Some of the content found in this post can be originally found at http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/SelectingRacquet.html.
When it comes to buying a new Racket for tennis their are many things to keep in mind when searching for one. Factors include Head size, Length, weight & balance, Frame stiffness, string pattern, and finally grip/handle systems.
With head sizes, the range goes from 85-135 square inches, but however, most club players play with a head size of 95-110. The benefits of a larger head size according to Tennis warehouse (TW) is "A larger head offers a larger hitting area and sweet-spot, providing more forgiveness on off-center hits." with the larger head will also help with shock absorption and will also provide more power due to the pocketing effect.
When it comes to length most racket measure to 27in long some are 1/2in longer the longer racket will provide slightly more power and racket head speed.
Weight & balance of a racket is huge with players most rackets come in at about 10-11 ounces or about 300 grams. The balance in the racket is the distribution of those 10-11 grams. For most racket, the balance is going to be in a head light which means most of the weight is going to be distributed towards the handle side of the racket while head heavy is weight towards the head side of the racket. The advantage to each is that a head light racket will allow the player to whip the racket through the air quicker and it will give more spin. While a head heavier racket will allow for more plow through and way more power!
One aspect that is overlooked is the frame stiffness rating usually players just assume comfort with the stiffness of the frame well there are actually more advantages than that. Obviously, with a softer frame, you will have a more relaxed and comfortable hitting experience, but another advantage is more control. The advantages of a stiffer frame are that it allows more power because with a softer frame energy is absorbed into the racket with a stiffer frame all the energy goes back into the ball.
Next is string pattern for the most part rackets are using 16X19 and 18X20 and these string patterns can differ the most open string pattern I have personally hit with was a 16X15. The more open the string pattern the more spin you will generate, but strings lose durability because they will slide upon each other further. With a more closed string pattern you gain more control as well as string durability, but lose out on spin.
Weight & balance of a racket is huge with players most rackets come in at about 10-11 ounces or about 300 grams. The balance in the racket is the distribution of those 10-11 grams. For most racket, the balance is going to be in a head light which means most of the weight is going to be distributed towards the handle side of the racket while head heavy is weight towards the head side of the racket. The advantage to each is that a head light racket will allow the player to whip the racket through the air quicker and it will give more spin. While a head heavier racket will allow for more plow through and way more power!
One aspect that is overlooked is the frame stiffness rating usually players just assume comfort with the stiffness of the frame well there are actually more advantages than that. Obviously, with a softer frame, you will have a more relaxed and comfortable hitting experience, but another advantage is more control. The advantages of a stiffer frame are that it allows more power because with a softer frame energy is absorbed into the racket with a stiffer frame all the energy goes back into the ball.
Next is string pattern for the most part rackets are using 16X19 and 18X20 and these string patterns can differ the most open string pattern I have personally hit with was a 16X15. The more open the string pattern the more spin you will generate, but strings lose durability because they will slide upon each other further. With a more closed string pattern you gain more control as well as string durability, but lose out on spin.
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