Tennis Racquet Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Racquet

Quick answer: Choose a tennis racquet by matching its specs to your level, then match your grip size. Beginners usually do best with a light (8–9.5 oz), oversize (105 sq in or larger) frame. Intermediates usually suit a 98–104 sq in midplus at 9.5–11 oz. Advanced players usually choose an 85–100 sq in head at 11–12+ oz, balanced head light.

Updated November 2026 · Reviewed by TR.com Staff

Looking for the tennis racquet that’s right for you? We’ll take the guesswork out of it, so you spend less time researching and more time on the court.

“Already know you that which you need.” – Yoda

Yoda probably wasn’t talking about tennis racquets, but he could have been. There are hundreds of racquets for every level and style of play, and no one has built a single perfect racquet for everyone. The right one starts with three honest answers.

How do I choose the right tennis racquet?

Answer these three questions first:

Ability: What is your level today? Be honest. A racquet built for an advanced player has a smaller sweet spot and will not help a beginner.
Objective: What do you want the racquet to do for you? The options are control, power, spin and comfort (less vibration).
Budget: What do you want to spend? Buy the racquet that fits your game first. You will play with the right racquet for years, and with the wrong one for maybe a season.

Then use the chart below to narrow the specs.

What racquet specs fit my level?

Tennis racquet specs by player level
Player level	Racquet type	Head size	Weight	Balance	Length
Beginner (USTA NTRP below 3.0), or anyone who wants easy power	Power / game-improvement	Oversize, about 105–135 sq in	Light, 8–9.5 oz (about 225–270 g)	Head heavy or even	27–29 in
Intermediate (NTRP 3.0–4.0)	Tweener / all-court	Midplus, 98–104 sq in	9.5–11 oz (about 270–310 g)	Slightly head light to slightly head heavy	27 in (standard)
Advanced (NTRP 4.5+), modern spin game	Modern player’s	About 98–100 sq in	11–12 oz strung (about 310–340 g)	Head light	27 in
Advanced, control-focused	Traditional player’s	85–98 sq in	11.5–12+ oz (about 325–340+ g)	Head light	27 in (a few extended)

Ranges are typical industry categories, not strict rules. Check each racquet’s spec sheet, and note whether its weight is listed strung or unstrung (strung is heavier).

Which level are you? The USTA’s NTRP scale is a good guide if you have a rating. Below 3.0 is a beginner, 3.0–4.0 is an intermediate, and 4.5 and above is advanced. If you don’t have a rating, look at where your shots land. If your rallies tend to land short, a racquet that adds power will help. If you already hit deep and sometimes long, put control first. If you’re somewhere in between, an all-around racquet will bring out your strengths.

Also think about your age, fitness, mobility and any arm, wrist or shoulder problems. A beginner using an advanced player’s racquet will often hit outside the small sweet spot. Repeated off-center hits send vibration into the elbow, shoulder and wrist. An advanced player using a beginner’s racquet won’t get the control or spin they expect.

What head size tennis racquet should I get?

A bigger head gives you a bigger sweet spot and more power, which is great for beginners and many seniors. A smaller head gives you more control and precision. Most of today’s racquets fall between 97 and 100 square inches. A head of about 100 sq in gives most club players a solid blend of power and control.

Tennis racquet spec cheat sheet
Spec	Typical ranges	What it does
Head size	Midsize 85–95 sq in · Midplus 96–106 · Oversize 107–115 · Super oversize 116+	Bigger = more power and forgiveness. Smaller = more control.
Weight	Light: under 10 oz · Medium: 10–11 oz · Heavy: 11–12 oz · Very heavy: over 12 oz	Heavier = more stable, more power, less shock, but harder to swing. Lighter = easier to swing and maneuver.
Balance	Even balance on a 27 in racquet = 13.5 in from the butt cap. 1 point = 1/8 in.	Head heavy adds power to a light frame. Head light feels quicker in the hand.
Length	Standard 27 in · Extended 27.25–28 in · 29 in maximum under ITF rules	Longer = more reach and leverage on serves, but slower to swing.
Stiffness (RA)	Flexible 63 and below · Medium 64–67 · Stiff 68 and above	Stiffer = more power, more shock. Players with arm problems often look for RA 66 or less.
Swingweight	Low: about 305 and below · Medium: 310–325 · High: above 325	Higher = more stable and powerful, but harder to swing fast.

How heavy should a tennis racquet be?

Heavier racquets hit with more power and stability, but they can tire you out over a long match. Light racquets weigh under 10 oz and heavy racquets weigh over 11 oz. A tenth of an ounce won’t make a difference, but an ounce will. Experienced players usually benefit from a somewhat heavier frame. Remember that you can add weight to a racquet that’s too light (our racquet services include customization), but you can’t take weight off a racquet that’s too heavy.

What does head light or head heavy mean?

Balance tells you where the weight sits. Manufacturers list it in points from the center: each point is 1/8 inch. A head-heavy racquet has more mass toward the tip, which adds power but costs some control. A head-light racquet has more mass toward the handle, so it feels quicker. Light power racquets are usually head heavy. Heavier player’s racquets are usually head light to keep them maneuverable.

Does racquet length or stiffness matter?

Yes. The standard adult length is 27 inches. Longer racquets (up to the 29-inch tournament limit) add reach and power, which can help beginners and players with limited mobility. Stiffness affects power and comfort. A stiffer frame gives more power but sends more shock to the arm. See our racquet stiffness and flex guide for more.

What should a tennis racquet do for my game?

A racquet can help in four ways: control, power, spin and vibration management. Here’s how each level usually ranks them:

Beginners: Put control first, because control gets the ball over the net and inside the lines. Power comes next for depth. Spin can wait. Vibration control matters if you have, or worry about, an arm injury.
Intermediates: You already have some control, so you usually want more power or more spin. If you have an arm injury, comfort may be your biggest priority.
Advanced players: You make your own power and spin, so control matters most, especially as your game moves toward the net.

Some racquets try to do a decent job at all four, but that usually means they don’t do a great job at any of them. Many intermediates who can’t decide buy an all-court racquet. The risk is that you end up buying for the player you are today, not the player you’re becoming.

How much should I spend on a tennis racquet?

Some players look at price first. That’s a mistake. Learn what a racquet’s specs will do for you first, because a racquet that fits your game pays off over several seasons. For beginners and kids, two things help keep costs down: buy a pre-strung racquet, or consider a quality used tennis racquet. Also check our sale racquets.

What grip size and strings should I get with a new racquet?

Grip: The right grip size is very important, and buying one that is too big or too small has been known to cause injury. Use our grip size chart and measuring guide. If you’re between sizes, buy the smaller size and build it up with an overgrip. See the tennis grip buying guide for your options.

Strings: Synthetic gut is the most common string, and natural gut is the premium choice. Your skill level, any elbow or arm problems, and how much spin, control or power you want should all shape your choice. See our tennis strings and tension guide. When you buy a racquet from TennisRacquets.com, you can choose custom stringing on the racquet page. If you’re in southeast Michigan, you can also bring your current racquet to us for restringing.

Reading the descriptions of individual racquets is a great way to get started. Browse all tennis racquets or shop by brand: Wilson, Babolat, HEAD, Yonex and Volkl. Have questions? Contact us. We love to help!

Frequently asked questions

What tennis racquet should an adult beginner buy?

Most adult beginners do best with an oversize head (about 105 sq in or larger), a light frame (about 8–9.5 oz), and an even or slightly head-heavy balance. That setup gives a big sweet spot and easy power. Add the correct grip size and a forgiving string such as synthetic gut or multifilament.

Is 100 square inches a good head size?

Yes. A head of about 100 sq in is the most popular size today because it blends power and control for most club players. Choose bigger (105+) if you want more power and forgiveness, or smaller (95–98) if you hit hard and want more control.

Is a heavier tennis racquet better?

Not for everyone. A heavier racquet (11 oz and up) is more stable and powerful and transmits less shock, but it is harder to swing over a long match. Lighter racquets (under 10 oz) are easier to swing and suit beginners and players who want help with racquet-head speed.

What is the standard length of a tennis racquet?

The standard adult length is 27 inches. Extended racquets run from 27.25 to 28 inches, and 29 inches is the maximum allowed under ITF rules. Longer racquets add reach and power but feel slower to swing.

Should I buy the smaller grip size if I’m between sizes?

Yes. If you’re between sizes and no longer growing, choose the smaller grip and add an overgrip, which adds about 1/16 inch. You can easily build a grip up, but you can’t make a grip that is too big smaller.

What size tennis racquet do I need?

For adults, “size” usually means head size, weight and grip size, because almost all adult racquets are the standard 27 inches long. Choose head size and weight by level using the chart above, then measure your hand for grip size. For kids, size means racquet length, chosen by height and age; see our kids tennis racquet size chart.

What is swingweight on a tennis racquet?

Swingweight measures how heavy a racquet feels when you swing it, not just what it weighs on a scale. It depends on how much weight sits toward the head. A higher swingweight (above about 325) feels more stable and powerful but is harder to swing fast. A lower one (about 305 and below) is easier to whip through the ball and maneuver at the net.

What is the best tennis racquet for tennis elbow?

Look for a flexible frame (stiffness around RA 66 or less), a medium weight that stays stable on contact, and a head size large enough to forgive off-center hits. String it with a soft multifilament or natural gut at moderate tension. The Wilson Clash is a well-known flexible option; see Wilson Blade vs. Clash and our tennis elbow racquet picks.

Is an oversize racquet good for beginners?

Yes. An oversize head of about 105 sq in or larger has a bigger sweet spot, so off-center hits still go over the net with decent pace. Combined with a light frame, it makes learning easier. As your strokes improve and you start hitting harder, many players move down to a 98–104 sq in midplus for more control.

What is the difference between a 98 and 100 sq in racquet?

The two-square-inch difference is small, but you can feel it. A 100 sq in head is a little more forgiving and powerful and often comes with a more open string bed for spin. A 98 sq in head feels more precise and controlled and suits players who hit the center consistently. Many popular lines, including the Babolat Pure Drive and Pure Aero, come in both.

Where should I put lead tape on my tennis racquet?

Lead tape at 12 o’clock raises swingweight for more power and plow-through. Tape at 3 and 9 o’clock adds stability on off-center hits. Weight in the handle makes the racquet heavier without making it feel much heavier to swing, and shifts the balance toward head light. Add small amounts at a time; our racquet services team can help with customization.

Is it spelled racket or racquet?

Both are correct. “Racket” is the more common spelling in general English and is the spelling used in the ITF Rules of Tennis. “Racquet” is a widely used variant, especially in the United States and in the names of racquet sports and equipment brands. They mean the same thing, so use whichever you prefer.

Should I choose the Babolat Pure Drive or Pure Aero?

Both are 100 sq in, 300 g, 16x19 racquets with nearly identical specs. Choose the Pure Drive if you hit fairly flat and want easy power and depth. Choose the Pure Aero if you swing fast with topspin and want the ball to dip and kick. See our full Pure Drive vs. Pure Aero comparison.

Should I choose the Wilson Blade or Clash?

Choose the Clash if comfort comes first: it is one of the most flexible performance racquets available and very forgiving. Choose the Blade if you want a thin-beam control frame with a connected feel and you have full, fast swings. Our Wilson Blade vs. Clash guide compares lab specs side by side.

Should I choose the Head Speed or Radical?

The Speed MP has a 100 sq in head and a constant beam for stability and easy depth. The Radical MP has a 98 sq in head for a slightly more control-oriented, all-round feel with a bit more pop. Both weigh 300 g unstrung with a 16x19 pattern. See Head Speed vs. Radical.

Should I get a 16x19 or 18x20 string pattern?

Most players should start with 16x19. The open pattern gives more spin, power and forgiveness. An 18x20 pattern gives more control, a lower ball flight and longer string life, and suits advanced players with long, fast swings. Many control racquets, like the Wilson Blade 98, come both ways; see our 16x19 vs. 18x20 guide.