How to Choose the Best Tennis Racket: The Ultimate Guide

Selecting the right tennis racket can dramatically improve your game, comfort, and injury prevention. With so many options available, it's crucial to understand key factors like head size, weight, balance, and string pattern. Here's your complete guide to finding your perfect match.

1. Determine Your Skill Level

Beginner Rackets

• Head Size: 100-110 sq in (larger sweet spot)

• Weight: 9-10.5 oz (lighter for easier handling)

• Balance: Even or slightly head-light

• Recommended: Wilson Clash 108, Babolat Boost Drive

Intermediate Rackets

• Head Size: 98-105 sq in (balance of power & control)

• Weight: 10-11 oz

• Balance: Slightly head-light to even

• Recommended: Head Speed MP, Yonex EZONE 100

Advanced/Pro Rackets

• Head Size: 95-100 sq in (maximum control)

• Weight: 11-12.5+ oz (heavier for stability)

• Balance: Head-light for maneuverability

• Recommended: Wilson Pro Staff, Babolat Pure Aero

2. Head Size Matters

Tip: Beginners should choose 100-110 sq in for forgiveness, while advanced players prefer 95-100 sq in for precision.

3. Weight & Swingweight

• Lightweight (9-10.5 oz): Easier to swing, better for beginners/juniors

• Mid-weight (10.5-11.5 oz): Best for intermediate players

• Heavy (11.5+ oz): More power and stability (advanced players)

Swingweight (measured in grams):

• Low (300-320): Faster swings (doubles/net play)

• Medium (320-335): Balanced

• High (335+): More plow-through (baseline players)

4. Balance: Head-Heavy vs. Head-Light

• Head-Heavy (HH): More power, harder on arm (baseliners)

• Head-Light (HL): More maneuverable (serve & volley players)

• Even Balance: Best all-around choice

Common Balance Points:

• 4-7 pts HL → Great for control (advanced)

• 0-3 pts HL → Balanced (intermediate)

• HH or 0 pts → Power (beginners)

5. Racket Stiffness (RA Rating)

• Low (50-60 RA): Flexible, arm-friendly, less power

• Medium (61-67 RA): Balanced feel

• High (68+ RA): Stiff, more power, harder on arm

Best for:

• Arm issues? Go flexible (RA < 62)

• Want power? Stiffer (RA 65+)

• All-around? Mid-range (63-66)

6. String Pattern: Open vs. Dense

Best Choice:

• Baseline/spin players: Open (16x19)

• Flat hitters/control: Dense (18x20)

7. Grip Size: How to Measure

1. Measure from palm crease to tip of ring finger.

2. Standard sizes:

   • 4 1/8" (US 2) – Small hands

   • 4 1/4" (US 3) – Average women

   • 4 3/8" (US 4) – Average men

   • 4 1/2"+ (US 5+) – Large hands

Tip: If between sizes, go smaller (can add overgrip).

8. Best Rackets by Play Style

9. Demo Before Buying!

• Most shops allow demo programs

• Try different weights, balances, and string patterns

• Play at least 2-3 sessions before deciding

Or you can contact me for advice