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Choosing a tennis racquet is a big decision. You need to make sure you have the right racquet for your skill level now and one that will allow you to improve as a tennis player. Some players may need to find a racquet that helps with power, while others need more control.
In this complete guide, we will show you how to choose a tennis racquet for beginners, intermediate, or advanced skill level players. First, you’ll learn the general specifications of tennis racquets so you know what to look for. Then, you’ll discover the key questions you need to ask when picking a racquet.
Criteria for Choosing a Tennis Racquet
When considering the best tennis racquets, you have to find the right option for your age, skill level, and abilities.
At the end of this guide, you will have a clear picture of which type of racquet is right for you. When you start your search for a new tennis racquet, there are a few things to consider.
- Skill level: Your skill level, or tennis ability, will determine the type of racquet you need. Beginner racquets have bigger frames that help with power while more advanced racquets offer better control and come in smaller sizes.
- Athletic ability – strength, mobility, & hand-eye coordination: Your athletic ability will help determine how large and heavy of a racquet you should choose. Older players who have lost athleticism may need something lightweight and larger, while a younger, fit player can choose a heavier, compact tennis racquet.
- Personal preferences: You’ll also want to decide what specifically you want from your racquet. If you play a lot of singles, for example, you may want a racquet that adds topspin to your groundstrokes. If, however, you play mostly doubles and like to go to the net, then you’ll want a racquet with more control for your volleys.
- Goals and budget: Your goals and budget also need to be considered. If you just want to try tennis out, then you may want a cheap racquet. However, if you’re starting to take lessons and want to improve your game, then it’s best to choose a higher quality racquet.
Below, we’ll navigate you through these criteria in more detail to help you decide the best tennis racquet for you.
Aspects of a Tennis Racquet
When looking for a racquet, there are several different terms you’ll see.
- Head Size: the size of the area of the strings on the racquet, expressed in square inches.
- Length: the overall length of the racquet, expressed in inches.
- Weight/Static Weight: how heavy the racquet is, expressed in ounces or grams. This might be expressed as strung or unstrung, depending on if the weight of the strings were taken into account or not.
- Grip Size: how big around the handle of the racquet is, expressed either in a size number (0-5) or in inches. Most adults should use a size 3 (4 ⅜) grip.
There are a couple other terms that beginners can largely ignore but are important to more advanced players.
- Swing Weight: how heavy the racquet feels when swinging, generally expressed without units.
- Balance Point: the center mass of the racquet, expressed either in distance from the bottom of the racquet or in points head light, head heavy, or even balance.
Tennis Racquet Specification Chart
Tennis racquets have made more technological developments than other tennis gear over the past 20 years. Looking at the specifications of all the racquets can be overwhelming at first, so we’ve made a simple guide. These are not hard rules, but generalizations to help steer you in the right direction.
This chart will give you a high-level idea of what to look for in a racquet as you get better at tennis.
| Racquet Specifications | Beginner Players Only | Intermediate & Some Beginner | Advanced & Some Intermediate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size (sq. inches) | 107 – 115 | 100 – 110 | 95 – 100 |
| Length (inches) | 27-29 | 27 – 28 | 27 – 27.5 |
| Weight (strung) | Under 11 Ounces | 10.1 – 11.5 Ounces | Over 11 Ounces |
| Price | Under $150 | $100 & up | $150 & up |
| Power vs Control | More Power | Balanced Racquet | More Control |
Racquets and Your Playing Style
Everybody has their own way of playing tennis. Some people like to crush the ball, controlling their opponents with power, while others play more crafty, winning with well-placed shots and a variety of spin. Some players hang out on the baseline, rarely coming to the net, and some players force their way into the net every chance they get.
How you play the game of tennis can have a big impact on how you choose a tennis racquet.
Power vs Control
One question you need to ask yourself: Do I want a racquet that adds power or control to my game?
Racquets Built for Power
Most of the best tennis racquets for power fit these criteria.
- Head size of at least 100 square inches, depending on skill level.
- More weight in the head of the racquet.
- A thicker frame or beam.
- More open string patterns – 16×18 or 16×19. This will help add spin to your shots as well.
- Stiffer racquets, with a rating of 65 or higher.
A longer tennis racquet can also add power by increasing the leverage on your strokes. Racquets that are 27.5 inches and longer will offer more power.
Here are three of the best racquets for power.
- Babolat Pure Drive – Great for all skill levels with lightweight and oversized versions for beginners.
- Yonex Ezone – Intermediate and advanced players who want more power different head size options.
- Wilson Ultra – Excellent option for beginner and intermediate players with several versions.
Racquets with More Control
For a more control-oriented racquet, look for these specifications.
- Under 100 square inch head size.
- A tighter string pattern (strings closer together) – 18×20, for example.
- Narrower frame width or beam.
- Flexible racquets, with a rating of 64 or lower.
Racquets built for control are usually 27 inches long. Here are the three of the best racquets for control.
- Head Prestige – Advanced racquet offering precise control, great feel, and stability.
- Wilson Blade – Versions for any skill level. A very comfortable racquet used by many pro tennis players.
- Solinco Whiteout – Good for intermediate to advanced players who want an extended length option.
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Baseline vs Net or Singles vs Doubles
If you play primarily from the baseline, you will have different criteria when looking for a racquet than someone who plays at the net. For many players, this is driven by whether they play mostly singles or doubles.
Racquets for Baseline/Singles Players
When you play from back at the baseline, you have more time to get your racquet moving and take a big swing, so maneuverability isn’t a priority. Power and spin, on the other hand, are a top priority to help control the point.
These racquets are great for singles players who hit groundstrokes from the baseline.
- Babolat Pure Drive – Best overall
- Head Speed – Balanced option
- Wilson Blade – Great comfort & spin
- Babolat Pure Aero – Best for power & spin
- Yonex Ezone – Controlled power
Racquets for Net/Doubles Players
Playing close to the net requires a racquet that moves quickly through the air that you can control. A smaller racquet head with a more head light balance will help maximize maneuverability, while also helping you control those difficult approach shots and volleys.
- Head Prestige – great control & feel on volleys
- Wilson Pro Staff – excellent stability & feel
- Yonex Percept – exceptional comfort & forgiveness
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Choosing a Tennis Racquet by Skill Level
Players of different abilities are going to be looking for different things in a tennis racquet.
Beginner Tennis Players
Adult beginner tennis players are generally going to want a racquet that is fairly powerful so they can focus on learning the mechanics of the tennis swing without having to swing fast.
Therefore, beginners usually are best suited by a racquet with a head size between 107 and 115 square inches, a length of 27-28 inches, and a lighter weight of under 11 ounces.
Check out our beginner buyer’s guide for a more in-depth look at how to choose a racquet.
Here are some of the best tennis racquets for beginners:
- Head TI S6 – Best Overall Beginner Tennis Racquet
- Babolat Pure Drive 110 – Best for Power
- Prince Ripstick 100 – Best for Serious Beginner
- Wilson Clash 108 – Best for Comfort (arm friendly)
- Head Boom Team – Best for Control
- Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 – Great Lightweight Beginner Racquet
- Wilson Tour Slam – Best Cheap Racquet for Beginners
- Babolat Boost Drive – Great for Beginners in High School
- Prince O3 Legacy 120 – Best Beginner Racquet for Seniors
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Intermediate Tennis Players
Intermediate players will want a racquet that offers a good balance of power and control. They need a racquet that allows them to maintain control as they learn to swing with more confidence, but enough power to help keep the ball deep when they miss the center of the racquet or slow down their swing.
Therefore, intermediate players should look for a racquet with a 100-110 square inch head, 27-28 inch length, and a moderate 10.1-11.5 ounces of static weight.
Check out our intermediate buyer’s guide for a more in-depth look at how to choose a racquet.
Here are the top tennis racquets for intermediate players. We do have some racquets from our advanced and beginner lists as well if you are at a transition phase, or want to level up your game.
- Wilson Clash 100 – Best Overall Intermediate Racquet
- Head Extreme MP – Best for Power
- Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P – Best for Control
- Yonex Ezone 100 – Most Balanced Racquet
- Prince Ripstick 100 – Best for Topspin
- Head Boom MP – Great for Spin & Easy to Handle (endorsed by Coco Gauff)
- Babolat Pure Aero – Power & Spin (endorsed by Rafael Nadal)
- Yonex Percept 100D – Great for Transitioning to a Control Racquet
- Dunlop SX 300 LS – Best Lightweight Intermediate Racquet
Advanced Tennis Players
Advanced players have the confidence to really swing out with their racquet and need that racquet to reign in that power with control and/or spin.
Therefore, most advanced players will choose a racquet with a 95-100 square inch head, 27-27.5 inch length, and one that weighs at least 11 ounces.
Check out our advanced buyer’s guide for a more in-depth look at how to choose a racquet.
Here are our top racquets for advanced players.
- Yonex Ezone 98 Tour – Best Overall Advanced Tennis Racquet
- Head Speed Pro 2024 – Most Balanced Racquet (used by Novak Djokovic)
- Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14 – Excellent Control & Feel
- Head Gravity Pro – Best for Control
- Prince Textreme Tour 98 – Great Control, Comfort, & Spin
- Wilson Blade 98 v9 – Best for Comfort (version of Serena William’s Racquet)
- Babolat Pure Aero Plus – Best for Power & Spin (version of Rafael Nadal’s Racquet)
- Solinco Whiteout XTD – Best Extended Length Racquet
- Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16×19 – Best Platform Racquet for Customization
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How To Choose a Women’s Tennis Racquet
First, it is important to note that their are not racquets made specifically for men or women, and any person can gravitate towards any racquet, even if they don’t fall into our general guide.
That said, women tennis players typically have better control than men but do not generate as much power or spin. So in general, power and spin are more important to them.
Check out our buyer’s guide for women for a more in-depth look at how to choose a racquet.
Here are our recommendations for the best tennis racquets for women:
- Babolat Pure Drive – Best Overall Racquet for Women
- Dunlop FX 500 – Best Racquet for Power
- Yonex Percept 100 – Best Racquet for Control
- Head Boom MP – Best Racquet for Spin
- Wilson Clash 108 – Best Racquet for Beginners
- Head Ti S6 – Great for Beginning on a Budget
- Yonex Ezone 98 – Best Racquet for Advanced Women
- Prince Ripstick 100 280g – Best Lightweight Racquet
- Wilson Blade 104 – Best Extended Length Racquet for Women
- Tecnifibre Tempo 298 Iga – Most Balanced Racquet for Women
How to Choose a Kid’s Tennis Racquet
When choosing a tennis racquet for your child you’ll want to pick something they can grow into. If your child is 6-12 years old, then they’re likely growing fast. The last thing you want is to buy them a racquet that they will outgrow in 1 year.
Here is a good sizing chart for kids under 12. If they’re above or below average height and strength for their age, then you’ll want to adjust accordingly.
| Child’s Age | Racquet Length |
|---|---|
| Under 5 Years Old | 19 Inch Racquet |
| 5 to 6 Years Old | 21 Inch Racquet |
| 7 to 8 Years Old | 23 Inch Racquet |
| 9 to 11 Years Old | 25 Inch Racquet |
If you’re unsure, then buy the bigger racquet so your child can grow into it.
For kids just starting, the Wilson US Open tennis racquet is a great option. It comes in each size in the chart above.
For children over 12, we recommend adult-sized racquets.
If your child is a beginner or is undersized for their age, buy the Wilson Hyper Hammer. These racquets are adult-sized but lightweight, making them the best choice for beginners in their teens.
For intermediate to advanced kids transitioning from a junior racquet, or stronger kids who don’t need as much help with power, look at the adult racquets above. They will need a racquet that will allow them to keep developing their tennis game as they grow physically.
Picking A Tennis Racquet Brand
The best tennis racquet brands on the market all have a wide variety of racquets for a wide range of players. For this reason, when considering what racquet is best for you, you’ll want to consider the size, weight, string pattern, and other factors, more than the brand.
The four leading tennis racquet brands are Wilson, Babolat, Head, and Yonex. Prince, Dunlop, Solinco, Volkl, and Diadem are less popular but still make great racquets. We’ve reviewed most racquets from these brands below.
- Wilson racquet reviews
- Babolat racquet reviews
- Head racquet reviews
- Yonex racquet reviews
- Prince racquet reviews
- Dunlop racquet reviews
- Solinco racquet reviews
- Volkl racquet reviews
- Diadem racquet reviews
Other less common brands include Tecnifibre and Pro Kennex.
All of these brands have racquets for all types of players, and they each have multiple top professional tennis players who use and endorse their brand.
There’s No Perfect Racquet! You Have to Choose the Right Tennis Racquet for YOU
Ultimately, the best way to make sure you choose the right racquet is to know your own game. If you know the type of player you are, and the type of player you want to be, you can be confident in choosing a tennis racquet that can support those strengths and weaknesses. Whether you want to be highly competitive, or just a recreational player, you should now know how to choose a tennis racquet.
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