How to Choose the Right Tennis Racket

Tennis is a game of all strategy and there are many factors that can effect your playing. Of all these factors, the most important is the racket your using, so choosing the right racket is vital. The first step in choosing the right racket is knowing what type of player you are and what type of performance you want from your racket. There are many aspects of rackets that effect their performance and knowing what these aspects are and how they effect a racket will help you choose the racket that fits your playing style.

If you already have an idea of what type of racket you want check out my other Hub, The Best Tennis Rackets.

Head size

A small head size offers lots of control but not much power and are favored by experienced players who are looking for accurate shots and can generate their own power These rackets are called "midsize" rackets and range from about 85-95 square inches.

A large head size offers lots of power but not much control and are favored by beginners who need extra power in their shots. These rackets are called "oversized" rackets and range from around 105-135 square inches.

A medium head size offers a mix of both control and power and are the most popular type of racket. These rackets are called "midplus" rackets and range from about 95-105 square inches.

Balance

A tennis racket can either be head heavy or head light. Head heavy means the weight is distributed more in the head and less in the handle. Headlight means the weight is distributed less in the head and more in the handle.

Head heavy rackets offer lots of power and maneuverability but lack in control. These rackets are usually oversize and are liked by less experienced players that need extra power. 

Head light rackets offer lots of control but lack in power. These rackets are usually midsize and midplus and are liked by more experienced players that can generate their own power. 

Weight

Light rackets are more maneuverable and are easier to generate fast swing speeds. The downsides of a light racket are they don't offer much power and they don't absorb much of the vibrations that are generated by hitting. Both of these are effects of having less mass. Light rackets weigh anywhere from 10 ounces and down. 

Heavy rackets offer more power and absorb much of the vibrations produced from hitting. Both of these attributes are effects of its large mass. The downsides of a heavy racket are they are not very maneuverable and are difficult to generate fast swing speeds with. Heavy rackets weigh 11 ounces and up. 

Frame Stiffness

This is how stiff the racket is and how much it flexes when contacting the ball.

Stiff rackets offer more power as flexible rackets and absorb less of the shock from hitting. They usually offer less spin and are generally less comfortable. A stiff frame has a flex around 70. 

Flexible rackets offer more power than stiff rackets and absorb more of the shock from hitting. They usually offer more spin and are generally more comfortable. A flexible frame has a flex around 60. 

String Pattern

A open string pattern is one with less mains and crosses. Open patterns offer more spin but less control. This type of pattern also reduces string durability.

A dense string pattern is one with more mains and crosses. Dense patterns offer more control but less spin and have an increase the durability of the strings.

There are hundreds of rackets available and by looking at each ones stats you can determine the type of performance it will have and which one is perfect for you. Once you know what you are looking for, search for the racket that has the right stats for your desired type of performance. I suggest clicking the link below and using Tenniswarehouse.com's racket finder. I hope this information helped!