Choosing a tennis racquet is depending on your needs, skill level and style of play. The three most common styles are: power, control and tweener.
Early tennis rackets were made of wood. Over time, tennis racket technology has radically changed. Today, tennis rackets are made from a wide range of materials that are designed to maximize performance and durability. Graphite, Aluminum, Boron/Kevlar
To choose a tennis racquet we consider different features. tennis racquet are divided into buying racquets is as follows:
- head size
- length
- weight
- balance
- frame stiffness
- racquet beam
- swing weight
- string pattern
- string tension
- grip
Types of tennis racquet
Power
This is the term used by racquet manufacturers for power-oriented racquets. In most cases, these racquet models feature oversize, are lightweight, longer stiffer and are balanced head heavy (or evenly balanced) to retain enough weight in the hitting zone. Designed for players with shorter, slower swings who want more power from the racquet.
Control
This category denotes racquets that would be used by professionals players. These models are typically heavier in weight (11.5-12+ ounces), have smaller heads (85-98), thinner, more flexible beams and are balanced head light to retain maneuverability. The result is a low-power racquet, designed for players who provide their own power and prefer a racquet that offers control. Most player’s racquets are standard length.
tweener
Originally getting its name as a category of racquets sitting between power racquets and control racquets. A twiner borrows some of the lightness and power of the power racquets and mixes it with some of the control of the control racquets. These racquets are often light to medium weight, balanced anywhere from slightly head light to slightly head heavy and have midplus heads.
At the time of buying a tennis racquet , a set of specifications are provided by the manufacturer that help the person to buy a racquet in accordance with skill level and style of play.
specification of tennis racquet
1-Head size
A tennis racquet’s head size refers to the racquet surface area where the strings or gut are embedded in the frame. The racquet head size is measured in square inches and is found printed in several places.
Generally speaking, there are three sizes of racquet head which are categorized as follows :
- midsize/control 85-96 inc
- midplus/tweener 96-106 inc
- oversized/power 106-116 inc
Bigger head sizes provide more power and give beginner players a larger surface area to make contact with; this is often referred to as the ”sweet spot”
Beginners benefit from the larger head size, and anything over 100 square inches is recommended, and the larger head size provides for a more significant margin of error while playing.
Players of a higher level who have developed stable, reliable techniques will benefit from smaller head sizes. A smaller head size will provided less power, and therefore, more control and maneuverability.
2- Length
The standard length for an adult tennis racquet is 27 inches. but racquets are available in lengths ranging from 26.5 to 29 inches (29 inches is the legal maximum for tournament play). A longer racquet provides more reach on ground strokes, added leverage on serves and slightly more power overall than standard length racquets; all other things being equal. The added length of longer racquets results in a higher swing weight, which means a little more effort is required to maneuver the racquet. Many power racquets are lighter to keep them maneuverable even at longer lengths.
3- Weight
Weight is one of the most important features of a racquet. A heavy racquet is more powerful, more stable and transmits less shock than a lighter racquet. players with long fast strokes will find good depth and pace from heavier racquets. At net and on service returns the added stability is a nice benefit. Conversely, a lighter racquet is more maneuverable, and thus, a player is able to position the racquet easier and generate lots of spin.
4-balance
Balance is another of the most important features of a racquet .A racquet can be one of three things when it comes to balance: head light, head heavy or even balanced.
A head-light racquet will have more of its mass located toward the handle end of the racquet. More experienced players will tend to choose control rackets which are head light, for generating spin and manoeuvrability.
Lightweight power racquets tend to be head heavy. With plenty of mass located toward the head of the racquet, some stability is retained despite the racquet having a light overall weight. Head heavy racquet is a better choice for beginner players who have a shorter swing and less strength.
We are then left with the medium weight racquets, which come in at an even balance or close to it. When the mass is distributed evenly throughout the racquet a blend of stability and maneuverability can be achieved without making the racquet too heavy or too light.
5-Frame stiffness
We measure frame stiffness and give each frame a score (RA). You will see the RA in the spec tables on our racquet description pages. Here’s a general breakdown of how to decode the measurements:
- Flexible frame = 63 and below
- Medium stiffness = 64 to 67
- Stiff frame = 68 and above
The amount a frame deflects during ball contact directly affects its power potential. A stiffer racquet bends less, thus depleting less energy from the ball. A flexible racquet bends more, resulting in more energy loss. Consequently, a racquet frame doesn’t “return” energy to the ball, it absorbs energy – either more or less, depending on stiffness. Stiffer racquets don’t deflect as much on impact, resulting in less power drain than a flexible racquet. Frame stiffness doesn’t only affect power. Control and comfort are at stake. Generally speaking, a racquet that offers more power provides less control. However, this is largely dependent on player type, ability and the type of string installed in the racquet.
An advanced player may prefer the feel and control of a flexible racquet because he/she has a long, fast swing and provides his or her own power. A beginning or intermediate player, though, may prefer a stiffer racquet for a better blend of control and power for his or her stroke style. Many advanced players also like a stiffer and more powerful frame when combined with a stiffer and control-oriented string. a stiff racquet combined with a stiff string can result in comfort issues for amateur players.
A very stiff frame will transmit more impact shock to the wrist, elbow and shoulder than a medium stiff frame. Comfort is difficult to measure – each player has a different perception of what feels comfortable. However, players with arm and/or shoulder problems should look at frames with an RA of 66 or less.
6-racquet beam
The thicker the beam, the more powerful the racket will be. Most control rackets have beams between 18 and 21mm with most power rackets having beam widths of 25 to 28mm. Rackets with beam widths between 22 and 24mm provide a mixture of power and control.
7-swing weight
Swing weight is a measurement of how heavy a racquet feels when you swing it. Racquets with higher swingweights are harder to swing, but they offer more comfort, power and stability at impact. Racquets with lower swing weights are easier to swing, but they offer less stability and comfort, espeically when playing against higher levels of pace.
Advanced players prefer higher swing weights because it helps them redirect the pace of big hitting opponents. It also enables them to hit with high levels of power. Beginner and intermediate players prefer a lower swing weight. Because it gives them easier acceleration, which not only helps them position the racquet effective. But it also makes it easier for them to generate the higher stroke speed required for effective pace and spin.
- Low swing weight = 305 and below (Manueverable, suitable for beginners)
- Medium swing weight = 310 to 325 (Moderate maneuverability and stability, suitable for all ability levels, but ideal for intermediates)
- High Swing weight = 325 and above (Very stable, suitable for advanced players)
8- String pattern
A string pattern is the number of mains and number of crosses. There are two types of string patterns that we refer to as “open 16*19and “closed 18*20.
An open string pattern will deflect more on impact than a denser pattern, providing greater ball rebound and a higher launch angle.
A closed string pattern won’t deflect as much upon ball impact, resulting in less rebound energy. Many players find the response of a closed pattern to offer a more controlled feel. While the stringbed doesn’t allow for as much string movement for spin generation, the added control of the closed pattern allows players to swing quickly and therefore the ability to get the ball spinning quickly. More closely spaced strings can last longer and that allows the player to utilize softer, thinner and more feel oriented strings without sacrificing too much durability.
9-string tension
All tennis racquets come with a recommended tension range from the manufacturer. This is both for optimal performance and to ensure you don’t string at too high a tension, which will severely deform the frame or even crack it.
Typical tensions range from around 40-65 lbs, but most players tensions fall well within that range of extremes! Before settling on a string tension, its vital to consider what you are looking for in your game and how you want your racquet to perform accordingly. There are many different types of strings: natural gut, multifilament and polyesters.
Low string tension
A low string tension would be anywhere from around 40-50 lbs.There are exceptions, of course; some players even going below 40 lbs!Stringing your racket at a low tension will give you: more power, more spin, less control, more durability, more feel, more comfort.
Before settling on a string tension, it’s vital to consider what you are looking for in your game and how you want your racket to perform accordingly.
For example, a strong, powerful player wielding a sledgehammer of a racket would most likely choose a higher tension, rather than a low tension.
High string tension
A high string tension would be anything from around 55 lbs to 65 lbs. there are exceptions to this too – some players opting for even higher tensions!
Generally speaking, between 55 lbs and 60 lbs would be an excellent choice of higher tension. This will still give you access to power but will also supply a lot of control. Less power, less spin, more control, less durability, less feel, less comfort.
We’re talking about a polyester string, that’s the really strong. Probably tall powerhouse, aggressive baseline player who only wants ultimate control from his racket and string.
10-grip
Tennis racquet grip sizes are determined by measuring the circumference around the edge of the handle. This circumference is measured in the middle of the racquet handle and the sizes range from 4 inches to 4 3/4 inches.
The chart below lists the different tennis racquet grip sizes that are offered in the United States and the corresponding European grip sizes.
- 4-1/8 = 1
- 4-1/4 = 2
- 4-3/8 = 3
- 4-1/2 = 4
- 4-5/8 = 5
- 4-3/4 = 6
Hold the racket in your hitting hand using an eastern forehand grip (where the palm is placed on the same grip bevel as the string face). Place the index finger of your non-hitting hand in the space between your ring finger and palm. If there is not enough room to fit your finger in this space, the grip is too small. A grip that is too small would require more hand strength to prevent the racket from twisting in your hand, which could result in tennis elbow problems.
Conversly, if there is a large gap between your index finger and the ring finger and palm of your hitting hand, the grip is too big. A grip that is too big will prevent you from properly snapping your wrist on serves, and can also lead to tennis elbow problems. Ultimately, you want the index finger to fit snugly between the ring finger and palm of your hitting hand, with little or no space between. This will give you the most comfortable and secure grip.
