How To Choose A Racket
We recommend to collect information about rackets by yourself or consult with specialist before buying a racket. Pay attention to your physical features, level of play and your budget before buying it. If you want to save some money it is worth to explore used rackets; or try racket on the court if you have possibility.
For simple choice of a racket we are providing information about types of rackets:
1. Game improvement racquets – the lightest rackets (weight 8-9.5oz (227-270g), weight balance – to racket’s head (HH – head heavy), head size 107-135sq.inch (690-871cm2);
2. Tweener racquets – weight 9.5-11oz (271-312g), weight balance – various, head size 100 -105 sq.inch (645-677cm2). These rackets are for advanced or mid-level players who feel the power of play, who want more accuracy and control.
3. Control racquets – heavy rackets (weight 11-13oz (316-369g), weight balance – Head light or balanced, head weight 85-98sq.inch (548-632cm2). These rackets are for experienced players and for professionals who have educated hit, accuracy and powerful swing.
Tennis Racket Head Size
Typical sizes:
Midsize: up to 93 sq. in. (600 cm2)
Midplus: 93-102 sq. in. (600-658 cm2)
Oversize: 103-120 sq. in. (665-774 cm2)
Super Oversize: over 120 sq. in. (774 cm2)
Head size is the most important parameter. Head size has the most influence for power of hit. The bigger head the more power transmitted to ball (reduced ball control).
Bigger head has bigger sweetspot. It is increasing the possibility properly bounce the ball back. Beginners are choosing rackets with Oversize or Super oversize heads, amateurs choosing Midplus heads and experienced players choosing rackets with Midsize head.
Tennis Racket Weight
Typical sizes (racket weight without strings):
Super Light: up to 8,9 oz (252 g)
Light: 9-9.5 oz (255 – 269 g)
Medium: 9.6-10.4 oz (272 – 295 g)
Heavy: 10.5-10.9 oz (298-309 g)
Very Heavy: over 11 oz (312 g)
One of the most significant parameters of racket.
The heavier racket gives more stability and control and the lighter one is more manoeuvrable, it means that player can swing and make hit easier and quicker. Beginners are choosing with Medium or lighter rackets, experienced players are choosing Heavy rackets and professional plays with Very Heavy rackets.
Tennis racket grip
Typical sizes:
• for kids – L1, L2
• for women – L2, L3
• for men – L3, L4 and L5
Information about racket grip.
Tennis racket length
Typical sizes:
• for kids: up to 27 inches (68,6 cm)
• standard length: 27 inches (68,6 cm)
• extended: over 27 inches (68,6 cm)
The most popular rackets are standard length. The longer racket allows to hit ball more stronger and increases serve power.
Number of strings
Closed – 18 x 20
Medium – 16 x 19
Open – 16 x 18
Frame Stiffness
Frame Stiffness is from 40 to 85. Frame stiffness is from 55 to 75 for most popular rackets.
Racket weigth balance
Typical sizes:
Balanced
Head Heavy (weight oriented to head): 1-15 points*
Head Light (weight oriented to grip): 1-15 points*
Parameter indicates how much weight centre distributed from grip centre by length: HH – to head, HL – to grip.
*-(1 point=0,1250 inches (0,3175 cm)
Source by Saulius Galinis
