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Tennis Racquets
Whether you are a tennis veteran or a beginner, choosing the your racquet can be a big decision. Gone are the heavy wooden models of yesteryear, and there is more choice than ever. Today's racquets
Things to Consider
Power or Control
One of the first considerations should be whether you want more power, control or a combination of the two.
- Beginners should play with a racquet that's light enough to swing easily, but with enough weight to provide some power. A racquet with an oversize head that weighs between 9 and 10 ounces (255 to 280 grams) will give these players more power and more surface area to make good contact with the ball
. A good head size should measure around 107 to 110 square inches (690 to 710 square centimetres). A thicker frame (around 25mm) will also add stiffness and power. - Intermediate players should look for something in the middle: not too powerful, yet not all about control.
- Advanced players who don't have issues generating power can get away with a smaller, heavier racquet that will provide more control. Look for a racquet with a thinner frame that weighs over 10.5 ounces (300 grams).
Light vs. Heavy Racquet
- Lighter racquets offer greater manoeuvrability making them easier to swing and more suitable for aggressive play, especially around the net.
- Lighter racquets generate less power by themselves, meaning you must swing faster and more efficiently to generate power.
- A light, head-weighted racquet can generate sufficient power without compromising your swing.
- Lighter racquets demand greater accuracy on impact, which makes it more difficult for beginners.
- Lighter racquets tend to be more expensive than heavy racquets.
- Heavier racquets generate more power and are easier to control.
Balance (Head-weighted or Handle-weighted Racquets)
- Most racquets are either head-weighted, handle-weighted or evenly balanced.
- To check a frame's balance, measure it lengthwise and balance it at its exact centre.
- Head-heavy racquets give more power, but are less manoeuvrable around the net, so players who situate themselves mainly at the baseline tend to prefer head-heavy frames.
- Head-light racquets are easier to manoeuvre at the net, but won't deliver the power of head-heavy frames when you hit from the baseline.
- Serve-and-volleyers, all-court players and advanced players who take full swings generally like head-light racquets.
- Evenly balanced frames offer a blend of power from the baseline and manoeuvrability at the net. They usually appeal to all-court players.
Flexibility (Stiff or Flexible)
- Stiff racquets bend and torque less.
- Stiff racquets are usually more powerful. A flexible racquet requires the player to produce more power.
- Stiff racquets are usually more accurate due to reduced flex on impact providing a more consistent result.
- Flexible racquets are more comfortable because they produce less shock. This helps to avoid tennis elbow problems.
Racquet Head Shape and Size
- Greater hitting area means there is a greater margin for error.
- Oversize racquets offer a larger sweet spot. This means more power but less control.
- Mid-size/small-size racquets have a medium sweetspot and power with very good control.
Durability/Racquet Material
- Racquets are made with a number of composite materials. Most of this has little effect on the racquet's performance.
- High-end racquets are now typically constructed of Titanium and carbon.
- Aluminium is very often used for lower-priced racquets because it's cheap and durable. However, it lacks the playability of other materials.
Open or Dense String Pattern
- An open string
- Dense string patterns will give you less spin, but more overall control at directing shots.
Major Manufacturers
External Links
- BBC.co.uk-- Loads of information on tennis racquets and other equipment.