Tennis Racquet Basics
So, you want to learn something about Tennis Racquets eh? Well we can tell you about Tennis Racquets...this is TennisRacquets.com after all!
What are the basics of the Best Tennis Racquet?
The first thing to know about Tennis Racquets is there are lots of choices and lots of variables that go into making the Best Tennis Racquet. This can be confusing, overwhelming, and also very tempting when a new technology comes on the market. One thing to always consider when thinking about the choices is your game. How do you play? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Once you identify those, thinking about the Best Tennis Racquet for you is easier.
Tennis Racquet Frames
Frames are the skeleton of the Tennis Racquet and they come in a variety of shapes, thicknesses, materials and styles - but really all look basically the same.
The big deal about frames is Stiffness and Weight. Each brand mixes synthetic materials to generate different frames with different results for stiffness and weight.
Frames can be made to be very stiff or very flexible. The stiffer the frame, the more power generated but also the more vibration and less control. Flexible racquets help with control. Increased weight also increases power, but can be tiring when playing a long match. Also, if you have elbow or shoulder issues, a heavier racquet is not the best option.
The big deal about frames is stiffness and weight.
Tennis Racquet Head Size
The most noticeable aspect of the frame is the head of the tennis racquet, of course. Head Size is a big deal with a range of sizes available in every brand. A larger head size is nice for beginners because it helps improve their contact point by having a larger sweet spot, making the game more enjoyable with longer rallys. Also, increased head size means more power and often more spin, but with the sacrifice of control. More experienced players tend to use racquets with a smaller head size as they desire to increase their control. Decreasing head size also lessens the overall weight of the racquet.
Tennis Racquet Grip
Don't dismiss the grip. This is where you and your tennis racquet connect so spending time on getting to know your grip is invaluable. Grips have two big variables: size and texture.
Grips have two big variables: size and texture.
The texture of your tennis racquet grip can make a big difference as well. When looking at overgrips, consider if the racquet tends to slip and roll around a lot in your hands. Some grips are tacky, almost like they have something sticky on them, while others are more sponge-like and can help absorb sweat and keep your grip dry. Try a few different ones out to see what's best. The right tennis racquet grip makes a significant difference in your game.
Tennis Racquet Grip Size is measured in inches and your best tennis racquet will always have a grip size slightly smaller than ideal cause you will put on an overgrip to make the grip larger while also providing a better texture to grip. There are measurements you can do to find the tennis racquet grip size for you, but overtime you may change your mind as the feel of a bigger or smaller grip may help your play. For more detailed information, see our guide on How to Measure Tennis Racquet Grip Size or our Tennis Grip Buying Guide.
Tennis Racquet String
Just when you thought there were lots of tennis racquet options, here comes tennis racquet strings. There are basically 4 different types of strings, Natural Gut, and then the synthetics: Nylon, Polyester/Kevlar, and Multifilament. Each provides certain benefits vs the other, with Natural Gut providing the most feel and also being the most expensive. Nylon and Polyester are more durable than gut and come at a variety of different costs. Multifilament combines different synthetic strings together to bring feel and durability together.
No one string is perfect, so many players use two different strings on their racquet to get one step closer to the best tennis racquet for them. Mixing two different strings is called a hybrid and often involves using one natural gut string and then one synthetic, but the combinations are as endless as the number of strings you can choose. If this is something that interests you, check out our Tennis Hybrid String Buying Guide.
Tennis racquets also have an array of string pattern to be aware of. The Mains, the strings that run up and down the tennis racquet, and the Crosses, the ones that go across, come in a range of ratios 18 x 20, 16 x 19, 16 x 16...the list goes on. The basic rule, is the fewer the strings the more spin and the more power is created. The more strings, the more control you have.