How do I know when should I update my tennis racket? Here are 3 signs indicating you are ready to upgrade your tennis racquet.

Once you got started playing tennis, one of the first things you probably did was purchase your own new racquet. Or perhaps you started playing because someone gifted you a new tennis racquet in the first place.

Either way, you (or the gifter) might not have initially made a significant monetary investment in the equipment before it was obvious that you were going to enjoy the game and continue playing.

However, now that you are getting more serious about your tennis game, it may be time to upgrade to a more serious new racquet that will enhance your game even further. Additionally, extra racquets always come in handy.

You may have a sentimental attachment to the racquet that you first learned to play tennis with, but there are practical reasons to hold onto it as well. Bringing a spare racquet with you to the court comes in handy if your grip starts to slip due to sweat on the handle or if strings break on your primary racquet.

A New Tennis Racquet has Advantages

New Features in Tennis Racquets

Manufacturers are always looking for the new model with new features - and they find them. Maybe it's a bigger sweet spot. Maybe it's more power or more control.

Perhaps a high visibility pro like Roger Federer endorses a newer, more powerful racquet. Or perhaps their research department has a new material for a new frame design.

Tennis players are always looking for that next great racquet. Most tennis racquets get updated every few years and the general rule of thumb is a tennis racquet is outdated in about five years and a new racquet model will be an improvement.

A New Tennis Racquet vs. Tennis Elbow

When recreational players increase the amount of play injuries can occur. Club players and even advanced players can develop elbow issues. The good news is many solutions exist to deal with this.

The right racquet might be different from player to player but most racquets have certain advantages and some racquets are better for elbows than other models. A new racquet can have a surprisingly fast impact on dealing with elbow and arm issues. Trying out a new tennis racquet maybe the answer.

When asking how do I know what tennis racquet is best for me, your general arm health is one important consideration. Look for a tennis racket that fits your ability, health and addresses areas needing improvement. Our Buying Guide will give you plenty of helpful advice on this topic.

We mean this both literally and figuratively. If your skills have progressed to the point that you are becoming a figuratively stronger (read: more competitive) opponent, then you will want to have the best possible equipment to back up your game.

On the other hand, if you have literally increased in muscle strength, then it is probably time for a stronger, sturdier racquet. Upgrading to a racket that is a single piece (instead of two), made of high grade graphite or carbon fiber (instead of aluminum or alloy), and an overall heavier weight will transfer as much power as possible from your arm into the ball.

Sometimes you feel you have reached a plateau and can't seem to improve no matter how often or how hard you try. Well, maybe it's not you - it is your racquet. Trying out a new racquet or new strings is often the catalyst to shake off the doldrums that come from a plateaued game caused by your current racquet.

What About Grip Size?

Always check to see if you have the right grip size. Our guide will give you all the information you need to get it right. If you are still growing, you may need to get a bigger grip for optimum performance.

Are Fresh Strings Important in a New Tennis Racquet?

Yes! New strings start to lose tension in the first few weeks after installation. A new tennis racquet may come pre-strung which is ok for a short while. But new strings will be required periodically. Freshly strung racquets are more lively and responsive no matter your swing weight.

Our guide for tennis strings is loaded with helpful tips on what strings to buy and when. Different strings will make a difference even in an older model racquet.

The smaller the size of the racquet head the smaller that the “sweet spots” are, requiring more technical proficiency to use effectively. On the reverse side, the larger racquet the wider the margin for error but the slower it will swing through the air, reducing power.

If you are developing into a very technical player, able to strike with a high degree of precision and accuracy, then you could benefit from the added power you can put into swinging a racquet with a smaller head.

On the flip side, if you find yourself struggling at times with shanks or errors (especially when under pressure), then you should consider upgrading to a better racquet for your style. For most players, the best course of action is to choose the largest size that doesn’t compromise on power.

What about Longer Racquets?

Kids will often play with shorter equipment when they are learning the game. As they grow up, they will go through many racquets. By the time they get to junior high or at least high school they will probably find a full sized model of a specific racquet that will be just what they need.

Adults will sometimes want a longer racket to help them reach some angled shots. But this kind of racquet can actually be tougher to swing. The general rule of thumb here is any racquet much beyond a standard length of 27 inches should be reviewed very carefully.

Is There a General Rule of Thumb for Tennis Racquet Longevity?

When considering the question of what is the life of a tennis racquet, variables like frequency of use, how well it is maintained, and whether you tend to abuse your equipment all come into play.

Because manufacturers are constantly updating their products, wise consumers are always on the lookout for the next, great model that is the right racquet for their game. A new frame can make a big difference.

Shopping for a New Tennis Racquet

Whether your racquet needs more power or you have some other need, look to tennisracquets.com to have all the equipment and apparel you need. Our prices are competitive too.

Maybe its time for a new set of strings - we have you covered there too. We have a huge selection from syn gut to poly to multi's to natural gut. Want to experiment with hybrid stringing? We have choices for you there too.

If you need apparel like shorts, shirts, or socks and shoes too, we are the place to shop. The options are plentiful in accessories too. Call us with any questions! Our customer service staff is friendly and loves to help you any way they can.

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