How to Buy a Tennis Racket
When you buy a tennis racket, there are many factors to keep in mind. Your size, strength, level of expertise and frequency of play should all go into your decision. That being said, there are a number of great rackets on the market today in all price ranges, so this should be a fun experience with a wide variety of options.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Go to a professional tennis shop where you can "demo" several rackets, and the sales professionals can string the racket according to your preferences. General sporting goods store salespeople may lack this expertise, and their rackets are usually pre-strung and not available to demo.
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2
Choose a head size for your tennis racket. There are three basic head size categories: mid-size, mid-plus and oversize. While oversize heads were once just for beginners, a few pros use them now. They offer more power and a wider sweet spot, but you sacrifice some control. Intermediate players may prefer a mid-plus head for better maneuverability, while mid-size is usually reserved for advanced players.
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3
Consider frame weight and length. A heavier racket gives you more control, but you lose some power and maneuverability. A general rule of thumb is to buy the heaviest racket that still feels comfortable and puts the ball where you want it. A standard length racket (27 inches) will be easier to maneuver than an extended length, but it will lack some of the power potential. Even a quarter of an inch can make a big difference. Try out different weights and lengths. Listen to the sales professionals' opinions on weight, length, head size, string tension and string density. However, the most important consideration is how the racket feels and plays for you.
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4
Be aggressive in finding the best price once you've found the racket you want to buy. Try tennisexpress.com or Shopzilla to get online quotes (see Resources below). However, keep in mind that online stores may not offer the custom stringing and grip sizing available at pro shops.
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