The Top 11 Best Tennis Racquets For Amateurs (Review 2023)
Picking up a racquet for the first time might be intimidating, especially if you’re new to tennis. We’ve compiled a list of the finest tennis racquets for beginners and some tips to assist you in picking the correct equipment to get started and improve your abilities over time.
Product Name | Product Image | Store |
|---|---|---|
Wilson Clash 108 |  | |
Wilson Blade Team Tennis Racquet |  | |
Wilson Burn 100S |  | |
Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 |  |
Review of the Top Eleven Tennis Racquets
Is the priciest racquet the greatest choice for you? Let’s investigate our 11 top-rated models to get your solution.
The Wilson Clash 108 is the finest tennis racquet for beginners and seniors, according to the rankings. Thanks to its strong build and StableSmart and FreeFlex technology, this iconic gear won’t let you down.
This gear has FreeFlex, the unique, groundbreaking technology that distinguishes the Clash range as an excellent choice for beginners and pros. Players may swing freely and confidently in full motion thanks to this technology.
With a string weight of just 10.5 ounces, this tennis gear lets you play for an extended period without hand or arm tiredness or injury.
Second, because of its StableSmart technology, this gear is more stable than other carbon fiber versions.
While many of us stick to the standard head size of 98-100 square inches, the Clash 108 has proven that bigger heads may be as comfortable at 108 square inches.
Pros
Cons
This Blade Team racquet features a beam size that measures 22-23-22.5mm, which allows for a more aggressive playstyle. Because of its thinner beam, you can comfortably absorb all of the force on every shot with low handshaking. This allows you to prevent pain and even injury over the course of a long game.
Because of its incredibly narrow beam and, as a direct result of this, its enormous spin capacity, we would strongly recommend using this apparatus as the primary instrument.
If you don’t have a good grip, you won’t be able to play shots that are successful on the court. This Wilson racket has a design that is perfectly proportioned and balanced. Your hands will have an easy time maintaining a secure hold thanks to the handle’s excellent design.
When you have this racket in your hand, you are free to move your arm whatever you please and still play like a pro.
Pros
Cons
The Wilson Burn 100 is an excellent choice for senior tennis players who prefer rackets to have a light head and a solid balance. It is also an excellent second-place option for first-time players who are looking for high-quality equipment to use in order to become proficient in fundamental methods.
This item weighs 11.3 ounces, which places it on the heavier end of the spectrum. In order to achieve an optimal level of stability, the weight is distributed uniformly from the head to the handle.
Users of the original Spin Effect technology benefit from a high level of stability, which makes it possible for them to perform violent spins. In addition to that, this remarkable technology lessens the vibration and shock felt in the wrist and forearm.
This tennis racquet is favored by millions of users not only because of its exceptional performance but also because of its straightforward design. Put together an athletic and on-trend look by teaming the Wilson Burn 100 with any other athletic wear you may own.
Pros
Cons
In this activity, you’ll need time to build your muscles and skills as a novice. A light gear set, such as the Hyper Hammer 5.3, is a good place to start.
It’s made up of 85 percent graphite and 15 percent hyper-carbon. This combination keeps it 65 percent lighter (9 ounces) than titanium while increasing its strength and stiffness. As a result, you may learn for hours without experiencing any discomfort in your forearms or wrists.
The Hyper Hammer 5.3 has a larger sweet spot and a longer reach thanks to its 110-square-inch head and 27.5-inch length. This equipment extends your reach while reducing missed ball hits.
Last but not least, the Wilson Ultra Synthetic Gut Natural is pre-strung on this Wilson racket. You may get on the court right now without wasting time stringing.
Pros
Cons
The HEAD GRAPHENE Extreme S offers increased versatility in terms of gameplay. Richard Gasquet and Svetlana Kuznetsova, two of the best tennis players in the world, are fans of this lightweight item that weighs just 9.7 ounces. because of the enormous spin power, it possesses.
It is important to note that this model makes use of a technology known as Graphene 360+. Because to this one-of-a-kind design, even beginners can improve their skills while simultaneously increasing their spin power and energy return.
As a beginner in tennis, you will need to work on improving both your stroke and your swing all the time. Because it gives you a great feel for the ball, you won’t end up hitting the ball over the back fence if you use this equipment.
Pros
Cons
Female players require higher power assistance while taking up gear for the first time, but they are stronger at power control. For female players, we recommend the HEAD TI S6. This is also one of the finest tennis racquets under $100 for beginners.
With a strung weight of 8.9 ounces, this model incorporates titanium and graphite, offering you simple control.
Furthermore, with its huge frame of 115 square inches, you will be able to effortlessly produce power on your shots. A wider frame implies you’ll have a broader sweet area, reducing the chances of missing a shot.
The modest pricing makes it a great offer for people just starting this sport. However, in an aggressive, fast-paced game, experienced players may find it heavy and difficult to move near the net.
Pros
Cons
With two new ambassadors, Andy Murray and Sloane Stephens, HEAD’s Radical brand have become legendary in the tennis goods sector.
MicroGel Radical, one of the company’s most well-known models, has long been a favorite option among intermediate to advanced players. This item can also be utilized by players with limited experience.
This racket’s most important feature is MicroGel Radical technology. This technique enables players to hit the baseline with full, quick strokes. The MicroGel Radical will respond to your orders accurately if you perform your shots with a rock-solid technique.
This Headgear is a must-have for serious hobbyists because of the MicroGel Radical and robust carbon fibers.
Novice players, on the other hand, may struggle with this concept. If your talents are not completely developed, you will lose your power due to its diverse controllability.
Pros
Cons
The Babolat Pure Drive Lite is the lightest of the Pure Drive line, weighing in at only 10 ounces strung. The Pure Drive Lite is suitable for a wide range of players with various playing styles.
This best-selling item guarantees newcomers have the optimum combination of strength and control. To begin, it has Cortex Pure Feel, a unique material that uses SMACWRAP technology to absorb shocks and increase control.
It does, however, feature Babolat’s Syntec Pro Grip for improved ball reaction and control. You may also quickly alter your grip by swinging the gear.
This Babolat racquet also has an open FSI Power technology in addition to those two magics. Thanks to this revolutionary technique, the frame, and the string communicate with each other.
Furthermore, the 16 x 19-inch open string design and improved diamond grommets make it simpler to smash the balls with depth, power, and spin. These characteristics provide a larger sweet spot, a critical necessity for excellent gear for rookie players.
Pros
Cons
Pure Aero Lite is the series’ lightest member, debuting in 2019. This item has the same spin-friendly characteristics as Pure Aero but is lighter and easier to use.
Pure Aero Lite is light enough for teens and adults starting this activity who don’t want to carry bulky gear along. It weighs 9.5 ounces strung.
Whether you’re an expert player or a newbie in search of your first set of gear, this item was designed with one objective in mind: to enhance the player’s spin.
It benefits from Aeromodular Beam Generation 3, which reduces wind drag and the distinctive FSI Spin technology and Cortex dampening material. These fantasies enable up-and-coming players to execute tremendous spins with pinpoint accuracy.
Pros
Cons
Wilson Tour Slam Lite is the ideal combination of power and control for beginners. With V-Matrix technology and a massive sweet spot of 112 square inches, this gear provides a power boost while reducing the likelihood of missing ball hits.
Furthermore, this racquet is designed to provide the most assistance for your skill development. The frame is AirLite Alloy, a unique material that gives exceptional strength and longevity. At 3 and 9 positions, it also has Stop Shock sleeves, which provide excellent stability and reduce vibration.
Pros
Cons
Like the rest of the Prince Textreme family, this model benefits from Textreme – the Prince family’s innovative, lightweight carbon fiber material. This fabric increases the strength-to-weight ratio, providing its users with a delightful blend of stability, power, and sensation.
Twaron is the major element of one of the most distinguished rackets of all time, the Head Pro Tour 630 if you haven’t heard of it. Twaron and Textreme work together to provide optimum responsiveness and stability with no side effects.
The Textreme Tour 100 comes with a respectable customer service quality and fantastic technology and materials.
Prince is considered a prominent brand in providing clients compared to its competitors in its area. This is not the case with the Textreme Tour 100. You will receive dedicated lifetime support and service when you purchase this item.
We believe the Prince TeXtreme Tour 100 is a good choice for beginners or dedicated enthusiasts with all of these highlights.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide
Price
When selecting a tennis racket, price is the most important consideration. Tennis equipment for beginners costs a lot of money.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on your first racket if you’re just starting out. The greatest option is to select a modest item with high quality within your budget.
Aluminum rackets are inexpensive and lightweight, making them ideal for novices. Graphite is an excellent alternative, although it is more expensive.
Weight
A lightweight racquet is recommended for beginners. It is simpler to swing and avoid hand and arm tiredness or injury when playing for a long period.
Poor technique and muscular development arise from a too-light item. It’s more difficult to move around with a heavy one. The golden key is exactly right, not too hefty, not too light.
Head Size
According to renowned tennis professionals such as Roger Federer and Andy Murray, newbies should use a racket with larger head size. One with a typical capacity of 100 square inches is the best option.
You have a larger sweet spot if you have a larger head size. Because it’s more difficult for novices to strike the ball properly every time, bigger racket heads make it easier to target the ball.
Grip Size
To acquire the right grip size, you need to measure your hand grip. If the grip is too narrow, you’ll be forced to press the handle too hard, causing muscular strain and injury. It would be difficult to control your wrist or perform movements if the grasp is too large.
You should be able to comfortably grasp the racket and turn your wrist and forearm in a complete range of motion with the appropriate grip size.
Balance
You can pick an appropriate balancing type for your first gear, depending on your preferences. Rackets with a heavy head are lighter and provide more power in groundstrokes. The ones with a light head are a little heavier, but they’re a lot more sensitive.
Shock Absorption
Shock absorption, which is highly suggested for beginners, prevents shockwaves from being transferred to your arm while hitting the ball. Like built-in shock cushions or woofer string technology, shock absorption characteristics should be sought in rackets.
What is a Beginner Racket?
All the leading manufacturers produce a line of what they classify as beginner or game improvement rackets. Wilson makes the Triax rackets, Head makes the Ti.S6, and Yonex makes the Astral line.
While they differ in terms of cosmetics and “technology,” they all share the following characteristics: lightweight, large head sizes, and a heavy head balance (more on that below). It’s simple to play with.
But are they suitable rackets for a beginner? It depends, and the question you must answer is what kind of beginner you are.
Do you want to play a few times a year during the summer and have some fun whacking balls?
If so, a racket marketed as a beginner or game improvement frame is the one you should buy.
If that’s the case, you don’t need to read this article or comprehend the physics involved; purchase a game enhancement racket from my top 5 list below and hit the courts.
I prefer the Wilson Triad Three or the Yonex Astrel, but there isn’t much to choose between them.
What is a Beginner Racket?
All the leading manufacturers produce a line of what they classify as beginner or game improvement rackets. Wilson makes the Triax rackets, Head makes the Ti.S6, and Yonex makes the Astral line.
While they differ in terms of cosmetics and “technology,” they all share the following characteristics: lightweight, large head sizes, and a heavy head balance (more on that below). It’s simple to play with.
But are they suitable rackets for a beginner? It depends, and the question you must answer is what kind of beginner you are.
Do you want to play a few times a year during the summer and have some fun whacking balls?
If so, a racket marketed as a beginner or game improvement frame is the one you should buy.
If that’s the case, you don’t need to read this article or comprehend the physics involved; purchase a game enhancement racket from my top 5 list below and hit the courts.
I prefer the Wilson Triad Three or the Yonex Astrel, but there isn’t much to choose between them.
My Top 5 Beginner (Game Improvement Rackets)
Keep in mind that the rackets described below are recommendations for recreational players who will only play a few times during the course of the summer.
If you wish to move beyond the basic level and into the intermediate and advanced levels, you should read this handbook in its entirety.
On the other hand, if you are new to tennis but want to make it a regular hobby, you should consider joining a club. Increase your skill level, participate in local competitions, and so on.
Then you should not utilize a beginner’s frame, as it is not appropriate. In the following section, we will explain to you why this is the case, and you may also read this lesson.
Why Beginner Tennis Rackets Are Not Always a Good Idea
Suppose you are a beginner who wants to become a competent tennis player capable of giving anyone a half-decent match. Learning tennis with a ‘beginner’ frame is the worst thing you can do.
Game improvement rackets aren’t conducive to learning stroke mechanics and techniques for hitting solid backhand and forehand shots.
You develop poor habits by learning to play tennis with a beginner racket.
When it comes to improving your game, you must re-learn the stroke from the ground up.
As a result, it makes sense, to begin with, the proper equipment.
It may be more difficult to swing, find the sweet spot, or generate easy power. Still, suppose you have a few coaching sessions alongside some self-learning via Youtube, TopCourt, etc. In that case, it becomes a far more rewarding game.
What Specification of Racket Should Beginners Use?
When it comes to the professional game, most tennis players use rackets that are 93-100 sq inches in size, have a headlight in balance, and weigh between 300g and 360g unstrung.
So, should you imitate their specifications and play with Novak Djokovic’s racket? Not exactly.
The ideal racket falls somewhere between the specs used by pros, known as ‘players frames,’ and rackets marketed as ‘beginner frames.’
These are sometimes referred to as tweener rackets. Still, in my experience, tweener frames have specs that err more towards beginner rackets than player rackets. I suggest choosing rackets that are more suited to players’ structures.
As a beginner, I would recommend choosing a racket that falls between the following specifications:
Male
280-320g, 5-12 points headlamp, 1619 string pattern, 98-100 sq head size. After demoing, stiffness due to personal preference.
Female
270-310g unstrung 3-8 points headlamp, 1619 string pattern, head size 98-105 sq after demoing, stiffness due to personal preference.
Further down the page, my specific racket recommendations fall within these spec ranges.
What Do The Different Specs Mean?
I’ve gone over the physics of tennis rackets in greater detail in my best tennis rackets guide, but here’s a quick recap:
Head Size
In square inches or centimeters, the head size of a tennis racket is the size of the hoop.
A larger head size makes it easier to make good contact with the ball and increases your margin for error as the stringbed is larger. It means that it’s more stable on off-center hits.
So should you get the enormous head size possible? No, the racket becomes unwieldy and hard to maneuver beyond a certain point.
As previously said, I propose a minimum of 98 square inches and a maximum of 100 square inches for a beginner pursuing proficiency (maybe 105 for some players).
Weight
A racket’s weight is the static weight when you put it on a weighing scale.
The strung weight is commonly expressed by retailers (with strings). In contrast, manufacturers provide unstrung (without strings) specs.
The most distinguishing feature of a tennis racket is its weight. Most beginners are advised to purchase a light racket to gain more power. However, this is incorrect.
The more powerful a racket is, the heavier it is. Everything else is equal.
The weight, like head size, becomes too much to handle after a certain point, and you won’t be able to swing the racket fast enough or long enough.
I recommend a male choose a racket between 280g – 320g unstrung (or 295g – 340g strung) and a female choose 270-310g unstrung (285g -330g strung).
Which weight is best for me is a frequently asked question. My answer is always about physical conditioning, not technical ability.
A player’s ideal racket weight is the heaviest racket they can swing equally well on all planes of contact (e.g., high balls at full stretch) for the duration they intend to play. It’s no good smoking winners for 10 minutes and then becoming exhausted.
Most adult males can handle that 280g – 320g range comfortably. The best thing is to try out a couple of rackets that fit those specifications and see how they feel.
It is important to remember that adding weight to a racket is more manageable than removing it. I wouldn’t deviate too far from my recommendation, even if you can handle more weight.
Balance
Rackets are classified as headlight (HL), head-heavy (HH), or equal balance (EB), based on the weight distribution in the racket. The figures are given in a point-based system, such as 4 PTS HL or mm or cm, such as 31.2cm balance.
Headlight means more weight is towards the frame’s handle and thus makes it easier to swing. Consider chopping wood with an ax: hang it typically, hold it at the blade end, and swing.
Almost every pro on the ATP tour employs a balanced headlight frame, and this is one area where you should follow suit.
While Head heavy provides more power, it also places far more torque on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. So, when selecting your first racket, make it the headlight.
Swingweight
It is a measurement of how heavy a tennis racket feels when swinging it and is a valuable metric for comparing one racket to another. It is expressed as a decimal number, such as 343.
The swing weight is inextricably linked to the balance because the further the weight is from the handle, the higher the swing weight becomes.
For example, a racket with a static weight of 350g may have a swing weight of 360g because the weight is distributed towards the Head.
I’d recommend looking first at the headlight or heavy head figure quoted when looking at racket specs. Compare the swing weights of two rackets that are nearly identical.
Stiffness
The amount of flex in a tennis racket is represented by its stiffness or RA rating. It is expressed numerically as 67.
The more power or energy returned to the ball by a racket, the stiffer it is. At the same time, a frame with higher flex will result in less power and subsequently more control for a player.
Personally, stiffness is not a vast area to focus on, and much of it boils down to personal preference. The consensus is that a stiffer frame is harsher on the arm, but this isn’t clear-cut.
Many high-level club players I’ve talked to say that a racket feels stiff. Still, it is one of the softest on the RA scale, and other people have told me that a racket with a RA of 70 bends a lot and is very comfortable.
String Pattern
The string pattern of a tennis racket refers to the number of primary or vertical and cross strings.
The most common are 16×19, an open string pattern (more spaces between the strings), and 18×20, a more closed string pattern.
An open string pattern increases power and spin, while a denser design provides more control.
For a beginner, I recommend 16 x 19 due to the enhanced spin potential.
How to Choose a Tennis Racquet for Beginners
When choosing a tennis racquet as a beginner, consider a few questions.
Is the racquet for a child or an adult?
Will you need help creating power for your shots? Or will you need more control? – In other words, how physically strong are you?
Do you expect to remain a recreational player, or do you want to become more competitive?
What is your budget?
No matter how you answer these questions, you will find a great choice below.
Most good tennis racquets for novice players have a few characteristics to help beginners play well.
Tennis Racquet Frame Sizes
The first thing to consider is the frame size. Generally, beginners will pick a racquet with a pretty large frame, especially if you need help creating power on your shots.
You’ll also want a more forgiving racquet since you’ve never (or rarely) played tennis before. Roger Federer can use a small racquet because he hits the ball at the same spot on the strings.
People just starting will contact the ball all over the strings, so you want to have an oversized racquet head. More than 100 square inches is best for players new to the game. It will give you what is called a big sweet spot. The bigger the sweet spot, the less precise you have to be with your point of contact.
Racquet Specification Chart Based on Skill Level
Here is a general chart that shows tennis racquet specifications for different players.
Of course, this will vary based on your specific skill-set, and there will be exceptions to this chart. For example, suppose you play many other sports that involve hand-eye coordination. You may not need as much help with power and can use a smaller racquet with a smaller sweet spot.
Grip Sizes
Most racquets come with options ranging from 4 ⅕ up to 4 ⅝. On the bottom of the racquet, you can find the grip size. Sometimes, there is a number representing the size between 1 and 5 instead of a fraction (see image to the right).
Most players should use 4⅜ – look for 4⅜ or a three on the bottom of the handle. If you have small hands, you can start with a 4¼ (2), and if you have larger hands go with a 4½ (4).
Look for the number on the bottom of the racquet to find the grip size.
I have a four grip size on one of my racquets and a three on the other. I use an extra grip on the smaller racquet to feel the same, which works great.
So if you’re unsure, choose the smaller option, and if it is too small, you can add any of the best tennis overgrips to compensate for the difference. However, if you order it too big, there is not much you can do.
Choosing a String and Tension
Newcomers do not need to worry about this when selecting a string and tension. Choose a reasonably priced string from your local tennis store and string the racquet according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is usually written somewhere on the frame and gives a 10-pound range (i.e., 50 – 60 lbs). Choose the middle option in this case (55 kg).
Loose strings will provide more power and a more prominent sweet spot. Looser is also more helpful in preventing tennis elbow injuries since you won’t have to swing as hard. The best tennis elbow braces can help prevent damage as well. Tighter strings will give you more control but a smaller sweet spot and less feel.
Best Tennis Racquet for Beginner Adults
As discussed above, you want to start with an oversized racquet for adults learning to play tennis. It means the Head of the racquet is more significant than usual.
Oversized racquets for beginners are generally over 100 square inches and 27+ inches in length.
It increases the surface area of the strings on which the player can make mistakes. The racquet is more forgiving because you don’t have to hit it.
Most tennis racquet manufacturers produce oversized versions of their most popular racquets.
By looking at the racquet’s specifications, you can tell if it’s oversized. Many of them are named, with OS at the end standing for oversized. Most racquets are the standard length, 27 inches long. Beginner adults can use any size from 27 inches or more.
Another reason why oversized racquets are appropriate for beginners is that they generate more power. When you’re first learning to play tennis, you should keep your swing slow and controlled. An oversized racquet will get the ball back over the net.
Best Tennis Racquet for Female Beginners
Female tennis players typically need more help with power and are better at control than men. For this reason, women starting should look for a powerful racquet. The best choices will be 105 to 115 square inches with a thick frame.
Female selections include the Head TI S6 and Babolat Drive 110. These lightweight racquets increase your game’s feel and control. Below are a few more alternatives.
Best Tennis Racquet for Beginner to Intermediate Players
Beginner tennis players thinking about taking the game a little more seriously will want to buy a racquet that allows for improvement. You’ll want something forgiving with a big sweet spot. However, as you get better at tennis, you need a racquet that will be effective for intermediate players.
For most fit and strong adults, you can look for racquets to help you with control and mobility. As you get better, the ball will come back faster, so you’ll need a racquet that isn’t as big.
Look for a racquet with an area between 100 and 105 square inches. It will help you get a good spin, power, and control combination. There are several choices below that fit these specifications.
The best racquet for a severe beginner who wants to improve is the Prince Ripstick 100. It has plenty of power for beginners and allows players to develop control and learn to hit with topspin, required for a higher skill level.
The Prince Ripstick is an excellent racquet for beginners and intermediate players who want to learn topspin.
Below are also excellent choices for the player transitioning to the intermediate level of tennis.
- Wilson Clash 108 – great for older adults who need a comfortable racquet.
- Head MicroGEL Radical OS – best for athletic adults with good fitness, strength, and hand-eye coordination.
- Head TI S6 – offers plenty of power for teens and older less physically robust.
Conclusion
We realize that as a novice, finding your first tennis racquet might be a little difficult. We hope that our in-depth discussion of the best tennis racquets for beginners has provided you with some guidance in making an informed selection.
To find out more about selecting the best tennis racket for your needs, visit this site.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Tennis Racquets For Beginners
The Wilson Clash 108 tennis racket is the finest tennis racket for beginners. This tennis racket provides beginners with the best comfort and safety to master fundamental methods thanks to its arm-friendly design, large head size, and quality materials.
Natural gut and nylon strings are the finest choices for beginners because of their comfort and power.
There are several strategies to fast improve your tennis abilities. Here are some professional recommendations:
Every day, practice fundamental concepts;
To better manage the ball, keep an eye on it.
Make sure your feet are at a straight angle;
Always keep the tennis racquet in a low, light grip.
Whatever advice you take, keep in mind that the best preparation for tennis, and any sport in general, is excellent physical health.
You may improve your tennis abilities by hitting a ball against a wall, such as a backboard in your garage.
The greatest tennis string for a spin is Babolat Pure Aero Lite.
A ruler may be used to determine the size of your tennis grip. To begin, open your palm wide and keep your fingers close together. Then, align the ruler with your palm’s bottom lateral crease and measure to your ring finger’s tip.
A decent racquet for beginners should be lightweight and have a comfortable grip size so that you may play for extended periods without becoming tired or injuring yourself. You should also select one with a large head size to practice your ball-targeting talents.
