While looking for the best tennis racket for your game, you'll find a multitude of selections for you to choose from. Not all rackets are designed the same and some of the small differences can have a big effect on your match results. Use this guide when researching tennis rackets to assist you in making the best selection for your game.
Racket Classes
We will first discuss the three racket classes and after that discuss the precise features of tennis rackets.
1. Power Rackets
The power rackets category (sometimes identified as game improvement rackets) are rackets which are made for players who have short or slow swings but nonetheless desire to generate a lot of power on their shots. The most distinct feature is their oversized heads (107” or greater). Additionally, power rackets will be light (less than 10 oz.), long (over 27”), and be balanced heavily toward the head.
2. Intermediate Rackets
Intermediate rackets are created to be a mixture between a power racket and a player’s racket. They give up some power by having a smaller head size (less than 102”) but add maneuverability by being lighter and having a more distributed weight. These rackets are fantastic for intermediate players within the 3.5 to 4.5 NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) range.
3. Player’s Rackets
Player’s (or control) rackets are rackets usually used by top level tennis players (4.5+ NTRP) in college or professional ranks. Power shots are created by the player rather than the racket in these models because the head sizes tend to be smaller (100” or less) and the weight is very balanced. With an overall heavier weight, these rackets lose some maneuverability but give the player total control of their shots.
Racket Features
Use these attributes to compare and contrast rackets and then to decide exactly which one will perform the best for you personally.
Head Size - The larger the head size of the racket the greater the power you will obtain. The sweet spot on the racket is also bigger so players who sometimes hit off-center will still be able to generate power. The disadvantage of a large head size is that you simply lose some control.
Stiffness - Rackets have various frame stiffness, which is just how much bend the frame has when striking the ball. Stiffer frames will deflect the ball more, increasing the power instead of more flexible frames which soften the impact of the ball and consequently lower the power.
Weight - Heavier rackets offer more power and lightweight rackets offer more maneuverability and swing speed. Heavy rackets also have less shock than lighter rackets once the ball is hit.
Balance - A racket might be weighted more heavily in the head to provide extra power while other rackets may have a more evenly distributed weight. Equally balanced rackets have less power but more control.
Length - Permissible tennis rackets will never be over 29” and the most typical length is 27”. The advantages of a lengthier racket include more reach on groundstrokes and better leverage on serves. Extended rackets also provide more power but may also sacrifice some maneuverability.
Pattern - String patterns on rackets are either 18 mains by 20 crosses (18x20) or 16x18. 18x20 patterns give you a more open pattern that allows for additional spin on the ball. The downside of this pattern, however, can be a decline in the longevity of the strings. The tighter 16x18 pattern will offer you less spin but longer string resilience.
Narrow your options by trying to find a racket group that matches your ability (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) and game type (power or control, spin or flat shots). After you decide the category, start looking over the different features to figure out exactly which racket will be the right one for you. Do you want a head heavy racket for more power or balanced for extra control? Maybe you desire a smaller head size for more feel. Utilizing these tips can help you find the best tennis racket to help you win many matches.
Racket Classes
We will first discuss the three racket classes and after that discuss the precise features of tennis rackets.
1. Power Rackets
The power rackets category (sometimes identified as game improvement rackets) are rackets which are made for players who have short or slow swings but nonetheless desire to generate a lot of power on their shots. The most distinct feature is their oversized heads (107” or greater). Additionally, power rackets will be light (less than 10 oz.), long (over 27”), and be balanced heavily toward the head.
2. Intermediate Rackets
Intermediate rackets are created to be a mixture between a power racket and a player’s racket. They give up some power by having a smaller head size (less than 102”) but add maneuverability by being lighter and having a more distributed weight. These rackets are fantastic for intermediate players within the 3.5 to 4.5 NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) range.
3. Player’s Rackets
Player’s (or control) rackets are rackets usually used by top level tennis players (4.5+ NTRP) in college or professional ranks. Power shots are created by the player rather than the racket in these models because the head sizes tend to be smaller (100” or less) and the weight is very balanced. With an overall heavier weight, these rackets lose some maneuverability but give the player total control of their shots.
Racket Features
Use these attributes to compare and contrast rackets and then to decide exactly which one will perform the best for you personally.
Head Size - The larger the head size of the racket the greater the power you will obtain. The sweet spot on the racket is also bigger so players who sometimes hit off-center will still be able to generate power. The disadvantage of a large head size is that you simply lose some control.
Stiffness - Rackets have various frame stiffness, which is just how much bend the frame has when striking the ball. Stiffer frames will deflect the ball more, increasing the power instead of more flexible frames which soften the impact of the ball and consequently lower the power.
Weight - Heavier rackets offer more power and lightweight rackets offer more maneuverability and swing speed. Heavy rackets also have less shock than lighter rackets once the ball is hit.
Balance - A racket might be weighted more heavily in the head to provide extra power while other rackets may have a more evenly distributed weight. Equally balanced rackets have less power but more control.
Length - Permissible tennis rackets will never be over 29” and the most typical length is 27”. The advantages of a lengthier racket include more reach on groundstrokes and better leverage on serves. Extended rackets also provide more power but may also sacrifice some maneuverability.
Pattern - String patterns on rackets are either 18 mains by 20 crosses (18x20) or 16x18. 18x20 patterns give you a more open pattern that allows for additional spin on the ball. The downside of this pattern, however, can be a decline in the longevity of the strings. The tighter 16x18 pattern will offer you less spin but longer string resilience.
Narrow your options by trying to find a racket group that matches your ability (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) and game type (power or control, spin or flat shots). After you decide the category, start looking over the different features to figure out exactly which racket will be the right one for you. Do you want a head heavy racket for more power or balanced for extra control? Maybe you desire a smaller head size for more feel. Utilizing these tips can help you find the best tennis racket to help you win many matches.
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