From size to length, weight, stiffness and head shape among other things, there is a lot to consider if you want to choose a tennis racket and not regret it. Precisely for this reason, to help you choose a good racket, we have prepared this complete step-by-step guide with everything you need to know before choosing your first tennis racket.
Because choosing a tennis racket, especially when you have not been playing tennis for a long time, can be difficult. And it is that nobody wants to spend good money to buy a racket with which they will not be able to play well later. So, so that you do not have any doubts, we have gathered all the aspects that you must take into account so that you know how to choose a tennis racket that is right for you. Know more about oglasi crna gora.
Checklist to choose a tennis racket
If you want to go fast and know everything you need to choose a tennis racket the first time and without making a mistake, here is a list of the most essential points. Although if you want to delve into this topic, we recommend that you continue reading our guide until the end.
- Think about your playing style and body shape when choosing your racket.
- Consider the characteristics of the racket (head size, length, weight, balance, and stiffness).
- Find out what your ideal grip size is and buy a racket with this size or one just smaller.
- Don’t be afraid to buy an unstrung frame and have it strung later at a specialty shop or by an experienced tennis player.
- Try to test some rackets if you can and then search for your second hand tennis racket on Cash Converters to buy it at the best possible price.
How to choose a tennis racket step by step
Choosing the right racket, especially at the beginning, can make a big difference both when it comes to learning how to play and improving your technique. And it is that practicing with a racket that adapts to the shape of your body will help you reach a higher level and increase your performance in general.
And how do I choose the best racket if I am a beginner? Very simple, follow our guide step by step and we will give you all the features you have to look at when buying a racket.
racket size
The size of a racket is measured in terms of the total area occupied by its strings , which will influence our power and control when playing. In this way, the larger the size of the racket, the more power we will have at the cost of losing control over the shots.
This is because the string area of ??the racket behaves like a springboard. The larger the size, the greater the rebound effect, but it will also be more difficult to maneuver. The key is to choose the right size.
There are three types of tennis racket sizes on the market:
- Midsize: 550-625 cm² | 85-97 inches²
- Mid-plus: 630-680 cm² | 98-105 in²
- Oversized: 685-870 cm² | 106-135 in²
What you should take into account
- If you are an expert player, choose small heads that suit the power of your shots and help you have much greater accuracy.
- If you are a beginner or intermediate player, look for larger rackets that will help you return more balls to the opposite court.
racket length
The length of a racket is the distance between the end of the shaft and the tip of the racket head. On most models for adult players, the total length is between 27 inches (67 cm) and 29 inches (73 cm).
Before you start measuring the length of the racket you want to choose, it is important to understand the following : a longer racket will give you more reach (which will allow you to reach the balls easier) but in turn you will lose maneuverability (especially when have to answer balls close to the body, volleys and other types of shots).
What you should take into account
- The choice of a more or less long racket will depend on the style of play you have. If you play at the back of the court you will need a long racket, while if you play closer to the net you will be better off with a shorter racket.
grip size
Related to the length of the racket, the tennis grip size is the measurement of the perimeter of the octagonal cross-section of the handle in inches.
This may sound a bit confusing, but there is a simple way to find the perfect size . To choose a tennis racket with the correct grip size, all you have to do is hold the grip in your hand in such a way that the index finger of your hand does not touch the space between the fingers and the palm.
What you should take into account
- Choosing a tennis racket with the correct grip size is crucial to playing comfortably and improving your technique.
- If you are hesitating between two sizes, always choose the smaller one and if you feel uncomfortable you can increase its thickness with racket tape.
racket weight
Before choosing a tennis racket you have to know that these are weighed without strings and are measured in grams or ounces. The weight of the model you choose will influence many aspects, from power to stability and maneuverability.
In this way, heavier tennis rackets are more powerful and stable, thanks in part to the fact that they cushion the impact of the ball when hitting. In turn, a lighter racket will be much easier to maneuver and won’t exhaust your entire upper body when using it for long sessions of play.
What you should take into account
- If you are a baseline player who wants to exploit their power, choose heavy rackets.
- If you are an agile or easily exhausted player, choose lighter rackets.
- It is possible to increase the weight of the rackets with different accessories, but in no case reduce it.
Breakeven
The balance point of a tennis racket (unstrung) is the place on the racket body where the weight of both parts (head and shaft) are the same and remain in balance. In this way, a balanced racket will have the balance point right in the middle of the length of the racket. This is considered to be “even”, there were a total of three categories of balance.
- Headheavy : The balance is above 350mm, so the center of gravity moves slightly towards the tip of the racket.
- Headlight : The balance is below 330mm, so the center of gravity moves slightly towards the handle of the racket .
- Even (Balanced) : The balance is between 330mm and 350mm, so the weight is evenly distributed.
Hit or swing weight
Now that you know how to choose a racket based on its size, length, grip, weight, and balance point, it’s time to move on to a slightly more complex characteristic that depends on all of the above.
We are talking about the swing index, which is the perception of the weight that the racket gives when being balanced . This is measured in kg * cm2 (with the racket unstrung) and is represented with values ??between 270 and 310 points.
Thus, a racket with a high swing will either have a heavier head or a longer head, regardless of its weight. With this in mind, the higher you swing a racket, the heavier it will feel during your swing, the more fatiguing it will be, but in turn it will have more power, stability and acceleration.
What you should take into account
- A higher swing weight requires more effort to swing the racket and will give you a greater sense of acceleration on every shot.
- As a general rule, you should play with the heaviest racket that you can handle and that will not fatigue you over the course of a long match.
frame thickness
If you have played tennis before, you will have noticed that not all racket heads have the same thickness. This is called the thickness of the beam, frame or profile and is a characteristic that influences the racket’s stiffness and absorption of ball impacts.
In this way, a thicker frame (or beam) will make the racket stiffer and more powerful when hitting. Conversely, a thinner frame will make the racket more flexible and precise, improving control and comfort.
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