How Much Should I Spend on a Tennis Racket?

One of the most common questions I get asked as a tennis pro is which racket my student's should purchase. In this buying guide, I will advise you on the most important factors to consider to ensure you get a quality racket that fits your size and playing style, and without overpaying.

Beware of Target and Walmart 

Before you run to your local Target and pick up a the cheapest you can find, consider this - you get what you pay for...sometimes.

Most racket companies have an ultra-cheap racket that you can only get a major retailer. You won't find this class of racket at tennis shops, and for good reason. These rackets are made via a cheaper, simpler process, and the performance difference is dramatic. These class of rackets should be avoided at all costs.

One thing to look for from these rackets is a plastic join at the top of the triangle shaped hole. This is a sure-sign of a lower quality racket. 

Avoid of the Newest Models

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At the same time, there is equally no need to go to the local tennis shop and buy a $250 - $300 racket, either.  

Oftentimes the most expensive rackets are extremely lightweight and high powered, and do not fit the needs of most tennis students. Beginners are often advised they need a light and powerful racket, but using one actually makes improvement more difficult as they are not encouraged to develop full strokes.

Last Year's Model is the Sweet Spot

The sweet spot of value is an older version of a higher quality racket.

While racket company marketing departments will protest, racket technology has not changed all that much in the past 20 years. In fact, many of today's top pros play with racket models that are 20 years old or more. Many older models continue to be produced, and are sold at a significantly lower price than the latest and greatest model.

These models range in price from $89 - 165 from online vendors such as Amazon, and are a great choice for a first racket.

How Heavy Should It Be

The weight of a tennis racket is an important factor to consider when selecting a racket. The weight of a racket can affect your swing speed, power, and control, as well as your ability to maneuver the racket.

The weight of a tennis racket typically ranges from around 9 ounces to 12 ounces. Both stores and coaches often incorrectly suggest a racket based solely on playing level - lower weight for beginners and higher weight for advanced - but a player's size and strength should be an equally, if not more important factor. 

As a general rule, players with a smaller frame or lower strength - under 120 pounds - should opt for a lighter racket, typically between 9.5-10.5 ounces with strings. Players from 120 - 170 pounds should use rackets weighing between 10 -11.5 ounces with strings. Players above this weight, rackets weighing 10 - 12 ounces strung are best. 

It's important to understand that how you use the racket is as important as how big and strong you are. The more you allow gravity to help your swing, the more weight you'll be able to use without getting tired. This is why I encourage beginners to challenge themselves with a heavier feeling racket, provided they are also doing following a program that encourages loose stroke production such as The Gravity Tennis Method.

Avoid Oversized Rackets

One final suggestion: Avoid purchasing an oversize racket. These are usually too powerful and light to be helpful for developing good strokes, and keep in mind that the larger the head size, the more unstable off-center hits will be, anyway. 

The ideal racket head size for a beginning player is 97 - 108 square inches. 

Which Grip Size

The ideal grip size for the average size hand is 4 1/4, also known as L2. Larger hands can go L3 and very, very large hands can try L4. L1 is. perfect for smaller hands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a first racket, avoid both the cheapest and most expensive of rackets. Also look for a modestly sized racket of 97 - 108 square inches. Feel free to check out the following links, which I'll be keeping up to date, for a few recommendations of rackets that are priced fairly.