The selection of tennis rackets is large and there is a lot to consider before you buy a new racket. Racket head size, sweetspot, balance, weight, length or grip strength and other factors influence how the racket plays.
Here you can find out everything you need to know to make an informed purchase decision!
head size
The size of the racket head affects how precisely you have to hit the ball to get it over the net. It is given in cm² or inch². Tennis rackets with a large racket head are more forgiving and give your shots more power. However, this comes at the expense of control. A smaller racket head offers more control, but requires correspondingly cleaner strokes. In terms of racket head size, a distinction is usually made between these four types:
Midsize = small club head size
Mid plus or MP = standard club head size
Oversize or OS = large club head size
Super Oversize = very large club head size
Sweet spot
The sweet spot is the area of a tennis racket where the ball is hit perfectly. This is where the greatest accuracy and the highest ball acceleration can be achieved. The sweet spot is primarily dependent on the size of the racket head, but the weight, its distribution and the stringing hardness also play a role. Tennis rackets with a large racket head also have a large sweetspot.
Length
The basic characteristics of tennis rackets are prescribed by the Tennis World Federation and are therefore binding for manufacturers - including the racket length. The maximum length is 73.7 cm, but rackets of this size are difficult to play with control. The racket length is usually between 68 and 69 cm. Longer models, also known as longbodies, provide more power and have a greater reach, while shorter rackets are easier to handle.
Frame profile
The frame profile, also known as the frame thickness or height, describes the width of the frame of a tennis racket. It is specified in millimeters. A larger frame profile offers more power, while a smaller frame profile enables better control of the ball.
Which frame profile has which advantages?
Tennis racket with a lot of control
Tennis racket with average control
All-round tennis racket
Tennis racket with average power
Tennis racket with plenty of power
Weight
The racket weight influences the swing power and precision of your shots. Heavy frames weighing 300 g and more generate a lot of power and acceleration, but offer less control and precision. Lighter rackets with a weight of 260 to 290 g are much easier to play, while the even lighter models are primarily intended for children and teenagers.
Handle thickness
You can easily determine which grip strength is right for you by gripping the grip of the club with your club hand at the lower end. Your index finger should fit between the ball of your hand and your fingertips. Above all, however, it is important that the racket fits well in your hand. Many players prefer a slightly smaller grip because they can then maneuver the racket better.
Balance
Stringing pattern
The string pattern influences how easily the racket gives the ball forward or backward spin - provided the stroke is executed cleanly. A coarse string pattern supports sliced shots such as topspin or slice. Smaller spacing between the strings means more control and less impact on the swing arm, making these rackets ideal for beginners. In addition, tighter strings last longer as there is less stress on the individual strings.
