A tennis player views a racket as an extension of his hand and arm. A good racket is one that complements your strength and how you swing the racket. Not every racket is suitable for every player. With so many rackets on the market, finding a good racket for your money takes time.
Price Range
Tennis racket prices vary extensively. An inexpensive model can be found at a discount department store for under $50, while high-performance rackets can exceed $300. Players should carry at least two rackets when playing. If the string breaks on one racket, you have a backup. This is especially important for competition. Without a usable racket, you forfeit. But if you need more than one racket, you are doubling if not tripling the investment into your equipment. Finding the best prices can save you a lot of money.
Narrowing Your Choice
By understanding your ability and your playing style, you will shorten the list of the type of racket you are looking for. As a general rule, lighter composite rackets provide more power and control to players with compact swings--beginners and moderate level players. Larger racket head sizes give a bigger sweet spot, the string area that provides ideal control and power. As player ability improves, heavier rackets absorb the shock stronger players generate and help control the ball. Smaller racket head sizes reduce the drag giving stronger players more velocity. Take an honest assessment of your playing ability and look for rackets that meet those abilities.
Smart Shopping
Rackets vary in weight, length, head size, balance points and composition. Finding a racket that feels right and helps your game improve starts with trying out a bunch. Start with people you play with and ask to play a set or two with theirs. Go to a sporting goods store or tennis pro shop and rent a few demo rackets. Most stores have the latest models available for you to try for just a few dollars at a time. Once you know the racket you want, ask the retailer if you are able to get a discount on purchasing more than one. For higher end rackets over $200, many pro shops will give a discount for multiple purchases or include a racket back that holds more than one racket.
Top Brands
Professional players endorse many brands of tennis rackets such as Wilson, Babolat, Volkl, Yonex, Head and Prince. Each brand has consumer to professional racket options. You can find basic consumer models at retail outlets such as Target, Kmart, Costco or Walmart. More elaborate lines of rackets are found at sporting goods stores. Looking at the wall of 100 rackets may be intimidating, but focus on the racket features you narrowed down. You can find a decent model at a sporting goods store for intermediate players ranging between $80 and $150. Pro shops tend to cater only to tennis enthusiasts carrying the latest models endorsed by the pros with prices over $150. Pro shop prices are generally higher, but you may be able to find the same rackets through online wholesalers cheaper.
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