How to Choose the
Right Tennis Racket for You
Whether you're picking up a racket for the first time or looking to upgrade, the right frame comes down to a handful of specs — weight, head size, balance and grip. Here's how to match them to your game.
Step 1
Find Your Racket Type
Rackets fall into a handful of categories based on weight, head size and beam width, each suited to a different type of player. Start here, then fine-tune using the factors below.
Just starting out
Beginner
- 105 sq in+
- 250–280g
- Light & forgiving
Bigger, lighter frames make it easier to find the sweet spot while you're still learning the swing — less arm fatigue, more consistent contact.
Shop Comfort Rackets →Play socially
Recreational
- 100–115 sq in
- 270–295g
- Balanced, some pop
You can rally comfortably and want a bit more pace and spin, without giving up the forgiveness of a larger head.
Shop Power Rackets →Settled technique
Intermediate
- 98–105 sq in
- 290–310g
- More control
Your swing is developed and you're generating your own power, so you can trade some forgiveness for a more precise, controlled response.
Shop Control Rackets →Competitive play
Advanced
- 95–100 sq in
- 300g+
- Precise, head-light
Full swing, competitive matches and a need for precise placement — smaller, heavier, head-light frames reward that level of control.
Shop Precision Rackets →Playing your first season or buying for a junior? Our junior rackets are sized by length rather than these adult specs — pop into the shop and we'll measure up.
Step 2
Other Factors to Consider
Once you've got a level in mind, these four factors help you fine-tune the exact frame.
Weight
A heavier frame absorbs more shock and carries more of its own power, but takes more effort to swing quickly — especially at the net. A lighter frame is faster through the air and kinder on the arm early on.
Head Size
Head size works like a trampoline — the bigger the surface, the more margin for error and built-in power on off-centre hits. A smaller head flexes less, trading some of that forgiveness for a more precise response.
Balance
Where the weight sits along the frame. Head-light frames (weight toward the handle) are quicker to manoeuvre and popular at the net. Head-heavy frames carry more mass toward the hoop for extra pace on groundstrokes.
Factory Strung vs Frame Only
Most beginner and club rackets come ready-strung so you can walk out and play. More advanced players often buy frame-only, since they'll already have their own preferred string and tension in mind.
Step 3
Getting Your Grip Size Right
A handle that's the wrong size causes the racket to twist in your hand, costing you control and risking arm strain over time. It's worth taking a minute to get this right.
Already own a racket? Check the number printed on the butt cap of the handle, usually 0–5 — that's your existing grip size.
Hold it like a handshake. Grip the handle with your normal (continental) grip — your index finger knuckle should line up with the top-right edge of the handle.
Check the gap. With that grip, there should be a small gap — roughly the width of a finger — between your fingertips and your palm. No gap means you need a larger size; too big a gap means you need a smaller one.
No racket to hand? Measure from the crease where your thumb meets your palm to the tip of your ring finger with a ruler. If you're between sizes, go smaller for more spin, or larger for comfort.
Quick Reference
Find Your Starting Point
A summary of the categories above, with a direct link to shop each one.
| Level | Head size | Weight | String pattern | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 105 sq in+ | 250 – 280g | 16x19 (open) | Comfort Rackets |
| Recreational | 100 – 115 sq in | 270 – 295g | 16x19 | Power Rackets |
| Intermediate | 98 – 105 sq in | 290 – 310g | 16x19 or 18x20 | Control Rackets |
| Advanced | 95 – 100 sq in | 300g+ | 16x19 or 18x20 | Precision Rackets |
| Spin-focused | 98 – 105 sq in | 280 – 305g | 16x19 (open) | Spin Rackets |
| Junior | Sized by length | By age/height | — | Junior Rackets |
FAQs
Common Questions
Roughly: beginners are still learning to rally consistently; recreational players rally comfortably and play socially; intermediate/club players have a settled technique and play regularly; advanced players compete and generate most of their own power. If you're between two levels, size toward the more forgiving option.
Pro player frames are usually heavier and more demanding than the retail version sold under the same name — retail versions are tuned to be more forgiving at club-level swing speeds. Match the spec to your level rather than the name on the throat of the racket.
Lean toward a lighter, more head-light, more flexible frame, paired with a softer string like a multifilament or synthetic gut strung at a lower tension. See our tennis elbow support range too.
Yes — our demo service lets you hit with a shortlist before committing, in-store or with a coach.
It matters a lot. Lower tension flexes the strings more for extra power and comfort; higher tension gives a firmer, more controlled feel. Getting the frame right and then getting it strung well by our restringing service makes a bigger difference than most players expect.
