When searching for the best tennis racket for your game, there are a multitude of options to choose from. Not all equipment is created equal and some of the small differences can have a big impact on the results of your match. Use this guide when shopping for tennis rackets to help you make the best decision for your game.

Categories

We will first discuss the three categories and then we will discuss the specific characteristics of tennis rackets.

1. Power Rackets

The category of power rackets (sometimes referred to as game improvement rackets) are rackets designed for players who have short or slow swings but still want to put a lot of power into their shots. The most distinctive feature is their oversized heads (107″ and up). In addition, power racquets will be light (under 10 ounces), long (over 27″), and heavily balanced towards the head.

2. Intermediate rackets

Intermediate rackets are designed to be a mix between a power racket and a player’s racket. They give up some power with a smaller head size (under 102″), but add maneuverability by being lighter and having more evenly distributed weight. These rackets are ideal for intermediate players in the 3.5 to 4.5 NTRP range ( National Tennis Classification Program).

3. Player rackets

Player (or control) rackets are rackets generally used by high-level tennis players (4.5+ NTRP) at the collegiate or professional ranks. In these models, the powerful shots are created by the player rather than the racket, as the head sizes are much smaller (100″ or less) and the weight is very well balanced. With an overall heavier weight, these rackets they lose some maneuverability but give the player full control over their shots.

racket features

Use these features to compare and contrast rackets and decide exactly which one will work best for you.

head size – The larger the racket head size, the more power you will have. The racket’s sweet spot is also larger, so players who often hit off center will still be able to generate power. The downside of a large head size is that you lose some control.

Rigidity – Rackets have various stiffnesses in the frame, which is the amount of flex the frame will have when hitting the ball. Stiffer frames will deflect the ball more, increasing power compared to more flexible frames which cushion the impact of the ball and therefore decrease power.

Weight – Heavier rackets provide more power and lighter rackets provide more maneuverability and swing speed. Heavier rackets also have less impact than lighter rackets when hitting the ball.

Balance – One racket may have more head weight to provide more power, while other rackets may have more evenly distributed weight. Balanced rackets have less power but more control.

Length – Legal tennis rackets cannot be longer than 29″ and the most common length is 27″. The benefits of a longer racket include more reach on groundstrokes and more leverage on serves. Longer rackets can also provide more power, but can also lose some maneuverability.

Pattern – The string patterns of the rackets are 18 hands by 20 crosses (18×20) or 16×18. The 18×20 patterns offer a more open pattern that allows for more spin on the ball. However, the downside of this pattern is a decrease in the durability of the strings. The tighter 16×18 pattern will offer less spin but better string durability.

Narrow down your options by looking for a racket category that fits your skill level (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and type of game (power or control, spin or flat shots). Once you decide on the category, start reviewing the different features to determine exactly which racket will be best for you. Do you want a weighted racket for more power or a balanced racket for more control? Maybe you want a smaller head size for more feel. Using these guidelines will help you find the perfect tennis racket to help you win many matches.