Christy Sports – Tennis Racquet Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Tennis Racquet
If you’re like most people who play tennis regularly, you think of the racquet as an extension of your arm, and even a small change in string tension, weight, or balance will throw off the forehand you’ve been trying to perfect. You probably already know roughly the head size, power level and balance that is best for you and your swing. But for the many players who haven’t bought a new racquet before or haven’t played in years, this guide will help you pick the best racquet for your needs!
THE PLAYER
There is a lot to consider when picking a new racquets. Think about the type of player you are first.
Swing style:
- Long, powerful swings → choose a control-oriented racquet.
- Short, compact swings → choose a power-oriented racquet.
Play style:
- Baseline players may prefer racquets suited for big groundstrokes.
- Net players may prefer racquets with a larger head for volleys or a lighter frame for faster reactions.
Key takeaway: Identify your playing style and swing type before selecting a racquet.
A Tip from a Wannabe Pro: I always worried that as I got older, I would need a racquet that would produce more power for me. But this isn’t always true! Don’t go from one of the racquet spectrum to the other just because you reach a certain age and want to play a different style. In my experience, after being used to a certain kind of racquet and having the same style of swing for decades, switching to a high power, short compact swing did not help my tennis game. Make moderate changes and know that there’s a reason most of the best selling racquets aim to please the players in the middle. -Jin
THE RACQUET
Key specs to focus on: grip size, head size, and weight.
Head size (95–110 sq. in.):
- Smaller heads → more control, less margin for error.
- Larger heads → more power, larger sweet spot.
Weight (9–11 oz):
- Heavier racquets → more power, less maneuverability.
- Lighter racquets → easier control, less power.
Grip size:
- Traditional rule: when holding the racquet, your thumb should just cover your index fingernail.
- Online charts can also help determine proper size.
A Tip from a Wannabe Pro: I was also told I should have a grip size 4 (4 ½) or 5 (4 5/8) while growing up. So I ended up with a racquet that was a size 5. HUGE mistake because there’s no way to downsize it. If I wanted to change my grip around, or use an overgrip, it would take a long time to adjust to having such a massive handle. If I could do it over again, I would have started with a much smaller grip size. That way, I could build it up. -Jin
