Buying guide for Best Babolat tennis rackets
When it comes to finding a high-quality tennis racket, many experienced players favor a particular brand. One of the most popular and trusted names in tennis rackets is Babolat, the first company to specialize in manufacturing gear for racket sports. It has inspired significant brand loyalty among its tennis-playing customers for over 150 years.
Babolat rackets benefit from the company’s cutting-edge technologies and high-quality manufacturing process. And because Babolat has so many different models, you are sure to find the right tennis racket to match your style of play and level of strength.
If you have some experience playing tennis and you’re looking for a new racket, you might want to consider our list of top Babolat tennis rackets. If you’d like more information, we’ve compiled this buying guide that outlines the most important factors to keep in mind as you shop for a Babolat racket.
Key considerations
Before we delve into the key factors that set Babolat tennis rackets apart from each other and from rackets made by other manufacturers, it’s important to understand some basic aspects of tennis rackets.
Size
Grip: The size of the grip is a key consideration when it comes to finding the right Babolat racket for you. A grip that’s too large can cause wrist and forearm strain. Most of these rackets have a grip circumference of between 4 and 4.625 inches.
To help you choose the right grip, measure in inches the distance from the center of your palm to the end of the ring finger on your dominant hand. This measurement should match the grip circumference you want.
Head: Head size refers to the measurement in square inches of the interior of the frame. In other words, it’s the size of the space where you hit the ball. Beginners should look for a head size of around 105 square inches, while players who want more control over shot placement and spin should look for a model with around 100 square inches.
Length: A longer racket allows a player to generate more power, especially on serves, but it sacrifices some control. Inexperienced players should look at rackets that are about 26 inches long. Experienced players want a racket that’s 28 inches or longer.
Weight: A heavier racket helps the player generate more ball speed. However, a lighter racket is easier to use over long practice sessions and games. An inexperienced player should look at rackets that weigh around 310 grams, while more experienced players typically can handle more weight, such as around 320 grams.
Babolat rackets have thicker frames than competitors’ rackets, which helps them deliver extra power.
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Features
With a basic understanding of tennis rackets in hand, here are some of the key technologies that you’ll find in Babolat tennis rackets.
Shape
Aero: The Aero models of Babolat rackets have an aerodynamic frame shape and size, allowing the player to more easily shape the shot with the desired power and spin.
Elliptic Geometry: This refers to the elliptical shape of the head, which Babolat uses to help the player generate additional power. This shape reduces bending and twisting of the frame during contact with the ball.
EVO Beam: The EVO racket uses a slightly thicker frame at the edges than at the top and bottom, which allows for greater responsiveness and success on balls struck in the sweet spot.
Square Beam: This refers to Babolat tennis rackets with a squarish head shape, which lengthens the amount of time the ball stays in contact with the strings, allowing for greater precision.
X-Sider: This frame from Babolat is a bit wider than a traditional frame. It has a larger sweet spot, reducing the penalty for off-center ball strikes, which is helpful for inexperienced players.
Frame
Carbon Ply Stabilizer: Babolat frames with this technology use a carbon fiber inlay to improve the stability of the frame, allowing more precision.
Cortex Dampening System: Babolat’s CDS technology allows the player to feel how the ball strikes the racket, ensuring an ability to spin the ball as desired while dampening unwanted vibrations.
GT Technology: This refers to the use of high-density carbon fibers and tungsten filaments in the frame of certain Babolat rackets to give a greater level of control and power versus other types of rackets made from cheaper materials.
Strings
Woofer Technology: This technology refers to the way the strings attach to the Babolat frame to maintain optimal tension so the ball remains in contact with the strings as long as possible, enabling a greater level of control.
Frame String Interaction Technology: FSI refers to the way the woofer system on Babolat rackets holds the strings in the frame while creating a tighter string pattern in the sweet spot.
Grip
Memo Grip: On Babolat rackets for youngsters, the Memo Grip uses a second color as a hand placement guide, reminding young players how to hold the racket.
DID YOU KNOW?
Some of the pro tennis players who use Babolat rackets include Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Ryan Harrison, and Pauline Parmentier.
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Accessories
Racket bag: Fila Ultimate Tennis Bag
Your Babolat tennis racket comes with a protective cover, but if you need to carry more than one racket, this sturdy Fila bag will accommodate two rackets plus other gear, including shoes.
Tennis balls: Penn Championship Extra Duty High Altitude Tennis Balls
Not all tennis balls are the same. Penn is the best-known brand of tennis balls, and these durable consistent performers come at a reasonable price.
Ball hopper: Tourna Ballport Tennis Ball Hopper
When it’s time to practice your serve, you need lots of tennis balls. This hopper from Tourna holds dozens of balls. When it’s empty, you can reconfigure it to pick them up without having to bend over.
Babolat tennis racket prices
Although you can find some bargain-priced tennis rackets for less than $50, they won’t be Babolat rackets. Beginners can certainly use Babolat rackets, but because of the cost, most users will be more experienced players.
Rackets for children or beginners: You can expect to pay $50 to $100 for a racket for a child or an adult beginner.
Rackets for experienced players: These Babolat tennis rackets cost $100 to $300. They have specialized features that you can choose to suit your game, such as extended length or lighter weight, as well as Babolat’s advanced technologies.
Consider a racket’s weight carefully. A heavier racket helps you generate more power and ball speed. However, using a racket that’s too heavy for you could lead to elbow injuries.
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Tips
- Don’t store your tennis racket in your car. Avoid storing it anywhere that experiences temperature extremes. Heat can cause the strings to warp. Very cold temperatures can cause the strings to become brittle over time.
- Never throw your racket. Don’t throw your Babolat racket or bang it on the ground. This could cause microscopic cracks in the frame and greatly shorten the life of the racket.
- Store your racket in a protective bag or sleeve. To avoid damaging the frame in storage or rain, keep the Babolat racket in a bag or sleeve. For maximum protection or to carry the racket when traveling, consider using a hard-sided case.
- Monitor the strings and grip. Using the racket causes normal wear in the strings and grip. These need replacement occasionally, so regularly inspect them for damage or wear.
FAQ
Q. Do I need to restring my Babolat tennis racket right away?
A. One of the benefits of purchasing an established brand like Babolat is that you don’t have to restring the racket immediately. The strings that ship on the racket should give you a nice level of performance. As with all tennis rackets, though, you can expect to restring the Babolat racket one to four times per year, depending on how often you play.
Q. Are Babolat tennis rackets good for generating power?
A. Yes, if you pick the right racket design. Certain Babolat head shapes and longer handles generate extra ball speed and power versus other designs. But understand that larger rackets weigh more than smaller rackets, which could lead to injuries.
Q. Does Babolat make tennis rackets for kids?
A. Yes, you can choose from several junior rackets from Babolat to find the best size for a child. Because Babolat rackets can be pricey, you might want to make sure your child is ready to care for the racket properly before you spend this kind of money.
