Embarking on your tennis journey begins with choosing the right equipment, and the most crucial piece is the racquet. In this article, “Best Tennis Racquets for Beginners,” we focus on helping newcomers to the sport find the perfect racquet that combines ease of use with effectiveness. Selecting a racquet that complements a beginner’s style is key to developing fundamental skills and nurturing a growing love for the game. We will guide you through a range of options that promise to deliver in terms of comfort, control, and overall playability, ensuring your first steps onto the court are both confident and enjoyable. Whether you’re aiming to play recreationally or have competitive aspirations, the right beginner’s racquet is a pivotal ally in your tennis adventure.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
Name of products | Head TI S6 | Babolat Pure Drive 110 | Prince Ripstick 100 |
Product image |  |  |  |
Advantages |
|
|
|
Buy Here | |||
Rated by our team |
Our Top Picks
Head TI S6 – Best Overall Beginner Racquet
⬇️Jump to Review
Babolat Pure Drive 110 – Best for Power
⬇️Jump to Review
Prince Ripstick 100 – Best for Serious Beginner
⬇️Jump to Review
Wilson Clash 108 – Best for Comfort (arm friendly)
⬇️Jump to Review
Head Boom Team – Best for Control
⬇️Jump to Review
Best Tennis Racquet For Beginners – Reviewed
Head TI S6
Rating: 9.8*
Details:
The Head TI S6 Tennis Racquet is renowned for its exceptional blend of power and control, making it an excellent choice for players at varying skill levels. This racquet stands out with its lightweight titanium and graphite construction, providing a comfortable feel without sacrificing strength or durability. Its large 115 square inch head size offers a generous sweet spot, which is particularly forgiving for players still perfecting their strokes. The TI S6 features a head-heavy balance, assisting in delivering powerful shots while maintaining control. Its 16×19 string pattern allows for a good mix of spin and power. Overall, the Head TI S6 is a versatile racquet that suits players who seek a balance between power and control, with an emphasis on ease of use and comfort.
Specs:
- Head Size: 115 in / 741.93 cm
- Length: 27.75in / 70.49cm
- Swingweight: 318
- Composition: Graphite / Titanium Composite
- Power Level: High
My Experience:
This racquet, with its larger head, is excellent for beginners, instilling confidence early in their tennis journey. It facilitates swift progression to more aggressive shots. However, its wider mesh size may limit advanced techniques. As players progress, they might find themselves ready to transition to more advanced racquets.
|
|
Babolat Pure Drive 110
Rating: 9.7*
Details:
The Babolat Pure Drive 110 caters to players seeking a harmonious blend of power and control. Its 110 square inch head provides a forgiving sweet spot, ideal for a variety of play styles. This racquet incorporates FSI Power and GT technology, enhancing energy transfer for powerful yet controlled shots. Weighing 9.2 ounces unstrung, it offers a comfortable balance suitable for intermediate players. The 16×19 string pattern adds to its spin and power capabilities. Overall, the Pure Drive 110 is a standout choice for those who prioritize control and comfort, without compromising on power.
Specs:
- Head Size: 110 in / 709.68 cm
- Length: 27.6in / 70.1cm
- Swingweight: 298
- Composition: Graphite
- Power Level: Medium-High
My Experience:
This racquet has stood the test of time. If you’ve enjoyed using it, as I have with my three previous ones, including a next-gen Head version, it’s worth sticking with. Despite recent racquet innovations, the newer models can’t compare to the original. As long as the original remains in stock, it’s a top choice. Moreover, the stringing on this one was impeccable, maintaining tension better than my last restring.
|
|
Prince Ripstick 100
Rating: 9.6*
Details:
The Prince Ripstick 100 is a dynamic tennis racquet designed for players who prioritize control without losing out on power. With a 100 square inch head, it offers a balanced sweet spot, catering to both precision and power. The Ripstick 100 is known for its innovative O3 Technology, which utilizes strategically placed O-ports to enhance aerodynamics and increase swing speed, thereby boosting power.
Weighing around 11.2 ounces strung, it provides a stable feel without being overly heavy, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced players. The racquet’s 16×18 string pattern is optimized for a blend of control and spin, allowing players to execute a wide range of shots with confidence. The Prince Ripstick 100 stands out for its unique blend of control, power, and spin, making it a versatile choice for players looking to elevate their game.
Specs:
- Head Size: 100 in / 645.16 cm
- Length: 27in / 68.58cm
- Swingweight: 325
- Composition: TexTreme/Twaron/Graphite
- Power Level: Low-Medium
|
|
Wilson Clash 108
Rating: 9.5*
Details:
The Wilson Clash 108 is a standout tennis racquet for its superb mix of control, comfort, and power. With its 108 square inch head, it offers a large and forgiving sweet spot, catering to players who value precision. The racquet’s innovative FreeFlex technology allows the frame to bend for maximum ball pocketing and control, while StableSmart frame geometry ensures power and stability. Weighing approximately 10.4 ounces strung, the Clash 108 is maneuverable and suitable for beginners to intermediates. Its 16×19 string pattern strikes a balance between spin and control. Overall, the Wilson Clash 108 is ideal for players looking for a technologically advanced racquet that delivers control and comfort without sacrificing power.
Specs:
- Head Size: 108 in / 696.77 cm
- Length: 27.25in / 69.22cm
- Swingweight: 325
- Composition: Graphite
- Power Level: Medium
|
|
Head Boom Team
Rating: 9.4*
Details:
The Head Boom Team is designed for players seeking a harmonious blend of power and control. It features a 100 square inch head, providing a generous sweet spot that aids in both precision and power play. The racquet incorporates Auxetic construction, enhancing responsiveness and control, allowing players to feel connected to their shots. With a weight of approximately 9.5 ounces unstrung, the Boom Team offers maneuverability while maintaining stability. Its 16×19 string pattern favors spin generation alongside control. Ideal for intermediate players, this racquet combines user-friendliness with effective performance capabilities. The Head Boom Team stands out as an all-around choice for those aiming to elevate their game, offering innovative technology in a balanced and efficient package.
Specs:
- Head Size: 102 in / 658.06 cm
- Length: 27in / 68.58cm
- Swingweight: 316
- Composition: Graphene 360+/Graphite
- Power Level: Low-Medium
|
|
How to Choose a Best Tennis Racquets for Beginners
Choosing the best tennis racquet for beginners involves considering several factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable introduction to the sport. Here’s a guide to help beginners make the right choice:
- Head Size: Larger head sizes offer a bigger sweet spot, making it easier for beginners to hit the ball. Look for racquets with head sizes between 100 and 115 square inches.
- Weight: Lighter racquets (between 9 to 10.5 ounces) are easier to handle and swing, which is beneficial for beginners still developing their stroke.
- Balance: A head-heavy racquet (more weight towards the head) can provide additional power on swings, which can be helpful for beginners.
- Grip Size: The grip size should comfortably fit your hand. An incorrect grip size can lead to difficulty in controlling the racquet or even cause injury.
- String Pattern: A more open string pattern (like 16×19) provides more power and spin, which can be advantageous for beginners.
- Frame Stiffness: Flexible frames can offer more control and are generally more arm-friendly, which is beneficial for beginners still learning to hit the ball correctly.
- Material: Most modern racquets are made from graphite or composite materials, which offer a good blend of power, control, and durability.
- Price: As a beginner, it’s wise to start with a more affordable racquet. As your skills improve, you can invest in more advanced models.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, test different racquets. What feels comfortable and natural in your hand is a good choice.
- Consult a Coach or Expert: If you’re unsure, ask for advice from a coach or experienced player. They can provide valuable insights based on your playing style and physique.
Remember, the best racquet for a beginner is one that feels comfortable, complements your learning curve, and makes the game enjoyable.
How much does a good beginner’s racquet cost?
The cost of a good beginner’s tennis racquet can vary depending on brand, material, and features, but typically, you can expect to spend anywhere from $25 to $100. This range includes quality options that offer a balance of durability, playability, and comfort, which are important for beginners.
Lower-priced racquets (around $25 to $50) are often made of lighter materials and may have larger head sizes, making them more forgiving for new players. As the price increases (around $50 to $100), you may find racquets with more advanced materials like graphite composites, which provide a better balance of power, control, and feel.
It’s important to note that while higher-priced racquets offer additional features and technologies, a beginner’s primary focus should be on finding a racquet that feels comfortable and suits their initial playing style. As your skills develop, you might consider investing in a more advanced racquet.
Conclusion
Selecting the best tennis racquet as a beginner is a crucial step in embarking on your tennis journey. The right racquet can significantly ease your learning process, enhancing both your enjoyment and performance on the court. Remember, the ideal racquet for beginners should offer a combination of a large head size, lightweight design, comfortable grip, and appropriate balance between power and control. While advanced features and high-end materials may be tempting, focus on finding a racquet that feels comfortable in your hands and suits your initial playing style. As your skills develop, your racquet needs may evolve, but starting with the right equipment will set you up for success and enjoyment in this fantastic sport. Keep practicing, enjoy every game, and watch as your love for tennis grows with every match.
FAQs
Is it better for beginners to use a lighter or heavier tennis racquet?
For beginners, extremes in weight (too light or too heavy) aren’t ideal. A mid-weight, or “tweener”, racquet offers a balance that allows novices to develop their swing and harness natural body power.
When is the right time to purchase a racquet?
If you’ve started with tennis lessons, consider buying a racquet after your first couple of sessions. Many coaches provide racquets for initial training. However, if you’re embarking on a self-taught tennis journey, it’s wise to invest in a racquet right away.
Is it recommended to test out a racquet before buying?
While testing products is usually a good idea, it’s different with racquets for absolute beginners. At this stage, you might not discern the nuanced differences between racquets. Instead, you can opt for a racquet with a design or color that appeals to you, or consult our comprehensive reviews for guidance.
I’m Heorhii Rysak, a go-to sports enthusiast and blogger. My fascination with sports began in my childhood with karate, setting the foundation for my love of physical fitness. Over the years, I’ve delved into various disciplines, including martial arts and CrossFit, and developed a passion for tennis. I bring a wealth of practical experience to my blog, where I share equipment reviews, workout plans, and fitness advice. My goal is simple: to inspire and assist you in your journey toward better health and performance.