You're starting tennis or just want to change your racket and you don't know which one to choose? You're in the right place!

If until now you thought that in order to play tennis properly, you need the racket of your favorite champion, today you might change your mind. The ideal racket, which will maximize your performance, depends on many factors.

The guide is divided into three parts. In the first part, you will see recommendations and basic characteristics according to each level. Once you find your level and your racket, in the second part, you will see a size guide to choose the right one for you! And if you want even more specific information, in the third part of the guide, you will see in more detail the main characteristics that play a role in choosing a racket!

Part 1

Find your level

“First time playing tennis!” (Rackets for beginners)

Have you made the decision to start? The most important thing in the racket you choose is that you can handle it easily.
Choose a lightweight model (from 226 to 285g), with a large head size (about 113-128 sq. inches), a long grip, and ideally with the weight distributed toward the top or evenly.

TOP Recommendation (Based on ratings)

“I’ve been playing tennis for a while” (Intermediate Tennis Rackets)

Is it time to change your racket? The ideal racket offers you power, but also more control, compared to your previous one.

Skroutz Recommendation

“I have been playing tennis for years” (Advanced tennis rackets)

You have already developed your technique, so in this case, most likely, something that offers the golden balance between control and power will suit you, with control taking precedence! At this level, usually, heavier models are recommended, with a shorter racket length, with the weight often distributed toward the lower part of the racket and the head size being smaller, for greater control.

TOP Recommendation (based on ratings)

''Now I’m pro!'' (Competition-level rackets)

Just like in a match, you want to have complete control over the racket. For you, the heaviest models are recommended, with a smaller grip and a smaller head size. In other words, you’re looking for a smaller, sturdier racket so you can have complete control, since you already have the technique that will give you the power you need.

Skroutz recommendation

Disclaimer: The suggestions are indicative and apply to adult players and general categorization based on each player's level. Other factors, such as physical build, age, gender, and playing style, may play a role in the final racket selection.

Part 2

Choose a size

Have you found the racket that suits your level? Great. Now, you need to find the right size for it too!

The grip size is a very important feature, since it is the point that will determine how stable your grip is. In addition, the right choice will reduce the chances of a possible injury.

How can I calculate the size?

Easy! Using a ruler, measure the distance from the tip of your ring finger to the base of your palm (the point where the V of the palm begins.) As a guide, the sizes are as follows:

Size 1 : Children 10-12 years old or women with small hands (distance from the tip of the middle finger to the lower part of the palm < 16 cm)

Size 2: Mainly women with medium palm length. (Distance from the tip of the middle finger to the lower part of the palm 16-17 cm)

Size 3: Mainly men with medium hands. (Distance from the tip of the middle finger to the lower part of the palm 17.5-18.5 cm)

Size 4: Men with large hands. (Distance from the tip of the middle finger to the lower part of the palm 19-20 cm)

#SkroutzTip

If there isn’t a size that fits your hand exactly, choose the slightly smaller one and add an overgrip, which will provide you with a more ideal fit.

Part 3

Learn more

Everything about the individual features that play a role in the final choice of racket.

Weight

Weight is directly related to the level, playing style, and physique of each player.

As a general rule, rackets up to 225g are intended for children. Light rackets (up to 285-290g) are mainly intended for beginners and intermediate players, older people, and players whose physique does not allow them to use a heavier racket. The heavier ones (300g+) are more suitable for advanced players, as they provide more control as well as power, as long as one has the proper technique.

Balance

How the weight is distributed in the racket frame determines its balance. You will find head-heavy, head-light, as well as rackets with evenly distributed weight. Head-heavy rackets (with high swing weight) offer easy and fast swing, but are less stable at ball impact. They are mainly intended for beginners and intermediate players, or people who do not have the strength that a head-light racket would require to rotate effectively. Head-light rackets (with low swing weight) are more stable at ball contact, but require strength and technique. They are mainly intended for professionals and advanced players.

Head size

The larger the head size, the larger the sweet spot. The sweet spot is the ideal point for hitting the ball. However, a smaller head provides greater control. For beginners, a head size >105 sq.inches (675 square centimeters) is recommended, while for advanced players < 95 sq.inches (615 square centimeters)

Racket length

The most common length is 68.5 centimeters. Long-length rackets offer more speed on the shot, but are more difficult to handle. If you are at an advanced level or a professional, a racket with a shorter grip length will offer you greater control, since its speed is recovered through your technique.

String pattern

As for the strings, most of the time you will encounter 2 basic weaving patterns:

Denser (18 vertical x 20 horizontal) This type of weaving offers more control when hitting the ball.

And more open (16 vertical x 19 horizontal) In this case, there is greater string movement on impact, which provides more spin as well as speed.

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