racket weight
The weight of a tennis racket significantly impacts its power and manoeuvrability. It's a priority factor to consider when you're building your shortlist.
Lightweight tennis rackets (240-265g): These are easier to swing and great for players who want more control and speed. They're ideal for junior players moving up to a full-sized racket or for adults who prefer a tennis racket that's easy to manoeuvre around the court.
Mid-weight tennis rackets (270-295g): Offering a fantastic combination of power and control, these are the go-to choice for many club players who want to improve their game. At this weight range, you get real versatility for a wide range of playing styles.
Heavyweight tennis rackets (>300g): The extra mass in these rackets helps you generate serious power and maintain control during a fast swing. They're great for experienced players who can handle the extra weight to hit deep, powerful shots.
Tennis racket head size
This is the area of the strung part of the racket. The size of the head affects power and control. Larger racket heads have a bigger sweet spot, so you don't have to be quite so precise to hit a winner.
Midsize (95-100 sq inches): This size offers the most control and is favoured by experienced players and professionals. Midsize tennis racket heads provide a precise feel but have a smaller sweet spot, so you need to be very accurate with your shots.
Oversize (100-115 sq inches): This is the most common head size. You get more power and a bigger sweet spot, which makes it more forgiving on off-centre shots. A racket of this size is a great choice for beginners and intermediate players.
Super oversize (>116 sq inches): These rackets are designed for maximum power and have a huge sweet spot. They are very forgiving and ideal for improving players who are still developing their technique and perfecting their swing.
Tennis racket balance
The balance point of a tennis racket can be head-heavy, head-light, or even-balanced.
Head-heavy: This type of racket puts more weight towards the head, which helps to generate power, especially for players with shorter, slower swings. They are often called 'power rackets' and are great for beginners.
Head-light: With more weight in the handle, these rackets are easier to manoeuvre. The weight distribution helps absorb shock and is great for generating spin, making them perfect for experienced players who already generate their own power.
Even-balanced: This offers a great middle ground, blending the power of a head-heavy racket with the control of a head-light one. It's a versatile option for players who like to have an all-court game.
Tennis racket grip size
Choosing the correct grip size is crucial for comfort, control and to prevent injuries. Most adult tennis rackets come in grip sizes from 1 to 5.
To check your size, hold the tennis racket in your dominant hand. You should be able to just fit the index finger of your other hand in the gap between your fingertips and the palm of your hand.
As a general guide, most women opt for sizes 2 or 3, and most men choose sizes 3 or 4. Juniors typically use a smaller grip size, like a 1.
Here are the usual measurements for each grip size:
- 1 = 4 1/8" (10.5 cm)
- 2 = 4 1/4" (10.8 cm)
- 3 = 4 3/8" (11.1 cm)
- 4 = 4 1/2" (11.4 cm)
- 5 = 4 5/8" (11.8 cm)
You can customise your grip for comfort and to slightly increase the size by using grip tape on the handle.
Choosing a tennis racket by player level
Beginner players: We recommend starting with a racket that's lightweight and has a larger, oversized head. A head-heavy balance will also help you generate power. This combination will be more forgiving and easier to swing as you learn the fundamentals of the game.
Intermediate players: As you improve, you might want a tennis racket that offers a better blend of power and control. A mid-weight, even-balanced, or slightly head-heavy racket with a midsize head is a fantastic choice to help you develop a more consistent, all-round game.
- Advanced players: For those with powerful, well-developed swings, a heavier, head-light racket with a midsize head can be an excellent choice. This setup provides the control and stability to hit precise, powerful shots. At this stage, you'll know your own preferred tennis style and will be able to make a sophisticated racket choice that plays to your strengths.
Junior tennis rackets
Junior rackets are sized differently, with the handle length adjusted according to the player's height. This means the tennis racket will be comfortable to play with for an extended period and easy to swing in a controlled manner.
In our experience, it's not a great idea to give a junior an adult racket. A full size racket may throw a smaller player off balance and could potentially cause injury. If you want to encourage your junior player to progress fast and to love the game, you'll give them the best chance with a correctly sized racket.
Age 10 + / Height 140cm-150cm: Choose a 26" tennis racket.
Age 8-10 / Height 130cm-140cm: Choose a 25" tennis racket.
Age 6-8 / Height 120cm-130cm: Choose a 23" tennis racket.
Age 4-6 / Height 105cm-120cm: Choose a 21" tennis racket.
Age 3-4 / Height 90cm-105cm: Choose a 19" tennis racket.
Junior rackets tend to be designed to be versatile, durable and well suited to young players developing their tennis shots across the board. They're generally keenly priced, which is good news if you're the adult who's paying!
Check out the coach video at the end of this article, for more top tips on junior racket choices.
Leading tennis racket brands
When you're ready to buy, you'll find you're spoiled for choice, with top manufacturers offering a range of styles and technical features. Here's what you can expect from some of the trusted brands we stock:
Babolat: A popular choice for power players, Babolat tennis rackets are known for their modern, high-tech feel and ability to generate heavy spin. They are often endorsed by professional tennis players.
Dunlop: With a long history in the sport, Dunlop tennis rackets are celebrated for their quality and a great balance of power and control. Their frames appeal to a wide range of players.
HEAD: A global leader in tennis racket technology, HEAD offers a huge variety of frames for all levels. Their tennis rackets are known for their innovative designs and a focus on both power and feel.
Tecnifibre: Famous for their premium strings, Tecnifibre also produce high-quality tennis rackets that offer exceptional feel and control. Their frames are a great choice for players who value precision and comfort.
Wilson: Wilson tennis rackets are known for their classic feel and a wide variety of models that cater to every player. They are a staple on the professional tour.
Yonex: A Japanese brand with a reputation for precision engineering, Yonex rackets have a distinctive isometric head shape with a larger sweet spot. They're popular with players who want a blend of control and playability.
Get expert advice on your tennis racket purchase
There's so much choice out there, we don't blame you if you're struggling to narrow down your decision to just one. (Of course, you could always buy a couple!) In any case, our tennis experts are here to help!
At pdhsports.com we're keen players and big fans of the sport and we're lucky enough to have tried all the top rackets for ourselves. So you can trust us for friendly, personalised advice on the perfect tennis racket for you. Just give us a call or drop us a message via email or our social channels. We're always happy to help!