When purchasing a tennis racket, it is necessary to choose based on personal skill level and playing style. Beginners should opt for lighter rackets for easier control. Advanced players may prefer heavier rackets to increase hitting power. Pay attention to racket head size, material, and grip comfort to ensure you find the ideal racket that suits your skill level and feel.
1. What parameters should be considered when buying a racket?
There are several factors that affect the choice of a tennis racket, with the most important being weight, head size, racket stiffness, balance point, frame thickness, and grip size.
1.1 Racket Weight
The weight generally refers to the unstrung weight of the tennis racket. The weight of a tennis racket influences power, control, and feel, making it a significant factor to consider. Adult tennis rackets commonly found on the market usually weigh between 250-330 grams.
- Ultra-light, 260g~265g
- Lightweight, 270g~285g
- Slightly heavy, 300g and above
The ideal racket weight is not necessarily the lightest or the heaviest. A racket that is too light may not handle heavy balls well and could be unstable. On the other hand, a heavy racket may lead to greater physical exertion and a higher risk of injury if the movement is not executed properly. Racket weight preferences vary from person to person, and the best method is to try holding and swinging the racket yourself.
- Advice for beginners. Beginners don't need to consider too much; generally, male beginners should choose around 280-300g, and female beginners should choose around 260-290g. It is not recommended to exceed 300g.
- Advice for seasoned players. If you value racket maneuverability, you can consider a weight below 280g as a standard, although the impact when receiving heavy balls will increase, but the swing speed is fast, and the fluidity of hitting the ball is high. If you like to play power shots, you can choose a racket weighing 300g/300g and above, to win with power and also reduce the impact of heavy balls.
1.2 Racket Head Size
The head size of a tennis racket determines its performance, with common racket head sizes on the market ranging between 85-130 square inches.
- Rackets with a head size of 85-97 square inches are considered mid-size (Mid). Mid-size rackets offer better control and balance, suitable for professional players and high-level enthusiasts.
- Rackets with a head size of 98-103 square inches are considered mid-plus (MP). Mid-plus rackets are mainstream and are appropriate for advanced players or powerful beginners.
- Rackets with a head size of 104-135 square inches are considered oversize (OS). Oversize rackets provide more power and stability, making them ideal for beginners, players with less strength, or petite women.
Beginners are advised not to choose a mid-size head below 90 square inches. It is recommended to opt for mid-plus (MP) or oversize (OS), with a preference for oversize for its higher margin for error, giving more powerful shots.
Mid-plus (MP) rackets offer better control and ball speed, and are versatile, suitable for beginners to choose a 100 square inch mid-plus size. Smaller rackets have a concentrated sweet spot, which is not easy to master and not recommended for non-professional players.
1.3 Grip Size
A grip that is too large or too small can be uncomfortable. A grip that is too small can lead to insufficient grip strength or cause the racket to turn in the hand. A grip that is too large can lead to hand fatigue and impact performance. Grip sizes are categorized as follows: size 1, size 2, size 3, size 4.
- Size 1 grip: 4 1/8 inches, suitable for children or women with small hands.
- Size 2 grip: 4 1/4 inches, suitable for adult men/women.
- Size 3 grip: 4 3/8 inches, suitable for men with larger hands.
- Size 4 grip: 4 1/2 inches, suitable for men with very large hands.
How to determine if the size is right? Hold the grip naturally, ensuring that your index finger can fit freely between your fingers and the palm of your hand. If there's too much space around the ring finger, the grip is too large, and you should look for a smaller racket. Conversely, if you can't fit your finger through, the grip is too small. If it's only slightly small, you can add more overgrip tape until it feels right.
1.4 Racket Material
Tennis racket materials include aluminum alloy, aluminum-carbon composite, and full carbon rackets.
- Aluminum alloy rackets are low-cost and suitable for recreational family play or college elective courses. They are not recommended in this article.
- Aluminum-carbon composite rackets are made of aluminum alloy and carbon fiber, which are moderately priced and quite suitable for beginners.
- Full carbon rackets are made entirely of carbon fiber and are more expensive. They offer excellent elasticity, toughness, and a good feeling when striking the ball, and they are not very heavy. They are a must for professionals, and beginners with sufficient budgets should also consider full carbon rackets as a priority.
1.5 Racket Stiffness
The stiffness of a tennis racket affects its elasticity and shock absorption capabilities.
- Rackets with a stiffness below 65 are known as soft rackets. Soft rackets require the player to have good strength and control and are suitable for offensive players.
- Rackets with a stiffness above 65 are known as stiff rackets. Stiff rackets can leverage more power and are suitable for defensive players.
1.6 Racket Balance Point
The balance point relates to the weight distribution of the racket, and based on the balance point, rackets can be categorized as head-heavy or head-light.
- Head-heavy rackets have a heavier head. The heavier the head of the racket, the better the shock absorption, the greater the striking power, and the better the hitting ability. They are also more stable and suitable for beginners.
- Head-light rackets have a lighter head. The lighter the head, the more conducive it is for control and balance, with less vibration, better performance at the net, and more suitable for high-level or professional players.
1.7 Frame Thickness
The frame thickness of a tennis racket can generally be categorized into thin, medium-thick, and thick models. Currently, the mainstream tennis rackets have a medium-thick frame, which offers a good balance and is very suitable for beginners.
- Thin models have a frame thickness generally below 20mm. They provide good control and are suitable for players with a technical style. These rackets are mostly made of full carbon fiber, are lighter in weight, and offer increased durability. They are more suitable for players with strong power and high technical skill.
- Medium-thick models have a frame thickness of around 23mm. They offer a good balance, are widely appealing, and particularly suitable for beginners. Medium-thick frames perform well in striking the ball and are easy to use for spin shots, which is why most players prefer this type of tennis racket.
- Thick models have a frame thickness of 26mm or more, suitable for technical players or those with less power. The higher stiffness of the frame naturally increases the rebound force of the ball, making it more suitable for players who rely on technique or those who lack power.
1.8 Tennis Racket String Pattern
Common string patterns are generally structured with 16 mains (vertical strings) × 19 crosses (horizontal strings). The lower the number, the more open the string pattern, making the strings more prone to wear and breakage.
An open string pattern is suitable for beginners, as it allows for easy spin generation even with slower swing speeds.
A dense string pattern is suitable for advanced players. With a higher density, when the ball hits the sweet spot, control precision can be improved. Therefore, many skilled players tend to choose a 18 mains × 20 crosses string pattern.
1.9 Tennis Racket String Tension
The string tension of a tennis racket is determined by three main factors: the player's level, playing style, and string material.
For beginners, a recommended tension is around 55 pounds, between 53-58 pounds, and it is best not to exceed 60 pounds.
Higher tension results in lower elasticity, achieving better control. If a player with less strength chooses a tension too high, it could lead to unnecessary sports injuries. Each tennis racket will have a range of recommended tensions marked on it. It is advised to choose the appropriate specifications based on your own budget, skill level, or playing conditions.
Additionally, after stringing, the tension gradually decreases over time. Therefore, some players suggest increasing the tension by 2-3 pounds when stringing to find a better hitting sensation.
2. How to Choose the Right Racket for Yourself?
2.1 Choose a Tennis Racket Based on Strength and Body Type
Body type and strength are important factors to consider when purchasing a tennis racket. People with a strong physique should choose a racket that provides more control since they do not need the racket to provide or increase power output. Conversely, people with a relatively weaker physique should choose the opposite.
So, how can you tell if a tennis racket is focused on control or power? The simplest and most intuitive way is to look at the width of the racket frame; wider frames provide additional power. In other words, people with weaker strength should prioritize wider rackets, while stronger individuals should go for narrower rackets.
There is a triangular area between the racket head and the handle, known as the "throat" of the racket. Generally, the wider this triangle, the closer it is to an equilateral triangle, and the more power it provides (suitable for people with less strength). The narrower the triangle, the closer it is to a sharp isosceles triangle, and the more it favors control (suitable for people with more strength).
In addition to strength, you also need to consider height. People who are tall with long arms have a longer swing trajectory, which makes it easier to impart greater speed and force to the ball, so they can choose narrower rackets for increased control. Shorter individuals, on the other hand, should do the opposite, but this is not absolute. In addition to considering height and strength, you must also consider your habitual swing speed.
2.2 Choosing a Tennis Racket Based on Swing Speed
Based on the customary swing speed, we usually divide players into three types: fast swing, slow swing, and medium swing, which is in between the two.
If you are not sure which type you belong to, you can ask your coach to observe your swing habits and help you find the right fit. Generally speaking, the faster the swing speed, the more power is generated, so you need a racket that provides more control rather than power, which means you might be more suited to a racket with a narrower frame. Conversely, if you have a slower swing speed, you are likely better suited to a racket with a wider frame.
2.3 Choosing a Tennis Racket Based on Skill Level
Tennis rackets are divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and professional. The higher the level, the better the performance of the racket, the greater the technical demands, and the higher the price.
- Beginners should choose a racket with a head size of over 104 square inches, a harder racket, and a thicker frame with a head-heavy balance.
- Intermediate players should choose a racket with a head size of 98-103 square inches, a harder racket, and a thicker frame with a head-heavy balance.
- Professional players should choose a racket with a head size of 85-97 square inches, a softer racket, and a narrower frame with a head-light balance.
3. How to Maintain a Tennis Racket?
If a racket is not properly maintained and cared for, its performance and lifespan can be affected. Therefore, it is especially important to maintain and care for your tennis racket.
- Avoid direct contact with the ground
Direct contact with the ground can lead to abrasion and cracking of the racket face. Therefore, during breaks or matches, the racket should be placed in a racket cover or stood upright on a chair or net post.
- Avoid getting wet in the rain
Rain can cause the materials of a tennis racket to expand, leading to deformation of the racket. Therefore, avoid letting the racket get wet during matches or practice. In rainy seasons, it is best to use protective gear such as rain covers.
- Keep the racket clean
Dust and dirt can reduce the performance of a tennis racket, so it is important to clean the racket regularly. Wipe the surface of the racket with a clean cloth, being careful to avoid scratching. For more stubborn dirt, use a mild detergent and a soft brush to clean.
- Regularly replace the grip tape
The grip tape on a tennis racket's handle is an important part to protect the palm and maintain racket stability. However, over time, the grip tape can lose its stickiness, so it is recommended to replace it regularly. If the grip tape is worn or peeling, it should be replaced immediately.
- Check the racket for damage
Regularly check whether the frame of the racket has cracks, paint chipping, or deformation. If any problems are found, stop using it immediately and contact a professional repair person for inspection and repair.
- Store properly
When not using the racket, store it in a dry and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high-temperature environments. Also, do not leave the racket in a backpack or racket bag for a long time to avoid compression and collision.
