How to Compare & Review Tennis Rackets

Tennis racket manufacturers offer a variety of rackets to meet the needs of all ages, skill levels and playing styles. Rackets have many design elements; by knowing a few of the main features, comparing rackets is not difficult.

  1. Head Size

    • Tennis rackets can be visibly compared by the size of the racket's head. Mid-size rackets have head sizes measuring 98 square inches or less. Mid-plus rackets have a head size of 98 to 105 square inches, and oversize rackets measure 105 square inches or larger.

    Benefits

    • Rackets with smaller heads are typically used by advanced players who are looking for more control. These rackets do not provide a lot of power; the power comes from the player. Rackets with larger heads are lighter, more forgiving on off-center hits, more powerful, and do a lot of the work for you.

    Flexibility

    • Tennis rackets are compared by how much the frame flexes or bends at impact. The more a frame bends at ball contact, the more energy is absorbed by the frame. Basically, a stiff racket frame has very little flex. This makes the racket more powerful because less energy is absorbed and more is given back to the ball.

    Grip Sizes

    • To accommodate a variety of players, rackets are made with different grip sizes. Junior tennis players use rackets with grip sizes less than 4 1/8 inches. Women generally play with grip sizes 4 1/4 to 4 3/8 inches, and men use grips measuring 4 1/2 to 4 3/4 inches.