Buying a Racquet

Buying a racquet can be a difficult process, to say the least. IART believes the following information will be helpful. The very best way to buy a racquet is to narrow down the choices by working with a knowledgeable person who can analyze your game, and then to demo as many racquets as possible that fit your style of play. Here’s how to get started.

First, do some racquet research on your own, but don’t overdue it or get too immersed in the process. Too much can easily be confusing. Analyze your game and define your playing style. Serve/volley, all court, or baseline are the three general types of play. Once you know your style, it’s easier to relate to the person who’s guiding you through the process.

Second, find a good demo program that offers a wide selection of racquets for you to hit with. Using the racquet is the key. You can read until you’re blue in the face, and opinions from other players are just that, opinions. YOU are the one who truly knows what’s best, and playing with several racquets will be the true test of what works for you. Below are some basic facts that that you might consider, courtesy of the USRSA:

Racquet Facts–here’s what’s been shared by various organizations for many years–this is what we know

• A heavier frame has less vibration
• A heavier frame has a larger sweetspot
• A stiffer frame generates more power
• A stiffer frame has a larger sweetspot
• A stiffer frame transmits more of the shock load to the arm than a flexible frame
• A stiffer frame provides a more uniform ball response across the entire string plane
• A larger head generates more power
• A larger head is more resistant to twisting on off center hits
• A larger head has a larger sweetspot
• A longer frame generates more velocity and therefore more power
• The string bed in a longer frame generates more spin due to increased velocity

This is additional information added by IART:

• Wider beam widths offer more power, while more narrow beam widths offer better control
• For more precise control, use a smaller head size (95 sq. in or less) and a narrow beam width (20mm or below)
• For maximum power, use a larger head size (110 sq. in or more), and a larger beam width (26mm or more)
• Use the largest grip size you can comfortably handle. Have your grip size properly measured (see photo above) and see if you’re comfortable with one size larger. This will give you more command over the racquet and help stabilize it from turning or twisting in your hand on off-center hits.
• Remember that any racquet can be customized. Things such as balance, grip size, overall weight, and swing weight can be adjusted by a properly trained technician. The most difficult of these is reducing the grip size on newer racquets, so if you’re not sure, buy small, not large.
• Stiffer racquets tend to transmit more vibration to the arm. If you have arm problems now, or have had them in the past, be aware that a stiffer frame may not be the best choice.
• Stiffer racquets can be toned down some as far as vibration is concerned, by string selection, reducing the tension, and adding weight to specific areas of the frame.

For beginners it’s a good idea to learn a little bit about the different parts of a racquet so here’s a nice photo with a breakdown of each section. This could be very helpful when talking to a technician who may have a tendency to offer information when referring to the specifics of a racquet. While he/she may have a thorough understanding of what they’re talking about, that doesn’t mean that you, the buyer, has the same level of understanding;

Remember that there’s a lot of racquets out there to choose from. Chances are, there’s more than one that will work just fine for your game, so don’t be discouraged if you buy a racquet and then 3 weeks later find another one that you like too. Stick with your choice and allow yourself to really get used to your new racquet.