Tennis is an interesting and entertaining sport. Before you advance to professional levels, you can begin practicing and mastering the grip of the game at family levels. For the novice player, who wishes for a head start in the sport it’s important that you get the best tennis racquets for beginners. With so many racquet head sizes ranging from 95 to over 106sq inches, it might not be easy to know the right racket to use when climbing the strings of the sport. Besides, there are so many brands in the tennis racket niche. So how will you identify the top brands that make the best rackets? This review has gathered the top performing racquets of different lengths to accommodate all beginners in the sport.
Table of Contents
Best Tennis Racquets for Beginners Review
HEAD Ti S6 Tennis Racket Pre-Strung Head Heavy Balance 27.75 Inch
Head, a revolutionary brand this time provides a racket for the modern era for all levels of tennis playing. To the beginners, the HEAD Ti S6 Tennis Racket Pre-Strung Head Heavy Balance 27.75 Inch is the equipment to go for. It has been designed with great attention to detail to become great sporting equipment.
Its frame features a long-lasting alloy of graphite and titanium fiber technology. Therefore owing to the quality materials employed used, it’s the racquet that you can use for a longer period. It combines a grip size of 4 ¼ and the head heavy balance. Consequently, for each shot you make with the racket, it gives you more force and propulsion.
As the racket designed for the learning player, the equipment has a head size of 115sq inches. When you combine it to its weight of 8.9oz, you realize it provides enhanced stability, and control for each shot. It thus has all the features that a beginner or intermediate player requires.
Pros:
- From a reputed company
- Has a large sweet spot for a thrilling experience for the beginning player
- Lightweight of 8.9oz
- Strong and long-lasting frame
- Fit for beginners and intermediate players
Cons:
- Control difficulty as it provides more power
Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Strung
The Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Strung provides a string bed of 16 x 20. Besides its head have more mas than the handle; 8.1 points head heavy. Consequently when you combine the two features then you realize that the Wilson racquet provides more momentum when hitting the ball.
With its oversized head of 110sq inches employing the open string pattern, it’s more forgiving. Thus for the adult tennis player striving to grasp the art of the game, it’s fully equipped and encouraging. Since it has a length of 27.5 inches, its length provides more leverage and easy reach of the ball.
When looking for the racket with a longer lifespan, then this Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Strung has the qualifications. Its frame features graphite composition. For the player with the ability to make medium-full to full swings, the equipment offers a lightweight of 9.0 ounce. The lightness happily combines with the slight head-heavy balance to provide good maneuverability.
Pros:
- Provides extra power and reach at length 27.5 inches
- Quality graphite composition
- Easy to maneuver
Cons:
- High price tag
Babolat 2018 Pure Drive
For the young tennis player, who has grown to be a strong intermediate player, the Babolat 2018 Pure Drive Tennis Racquet provides a piece of good equipment to help horn your skills. First, it boasts a grip size of 4 ¼ inches. The head size isn’t oversize but instead measures 100sq inches thus provides good training as you slowly approach the professional level.
This Babolat, as the beginner’s tennis racquet, has high shock absorption capability. That is because it uses a light material integrated into the fiber SMAC technique. Controlling powerful shots then becomes easier. Thus it qualifies to be included among the best tennis racquets for beginners.
Unlike the ordinary racket, the Babolat, features the unique string spacing of 16 by 19. In addition, it is designed from the trusted string quality that reaches the certification level of the USRSA Certified Master Racquet Technician standard. Thus the FSI string technique plus the diamond gourmet contributes the much-needed power and spin.
Pros:
- Certified string quality
- Comfortable arm playing; 4 points head light
- Made of shock-absorbing material
Cons:
- Low tension string
HEAD Ti.S6
HEAD Ti.S6 racket features an oversized head of area 115sq inches. For that reason, it also features a wide sweet spot. The large head size also gives the racquet great advantage of controlling the ball. Consequently, it’s a good racket to recommend to a beginner. Its frame incorporates both titanium and graphite. The titanium material awards it the much-needed stiffness and strength. On the other hand, graphite contributes to its great feel and sturdiness.
The beginner tennis racket features a string pattern of 16 x 19 with a beam of 28.5. Besides, it gives you an easy reach of the ball since it has a length of 27 ¾ inches. On top of the oversized head, it’s also 1 point head heavy, as such it provides a significant push to the ball.
Even though it has a broad length of 27 ¾ inches, it possesses a lightweight of 8 ounces. It also possesses the standard grip size of 4 ¼ inches.
Pros:
- Wide sweet spot
- Extra-long length
- Sturdy frame
Cons:
- less accurate in aims
Babolat 2018 Pure Aero Lite Tennis Racquet – Quality String
Tapping from the benefits of an aerodynamic frame, the Babolat 2018 Pure Aero Lite Tennis Racquet supports swift swings. Besides its grip size of 4 ¼ fits many players. For an intermediate player looking for an adult fitting racquet that supports swift moves, this racket is worth looking into.
Besides it also incorporates the up to date frame-sting technology to give a crisper play pact with more power. Even the 10 ounces strung supports such moves. It uses the quality strings that you can rely on as they have been certified by the USRSA Master Racquet Technicians.
Although it is slightly heavy when compared to its predecessor, it’s an even balanced racket that weighs 9.7oz. Consequently, it provides good maneuverability and less strain on the arm even under longer playtime. Considering its 100sq inches head, it provides good control of the ball. Since it features the woofer grommet, it will readily absorb shock. Furthermore, the cortex system filter technology employed by the racket enables sit to provide a great feel of the ball.
Pros:
- It’s an even balanced racket
- Provides enhanced shock absorption quality
- Offers great feel of the ball
- Good for making swift swings
- Leaves you with a comfortable arm
- Employs Babolat quality string
Cons:
- Registers tiny vibrations
Wilson Burn 100 Series Tennis Racket
This time Wilson designs a simple racket with great aesthetic value and targets beginners. For that reason, it possesses the lightest weight but a highly maneuverable frame. Furthermore, it also integrates spin-effect technology in the design. Thus it produces the effect of increasing the balls revolution per minute without the need to alter your swing.
Its pre-strung Wilson sensation frame boasts carbon graphite composition. As such it feels stiff enough to support explosive groundstrokes and aggressive swings. By employing the parallel drilling, the racket presents the string bed which is not only forgiving but has a consistent response. The racket hoop features a string bed of 18 by 16.
The head size measures 100sq inches and thus for wide sweet spot area. By shortening the throat, this racquet provides a long grip handle with extra room for two backhands. Overall it has a length of 27 inches with a grip size of 4 ¼ inches. That means the easy reachability of the ball. And when you factor in the rackets’ strung balance of 4 points head light, you get good playability arm friendly equipment.
Its thoughtful design makes it ready to integrate with the Sony Smart Tennis sensor. It thus forms the best tennis racket that targets the avid beginner.
Pros:
- Blends well with Sony Smart Tennis sensor
- The highly responsive and forgiving string pattern
- Ultra-stiff frame
- Extra-long handle
- Needs no spinning during play
- Manageable weight of 11.2oz
Cons:
- Strings requires some improvement
Wilson Blade Team Tennis Racket
Are you looking for the best tennis racket that accommodates both the beginner and intermediate level playing? Then have a look at the Wilson blade team tennis racket. Even from its aesthetic, it features the geometrical frame design that closely mimics the blade performance franchise. Its frame features the graphite composition.
With a head size of 99sq inches, it provides good tennis equipment for an intermediate level player. Since the racket features more mass on the handle than the head (2 points head light) and a 4 ¼ inches grip size, it forms the best tennis racket for women upgrading from the beginner level. The size and the lightness of this racket’s head make it good equipment for making accurate shots.
The rackets hoop features the string bed of 16 x 18, and the multifilament string pattern leads to good playability. Since the head feels light, it won’t strain your wrist arm. With a pre-strung weight of 10.4oz and length of 27inches, it’s the racket that gives you easy reachability of the ball at a swift speed.
Pros:
- Quality graphite composition of the frame
- Light heat for swift reaction and arm friendly
- Attractive matte finish
- Good grip handle
- Pre-strung and ready to use
Cons:
- Requires extra control measure
Wilson Clash 100 Tennis Racquet
The Wilson Clash 100 Tennis Racquet is equipment that every girl would wish to have. It has both a gorgeous look and an all-round performance. It’s the kind of racket that you can easily whip around to deliver a swift hit of the ball. For the player who has got hung of the game, this tweener racket will help you horn your skills better.
The Wilson clash 100 taps on the performance of the multifilament string at mid tension, approximately 53lbs. It combines it with the carbon composition. Consequently, it delivers matchless flexibility and maneuverability. With a grip size of 4 3/8 inches, it also upholds the powerful feel and control of the ball. Its unique design frame also supports the racket’s stability.
Pros:
- Superior frame design
- Provides a good feel of the ball
- Enhanced maneuverability
Cons:
- Less powerful on backhand plays
Wilson Burn 100LS Tennis Frame Without Cover
By combining the spin effect technology and the parallel drilling, this equipment delivers a responsive string bed. Consequently, it is one of the best tennis racquets for beginners. Being the handiwork of a famous company it uses the carbon fiber frame composition to provide quality service.
With a grip size of 4 ½ the racquet targets players with large hands. It also possesses the right stiffness and stability that gives you the leading edge in a stiff competition. Its carefully thought design feature of the shortened throat thus gives way for an extra-long handle.
Since it weighs 14.1 ounces it’s heavy enough to transmit the extra power, stability and conveys less shock to the hands. Besides, this racquet uses the Sony Smart Sensor technology.
Pros:
- Provides more powerful serving shots
- Extra-long handle for leverage in reaching out to the ball
Cons:
- Comes unstrung and thus not ready top use immediately
HEAD Graphene Extreme MP
This racquet manages to strike the delicate balance between power and maneuverability as evident in its 100sqinches head size. At a grip size of 4 ½, it targets those with bigger hands. With a strung weight of 11.1oz, it’s slightly heavy, has a solid feel but makes swift swings when needed. Its open-string bed of 16 x 19 is packed with fewer strings for more feel and rebound of the ball.
The racquet comes ready to use since it has already been strung with Head Synthetic Gut, featuring mid tension. With the flexible frame, it readily absorbs the shock impact of the ball thus becoming arm friendly too.
Pros:
- Lightweight thus easy to handle
- Provides quick response
- Good weight balance
- Very flexible
Cons:
- The strings tightness requires some improvement
Head Graphene Touch Extreme Lite
Unlike its predecessor Graphene XT Extreme Lite, this Head Graphene Touch Extreme Lite is lighter and possesses an improved look. With a change in the beam shape, it provides improved spin ability to 360. Also, it offers a superior damping effect to a ball impact. Besides owing to the inclusion of the 360 grommets, the Head Graphene Touch Extreme Lite provides more power.
Its head size measures 100sq inches whereas it boasts the unstrung weight of 9.9 ounces. As such it is the best racquet that covers players from the beginner to an intermediate level. Since it measures 27 inches, you don’t have to stoop so low to make groundstrokes. Connected to its loop is the string bed of 16 x19.
Pro:
- Lightweight
- Long handle
- Supports big swings
- Provides both good power and spin
- Quality synthetic gut string material
Cons:
- Requires a little retightening of the strings
Babolat Boost Drive
Owing to its 4 ½ inches grip size, the Babolat boost drive provides a good grip ideal for the average woman or man with large hands. Its large head size of 105sq inches features a wide sweet spot. Thus for an adult still learning the ropes of the game, the racquet is forgiving and won’t allow you to miss hitting the ball easily.
This Babolat beginners’ racket features the open string pattern of 16 x 19. As such with fewer strings on the racket it gives you more power in every hit of the ball. With more mass placed at the head of this racquet thus making it 3 points head heavy, this equipment provides more powerful shots; just what every junior tennis player needs.
Since it uses the standard tennis length of 7 inches reaching or for ground strikes is easier and also supportive in making far-reaching shots. Considering that it has a strung weight of 9.8ounces, it is light and thus easy to maneuver.
Pros:
Makes far-reaching powerful shots
It’s forgiving on off-center hits
Has the standard racquet length
Cons:
- Since it is head heavy, it is likely to cause some strain or fatigue on the arms
HEAD MicroGel Radical
The HEAD MicroGel Radical racquet features a closed string pattern of 18 x 20. As such it’s the racket that provides durability. Thus for the regular player looking for a trusted, long-lasting racket for beginners, the HEAD MicroGel Radical stands out clearly.
In addition to the closed string, it features the head size of 98sq inches. Consequently, it supports precise shots and control of the ball. Its grip size is 4 3/8 inches and the handle length is 27 inches. Thus it’s the racquet that provides leverage in reaching out for the ball.
Owing to the inclusion of many strings on the hoop, you can make heavy hits with this HEAD MicroGel Radical without any degradation in quality. Furthermore, it taps on the benefit of a beam of 21mm and a weight of 10.4 ounces.
This racquet employs the Microgel technology, has enhanced shock absorption quality and makes up for an easy spin. Since it features a well-balanced body, it causes less fatigue to the arms. For the experienced beginner who wishes to up his game, the HEAD MicroGel Radical racquet has all the supportive features.
Pros:
- Supports precise shots
- Rugged and durable
- Has the standard length of 27 inches
- Less strain on arms
- Good shock absorption
Cons:
- It’s the unforgiving racquet
Wilson Blade 98l 16×19 Limited Edition
The Wilson Blade 98l Limited Edition racquet rides on an open string 16 x 19 patterns. That equips it to make an easy spin on the ball. Besides, it taps on the parallel drilling of the grommets to support a dependable response from the string bed. Its head size of 98sq inches is geared towards providing precise shots and control of the ball.
Considering its strung weight of 10.7 ounces and 1 point head light balance, it’s the racquet that is arm friendly. Besides, it allows you to make swift swings and thus easy control of the ball. The construction of the Wilson Blade 98l limited edition frame features the braided graphite and basalt material.
Using the Amplifel technology, this intermediate racquet provides the enhanced feel of the ball. The customizable foam employed and the soft buttcap also supports the clean feel of the ball.
Pros:
- Supports large swift swings
- Standardized length
- Lime green color makes it attractive
Cons:
- Unforgiving head size, ideal for the intermediate players
Prince Textreme Tour 100T (2015)
Are you looking for a swift and spin-friendly racket for a beginner? Then have a look at the 100sq inches head size racquet. The large forgiving racket size supports the enhanced feel of power and spin of the ball. When you combine it with the 27 inches length you get a good playability racket featuring an open string pattern of 16 x 18.
Its 4 points strung balance blends nicely to the 4 3/8 grip size thus allowing you to make even deep groundstrokes. As adult tennis-playing equipment, it is matched with a strung weight of 10.8oz. To withstand a longer period of play, its handles feature the light but strong handle.
This racket not only supports fast exchange around the net but also delivers an accurate return of the ball. Thus when looking for a racket as a starter that provides good spin, speed and precise shots the Prince Textreme Tour 100T (2015) delivers.
Pros:
- Little vibrations thus arm friendly
- Very flexible frame
- Relatively accurate
Cons:
- Strung a little bit weak
Wilson Blade 98S CV (Countervail) 18×16 Tennis Racquet Strung with Custom Racket String Colors
The Wilson Wilson Blade 98S CV is for the player who wants good spin and power. With braided graphite and basalt frame stiffness of 65, it’s flexible enough to shield the player from vibrations and fatigue. The string pattern on the hoop is 18×16, which provides a good feel of the ball.
From the head size of 98sq inches, it supports good control of the ball. Even after several sets of play, you won’t feel discomfort in the elbow since it is one point head light. Reaching out for groundstrokes with this Wilson Blade 98S CV should be easier owing to the 27 inches length. Therefore it’s the racket that suits both intermediate and beginner players.
The 11.1 ounces strung means stability both in the volley and ground even when making swift swings. Since it employs the parallel drilling it possesses a large sweet spot. As for the handle it employs the Wilson X2 Ergo technology which allows you to customize the shape and grip of the handle.
Pros:
- Provides good spin on the ball
- Provides swift swings and good maneuverability
- Results into less fatigue on the arm
- Wilson sublime grip type
- Free stringing
Cons:
- Strings sometimes require adjustment during play
How to Choose Good Tennis Racquets for Beginners
Are you thinking of buying the best tennis racquet to set you up for a great sport? Well as a beginner the choice of the right tennis equipment may be perplexing. That’s why we give you this guide to help you know how to go about your selection. Here are the factors to consider;
Weight
It’s one of the crucial features to consider when choosing a racket for a beginner. Buy holding up a racquet in your hand, you can gauge its weight. That in return will influence how long you can play with the racket, the vibrations it transmits to your arms and even its maneuverability.
Generally, racquets weigh between 9-13ounces. That gives rise to light and heavy rackets;
Light racquets
These weigh from 9 to 11 ounces. On the ordinary standards, lighter racquets are ideal for players who are either short in stature or possess lightweight. This tennis playing equipment provides good maneuverability and swift swing speed.
Heavy rackets
On the other hand, heavy racquets range as from 11.5 to 13 ounces. Their major advantage is that they provide more power, are highly stable and convey fewer vibrations to the arms.
Balance
The balance here refers to how the weight of the racquet is distributed across the entire equipment. That gives rise to;
Even balanced racquet, EB
These are rackets whose mass is neither concentrated on the handle nor head. In other words, the weight is equally distributed in the entire equipment. An even balanced racquet is suitable for the novice tennis player. That is because it provides the player to a great extent control as you make your swings and return hit at the ball.
Head heavy racquet, HH
Head heavy otherwise called top-heavy rackets have more mass concentrated at the head than the handle. These designs are great for the players just starting into the tennis game. With more mass at the head, the equipment provides more power when it hits the tennis ball. However, using a top-heavy racket regularly might cause some strain or fatigue to the arms.
Head light racquet, HL
These rackets have more mass on the handle than the head region. A light head provides fast swings at the ball and good maneuverability. As such many intermediate players and professional players prefer it.
Length
The length of the racket is an important factor when shopping for the right racket as a beginner. Even though 27 inches is the standard length of a racket, they can vary up to 29 inches. When using a racket, its length will influence your leverage when you stretch to reach for the ball especially when making groundstrokes. Longer rackets tend to be lightweight to provide them with high maneuverability to balance off their length.
Head size
The head size refers to the area covered by the hoop. A head size influences a racket’s power when it impacts the ball. But generally, the larger the head size, the power it transfers to the ball and the wider the sweet spot too. Rackets in the market have varied head sizes right from 85sq inches to over 110sq inches. With that said here are three head size categories you should be familiar with;
Midplus rackets
These are rackets with the area of the head covering between 98sq inches to 100sq inches. Consequently, these pieces of equipment are suitable for any level of playing from beginner, intermediate to professional players.
Oversize rackets
These racquets have their head sizes ranging from 105sq inches to 115sq inches and even beyond. As their name suggests, their heads are indeed extra-large to provide the extra power needed by the users. This class targets tennis starter players or those individuals who are prone to employing more spins in their play.
Midsize rackets
Rackets with midsize head sizes have the hoop area ranging from 97sq inches and below. These rackets are generally unforgiving. Consequently, unless you are a pro in the sport you may find yourself missing a hit when using these rackets. Thus midsize rackets are generally used by seasoned players who have a good grasp of ball control.
Stiffness of the frame
Did you know that the stiffness of a racket’s frame influences its feel too? The stiffness may vary from as low as 50 to as high as 85. However, the most common stiffness featured by modern rackets ranges from 60 to 75.
A stiff frame (approximately 63 or less) transmits more power to the ball. However, it does that at the expense of conveying more vibrations to the arms and performing poorly at doing spins. Thus the stiffer the racket frame feels, the more discomfort (tennis elbow) it causes to the arms.
String pattern
When talking about the string pattern we are focusing on the string arrangement on the racket; the main and the crosses. The total number of string son the racket and the resulting crosses in the main strings influences the playability of the racket.
That gives rise to two types of string pattern;
Open strung pattern
Here the racket features fewer string crossings. As a result, it provides a superior feel for power (enhances rebounds), gives more power and even spins. The most common open string pattern you are likely to come across includes 16 x 18 or 16 x 19. The only downside is fewer strings also translate into reduced durability.
Closed string pattern
The closed string pattern features more string crossings. And how does that helps? It enhances the durability of the racket as well as control over the ball. So a seasoned regular player who also loves heavy hitting of the ball is better off with a closed string pattern racket. The most common closed string pattern currently is16 x 20.
Grip size
When choosing the best tennis racquet for beginners it is also important to focus on the handle size. Matching the player’s hand size to the racket’s grip size is crucial as it gives the player a comfortable grip of the racket. The ordinary-sized woman or the man with tiny hands should go for a grip size of 4 1/3 inches. Otherwise, 4 ¼ inches is the standardized racket grip size. Otherwise for that tall with extra-large hands the racket size of 4 3/8 provides a good grip.
Conclusion
Most probably you have now realized the best tennis racquets for beginners that fit you. If you have been using the wrong racquet that causes fatigue in your elbow, then review your stand and go shopping again. The above review gives you bright ideas and capabilities; you can’t go wrong with your choice this time. Whether you aim to make powerful shots, accurate passes or fast swings; you know the best racquet to choose. Remember, to rise above the beginner level and be like one of those professional players you admire, it starts with choosing the right playing equipment. The head size, grip size, and string quality counts. So which is your favorite racquet? Why not share it with us?