The Best Cheap Tennis Rackets on the Market

Tennis Racquets

There are two types of racquets – the less expensive ones and the more expensive ones. This section will look at the difference between these two types of racquets to see if it is worth investing more money.

Stiffness and Power

Check the bridge if you are unsure if the racquet is one or two pieces. The bridge is the part of the racquet at the bottom of the upper throat. If it is a two-piece racquet, you will see a plastic bridge insert that holds the strings. If it is a one-piece racquet, it will be one unit.

Compared to a two-piece racquet, a one-piece racquet can transmit the power of your swing more effectively to the ball. A two-piece racquet might be a good choice for teenagers, but adults tend to lose some of the racquet’s head speed when playing with a two-piece racquet. When a hardball is struck, the racquet is more likely to twist in the player’s hands.

Material

The best type of racquets is made from high-grade graphite or carbon fiber. These materials make the racquet stiff and absorb the racquet’s vibration when you hit the ball. This transfers the swing to the tennis ball, making it more powerful.

Entry-level racquets are usually made from aluminum or alloy. Alloy is a lighter material, but it doesn’t perform as well as the more advanced materials used in high-end racquets. You can find a graphite composite frame with high-end characteristics that don’t cost as much, even within the mid-price range. Although alloy racquets can be re-strung, they are generally not as strong as carbon fiber racquets, which means they may not last long after the strings are broken.

If you frequently break strings, you should purchase a more expensive frame. The racquet on the left is comfortable, while the Radical MP on the right is more durable. It appears to be able to strike the ball harder and absorb the force of the huge hand more effectively.

Strings

More expensive racquets will have more effective strings. This is because they are constructed from superior materials. If the strings feel excellent and are playable, there is no need to replace them. Keep in mind that the string is the only object in contact with the ball, and it is an investment worth making. Professional players get their racquets strung every day because it makes a significant difference.

It is unnecessary to play tennis every day, but it is essential to practice regularly. Play four times each week and at least four times per year with a racquet.

Weight

Beginners tend to use lighter racquets. Additionally, budget tennis racquets weigh approximately 250 grams less. The racquet weighs between 250 and 350 grams; nevertheless, a too light racquet may not be optimal. You may purchase a 250-gram high-end racquet that is incredibly light and easy to manipulate.

Tennis Players with better skills can use heavier and smaller racquets. These racquets help them make more precise and accurate shots. However, beginners should use a lightweight racquet that weighs around 250-275 grams to improve their skills.

1. Wilson Federer

This racquet is ideal for tennis novices who wish to improve their game. It is beginner-friendly and teaches you the basics of the game. It has a 106-square-inch head and a 3-point headlight balance.

Stringing your racket with the long main string provides more power than other string modes. Wilson Federer’s AirLite aluminum frame makes him lightweight. In particular, the weight does not exceed 10.4 ounces.

The Wilson Federer tennis racquet is designed to improve your game. It is guaranteed to be more fun to play with.

2. Wilson Tour Slam

The Tour Slam racquet from Wilson is good for both recreational and competitive players. It is light at 274 grams and has a large head size of 723 square centimeters. This makes it ideal for players who don’t want a heavy or uncomfortable racquet.

The lightweight design increases how easily you can move the racquet. And the large head size increases how powerful your swings will be. This racquet also includes Stop Shock Sleeves technology which decreases how much vibration is felt when you hit the ball, making it more comfortable to use. It’s ideal for people with arm problems.

3. Head Graphene Speed Lite Tennis

Djokovic’s lightweight racquet (265g) impressed us with its ability to perform in every game compartment. Maneuverability is good, even though the strung inertia is 297 kg.cm².

This racquet is good for people who want to hit the ball hard. It is also advantageous for individuals who prefer to play in various ways. We recommend this racquet to versatile players, counter players, attackers, or hitters.

This Speed Lite frame will be appreciated by young competitors starting in adult frames and 4th adults or early 3rd series players looking for a versatile and maneuverable frame.

4. Prince Attack 25

This racquet is perfect for beginner tennis players. It is lightweight and easy to control, providing power and balance. The racquet also has good maneuverability and comes with a 14×15 string pattern, making it comfortable to play with.

5. Wilson Energy XL

The Wilson Energy XL Adult Strung Tennis Racquet is great for beginners. This racquet is powerful, and it also has great quality.

However, it is not the best. As an adult player’s basic racquet, it is great. Still, you can’t expect the same quality as you would from better-quality premium racquets.

This is a good racquet for people who don’t have very specific needs. It’s also good for people who don’t want to spend too much money.

6. Head Ti.Conquest

This is an excellent tennis racquet for beginner adults. It is made from a strong and stable material that will help you hit the ball well from the start. The head size is also ideal for beginners who want to be able to hit the ball hard right away.

7. Babolat Nadal 26 Junior

The Babolat Nadal 26 Junior tennis racquet is an excellent option for beginning tennis players. It is suitable for children aged 9 to 12 years old.

Babolat may be the finest pick for racquets if you’re exclusively interested in tennis. Babolat is one of the oldest brands. They have made some of the most popular tennis racquets in recent years, like the Babolat pure aero and the famous pure strick.

Even in this kid’s racquet, you can see the quality and work that Babolat put in.

8. Head Tour Pro

If you are looking to improve your level of play and switch to a more advanced racquet, the Head Tour Pro tennis racquet is perfect for you. This racquet is designed to help beginners play well and improve their performance.

9. Wilson Triumph

The Wilson Triumph Roland Garros racquet is ideal for recreational players who desire an easy-to-use racquet. It is lightweight and forgiving, making it easier to hit the ball. The navy and white design with the addition of “Roland Garros” pays tribute to the Parisian Grand Slam.

This Wilson Triumph Roland Garros racquet is light and easy to move around, so you can easily hit your shots. It also has a large screen that makes it forgiving if you hit the ball off-center. The 16×19 string pattern gives you more power and spin on your shots.

This racquet is good for casual players who want a racquet that is easy to move and forgiving.

10. Head Radical 26 Junior

This tennis racquet is good for people trying to improve their skills. It will help them play better.

The size of the racquet is good for generating power and improving accuracy, especially during eccentric strokes. The racquet has good vibration damping, speed, and handling, perfect for young people who will soon switch to full-size frames.

This tennis racquet has a 16×19 string pattern that makes it easier to swing and has a full-length cover to protect it.

Weight

The racket’s weight is important to consider when choosing a racket because it will dramatically affect how you hit the ball. Often the weight of more affordable rackets tends to be lighter because the materials tend to be less dense.

When a racket gets heavier, you can expect these two things.

The first few times you hit with a heavier racket, you can experience poorly timed shots and many mishits. This doesn’t mean the racket is not for you. It just takes some getting used to.

The heavier a racket is, the more stability it will offer. In theory, this should help anyone with arm pain or something similar. The arm pain will not go away when you have poor technique, and the racket is too heavy to handle.

Lighter rackets are becoming increasingly popular because of their maneuverability. This comes in handy on the return of serve and volleys.

Length

Tennis rackets generally come between 27 and 29 inches long. This can vary a little, and length will affect how the ball is hit.

Here are the four things to consider with length:

• Power increases with the length of the racket because the more ground you cover with a swing.
• Reach is increased as you can cover more distance with a racket with a few extra inches.
•  Maneuverability becomes increasingly difficult the longer a racket is, so it’s a good idea to stick to the standard lengths.
• The spin increases as power increases because the velocity will increase with the length of the racket.

This is something that someone who is buying an affordable racket will really need to worry about; however, since you may be unfamiliar with tennis rules, check the tip out below.

Rackets for the competition can not exceed 29 inches and are never recommended to be used. Often, they aren’t produced, so it’s not something one should fret about.

Head Size

Head size is something that will absolutely vary with rackets as there are four main categories. Each category really offers something different, so it’s great to know exactly what to expect when purchasing a racket from one of these categories.

The head size will directly impact the sweet spot of a racket. The sweet spot is the area in the racket’s center that provides the best feel when the ball is hit there.

The head sizes come in four main categories and go as the following:

• Midsize
• Mid-Plus Size
• Oversized
• Supersize
• Midsize:

These are the smallest head sizes and typically are not as common in the affordability category. These rackets are common among intermediates and advanced. Having said that, there are some affordable options in this category.

The frame itself is 84-97 square inches. This is really small and can cause a lot of mishits. This is less common but benefits those who are well acquainted with the sport.

• Mid-Plus Size

Moving one size up may be more common when looking for a racket. This is even commonly used at the highest levels and offers a balance between having something oversized and something too small.

This racket frame is generally 98-105 square inches.

• Oversize 

Oversized rackets are also common when it comes to affordable rackets. This is because the sweet spots are much larger and offer the best chances for making good contact with tennis players.

With the larger head size, these rackets tend to be lighter in the head as the maneuverability needs to be balanced out.

The dimensions for oversize rackets tend to fall in the 107-115 square inches.

• Supersize

Supersize is generally reserved for those in the latter stages of their career that play doubles and move with less aggression. These rackets may not cover regulations. Nonetheless, it can be a great option for affordable rackets.

Remember that rules state that the racket head size can not exceed 12.5 inches in width and 15.5 for the hitting surface area.

Material

The materials that make up affordable rackets will vastly differ from those made of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is the most expensive material from graphite that, costs upwards of $229 a racket.

These are the common affordable materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum rackets are typically hollow and come at a very affordable price. It may be slightly less stable due to its weight but can be a great choice for beginner or recreational rackets.

• Alloy Steel

This tends to follow the same qualities as aluminum. Its lightweight material can make for some instability but combined with technology, it can also make a great entry market racket.

• Graphite

Some graphites actually can be quite affordable. There are many graphite grades, and it tends to be a more suitable option for rackets as there is a little more weight behind the racket frame.

Balance

The balance of a racket is crucial. More often than not, for entry-level rackets and affordable options, you will have an equally distributed balance or a headlight racket balance. However, it’s important to know all three and their differences.

Head Heavy rackets are the less common option because the weight is put at the racket’s head. It’s less common because it becomes harder to move the racket, and this design is geared for more intermediate to advanced players.

Players sometimes choose this because it gives the arm more power and less shock.

Equally distributed rackets are popular because the racket’s weight is equal throughout the racket. This means the racket will feel exactly how the weight is and offer the best of both worlds.

Head Light rackets are also more common for entry-level rackets because the weight sits in the racket’s handle. It will be super easy for anyone to move the racket.

• Swingweight 

The swing weight is how the racket feels in weight as opposed to what the weight actually is. This number is calculated by considering the actual weight combined with the weight distribution.

The swing weight for these rackets tends to be headlight or equal to keep the weight rating from benign to heavy. The heavier a rating is, the more weight will be put on the head of the racket.

• Stiffness 

The stiffness of a racket is rated by the manufacturer based on how much the racket bends backward and forward upon impact with the ball. This rating varies quite a bit amongst rackets, regardless of the price of the racket.

This is something that a player may feel with the shock and vibration but not something that they will really be able to see otherwise. The stiffer a racket is, the more power a player will get and the more shock they will feel. The absolute opposite can be said for those with rackets that have more flex.

1. Wilson Tour Slam

The Wilson Tour Slam can be purchased in green or purple, depending on your style preferences. This racket is often called the racket that can be beaten when it comes to bang for your buck.

This might be because its starting price is as low as around $30 and offers an insane amount of power. This is likely due to its oversized head frame of 112 square inches.

This means the sweet spot is considered relatively huge and makes for an incredibly forgiving racket. The balance between appropriate power, control, and spin, is perfect for any player.

Its volcanic frame technology is built into the racket’s bridge to bring stability to its headlight system.

2. Wilson Envy XP

The Wilson Envy XP is an amazing racket for an amazing price. At around $27, the standard specs emulate the previous Wilson listed above. Its 112-square-inch frame offers a big sweet spot. It is considered to be very maneuverable despite being oversize in head size.

3. Head Ti Conquest

The Head Ti Conquest is one of the most popular choices because it gives off the best impression of one of the more expensive rackets. It is one of the lowest-priced rackets on the market.

Made from durable nano titanium heads, this racket will stay with you for some time. Despite being a headlight and a lighter racket, it provides stability with each strike.

It’s one of the lightest rackets out there, coming in at 9.7 ounces which is significantly lower than some of the other rackets packing most of its weight in the handle.

Its standard 27-inch size makes it comparable to other affordable racket choices.

4.HEAD Ti. Conquest Tennis Racket

Head Performance: Born out of revolutionizing how we ski and play tennis, HEAD has constantly pushed athletic equipment into the modern era. For all levels of play, HEAD offers nothing but the best tennis equipment on the market.

Great for Beginners: The HEAD Ti Conquest tennis racket is ideal for a wide age range of casual players. The oversized 108 head creates a larger sweet spot, great for players still mastering precision.

Head Light Advantage: The adult tennis racket has a headlight balance which helps reduce vibration and aids in stability when hitting the ball.

Durable titanium: Made with durable Nano Titanium technology, the lightweight tennis rackets are built to last.

Dimensions: Frame Weight: 275 g / 9.7 oz, Head Size : 108in, Grip Size: 4.25in, Length: 27

5. Wilson Energy Extra Large

The Wilson Energy XL was made with power in mind. This racket sells for around $70, making it one of their more expensive rackets for entry-level. The quality, however, is great, and you can feel it with each hit.

This racket, in particular, is made from graphite, the main material used in many regular rackets with higher price points. It’s still sturdy but lightweight enough to have good maneuverability.

Its V-Matrix technology broadened the sweet spot and made the racket’s overall frame size 112 square inches. It is also longer than the standard, coming in at 27.5 inches.

It’s lightweight at 10.3 ounces, making it easy to swing around. Its 6 points headlight makes it handle heavy and is good for whipping around.

6. Babolat Drive Max 110

The Babolat Drive Max is priced at around $100, and users still say they can feel how similar it is to the original Babolat Drive. Its 110-square-inch frame still serves up serious power that’s not to be messed with.

This may also come from the fact that it’s 27.5 inches long and has a swing weight of 302, which is higher than its actual weight of 274 grams. This means that this is our first option being head heavy. It’s two points head heavy, so it’s not extreme but offers more power in exchange for less maneuverability.

Its stiff racket rating at 69, made from graphite, gives it much power and a realistic feel.

7. Wilson Blade Feel Pro

The Wilson Blade Feel Pro models the Blade closely but offers it at a more affordable price of around $75. Special Arc technology is built into the racket to increase its stability and feel. It also offers an increased handle length of 27.25 inches for extra reach, power, and spin.

It’s a mid-plus head with a frame size of 105 square inches. This puts us at the smallest head size yet listed in our top 8 rackets. It also is a lighter racket in general and weighs 9.8 ounces.

It’s made of aluminum, a lightweight constructed material often used for entry-level rackets.

Wilson Blade Feel PRO 105 Tennis Racket

Blade Feel Pro 105 tennis racket for recreational players looking to improve, Top medium head for more maneuverability and a wider sweet spot

Made of graphite and aluminum composite, it combines rigidity and flexibility for better gameplay, O Beam Technology for more power thanks to the thicker and more stable frame.

Grommets with Double Holes technology that allows more flexibility for the strings for greater shock absorption and a wider sweet spot, Strung

AirLite lightweight protector, Perforated grip to enhance moisture absorption, Attractive design inspired by Wilsons Blade collection

8. Babolat Rival Pro 100

The Babolat Rival Pro 100 can be bought for around $70 and has everything you love about Babolat and what they have to offer. This is the smallest of all the headframes we have offered up, coming in at 100 square i

It’s lightweight and very maneuverable, weighing in at 9.9 ounces. It’s made from a graphite composite, making it sturdy and durable regardless of how light it is.

It offers a size 2 grip and is a head-heavy racket, meaning you’ll get more power. Still, it’s slightly harder to whip around. It’s only two points head heavy, so it’s not a significant impact.

9. Wilson Federer Tennis Racket

The 16×20 string pattern on the Wilson Federer provides great power and control, and at the same time, it offers topspin. This will also aid in reducing the likelihood of missing a target and secure an overall gameplay boost.

The tennis racket supplied by Wilson will help to improve better speed and movement with the overall lightweight design and construction. As a leading manufacturer of tennis rackets, this brand adds a lot of experience and excellent craftsmanship to the racket making it versatile.

Equipped with a powerful frame, this racket will provide short, powerful swings to improve overall gameplay and better control overstrikes. The oversized frame also increases the sweet spot area to ensure a more secure approach and aggressive returns from all angles.

It comes pre-strung to make your part of playing the game much easier, so waste no time on unnecessary stringing. The comfortable grip is made with an improved ergonomic design to prevent your hand from getting tired quickly while playing.

10. Oppum Carbon Fiber

This is a real budget tennis racket provided by Oppum with an affordable price tag attached to it. The great thing about this racket is that none of the great features or quality you want in a great racket is sacrificed.

A comfortable wooden handle will give you a relaxed grip on the racket that will not drain your power to prevent fatigue. The handle is also designed to absorb the shock to further improve the overall comfort factor of the racket.

Double hole threading technology is used with the stringing of this racket from Oppum for improved durability. This stringing method will also add more stability to the racket, giving you much more control over shots with this racket.

The aluminum and carbon fiber mix of materials used in manufacturing the frame will improve the overall stability of the ball. This makes the racket lightweight enough to improve speedy return strokes while at the same time maintaining power for a better game experience.

Learn more: Modern tennis rackets, balls, and surfaces