Tennis Racquets
Tennis racquets 
have come a long way from the heavy wooden models of yesteryear. Today's racquets combine high-tech materials and innovative engineering to produce a strong, lightweight, high-quality product. Shopping for one can be confusing. Fear not, this guide will help.
Tennis Racquet Terminology
When you are shopping for tennis racquets there are a few terms you will run into that may need defining.
- Balance: Measure of weight distribution in a racquet from the butt end to the top. Head light and head heavy are standard descriptions of a racquets balance. This balance will affect the measure of racquet maneuverability.
- Beam Width: Width of the racquet head as viewed from the side. The wider the beam, the more powerful the frame.
- Butt Cap: Seals the end of your handle.
- Dampening: Refers to the vibration or shock dampening. Some manufacturers produce racquets with handle systems that reduce the shock level before they reach the player's hand.
- Elasticity: Ability of a string to return to its original position after ball contact. Material, construction, and tension all affect this.
- Grommet Strip: The strip of plastic containing small tubes that run through the frame's string holes. The plastic protects the strings from rubbing against the frame metal.
- Handle Pallet: The material attached to the shaft to form an octagonal shape.
- Head: The strings and the part of the frame that encloses them.
- Head Size: The measurement of the racquet's string area, which is usually measured in square inches.
- Hybrid Strings: A combination of any two string types (one for the mains, one for the crosses).
- Resilience: Like elasticity; this is a term used to describe string responsiveness.
- Rollers: Tiny pulleys used in place of grommets where strings pass through the frame. They allow strings to move freely around the string-frame intersection so that when a ball hits a string, more of the impact force is distributed to neighboring strings.
- Shaft: The part that extends from the butt cap through the handle to the throat.
- Stationary Weight: The overall weight of the racquet (not factoring in balance). Racquets are about 7 to 12 ounces.
- Sweet Spot: The area of the string bed that produces the best combination of feel and power.
- Throat: The part of the frame that extends from the shaft to the head. It is usually triangular, branching into a Y shape from the shaft.
Things to Consider
Power or Control
One of the first considerations should be whether you want more power, more control, or a combination of the two.
- Beginners should play with a racquet that's light enough to swing easily, but which has enough weight to provide some power. A racquet with an oversize head that weighs between 9 and 10 ounces will give these players more power and more surface area to make good contact with the ball . A good head size measures around 107 to 110 square inches. A thicker frame (around 25 mm) 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 more than 10.5 ounces.
Light vs. Heavy Racquets
- Lighter racquets offer greater maneuverability, 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 them more difficult for beginners to use.
- Lighter racquets tend to be more expensive than heavier racquets.
- Heavier racquets generate more power and are easier to control.
Balance
Most racquets are either head-weighted, handle-weighted, or evenly balanced. Here's how to figure out if you want head-weighted or handle-weighted racquets:
- To check a frame's balance, measure it lengthwise and balance it at its exact center.
- Players who situate themselves mainly at the baseline tend to prefer head-heavy frames as these give more power; however, they are less maneuverable around the net.
- Head-light racquets are easier to maneuver 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 these racquets.
- Evenly balanced frames integrate a blend of power from the baseline with maneuverability at the net. They usually appeal to all-court players.
Flexibility
Do you want stiff or flexible?
- Stiff racquets bend and torque less, but they are usually more powerful. A flexible racquet requires the player produce more power.
- Stiff racquets are usually more accurate due to their reduced flex on impact; this provides 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
- A larger 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- and small-size racquets have a medium sweet spot and offer 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.
- Aluminum is cheap and durable, and so is very often used for lower-priced racquets. However, it lacks the playability of other materials.
- Carbon composite (microgel) racquets have impressive response. They disperse shock.
- Graphite tungsten racquets have improved performance. They have superb control and feel.
- Basalt fiber racquets are popular among some professional tennis players. They are more flexible than fiberglass, cheaper than carbon fiber, and are light-weight.
Open or Dense String Pattern
- An open string pattern has more space between the strings, allowing you to put more spin on the ball.
- Dense string patterns will give you less spin, but more overall control at directing shots.
- See our guide to Tennis Racquet Strings for more information.
Top Picks
Below are some well-reviewed models suggested by Hubpages.com, ConsumerSearch.com, and DoItTennis.com (more picks at each site).
Major Manufacturers
Accessories
Once you have chosen your racquet, it's time to consider what else you might need. These following items could come in handy when you've worn out your racquet from all the playing.
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Racquet Replacement Grip The grip on a tennis racquet is very important. Make sure the grip you buy fits the size of your hand. You can injure yourself if you get one that is too big or too small. |
Racquet Strings Depending on how much tension, control, and power you want when you hit the tennis ball, you might want to consider restringing with a different material. |
Dampeners Dampeners absorb the shock when you play. These are great if the strings or racquet can't do it on their own. You should buy extras just in case. |
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