Buying guide for best tennis rackets
For years, I was convinced I hated tennis. It was part of the annual curriculum in my high school gym class, and I was so awful on the court that I never had any fun. It was just too much of a struggle to enjoy at all.
It's unfortunate, too, because tennis is a great way to enjoy exercise and a bit of competition. You can play tennis year-round if you have access to an indoor court, and outdoor courts are pretty easy to find, too.
Recently, though, a friend talked me into trying it on vacation when we stayed at a resort with beautiful courts overlooking the ocean. Even though I haven't played since I was 17, my skills had somehow improved, and while no one is going to mistake me for Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova on the court, I actually had some fun.
It wasn't until afterward that I really understood what made the difference— it all came down to the rackets. The cheap beginner rackets they had us use in high school made enjoying tennis nearly impossible. At the resort, I could choose from a wide array of high-quality rackets that were lightweight and easy to maneuver.
If you've played tennis, you probably already know that the right tennis racket can make the game even more fun and fulfilling. Rackets vary, so they’re definitely not all the same. For example, beginners would benefit from a racket that is more forgiving of errant shots.
At BestReviews, we've researched and analyzed dozens of tennis rackets to help find the best models. Our top pick, the HEAD Ti S6, stands out for its large, forgiving sweet spot that can help you feel more confident on the court. It also weighs just 8.6 ounces, so it lets you react quickly at the net.
Best tennis rackets for different players
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you need to have the right tennis racket for your experience level. Some beginners erroneously think that an “advanced” racket will make them an advanced player. In truth, a tennis racket with advanced features doesn’t help a novice player because he or she cannot take advantage of the racket’s features. Plus, advanced rackets tend to cost more.
Tennis rackets for beginners
Head size: A racket with a larger head is more forgiving of shots that are not struck properly. Head sizes of 105 square inches or larger are good for tennis beginners.
Length: A racket length of 25 to 27 inches is good for beginners, as it provides more control over the serve.
Weight: New players may want a lighter racket of 310 grams or less. A lighter racket allows the beginner to practice for longer periods of time without tiring. However, a lighter racket doesn’t deliver the power that a heavier racket does.
"A mid-sized tennis racket, also called a midplus racket, offers more control on shot placement than an oversized racket."
STAFF
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Tennis rackets for intermediate and advanced players
Head size: If you’d like a little more control over your shot placement and ball spin, a smaller head size is desirable. A racket head of 100 square inches or less will give you more control over your shots.
Length: Rackets that are 28 or 29 inches in length give intermediate and advanced players more power on their serves.
Weight: A heavier racket of 320 grams or more can help an experienced player gain more power on shots. An advanced player should be able to handle the extra weight thanks to muscle memory built up over the years.
"The thickness of the head of the racket’s frame is called beam width. A racket with a thicker beam width delivers more power than a racket with a thinner beam width."
STAFF
BestReviews
Tennis rackets for kids
Head size: Kids need a racket they can swing and control easily. Although it would make sense to give a youngster a racket with a large head because it’s more forgiving, a racket with a larger head may be too heavy for a child to swing properly.
Length: A shorter racket of 21 inches or less is good for preschoolers. Preteens can use rackets that are 22 to 24 inches in length. Teens can use adult-size rackets most of the time.
Weight: A lighter racket makes more sense for a child. If you opt for a shorter racket, you’re likely to save on weight automatically.
Tennis racket manufacturers do make rackets sized appropriately for children, so look for that type of racket with the length to match the child’s age.
For your safety
Don’t buy a racket that’s too heavy for you to use for an entire match or practice session without suffering fatigue. If you do, you could suffer an injury.
STAFF
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Tennis racket materials
Frame
If you have an old wooden tennis racket in your basement, you are way behind the times. Tennis racket frames have been made from materials other than wood for a few decades. Two of the most common materials are aluminum and graphite.
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Aluminum frames: The least-expensive types of tennis rackets tend to have aluminum frames. These frames deliver a nice level of power, but they can be dented, bent, and scratched easily. Precise shots may be more difficult to make with an aluminum frame.
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Composite graphite frames: Some racket manufacturers mix graphite with other materials, such as fiberglass or titanium, to create a composite frame. (Graphite is a material derived from carbon.) A composite frame is tough but lightweight, and it has some flex to it. If you need a forgiving racket that puts less pressure on your elbow and wrist joints, consider one with a composite graphite frame.
- Graphite frames: A graphite tennis racket frame feels light but is stiff, tough, and powerful enough for regular use. Notably, a racket made of this material can be tougher on the elbow and wrist joints.
"An oversized tennis racket gives you a bigger sweet spot, which yields more forgiveness on errant shots."
STAFF
BestReviews
Grips
The grip on the handle of the tennis racket may consist of rubber, leather, or synthetic materials.
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Rubber provides a sticky grip but is the least-durable choice.
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Leather grips have a comfortable feel, but they can become slick with sweat.
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Synthetic materials may have texture on the surface, which improves grip.
"Although it’s tempting to purchase the lightest racket available, a slightly heavier racket will give you better power. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Strings
Nylon is the most common type of string material. Manufacturers offer nylon strings in varying levels of firmness, helping the player gain the exact ball control desired.
Some manufacturers combine polyester and nylon strings to create more “feel” and shot precision. The most expensive and desirable string for advanced players is made from animal intestines, called natural gut. These strings are only on found on the priciest of tennis rackets.
Tennis racket prices
As with most types of sporting equipment, you can find tennis rackets in nearly any price point. However, that doesn’t mean you have to purchase a racket at the highest price point to receive the best quality for your skill level.
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$20 to $50: A low-priced tennis racket will be aimed more at kids, as it will be a small racket. Such rackets probably won’t have the highest-quality strings installed, which means you will need a restringing relatively quickly. You may find rackets made from aluminum in this price range.
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$50 to $200: A mid-range tennis racket will fit the needs of most beginning and intermediate players. It will have quality materials in the frame, such as graphite or composite graphite. Rackets with larger heads fit in this price range, too.
- $200 and Higher: If you want the highest quality, look for a tennis racket in this price range. The frame will be tailored to the specific needs of intermediate and advanced players in terms of head size and stiffness. These rackets allow for precise shot-making for experienced players.
FAQ
Q. What type of tennis racket will yield more power on shots?
A. To gain more power, select a tennis racket with a large head size and a long handle length. A heavier weight will deliver more power, too, as long as you can handle the weight without slowing down your swing speed and stressing your joints. Bear in mind that you’ll probably have to sacrifice some shot control if you buy a racket focused on increased power.
Q. How do I find the right grip on the racket?
A. Most rackets have a grip circumference of between 4 and 4.625 inches. If you pick the wrong size of grip, and you could suffer wrist or elbow strain. To find the best grip for your needs, measure the distance between the middle of your palm and the tip of the fourth finger on your dominant hand. Match this measurement to the circumference of the racket handle.
Q. How important is the quality of the strings on a tennis racket?
A. Better string quality certainly helps give you the ball control and speed you want. However, strings in a racket can be replaced easily at any tennis pro shop and most sporting goods stores. In fact, you will need to have your tennis racket restrung regularly, perhaps two to four times per year for novice and intermediate players. Daily players and advanced players will need to restring more often. So because you can have the racket restrung so easily, string quality when you buy the racket isn’t overly important.
Q. How do I use a tennis racket properly to enhance the longevity of my investment?
A. One of the biggest factors in terms of racket longevity is how the player treats is. Throwing or dropping a racket causes microfractures in the racket frame which add up over time, eventually causing a failure. When making ground strokes, avoid having the racket drag against the ground, as this could cause it to break down over time.
