What Are The Deciding Factors When Choosing A Tennis Racket?
Posted on September 22, 2010
Filed Under Tennis
Having the best equipment is important for anyone who’s seriously into sports. That’s why in picking the best one for you, it’s recommended to devote some time for it. In tennis, gripping the best tennis racket during training and on the court is essential. So what are the things you need to put into consideration when looking for one?
A length of 27 in. Is the standard, but there are models that can go as long as 28 in. Or 29 in. Those that are shorter than 27 in. Are suitable for junior players. Needless to say, the longer the equipment, the longer reach is achieved during swings. Likewise, serves are done with much better leverage. But many believe that there’s not much difference between something measuring 27 in. And something measuring 28 in.
Rackets also vary in head sizes, ranging from 85 to 135 square inches. But the most common and often purchased ones are those measuring anywhere from 95 to 110 square inches. Of course the larger the head size, the more hitting power it provides. Likewise, there’s more hitting area so missing the ball is less likely. However, there’s a downside to it as larger head sizes permit the player with less control. Professional players seeking full control go for smaller head sizes.
An inappropriate grip size will prevent any player from focusing 100 percent on the game. Constant fumbling with the grip will definitely affect your confidence on the court. That’s why the right grip is another important consideration. Measuring yours is usually taken by placing a ruler from the middle of your palm to the top of your middle finger.
When it comes to the tag price, a huge factor for it is the material from which the sporting equipment is made of. These days, they come fabricated from materials such as aluminum, graphite, boron and Kevlar. Aluminum ones are usually the cheapest of all, and are the most flexible. Those out of graphite are very popular, and can range anywhere from flexible to stiff. On the other hand, boron and Kevlar can be very stiff, so they’re often not recommendable for beginners.
There are two factors that affect how the equipment feels when you pick it up and swing it. And they are weight and balance. Heavier ones tend to be more powerful and stable. On the other hand, lighter ones are more maneuverable, so a player can swing it much faster. Rackets can come as light as 10 ounces and go as heavy as 14 ounces.
When it comes to balance, they’re categorized as head-light or head-heavy. As the name suggest, head-light ones have more of the weight focused on the butt part. They usually weigh 11 oz. To 13 oz. And are balanced 0.5 in. To 1.5 in. Head-light. This allows for better control. They’re preferred by many pro players, and are considered as traditionally balanced and weighted. Head-heavy ones, on the other hand, have more of the weight focused on the head part.
When shopping for a tennis racket, it’s also important to demo as many of them as possible. A good store should have a room with ball machines, to permit you to test the equipment. Such will enable you to find a model which is suitable for your playing and comfort needs.
Albert Anthony is a tennis coach. He owns a best tennis rackets blog in which he writes tennis racket reviews for Prince tennis rackets, Technifibre tennis rackets, Becker tennis rackets and many more highly rated brands.

