Spec me a Tennis Racket

Jase

Jase

Jase

Soldato
Joined
19 Oct 2002
Posts
5,123
Location
Pembrokeshire
I've got the sudden urge to play Tennis... I used to love and play a fair bit (was never very good) but not played for probably 10 years or more!

I can't find my old Racket and honestly have no idea what I'm looking for now. I used to buy Wilson but not sure why but I think I liked them.... So what would you recommend as a good Tennis racket for what is probably a beginner'ish level. I don't want to spend a fortune in case I don't like it now so somewhere in the region of £70-£90.

Thanks
 
Is there anyway you can go somewhere and hold a few, even better if you can try some demo racquets before you decide? You say you used to play so I hope I don't come across as teaching you to suck eggs but there are so many variables regards what the racquet is made of, head size, balance, swingweight and overall weight it can be difficult as what might suit you someone else might hate. By all means have a look online as you can pick up bargains with last season's models often getting good discounts, but for that price range I wouldn't discount somewhere like SoccerDirect for a starter racquet. Quite often when you are starting out again its a case of just picking something you like the look of. I'd stick to the major brands (Head, Wilson, Babolat etc) and although not "trendy" Dunlop actually make some quite good racquets for the money.

This might help -

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/improve/video.html?ccode=IMPVRACPICK
 
SirJinks said:
Is there anyway you can go somewhere and hold a few, even better if you can try some demo racquets before you decide? You say you used to play so I hope I don't come across as teaching you to suck eggs but there are so many variables regards what the racquet is made of, head size, balance, swingweight and overall weight it can be difficult as what might suit you someone else might hate. By all means have a look online as you can pick up bargains with last season's models often getting good discounts, but for that price range I wouldn't discount somewhere like SoccerDirect for a starter racquet. Quite often when you are starting out again its a case of just picking something you like the look of. I'd stick to the major brands (Head, Wilson, Babolat etc) and although not "trendy" Dunlop actually make some quite good racquets for the money.

This might help -

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/improve/video.html?ccode=IMPVRACPICK
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I phoned my local store (not a national store) who I thought had stopped selling them but they still do but only stock Wilson. I'm going to go in tomorrow and try a few they said they had some Wilson Hammers on sale at £89 down from £129.. whether that's the correct or not I'm not sure but at least I can try them.
 
Thanks for the reply. I phoned my local store (not a national store) who I thought had stopped selling them but they still do but only stock Wilson. I'm going to go in tomorrow and try a few they said they had some Wilson Hammers on sale at £89 down from £129.. whether that's the correct or not I'm not sure but at least I can try them.
Click to expand...

Hoe did you get on?
 
Dunlop make great rackets and they are always on offer at sports direct. The reviews are normally v positive.

They are one of the few brands that seem to have got better after sports direct acquired them.
 
Choose something that's fairly light (280-300g) and has a fairly large head (100-110sq inch) - it'll be far more forgiving on the arm and for off centre shots.
Avoid getting sucked into the "must use what the pros use" mindset as they are a lot harder for beginners to progress with.
Head, Yonex, babolat and Wilson are all decent choices but don't get too hung up on the brand - make sure the specs are suitable for your level.
Would suggest going to an actual tennis / racquet sports shop as you'll get useful advice.
 
The only real way to find out what is suitable is to go and hold some. Most important thing is the grip size, if anything choose one that feels a bit smaller as you can always add more grips if you need too, but a big one that feels like a cricket bat won't be good in the long run.
Agreed with @Rimsy in terms of the brands. Generally Babolat ave good starter rackets with large sweet spots, head and Wilson tend to be slightly more in the control market. Don't go for a thin beam Wilson or Head as these will feel like a board even with factory strong tension in. Thicker the beam, the bigger the sweet spot in general.
 
HEAD TI.SI6 for about 65 to 75 quid hands down best in that bracket. Strings a bit crap as I broke mine within 12hours. Restrung with head sonic pro and it's day and night.

If you get more serious try get some all court badminton or tennis shoes.
A lot of all direction movements with running shoes isn't ideal

I recommend https://www.tennisnuts.com/
 
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