If you like to play tennis and you have to buy a racket, you must take into account several aspects. Not just any racket will suit us and our game; there are big differences from one to another, both in materials, weight, size, and price. Buying tennis rackets is an important decision, because although the most fond of practicing tennis usually use more than one set of rackets, it is normal that the most comfortable, or the one that best suits our style of play, ends up becoming our favorite tennis racket.
That is why it is important to buy tennis rackets that meet our expectations, and that allow us to focus on the game and not on the way of holding it or on regulating the force with which we must hit. That’s why we want to give you some tips so you know how to choose a tennis racket.
What do you need to choose a tennis racket?
- Observe material that composes it
- Weight
- Handle
- Head
- Framework
- Price
Instructions for choosing a tennis racket
- The material that makes up the racket is a factor of choice. Most rackets are made from graphite as it is light in weight but also provides good power and control making it perfect for any beginner. Another type of lightweight racket for beginners is aluminum or titanium, as these also provide good power and better direction to the ball when hit. Boron or Kevlar rackets they are the lightest, but they are also very stiff, which results in vibrations being transmitted to the arm if you don’t have a good hit. The most modern material is d3o, a futuristic material that changes its performance according to current needs, and that makes violent hits stronger and softens sustained ones. However, it is the most expensive material.
- When you grab the racket you are going to buy, consider how the weight is balanced, this is something that is related to the material. Although the differences are minimal, this topic is of great importance. For example, with a few extra grams in the head of your racket, you will gain power on the hit. Look for a racket that is balanced, light but offers you good power.
- The size of the grip(grip) of your racket is another fundamental point. The size of an adult hilt ranges from 4 to 4 to 5/8ths. This is a measurement in inches to match the size of the handle to the line from the middle crease of your palm to a point equal to the height of the tip of your ring finger. A good rule of thumb to determine the correct size is to hold the racket in one hand and slide the index finger of the other hand between the tips of the fingers and the base of the palm. If there is not enough room for your index finger, the racket grip is too small, if there is a lot of extra room, the racket grip is too big.
- The size of racket head you need will depend on the type of player you are. Oversized rackets are ideal for beginners as the larger hitting area means fewer errors when hitting. A larger head also allows for more spin to be put on the ball and more power to transfer to a shot. Traditional and medium sized rackets are used by most players. The smaller head size offers more maneuverability and stability, but requires the player to generate more power himself.
- Frame width is also important when choosing a racket: a wide frame will give more power to your shots by increasing the springboard effect of the strings, but will reduce the amount of control over the ball.
- If you are thinking of playing tennis often and take it seriously, the price should not be an obstacle. Learn to deal with prices. If you play just for fun with some friends, you can try used rackets.
Tips for choosing a tennis racket
- The important thing is that the racket is comfortable for you, regardless of whether it is more or less sold or recommended. Trust your sensations.
- If you hesitate between two sizes, go for the smaller one because you can always increase the circumference by adding an over grip strap (a soft, padded, cloth-like strap that you wrap around the grip).