You can find the best racket for your game by simply hitting a ball. Take opportunities to hit with different rackets, take note of their specifications and how these fit with your playing style and preferences.
Officially, rackets must weigh less than 255g (modern rackets are approximately half this weight).
Obviously a heavy racket would be slower to prepare for shots (especially volleys) and conversely a lighter racket quicker and easier to prepare.
A larger head size (modern rackets can be up to 500cm² whereas old wooden rackets were nearer 300cm²) will be better for off-centre shots and provide a larger sweet spot for optimum rebound.
A racket’s specifications affect its playing characteristics. You can’t tell anything about a racket’s performance from the paint!
SPECIFICATIONS
Shape – There are two main types of racket head shape; the tear-drop and conventional or classic (open throat) with a bridge. The teardrop has longer main strings, can give more power and has a larger sweet spot. The conventional can provide more control.
The general rule is, the larger the head, the bigger the sweet spot.
Weight – Racket weights tend to be between 110-150g with many in the 125-130g range. Manufacturers usually quote weights as bare frame weights (without grommets, strings and grip) so be aware of this if you are weighing one yourself.
The unstrung weight is often included in the racket name and printed on the side of the racket shaft. Light rackets give manoeuvrability for quick reaction shots and heavier rackets can offer more power (with the caveat that string tension also has an impact).
Balance – How the weight is distributed in a racket affects its balance. Rackets are either head-light, head-heavy or evenly balanced.
Head-light rackets are more manoeuvrable but can be harder to control at speed. An even-balanced racket offers good control, whereas a head-heavy racket with a high swing weight gives more power.
Beams, materials and stiffness – The beam (width of the frame) can be between 16-21mm. A thinner beam will offer greater manoeuvrability than a thicker beam and can produce a little more power as it creates more whip through the flex.
A thicker beam will generally make the racket stiffer which offers power, but it is a fine balance for manufacturers as they try to develop materials which provide both power and control.
GRIP
The grip (and grip size) is a personal choice. You may wish to change the manufacturer’s grip and should change your grip regularly. The size must allow a feeling of control and a comfortable wrist and arm action.
Putting a new grip over an existing one will make the grip rounder and affect a racket’s balance. You can use spacer strips underneath the grip to get the best shape for your hands, consider over-grips or grip resizing heat shrink sleeves which increase grip sizes more accurately without adding as much weight as adding a full second grip.
STRINGS
Your choice of string and string tension are also a compromise between power, grip on the ball, feel and durability. Consider changing the factory strings for even better performance, although some rackets come pre-strung with premium strings as standard.
Be aware of different string patterns. Bigger gaps between the main strings and cross strings providing more power, with a denser pattern giving more control.
STRING TABLE
Factory-strung rackets are about 26-28 lbs tension
Higher tension – less power, more control
Lower tension – more power, less control
Thinner strings – more grip on ball, more power, more control, less durability
Thicker strings – less power, more durability.
Check and restring your strings regularly and at the start of each season. Don’t wait until they break before you get a restring.
PLAYABILITY AND DURABILITY
Put all these characteristics together and you have the playability of a racket. It helps to become familiar with the specs of the rackets you like to help you make informed decisions.
Be aware of reports on a racket’s durability too.
TRY THEM OUT
Take opportunities to trial new rackets using demo rackets and those of partners and friends (probably in the knock-up or in friendly matches). Take note of the string type and tension that suits you.
PREPARING YOUR RACKETS
Check your rackets, strings and grip regularly. Have at least two rackets in your bag so you have a replacement if a frame or string breaks. If you sweat a lot and your grip is affected use wristbands.
