How to Buy a Racket

Eliminate your romantic notions about that old wooden racket in your basement. It won't help your game, whether you play tennis, squash or racquetball. Today's rackets are lighter, larger and stiffer. Popular brands including Wilson, Head, Prince and Dunlop offer a range of design options; test as many as possible. And with a price tag to fit any game ($20 to $90), you're sure to keep your eye on the ball.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a grip that's comfortable, but don't stop there. There are some things to factor in when looking at grip. In tennis, when gripping the handle, your fingers should wrap to about a finger's-length distance from your palm. Too big can be tiresome, and too small is tough to secure. Squash and racquetball grips are significantly smaller than a tennis grip. You increase the size with a grip wrap in most cases.

2. Choose the right framing material for your racket. Heavier frames generate more power, less vibration. Cheap rackets are typically lightweight, but vibrate a good deal. As you go up in price, the material--carbon graphite and titanium composite--is light with little vibration.

3. Pick a head size according to your skill level. In all racket sports, the smaller head size is more suitable for more experienced players seeking control. However, in squash, head size has little variation and is less important than feel and comfort.

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on 11/22/2005 Before you buy a racket, test the racket. You don't want to find out that a racket doesn't work out for you. Also, have in mind that if you want power you should get a heavier and larger frame. But if you want control, get a smaller frame and have it lighter and you can mix it up for a balance of power and control.