How To [Confidently] Choose The
Perfect Tennis Racquet
We hope you love this article. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more.
Let’s be honest. Tennis racquets aren’t easy to buy.
A few quick searches online will yield endless opinions, technical specifications that’ll make your head spin, and unhelpful marketing materials that suggest every racquet is “the best.”
Although those resources are practical on some level, what’s most helpful is learning how to make an educated buying decision that aligns with your budget, needs, and preferences, which is my aim for this article.
I’ll walk you through the logical steps for buying a racquet, providing clarity and insightful tips to make it easier so you choose the ideal racquet that will have you playing your best tennis.
Are you looking for help with kids’ racquets? If so, check out my guide for parents, which will help you find the perfect fit.
Step 1: Assess Your Skill Level
One of the best things you can do when buying a new racquet is assess your skill level, which helps inform key decisions when narrowing down your options. However, determining the right level can be tricky. After all, you won’t wake up one day and suddenly find yourself playing at a higher level; it’s a gradual transition that happens slowly.
Considering that, I’d encourage you to level down if you hover between two skill levels when selecting a new racquet. This leveling down isn’t to diminish your experience. Instead, it’s to help identify racquet characteristics to help you perform your best.
Beginner
With consistent lessons, most players usually spend at least a year at the beginner level. During this time, you’ll become familiar with the fundamentals, learn how to consistently hit the ball in play, and develop the control necessary to rally back and forth with another player.
Intermediate
After a few years of solid commitment, players will have developed reliable groundstrokes, volleys, and serves, including the ability to play with spin, vary pace and depth of shot, and target specific locations.
These skills, along with the development of strong footwork and court awareness, enable them to play competitively in singles and doubles.
Advanced
With several consecutive years of commitment to the sport, players will continue to refine their craft, hone their precision, and master strategies and patterns that allow them to compete at increasingly high levels.
Furthermore, these players will spend increasingly more time working on physical and mental strategies off-court.
Recommendation
Based on your selected skill level, I recommend purchasing a racquet with the attributes below.
| Attribute | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Weight | Lightweight | Mid-Range | Heavier |
| Head Size | Larger | Mid-Sized | Smaller |
| String Pattern | Open | Open | Tighter |
| Stiffness/Beam | Stiff, Thicker | Moderate | Less Stiff, Thinner |
| Balance | Head Heavy | Head Light | Head Light |
| Materials | Low Cost | Premium | Premium |
| Customization | Rare | Limited | Frequent |
Don’t worry about specifics; we’ll discuss those in the following steps. For now, note the general racquet characteristics, which will be ideal.
Step 2: Estimate Your Commitment Level
Once you’ve identified your skill level, it’s time to consider your commitment to the sport, which will depend on how frequently and for how long you intend to play. Here are some common scenarios.
Casual Recreational Play
Many players love to play tennis with friends and family for exercise or to get outside. However, they’re not particularly interested in continually investing much time or money in improving their skills.
Giving The Sport A Try
Many people are curious about tennis and want to try it to see if they will enjoy it. Frequently, these players will schedule a few lessons to gain a feel for the sport and determine whether they enjoy the challenge.
Dedicated To Improvement
Another group will want to commit to the sport for an extended duration, independent of experience. They will have purchased a package of lessons, planned to attend a seasonal camp, or have a similar obligation.
Recommendation
If you’re looking to play casually and infrequently or want to try out the sport but are unsure if you’ll continue, I recommend you avoid spending more than $100 on a racquet. For these scenarios, the nuances of pricier models will have a negligible impact on your performance and enjoyment, and there are plenty of budget options to consider.
However, if you’re committed to improving your game, you’ll likely outgrow an inexpensive racquet within the first year. As a result, I suggest you spend a little more money upfront to avoid an unnecessary upgrade within the first few months of getting started. If you find yourself in this group, the rest of this guide will be helpful.
Step 3: Determine The Proper Length
The standard length for an adult racquet is 27 inches (68.58 cm), so most racquets come in this size. However, some models offer an extended-length option, between 1/4 and 3/4 inches longer.
A longer racquet can enhance power, spin, and a player’s reach, while shorter racquets tend to improve control and maneuverability.
Recommendation
I recommend the standard 27-inch (69 cm) length for nearly all players because it offers the broadest selection of racquets. While a select few will benefit from the advantages of a longer racquet, most will find the added control and maneuverability of the standard length optimal.
Sometimes, shorter or elderly players or those with abbreviated strokes may benefit from an extended-length model. However, rather than starting with an extended-length racquet, I’d recommend players first become proficient with the standard length and then experiment with longer racquets to see if the pros outweigh the cons.
Step 4: Select The Ideal Head Size
A racquet’s head size refers to the surface area of the strings, expressed in square inches or centimeters between 85 and 110 in² (548 – 710 cm²).
Larger head sizes produce more power and spin, and the added surface area increases a player’s margin for error when swinging to hit the ball. Conversely, smaller head sizes enhance control and maneuverability but require more precise technique to connect with the ball.
Recommendation
Due to the large number of head sizes available, I recommend players at each skill level stick to the following ranges.
| Head Size | Inches | Centimeters |
| Beginner | 100 – 110 in | 645.16 – 709.68 cm |
| Intermediate | 98 – 100 in | 632.26 – 645.16 cm |
| Advanced | 85 – 100 in | 548.39 – 645.16 cm |
Newer players will benefit from added power and spin early on as they work to develop their technique, while a larger head size will make swinging to hit the ball easier. However, as a player’s skills improve, they’ll learn to generate more power and spin on their own and will typically prefer the control a smaller head size emphasizes.
As you’ll notice, there is some crossover from one level to the next, and while these are not strict rules, you should feel confident in your selection of a head size consistent with your skill level.
Step 5: Narrow Down A Weight Range
Similar to a racquet’s head size, weight influences its performance. Most racquets weigh between 8 and 12.5 ounces (226 and 354 g), with manufacturers typically presenting the weight of their racquets as unstrung or without strings installed. However, some retailers list them as strung or with strings installed, so you’ll want to note this as you shop.
Regarding performance, lighter racquets are easier to maneuver, while added weight can improve stability and power.
Recommendation
Here are the strung weight ranges I suggest for each skill level.
| Weight Ranges | Ounces | Grams |
| Beginner | 8 – 11 oz | 226 – 298 g |
| Intermediate | 11 – 11.7 oz | 312 – 332 g |
| Advanced | 11 – 12.5 oz | 312 – 354 g |
When first learning the fundamentals, players benefit from lightweight racquets that are easy to maneuver. However, as players develop muscle memory, they’re better able to handle the extra weight that aids stability, allowing them to absorb their opponents’ ever-increasing pace.
At higher levels of the game, this weight enhances stability while also providing more mass that increases power, much like the weight of a hammer, which allows you to drive a nail more easily.
When selecting a weight, I recommend you opt for the heaviest within your skill’s range that you can confidently swing for an hour or two.
Step 6: Measure For Grip Size
After determining the ideal length, head size, and weight, the last part of the equation to consider is your grip size, which will help ensure optimal comfort and performance while reducing the likelihood of injury.
Although it’s a personal preference, a grip size that’s too small can slip or rotate in your hand, resulting in frustration and blisters, while one that’s too large can be cumbersome and challenging to handle. Here’s a table outlining the various grip sizes available for adult racquets.
| Size | Type | Inches | Centimeters | Millimeters |
| 1 | Adults | 4 1/8 | 10.5 | 105 |
| 2 | Adults | 4 1/4 | 10.8 | 108 |
| 3 | Adults | 4 3/8 | 11.1 | 111 |
| 4 | Adults | 4 1/2 | 11.4 | 114 |
| 5 | Adults | 4 5/8 | 11.8 | 118 |
In my guide on selecting the perfect grip size, I discuss two options for finding your measurement. Rather than repeating that information here, take a few minutes to review that article, then jump back here for advice on making your final choice on a racquet.
Step 7: Pick Your Racquet
Now for the fun part: choosing a racquet. With the information we’ve reviewed, you’ll have everything you need to research and explore racquets to help you perform your best and have more fun.
Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered by skill level.
| Attribute | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Length | 27 in (68.58 cm) | 27 in (68.58 cm) | 27 in (68.58 cm) |
| Head Size | 100 – 110 in (645.16 – 709.68 cm) | 98 – 100 in (632.26 – 645.16 cm) | 85 – 100 in (548.39 – 645.16 cm) |
| Weight | 8 – 10.5 oz (226 – 298 g) | 10.5 – 11.5 oz (298 – 326 g) | 11 – 12.5 oz (312 – 354 g) |
| Grip Size | Based on Measurement | Based on Measurement | Based on Measurement |
The best part is that if you stick to the criteria that align with your experience, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a racquet you’ll love.
Here’s how I would approach beginning your exploration.
- Select a brand you have an affinity for, such as Babolat, Wilson, Head, Yonex, Tecnifibre, Prince, or Dunlop.
- Next, visit your favorite online tennis retailer and navigate to the section of the website dedicated to the brand you selected.
- Click and explore the models they offer, looking for options that align with the attributes you’ve identified in this guide.
For example, if I was a beginner and Babolat was a brand I wanted to explore, I’d quickly learn there are three core models:
- Pure Drive: Power and Spin
- Pure Aero: Spin and Power
- Pure Strike: Control and Feel
Based on the above features, I’d select one of the models that aligned with my preferences. Hint: There are no right or wrong answers; it’s a matter of personal preference.
If the Pure Drive line piqued my interest, here are the racquets I’d uncover that meet the criteria we covered for beginners:
- Babolat Pure Drive
- Babolat Pure Drive Team
- Babolat Pure Drive Lite
The primary distinction between these three is weight, so if I were interested in purchasing one, I’d order a few demos to see which weight felt the best, and then I’d proceed with buying that one.
Looking for a few additional recommendations? Here are some approachable options to kick off your exploration.
Beginner
Intermediate
Tips for Selecting a Racquet
If you’ve followed the steps in this guide, you should be well on your way to selecting a racquet that meets your needs. However, recognizing that wading through the options can be challenging, I’ve compiled some tips to help you work through the process.
Demo Before You Buy
In step seven, I mentioned demoing a racquet before making your purchase, which bears repeating. Once you’ve selected a racquet you think is a good fit, there’s no substitute for testing it before buying it to understand how it feels when playing.
Many online retailers offer extensive demo programs that let you try a racquet before buying it. Often, you can demo a handful of racquets for a small fee to help ensure an ideal match and apply the cost of the demo toward your new racquet purchase. It’s a win-win; I highly recommend it.
Consider Your Style of Play
As your skills improve, you’ll eventually gravitate toward a specific style of play, such as a power baseliner or serve-and-volleyer. When this happens, it’s crucial to consider this style and, in particular, your strengths to ensure you can maximize your performance.
I made this mistake in college. I was a big server with a heavy forehand and comfortable coming to the net to close out points.
At the time, I used the Babolat Pure Drive, which capitalized on my strengths. However, when an opportunity arose to buy Wilson racquets for a discount through a distributor, I jumped at the chance, opting for a Wilson Pro Staff, a heavier, less powerful control-oriented model with a smaller head size, which produced significantly less spin.
In hindsight, it was one of the worst decisions I made for my game because it significantly diminished my strengths, and its attributes didn’t align with my style of play. Don’t fall for this trap.
If you’re new to tennis, you won’t have developed a style of play, and that’s perfectly fine. The attributes of the racquets we covered as part of this guide will allow your style to evolve organically, and when the time comes to upgrade, you’ll be ready to consider this facet.
Keep Your Current Racquet In Mind
If you’re looking for a new racquet, your existing one may no longer meet your needs. However, just because it’s no longer optimal doesn’t mean it’s not a good reference point. After all, it’s the racquet you used to get where you are, so don’t completely discount it.
Instead, make a list of what you like about it and what you don’t like about it, then use that information to help identify a new racquet that maintains the good parts while enhancing its weaknesses.
As I shared in the previous tip, jumping to extremes is often a recipe for disaster that will lead to frustration and potentially wasted money if you buy one, only to find out it’s not a good fit.
If you’re new to the game and don’t have a racquet, don’t sweat it. You could borrow one from a friend or family member and play with it, which can help you form a baseline. Other than that, if you stick to the guidelines we’ve covered, you should be good to go.
Be Wary Of Advanced Racquets
One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a new racquet is that using an advanced model will help you play better tennis. In reality, it will do the opposite, making learning harder and progressing slower.
The best example is the Wilson RF 01 Pro, Roger Federer’s racquet of choice. It’s unique because it’s the model Federer used during his career, including the same specs. As one of the best players of all time, many assumed that if they used his racquet, they’d play better tennis.
However, the truth is that Roger’s racquet is one of the most demanding, perfectly optimized for his game, and a stark contrast to what beginners require to be successful and improve their game. The same is true about other pro models, such as Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Origin, so unless you’re an advanced player, I’d encourage you to steer clear of these.
Get Familiar With Specs
To a degree, specs help players narrow their options to identify an ideal racquet. They’re particularly useful if you have a specific attribute you’re trying to optimize, such as comfort or power. If interested, I encourage you to read my specs and racquet performance guide to learn more.
However, I often see players get lost in overanalyzing attributes, placing too much emphasis on them in their quest to find the perfect racquet when they’d be better off demoing or testing racquets to gain first-hand experience that helps them make an informed decision.
So, pay attention to a racquet’s specs, but don’t worry too much about them, especially since what matters is how a racquet feels, which you can only learn by hitting the court and playing with one.
Don’t Skimp On The Strings
Finding the ideal racquet is crucial to performing your best, but since your strings are the only thing that comes in contact with the ball, choosing a quality set and selecting an optimal tension is equally essential.
Once you’ve settled on a racquet, spend some time learning about the different types of strings, string gauge, and how often to restring your racquet to ensure you’re getting the best results.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!