The right racket depends on your level and style. Bigger heads and lighter frames are forgiving and powerful — ideal for beginners and improvers. Heavier, smaller-headed control rackets reward technique. Here are standout choices across that spectrum.
Our picks
Babolat Pure Drive Tennis Racket
The benchmark all-court racket: powerful, lively and suitable for a huge range of players. A safe, brilliant default.
Check price on AmazonWilson Clash 100 Tennis Racket
Flexible, arm-friendly frame with surprising control. Great for players who want power without harshness.
Check price on AmazonWilson Pro Staff 97 Tennis Racket
A classic control racket for advanced players with full swings. Precision and feel over raw power.
Check price on AmazonHead Ti S6 Tennis Racket
Light, oversized and powerful — easy to swing and forgiving on off-centre hits. An ideal first racket.
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability accurate at time of writing.
What to look for
Choosing a tennis racket is about matching the frame to your level, physical build and playing style. Here is what each specification actually means in practice.
Head size
Head size determines the sweet spot and how forgiving the racket is. Oversized (107–135 sq in): largest sweet spot, ideal for beginners. Midplus (98–106 sq in): the most popular category — balances power and control. Midsize (85–97 sq in): maximum control but demands precise technique. Most club players are best served by a midplus frame.
Weight and balance
Heavier rackets (300g+) generate more power on groundstrokes and are more stable on impact, but demand more from your arm over a long match. Lighter frames (below 270g) are easier to manoeuvre at net and swing fast, but transmit more vibration to the arm. Most intermediate players find a strung weight of 280–295g a comfortable all-round compromise. Balance matters too: head-heavy frames add power without adding weight; head-light frames help with net play and manoeuvrability.
Stiffness
A stiff frame (RA 70+) gives more power by deflecting less at impact, but transmits more shock to the arm. A flexible frame (RA below 60) is far kinder to elbows and shoulders and is the right choice for anyone with arm problems. If you have had tennis elbow, a flexible frame combined with multifilament string is the recommended setup.
Grip size
UK grip sizes run L1–L5 (4 1/8" to 4 5/8"). Most adult men use L2 (4 1/4") or L3 (4 3/8"); most adult women use L1 or L2. When in doubt, go smaller — you can build up grip size with overgrip tape, but you cannot reduce an oversized grip. Too small a grip can cause the hand to over-grip and contribute to tennis elbow.
String choice
Most rackets come pre-strung but the string matters as much as the frame for feel. Polyester is durable and spin-friendly but harsh. Multifilament is softer and arm-friendly. Beginners should avoid stiff poly setups — a soft multifilament at 50–55 lbs is more forgiving and less likely to cause arm problems while technique is developing.
- Beginners: 100+ sq in head, 255–270g, head-heavy — forgiving and generates power easily.
- Intermediate: 98–100 sq in, 280–295g, even balance — control without sacrificing swing speed.
- Advanced: 95–98 sq in, 300g+, head-light — demands precision but rewards it.
- Arm problems: Flexible frame (RA below 60) + multifilament string. Non-negotiable.
Handy converters
FAQ
What racket should a beginner buy?
A light (260–280g), large-headed (100+ sq in), head-heavy frame. These are the most forgiving to learn with — the large head forgives off-centre hits and helps generate power without a full swing. Prioritise comfort over the rackets used by professionals, which are typically small-headed and demanding.
What grip size do I need?
Most adult men use L2 (4 1/4") or L3 (4 3/8"); most adult women use L1 or L2. When unsure, size down — you can build up a grip with overgrip tape, but you cannot reduce an oversized one. Too large a grip limits wrist snap; too small can contribute to tennis elbow.
What is the difference between polyester and multifilament strings?
Polyester strings are durable and spin-friendly but stiff and harsh on the arm. Multifilament strings are softer, feel closer to natural gut, and are much kinder on the elbow and shoulder. Beginners and players with arm problems should avoid stiff poly. A hybrid setup (poly mains, multifilament crosses) balances durability with comfort for intermediate players.
How often should I restring my racket?
A useful rule of thumb: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Playing twice a week means restringing twice a year. Strings lose tension and elasticity over time even without breaking — dead strings reduce feel and increase shock transmitted to the arm.
Are professional rackets suitable for beginners?
Generally not. Professional rackets are typically heavy (300g+), small-headed (95–98 sq in) and head-light — they reward precise technique but punish mis-hits badly. A beginner will find them difficult to use and may develop arm problems from the extra effort required. Buy a racket matched to your current level, not your favourite player.