Choosing the right tennis racquet can make the difference between a game that feels effortless and one that leaves your arm aching by the third set. With so many options on the market — different weights, head sizes, string patterns and grip sizes — it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for, so you can find a racquet that matches your game, not just your budget.

1. Know Your Player Level

Before you even look at specs, be honest about where you're at.

• Beginners benefit from a lighter racquet with a larger head size (100 sq in or more). This gives you a bigger sweet spot, more forgiveness on off-centre hits, and easier power generation while you're still building technique.
• Intermediate players usually suit a mid-size head (98–100 sq in) with a touch more weight, giving better control as your swing becomes more consistent.
• Advanced players often prefer smaller head sizes (95–98 sq in) and heavier frames, trading forgiveness for precision, feel and control at speed.

If you're unsure, it's always better to size down in weight rather than up — a racquet that's too heavy will fatigue your arm and slow your swing.

2. Understand Head Size and Power

Head size directly affects power and sweet spot size.

• Larger heads (105+ sq in) = more power, bigger sweet spot, more forgiving — ideal for beginners or players with slower swing speeds.
• Mid-size heads (98–104 sq in) = balanced power and control — the most popular category for club and intermediate players.
• Smaller heads (93–97 sq in) = maximum control and precision, but require a faster, more technical swing to generate power — better suited to advanced and competitive players.

3. Consider Racquet Weight and Balance

Weight affects both power and control, but also how the racquet feels in your hand over a long match.

• Lighter racquets (under 280g) are easier to swing fast, great for beginners and players who rely on racquet-head speed for power.
• Heavier racquets (300g+) offer more stability and power on contact, favoured by players with faster, more aggressive swings.

Balance point matters too — head-light racquets are more maneuverable (great for net play and quick reactions), while head-heavy racquets generate more natural power from the baseline.

4. String Pattern Makes a Difference

Racquets come with either an open string pattern (e.g. 16x19) or a dense string pattern (e.g. 18x20).

• Open patterns generate more spin and power, making it easier to create topspin and swerve on your shots.
• Dense patterns offer more control and durability, with a firmer, more predictable response — favoured by players who prioritise precision over spin.

5. Get the Right Grip Size

An ill-fitting grip is one of the most overlooked causes of poor performance and even injury. A grip that's too small forces you to squeeze harder, leading to elbow strain, while a grip that's too large restricts wrist movement and reduces racquet head speed.

To check your grip size, measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger — this generally lines up with grip sizes 1 to 5 (approximately 4 to 4⅝ inches). If you're between sizes, it's usually safer to size down and add an overgrip if needed.

6. Try Before You Commit

Specs only tell part of the story — how a racquet feels in your hand and on your swing is just as important. Many players find that demoing a few racquets before buying helps them notice differences in feel, vibration and manoeuvrability that numbers alone can't capture.

Final Tips

• Don't just buy what the pros use — their racquets are heavily customised and often unsuitable for club-level players.
• Restring your racquet regularly (roughly as many times per year as you play per week) to maintain performance.
• If you're recovering from or prone to tennis elbow, look for racquets with built-in vibration dampening or a more flexible frame.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Racquet?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your game, browse our full range of tennis racquets from top brands, with expert advice available if you need help narrowing down your choice.