Tips for buying your first racket
Too heavy, too big, wrong stringing – your first tennis racket can mean the difference between giving up in frustration or walking off the court with a big grin. We'll help you navigate the jungle of weights, grip sizes, and stringings to ensure your entry into the sport is a complete success!
Choosing the right racket size
The larger the head, the easier it is to hit the ball – sounds logical, right? Beginners, in particular, benefit from a larger head because it's more forgiving, making the game easier.
Common club head sizes are:
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Oversize (678 - 871 cm²) : A large hitting surface, ideal for beginners who are not yet able to hit every ball perfectly.
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Midplus (626 - 677 cm²) : A good compromise between control and power.
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Midsize (< 625 cm²) : Small hitting surface, but maximum control. More suitable for professionals and ambitious players.
Weight and balance
Tennis rackets come in various weight classes. Lighter rackets (260-290 g) are ideal for beginners, as they are easier to swing and reduce strain on the arm and wrist. Rackets that are too heavy can quickly become tiring.
The balance of the racket indicates whether the weight is head-heavy, handle-heavy or evenly distributed:
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Head-heavy rackets (more weight in the racket head): Offer more power and swing, but are less maneuverable and therefore not suitable for beginners.
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Handle-heavy rackets (more weight in the handle): Easy to maneuver, less power - ideal for those who like to go to the net.
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Balanced rackets : Perfect mix of power and control - our tip for beginners!
For beginners, a balanced or slightly head-heavy racket is usually recommended, as it combines good control with sufficient power.
The optimal grip size
The racket should fit comfortably in your hand, otherwise you'll get blisters or lose control. Tennis racket grip sizes are rated L0 to L5 . L0 is suitable for children or players with very small hands, while L5 is intended for very large hands. The most common sizes for adults are between L1 and L3.
Here's a simple way to determine your correct grip size : Holding a racket with your dominant hand; there should be about a finger's width of space between your fingertips and the palm of your hand. If you're between two sizes, we recommend choosing the smaller one and adjusting it with an overgrip (a grip tape) if necessary.
Stringing and string pattern
For beginners, a softer string is recommended . This provides more power and a more comfortable ball contact.
Additionally, the string pattern plays an important role: An open string pattern (e.g., 16x19 – meaning 16 main strings and 19 cross strings) provides more spin and power, while a tighter string pattern (e.g., 18x20) offers more control and precision. Beginners usually benefit from an open string pattern because it's more forgiving.
Material and damping systems
Modern tennis rackets are usually made of graphite or a blend of carbon and aluminum. Graphite is the best choice, especially for beginners, as it is lightweight while offering good cushioning, reducing the risk of injury. Carbon provides additional stability, while aluminum, while cheaper, is less powerful.
Damping systems are technologies, such as special inserts in the frame or integrated vibration dampers, that reduce vibrations upon contact with the ball. This minimizes strain on the arm and wrist and can be helpful for beginners.
Summary and conclusion
A good tennis racket for beginners should be lightweight, forgiving, and comfortable. Therefore, consider the following points when choosing your first racket:
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Head size : Choose a larger head.
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Weight : Lighter rackets (260 - 290 g) allow for easier handling.
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Balance : A balanced racket is the right choice for most beginners.
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Stringing and string pattern : Beginners usually benefit from a softer stringing and an open string pattern.
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Material : Graphite is the best choice for easy handling and comfort.
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Cushioning systems : Are gentle on the arm and wrist.
Choosing the wrong racket can quickly ruin your fun, so it's worth investing a little time in choosing. If you're still unsure which racket is right for you, feel free to visit one of our stores for advice! Once you've found your perfect racket , all we can do is wish you lots of fun. Get out on the court and show what you've got!
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