How To Choose A Tennis Racquet: 2025 Buyer’s Guide

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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.

Testing tennis racquets to choose the right one
I regularly test new tennis racquets to compare them and make better recommendations.

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.
Wilson Tennis Racquets stacked up on the tennis court
Wilson makes tennis racquets for all skill levels and abilities.

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 SpecificationsBeginner Players OnlyIntermediate
& Some Beginner
Advanced & Some Intermediate
Head Size
(sq. inches)
107 – 115100 – 11095 – 100
Length
(inches)
27-2927 – 2827 – 27.5
Weight
(strung)
Under 11 Ounces10.1 – 11.5 OuncesOver 11 Ounces
PriceUnder $150$100 & up$150 & up
Power vs ControlMore PowerBalanced RacquetMore 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.

  • Solinco Blackout – Best for any players who want easy, controlled power from the baseline.
  • Head Extreme MP – Best for easy power and spin. The Extreme is easy to swing & comfortable on contact.
  • Babolat Pure Drive – Great for all skill levels with lightweight and oversized versions for beginners. Best for maximizing spin with power on groundstrokes & serves.
Jessica Pegula returning with the Yonex Ezone racquet
The Yonex Ezone, used by WTA tennis star Jessica Pegula, is one of the best racquets for power on the market.

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 Gravity Pro – Best for players looking for a blend of flexibility, control, and feel.
  • 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.

Horacio Zeballos with the Head Speed tennis racquet
Horacio Zeballos is one of the best doubles players in the world and plays with the Head Speed.

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.

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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:


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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.


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.

Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14 tennis racquet
The Wilson Pro Staff is one of the best racquets for advanced tennis players.

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.


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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.

Woman serving with a new tennis racquet
Tennis brands do not make racquets specifically for women or men.

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:


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 AgeRacquet Length
Under 5 Years Old19 Inch Racquet
5 to 6 Years Old21 Inch Racquet
7 to 8 Years Old23 Inch Racquet
9 to 11 Years Old25 Inch Racquet

If you’re unsure, then buy the bigger racquet so your child can grow into it.

Junior tennis player using a small racquet
Juniors need smaller racquets that are easier to swing. This allows them to learn proper technique faster.

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.

Will Boucek at Head Tennis headquarters
In 2023, I went to the Head HQ in Austria to learn how to make a tennis racquet and test their latest gear.

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.

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.

2 Comments

    1. Hi Wayne, I’m Nate, the gear expert here at The Tennis Tribe. At 13, she should be able to handle a full-sized racquet. If she’s a beginner and just trying out tennis for the first time, I’d recommend the Babolat Boost Rafa. If she has been playing tennis for a few years already and you’re looking for a high-quality racquet she can improve with, I would look at the Yonex VCore 100L. Let me know if you have any other questions!

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