Tennis racquets come in various styles, brands, sizes, colors, technologies and materials. It can be overwhelming to decide what racquet is best for you and your game. Different racquets affect your performance in different ways. Some racquets add more power, some more control and others more comfort. You need to consider the major characteristics of the various racquets in deciding which type of racquet will be best for your game.
Power Racquets
The power racquets are the lightest racquets on the market, weighing 8 to 9.5 ounces. They are 27 to 29 inches long and often have a super-oversize head of 107 to 135 square inches. They are balanced head-heavy to give the player more weight in the hitting zone. They are suited for the beginning players with slower and shorter swings who cannot generate enough of their own power and who want more power from the racquet. Several brands offer power racquets, such as Babolat, Head, Wilson, Yonex, Volkl and Prince.
Tweener Racquets
Tweener racquets are racquets "in between" the characteristics of the beginner racquet and the advanced racquet. They are heavier than power racquets, weighing 9.5 to 11 ounces, they are 27.5 to 28 inches long and they have a medium-size head of 95 to 102 square inches. The balance is slightly head-heavy to slightly head-light. They are suited for an intermediate player who can generate more of his own power and who wants increased maneuverability. Brands that make tweener racquets are Babolat, Wilson, Head, Volkl, Dunlop, Boris Becker and Yonex.
Control Racquets
Control racquets, also known as player's racquets, are used by high-level club players, college team players or professionals. The control racquets are the heaviest, weighing 11.5 to 13 or more ounces, they are 27 to 27.5 inches long and they have the smallest head of 85 to 98 inches. They have thin beams and the balance is head-light. They are very easy to maneuver and provide very little power. They are best suited for players with longer swings and who provide their own power. Brands offering the control racquets are Babolat, Head, Dunlop, Prince, Volkl, Yonex and Wilson.
Racquet Selection
If you are new to the tennis game, start with the power racquet. It will provide you extra power, the bigger head size will make it easier for you to find the sweet spot. When you attain more advanced skills, choose the tweener or control racquet. If you do not generate enough of own power yet, choose the tweener racquet that will give you more power and good maneuverability. After many years of practice and mastering a good technique and high level skills, choose the control racquet that will give you excellent control as you provide your own power. It is advisable to test several different brands and feel which one fits best your style and your tennis goals.
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