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How To Choose The Best Tennis Racquet: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Selecting the best tennis racquet is one of the most important investments a tennis player can make. The right racquet can dramatically improve your game, giving you the power, control, or maneuverability you need to excel on the court.

At Do It Tennis, we offer an extensive selection of high-performance tennis racquets from trusted brands such as  Babolat, Yonex, Wilson, Head, Solinco, Tecnifibre, Gamma and Dunlop. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the ideal racquet for your specific game style. 

Read more or browse our collection of premium tennis racquets now to find the right fit for your game!

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tennis Racquet

Selecting the perfect tennis racquet involves understanding various factors that directly impact your game. Below are the key aspects to consider:

Racquet Weight

• Heavier racquets: These provide more power, stability, and control, making them ideal for players with strength and skill who need greater precision. However, they can be harder to maneuver.
• Lighter racquets: These are easier to swing and allow for faster reactions, making them suitable for players who prioritize maneuverability. However, they may generate less power, which is something to consider based on your game style.

Recommendation: Choose a weight that complements your strength and style. If you're a beginner or prefer fast-paced shots, a lighter racquet might suit you better. On the other hand, advanced players often prefer a heavier racquet for greater control.

Racquet Head Sizes

The head size of a racquet influences the power and control of your shots:

• Control and Precision:  Midsize (85-97 sq. in.) racquets offer superior control but less power. They are favored by advanced players who prioritize precision and have refined their technique.
• Balanced Performance: Mid Plus (98-104 sq. in.) racquets provide a balanced blend of power and control, making them suitable for both intermediate and advanced players. They offer a larger sweet spot, enhancing versatility on the court
• Power and Forgiveness: Oversize (105+ sq. in.) racquets feature larger head sizes that offer more power and forgiveness. They are ideal for beginners who are still developing their accuracy and consistency, thanks to the larger sweet spot and reduced impact of off-center hits.

Overall, the larger the racket head size, the more power and forgiveness it offers, making it easier to hit the ball with a larger sweet spot and reducing the impact of off-center hits.

Note: Most professional players use racquets with head sizes between 98 and 100 sq. in., which provide an optimal combination of control and power.

Racquet Grip Size

The grip size affects how comfortably you can hold and control the racquet:
• A smaller grip size can lead to over-gripping, causing tension in your hand and affecting your control.
• A larger grip size can limit wrist mobility, reducing your ability to generate spin and power.
• Grip sizes range from 4 to 4 3/4 inches, measured by the circumference of the racquet handle. Smaller grip sizes (4 to 4 1/4 inches) are typically preferred by players with smaller hands such as juniors. Larger grip sizes (4 1/2 to 4 3/4 inches) are favored by players with bigger hands.

How to Measure: A common method to find your grip size is to measure the distance from your ring finger's tip to the middle crease in your palm. Once you have that measurement (usually in inches), it typically corresponds to one of the standard racquet grip sizes. If the distance is around 4 inches, your grip size will likely be 4 inches (or Grip Size 0) and so on. Test different grips to ensure the racquet feels comfortable.

Racquet Balance

• Head-heavy racquets: These provide more power and stability, making them ideal for baseline players who want to drive the ball with power.
• Head-light racquets: These offer greater control and maneuverability, which is essential for net play and quick reactions.
• Evenly balanced racquets: These offer a versatile option for all-around players, balancing power and control.
Consider your style: Baseline players may prefer head-heavy racquets, while all-court players might find head-light or evenly balanced options more suited to their varied gameplay.

Racquet Length

• Standard racquet length is between 27 and 29 inches, with 27 inches being the most common. Longer racquets provide extra reach and leverage, which can increase power, especially on serves, but they may sacrifice control and maneuverability. Longer racquets can sometimes feel heavier or harder to maneuver and are often paired with larger head sizes (oversize, 107-125 sq. in.) to maximize power and forgiveness. The extra length combined with a bigger head makes it easier to generate force and hit with a larger sweet spot. Shorter, standard-length racquets (27 inches) are more commonly found with midsize to mid-plus head sizes (90-106 sq. in.), which focus on precision and control, suitable for advanced players. 

Racquet Materials and Construction

Tennis racquets are typically made from these materials:

• Graphite: Graphite is lightweight and strong, offering excellent vibration dampening and a good balance of power and control.
• Carbon Fiber: Known for its high durability and stiffness, carbon fiber is lightweight, allowing for faster swings and a solid feel during play.
• Titanium: Titanium is both light and strong, enhancing power without significantly increasing the racket’s weight, making it ideal for players seeking extra power.
• Basalt Fibers: Basalt fibers excel in vibration absorption, improving the overall feel and comfort of the racket while adding thermal and acoustic properties.
• Graphene: Graphene is a cutting-edge material known for its strength and lightness, efficiently distributing weight to enhance racket performance.
• Composite Materials: Composite racquets combine materials like graphite and fiberglass, offering a balanced performance of power, control, and comfort, suitable for a wide range of players.
• Aluminum: aluminum racquets are more affordable but may offer less precision and performance, making them better suited to beginners or recreational players.

Other important design factor is the string pattern (denser strings for more control, more open patterns for added spin), which play a crucial role in a player’s performance, influencing both power and control. The two most common patterns are 16x19 and 18x20. 

• A 16x19 pattern has fewer strings, providing more power and spin due to the larger gaps between strings, making it ideal for aggressive baseline players. 
• Conversely, an 18x20 pattern has more strings, offering greater control and durability, which suits players who prioritize precision and consistency. 

Choosing the right string pattern depends on a player’s style and preferences, impacting their overall game significantly. Lastly, frame construction can also affect how the racquet plays and feels in your hand.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Racquet

Choosing a tennis racquet is a highly personal decision that depends on your game style, skill level, and preferences. At Do It Tennis, we carry premium racquets for all levels of play. Whether you're just starting or are a seasoned player, we can help you find the racquet that brings out the best in your game.

Do It Tennis Racquet Demo Program Overview

Because there is nothing better than trying before buying, we offer tennis racquet demos from all major brands, including Babolat, Yonex, Wilson, Head, Solinco, and Tecnifibre. Our program allows players to test racquets before making a purchase. Here are the key guidelines:

• Racquets Available: Demo up to three racquets at a time, all with a 4 3/8 grip size.
• Cost: There is no charge for testing, only a shipping fee of $9.99 per racquet, covering delivery to and from Do It Tennis. We ship across the U.S., including Hawaii.
• Shipping and Returns: Racquets are sent via FedEx Ground or USPS Priority. A pre-paid FedEx return label is included. Return the racquets by dropping off the box at any FedEx location after your trial.
• Demo Period: Keep the racquets for up to 5 days. If you receive them on a Friday, they should be shipped back by the following Wednesday (Friday doesn’t count). Return delays incur a late fee of $2 per racquet, per day, with a potential charge for the full racquet price if late by 10 days.
• Purchase Discounts: Some manufacturers offer discounts if a racquet is purchased within 30 days of testing. Ask about potential credits when purchasing.
• Local Option: San Diego area customers can take advantage of our on-site demo program for additional benefits.

Note: The demo program is currently unavailable for international customers.

Need help choosing the perfect tennis racquet? Contact our experts today for personalized advice!