Selecting a tennis racket can be difficult, especially if you don't know what you are looking for in a racket. You need to consider your level of play, then decide what you desire in a new racket. You might need a racket that will deliver more power or control on your serve, or you might need a racket that will provide you more grip comfort than the racket you currently own.
Frame Stiffness
Stiffer frames allow less bend, which gives you more power when hitting the ball. A flexible racket bends more, removing some of the power that goes into hitting the ball. According to the Tennis Warehouse, the frame of the racket absorbs energy from the ball, so a more flexible racket results in more of an energy drain than a stiff frame racket. Stiffer frames provide more power, but give the player less control than a flexible frame. Beginner and intermediate players might not notice the difference, but advanced players with a heavy swing might find that the extra power causes them to hit long.
String Pattern
String pattern density is referred to as open or closed. Open-string density provides more spin and greater rebound when hitting the ball. A closed-string density offers the player a bit more control over the ball, as well as greater string durability. A racket's string pattern is based on the number of vertical, or main strings, and horizontal, or cross strings. A racket with open-string density has fewer main and cross strings, while a racket with closed-string density has more main and cross strings.
Grip Size
The tennis racket should fit comfortably in your hand. If it is too small, you might end up with wrist or elbow injuries. If the grip is too large, the racket could fall out of your hand easily. The Tennis Racquets website suggests measuring your grip on the racket to see if it fits you properly. Hold the racket as if to play, then take the index finger of your other hand and slide it between the tips of your fingers and the base of your palm. Grips that are too small will not allow enough room to fit the finger, while grips that are too large will have extra space on each side of the finger. Choose a grip that allows your finger to fit perfectly in that space.
Head Size
Tennis Express says head size has the biggest impact on how the racket behaves, so the larger the head, the more power you'll have. Beginner and intermediate players should choose an over-sized head, since it will provide a larger "sweet spot" and forgive off-center hits. Advanced players should lean toward a smaller head, which will give the player more control over the ball's placement. Tennis Express likens the head size of the racket to a trampoline. The site says a racket with a larger head is like a big trampoline, which propels the jumper farther into the air. A racket with a smaller head is like a running trampoline, it will help you jump higher, but not as high as the larger trampoline.
Weight and Balance
The weight of the racket helps determine the amount of power you have. Lighter rackets are easier to maneuver, but don't provide as much power as a heavier racket. The balance of the racket refers to which end holds the most weight. A "head heavy" racket has more power, while a "head light" racket has more maneuverability. Most advanced players use the "head light" rackets, while beginners and slower players use "head heavy" rackets.
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