What Is the Difference Between Female and Male Racquets?

Tennis racket makers do not separate products into men's and women's models, although there are differences in the way a racket is built that may cater to one gender over another. Several factors determine whether a racket is better for a male or for a female.

  1. Weight

    • Male tennis players generally weigh more than their female counterparts and, therefore, opt to use heavier rackets. This won't always be the case, but it is more common to see men use a bulkier racket with thicker strings. Women, particularly casual players, usually opt for a lighter racket that is easier to control.

    Grip

    • Men have larger hands, on average. This influences the types of grip they look for when selecting an ideal racket. A racket intended primarily for use by a man will be larger and wider so the racket won't twist in his hands as he hits the ball. A racket intended for a woman will generally have a smaller grip.

    Design

    • The majority of rackets are unisex, but some styles of racket are clearly marketed toward women. The use of patterns and colors can indicate whether a racket is more suited for a man or a woman. These factors don't affect performance, but for someone who appreciates a racket's design, they may play a role in the product they buy.