10 Best Tennis Rackets (Review) In 2020

Deciding to get a tennis racket is one thing while getting the right one for you is another. In order to ensure that you have a choice pick of the very best there is, we did our research. We liaised with manufacturers, scoured through reviews, and talked to professionals in order to get this information. Altogether, armed with what's provided below, you should be well on your way to acquiring the best tennis racket for you.

Features To Look For In Best Tennis Rackets

Weight - It's no secret that tennis rackets don't come in just one size. The extremely lightweight options offer a lot more control, but that comes at the expense of power. For that reason, they are a lot more suited to the needs of beginners. If you’re going for something a bit more midweight, get ready to benefit from added power and control. Of course, the heavy rackets offer maximum power but are more suited for professional level players. Altogether, your skill level is a major indicator of what you should go for.

Balance - Needless to say, if you don't go for something with adequate balance, you won't be able to control the racket. For less experienced players a head heavy racket with a light handle is a good choice. That's mostly because it makes up for the fact that you have less swing strength. On the other hand, people with more experience can go for something that's headlight since they can compensate power-wise. In addition to that, something with a more weighted handle is bound to absorb more shock when used by an experienced player.

Stiffness - For beginners, the concept of tennis racket stiffness is almost foreign. Yet the stiffness index is a major player as far as rackets are involved. Here's the lowdown; with tennis rackets, the index ranges all the way from 45 to 75. The idea behind this is the lower the figure is, the more flexible the racket. Having a more flexible racket comes with perks like added control and comfort. But if you're aiming for more power, then you need something stiffer. Note that the added power comes at the cost of your comfort.

String Pattern - Believe it or not, the string pattern of your tennis racket goes a long way to influence gameplay. Out there you'll find open string patterns, dense string patterns, and in between patterns. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. With open string patterns, the squares are wider and as such it's a lot easier to hit with added depth. On the other hand, if you'll hit flatter shots, you'll appreciate a denser string pattern. It's obvious that a combination of the two makes up the in-between string patterns.

Head Size - When it comes to the all-around power delivered by the racket, that’s highly dependent on the head size. You see, a larger head size translates to more power thanks to the fact that it has a larger sweet spot. That does not mean that smaller head size is all that bad, it translates to more control for the user. So, the size you go for is mostly dependent on what you hope to gain in terms of gameplay.

Comfort - Comfort is a major player regardless of what it is you are buying. With tennis rackets, there are a lot of components that point to comfort. For one, there’s the grip size, if that is off, you are not going to have a hard time hanging on to the racket altogether. There is also a matter of balance if it's not suited for your level of proficiency, which could lead to all-around uncomfortable playing experience. Above all that is the stiffness of the racket, as much as it affects gameplay, it also tells on comfort. A high stiffness index is a bit more painful in terms of the after effect.

Stability - Racket stability is very much a function of its total weight, so when thinking about stability look closer at the weight. In this case, some people drive it all the way home with a lightweight racket. Nevertheless, it's not wise to simply go for a heavy one. It's not going to offer the stability you need to drive through and serve properly. What everyone needs is a racket that is stable enough to handle the entire pace and demands of the game.

Maneuverability - Maneuverability is one of those factors that people tend to overlook, but it truly goes a long way. Nevertheless, it stands on the shoulders of a number of other features. First, there is swing weight which is the weight along the length of the racket when it's in motion. This may be light or heavy depending on the design of the racket itself. Then there is the balance point which is the point where the racket balances itself when it is rested on a needle. These two factors go a long way to influence how easy the racket is to maneuver.

Types Of Tennis Rackets

Power - These rackets come with an oversized head which comes with additional features. They are equally lightweight, stiffer, lengthy, and head heavy in order to hold their own while out there in the hitting zone. Altogether, this design accommodates players that have shorter and slower swings. At the end of the day, this delivers more power from the racket.

Control - This type of racket is a bit on the heavy side, fitted with a small head, even balance, and a medium-stiff frame. All these make them well-suited for players that are advanced in terms of skill. The fact that they deliver a more robust blow makes them more qualified to use this. Since they generate their own momentum, they can rely wholly on the control the racket offers.

Tweener - This is one of the most popular racket types available on the market. In a nutshell, it's a blend between a power and a player's racket. From the power racket, it emulates lightness while it borrows control from player's rackets. That definitely makes for a very balanced blend.

Tennis Racket FAQ

Q: What tennis racket size should I get?

A: If one thing should be evident by now, it's the fact that there are a number of sizes available. Anyone under the age of 8 should use a racket that measures between 19 and 23 inches. If they are 10 years or older, then 26 inches will do. For adults, it's safe to stick to anything that ranges from 27-29 inches.

Q: What is the best tennis racket for beginners?

A: We recommend the Wilson Pro Staff Team Tennis Racket because it does not actually discriminate at any skill level. It's equally not too light so it can be used for quite some time, beyond the beginner level.

Q: What balance of racket is best?

A: First of all, the balance you should go for depends on your skill level and preference. Head heavy rackets are easy to maneuver and handle since they are lightweight. They are also good if you want more power in your serve. Headlight rackets, on the other hand, offer more stability. Then there are equal balanced rackets that offer a blend of the two. The one you pick is based on what you really want in your gameplay.

Q: What stiffness of racket is best?

A: Again, it depends mostly on what you want to achieve during gameplay. A stiffer racket offers more power and stability at the expense of comfort.

Q: What string pattern should you choose?

A: A dense string pattern is a good bet, not only is it durable, but it also makes for better string movement. It also gives players the opportunity to use thinner strings which isn’t quite possible with an open string pattern.

Q: What head size should you get?

A: This is another factor that is dependent on skill level and preference. A larger head increases the size of the sweet spot, and more power is offered. But this comes at the expense of control. If you are a beginner, an oversized head is a good way to go, but a midsized head is a good blend of both.