Looking to buy a new racquet?

With the overwhelming number of racquets available it can be difficult to know where to begin. Each racquet design uses different combinations of: weight, head size, balance, swing weight, materials, flexibility, and string patterns - to give each frame a specific feel and performance.

To choose the right racquet for your game you should always start with knowing a few of your basic preferences then begin working through a process of elimination.

The biggest mistake you can make is choosing a racquet for the wrong reasons: a pro uses it, a friend has one, it’s the most expensive or least expensive, or it has cool paint job. The best way to test your compatibility with a racquet is by taking it out on the court.

Swinging a racquet in a shop will give you a feel for how it swings but not how it behaves under the forces of striking a tennis ball. Often the most expensive racquets are the ones sporting the latest technology, and while they might be great racquets, they might not be suitable for your game.

So where do you begin?

Start by taking a look at your game and deciding what kind of racquet will maximize your strengths and compliment your playing style. There are three main categories of racquets: CONTROL, TWEENER, and POWER.

CONTROL RACQUETS
Players who have a big swing and can generate their own power typically prefer control racquets. These racquets have smaller heads, thinner beam, are flexible, have a head-light balance to retain manoeuvrability, and are heavy in weight.

TWEENER RACQUETS
Tweener racquets are a blend of features from Control (player’s racquets) and Power (game improvement) racquet categories. These frames are suitable for intermediate players with moderate to full swings. Excellent choice for an intermediate to advanced club player looking to play an all-court game.

POWER RACQUETS
Power racquets are designed for players with slower, shorter swings and who need racquet assistance to generate power. Racquet weight is light, head size large and balance head heavy.

It’s helpful to know how the various racquet properties—head size, length, weight and balance, and stiffness—affect racquet behaviour.

HEAD SIZE
A larger racquet head size (oversize) means more power, a larger sweetspot, stiffer frame and light in weight. However larger head sized frames have less control and less stability than smaller head sized heavier frames. Oversized racquets are good for beginners, or senior players who tend to need more power and a larger sweet spot. Advanced players seeking control should look for frames with smaller head sizes. 

LENGTH
Adult racquets are 27 to 28 inches in length. Longer racquets (27”+) provide more reach and power on ground strokes and an extra boost in your serve than standard-length racquets, all else being equal. But a standard 27 inch racquet is more manoeuvrable and has more control than longer models.

WEIGHT AND BALANCE
More than any other characteristics the, weight and balance influence how a racquet feels when you pick it up and when you swing it on the tennis court. 

The weight of most racquets ranges from about 240 gr. / 8.5 oz. to about 365 gr. / 13 oz., with the majority being somewhere in between. While many recreational players prefer lighter racquets because they are easier to swing, most professional players prefer heavier racquets because they have a more solid feel. 

Be cautious about choosing a racquet that is too light, as it may contribute to arm strains or tennis elbow. It might be a good idea to see if a heavier racquet makes a difference in your game. 

A head-heavy racquet generates more power, has a higher sweet spot, and feels heavier to swing than a head-light racquet, even if the two racquets weigh exactly the same. You will feel the difference between the two balance points by holding the racquets in a horizontal position. Professionals, advanced and serve-volley players usually prefer the feel of head-light racquets.

FRAME STIFFNESS
Stiffness refers to the amount the racquet frame bends or deforms during ball contact. Stiffness increases as the thickness of the frame increases. The more flexible the racquet, the more energy is lost.

Flexible frames may not offer as much power as their stiffer counterparts, but they are generally more comfortable because they don’t generate as much shock. Professionals and advanced players tend to use frames with a higher flex rating. 

To make a purchase or find out more information on Adult tennis racquets visit www.thumpsports.co.nz or info@thumpsports.co.nz. To talk directly with our expert staff phone 0800 484 867 during our regular office hours: M-F 10-8pm and S-S 10-5pm.