If you’re new to tennis, deciding which one is the best tennis racket for beginners can be difficult. If you seek advice from a well-meaning seasoned player, you will most certainly be confused by phrases such as swing weight, frame stiffness, and string pattern. Other beginners select the cheapest racquet and try to strike some balls.
That is OK if it is a twice-a-year hobby, but if you want to progress and play more frequently, you will appreciate the sport more if you make a more deliberate purchase and begin with the proper equipment.
When you’re just getting started, it can be difficult to choose amongst hundreds of racquets on the market. Starting with one of the listed racquets is a great approach to getting everything in order. So let’s jump into the following section to find the best tennis rackets for beginners.
What is a Beginner Tennis Racket?
A beginner racket is simple to use since it is lightweight, has a large head size, and has a balance that favors the head. Finding a tennis racket with these features will make a big impact as you learn the game.
Beginner racquet frames might also be slightly thicker and stiffer than those used by expert or intermediate players.
When learning how to play tennis, it’s important to use the right racquet. If you utilize a racquet built for beginners, you should have significantly more success than with an advanced player’s racquet.
With the perfect racquet, you’ll be able to hit more balls over the net and onto the court. You’ll enjoy tennis more. If you enjoy playing, you will want to keep doing so. You will improve faster if you play more often.
Best Tennis Racket for Beginners
The following are our top selections for the best tennis racquets for beginners available today. All of the racquets are classified as adult beginner tennis racquets. You will see extensive descriptions and specifications. We also provided lists of pros and cons for the racquet itself.
1. Babolat Pure Drive 110
The Babolat Pure Drive is one of the most powerful tennis racquets on the market. If you want a high-quality, powerful racquet that will help you progress quickly, then Pure Drive 110 is the one for you.
This version of the Babolat is lightweight and easy to use near the net, with a large head (110 square inches) for a larger sweet spot. This, paired with the large frame, will contribute to power generation. The string pattern generates spin, so you can keep utilizing it as you improve your game. Furthermore, if you intend to progress to intermediate level, you will not need to change racquets.
Pros
- Exceptional strength for groundstrokes
- Large sweet spot
- More control than typical racquets for beginners
- Excellent for honing your topspin skills
- Great for players at an intermediate level
Cons
- More pricey than typical beginner racquets
- Not suitable for advanced intermediate players
If you want power, comfort, and an easy-to-use racquet, the Babolat Pure Drive 110 is the finest choice. With its combination of power and precision, this racket provides a balanced, user-friendly experience that accommodates a wide range of playing styles.
2. Wilson Clash 100 (v2)
When the Wilson Clash 100 was first released in 2019, it was a major success due to its excellent all-around performance and cutting-edge technology.
This implies that the Wilson Clash 100 v2 had a lot of expectations to meet, and it did so. I could easily produce power and spin while maintaining control.
However, my favorite feature of this racket has to be its comfort. I felt no uncomfortable vibrations in my arm no matter where I hit the ball with the racket. I’ve had a lot of shoulder problems in the past, so finding a racket that can help with that is crucial for me.
Pros
- Outstanding quality
- Very controllable and nice to the arms
- Looks fantastic
Cons
- Expensive
Oh, and the appearance is fantastic. However, it is somewhat pricey. Having said that, you can anticipate this racket to endure for a lifetime.
3. Babolat Boost Strike Strung
You can’t go wrong with a Babolat, which is well-designed and popular among players of all skill levels, including many pros. The Boost Series, as the name implies, boosts your returns while retaining a controllable feel that shines in all aspects of the game. We discovered that this Strike model provides excellent consistency in returns in both power and control.
Pros
- Designed to cater for handling
- Capable of various types of shots
- Excellent for newcomers
- Exceptional shot consistency
Cons
- Not the strongest racket available. Could use more pop.
Overall, the Babolat Boost Strike Strung is a terrific alternative for both beginner and advanced players. This is ideal for power, control, and ease of usage. Whether you’re developing your skills or just starting out, the Babolat Boost Strike provides a balanced performance that combines comfort and responsiveness at an accessible price.
4. Babolat Boost Drive
This racquet is ideal for high school students who wish to try tennis for the first time. It is an excellent, cheap alternative that will allow the participant to advance in their game.
Because of its increased agility during volleys and smaller size (105 square inches), this racquet is a great choice for high school doubles players. It also offers above-average power and spin, making it simple to utilize from the first swing.
Pros
- Exceptional for lower intermediate.
- Excellent for doubles in high school
- Strong; simple to swing, and spin
Cons
- Less customization.
This racquet may be too light for those who get more serious, but it will still develop with them into the lower intermediate level. It is also an excellent choice for leisure players who do not desire a large tennis racquet.
5. Head Graphene 360+ Extreme S
The Head Graphene 360+ Extreme S racket is simple to handle and strikes the ideal combination between power and control.
Head is well-known for making the greatest rackets for control, and I can understand why. Furthermore, the racket’s enormous head size provides a larger sweet spot. This makes it considerably easier to generate power.
With a somewhat lighter weight than regular rackets, I was able to accelerate through the ball more easily, adding force to my shots.
Pros
- Powerful
- Good control
- Large sweet spot
- Easy to swing
Cons
- Color
I’d recommend this racket to both novice and advanced players. It is an excellent choice for those wishing to develop their tennis game. The design is the only negative aspect for me. Personally, I’m just not a fan. However, if you enjoy the color yellow, you’ve discovered your ideal match!
6. Prince Ripstick 100
The Prince Ripstick is an excellent tennis racquet suitable for players of all ability levels. Its ease of use and strength make it ideal for beginners, but the wide string pattern and stability allow intermediate players to swing more quickly.
The Ripstick comes in two weight variations (11.2 oz. vs. 10.4 oz). Most physically fit players can begin with the heavier variant, which allows them to improve more quickly. 10.4 oz. Ripstick is another one from our lightweight recommendation for the best tennis racket for women, and it also works well for younger teens. This racquet’s 16×18 string design is ideal for mastering topspin, a crucial ability for improving your game. The 100 square inch frame is both comfortable and powerful, providing excellent stability. The innovative O-ports reduce wind resistance and allow you to swing quicker.
Pros
- Excellent for novices and intermediate players
- Allows a player to improve quickly.
- Excellent power and comfort
- Better control than most beginners’ racquets.
- Excellent for mastering topspin
Cons
- Smaller frame than some beginners’ racquets.
- More costly than others on the list.
We recommend this racquet for serious beginners looking for the best chance to enhance their tennis playing.
7. Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Team
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz endorse the Babolat Pure Aero racket, which is extremely popular among tennis players. To help you feel like Rafa on the court, Babolat designed a version of this racket that is suitable for beginners.
I discovered that using the Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Team allowed me to generate tremendous quantities of spin, making it simpler to control my shots. Plus, despite the fact that it is a lightweight racket, I was pleasantly surprised by its power.
Pros
- Simple power
- Plenty of spin
- Fantastic design, excellent control
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for arms-length
One thing I didn’t enjoy was how uncomfortable this racket felt on my arm after extended use. This is likely due to its high stiffness rating of 69. While the high stiffness rating helps generate greater power, I’d rather give up that power for a racket that’s easier on my arms.
However, I must say that I am a big fan of the design. When you’re on the court, the purple shines out undoubtedly.
8. Yonex EZONE Feel
A regular Yonex racquet may appear strange to new tennis players. This is due to its somewhat altered head shape, which is intended to assist generate a larger sweet spot. That’s wonderful news for any newbie, because hitting the shots correctly can be more difficult than people think.
Some may be concerned about the racquet’s lack of stability, but it is actually extremely easy to manage at all times. Too many beginner players put themselves in danger by attempting to utilize a racquet that is too powerful for them.
Pros
- The ideal weight for effortless power
- Designed for players that want to improve their skills
- Exceptionally huge sweet spot for a 100 square inch racquet.
Cons
- The unique shape of the skull may not be suitable for everyone
- It may lack some control.
The racquet is slightly heavier than the other racquets in this article, but not to the point of being overwhelming. It also has a relatively light swingweight, so most individuals will find it easy to control.
9. Prince O3 Legacy 120
Senior players wishing to get into tennis, whether for exercise or social reasons, should think seriously about the Prince O3 Legacy 120. It incorporates Prince’s innovative grommetless O3 technology to reduce unpleasant vibrations and increase comfort.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Big heads produce a large sweet spot.
- Superb power
- Extended length
Cons
- Not very flexible
The 120-square-inch head of this racquet delivers exceptional power and stability. It provides excellent forgiveness and enables the slower, more controlled swings that seniors normally employ. The 16×19 string design and large head size offer significant spin potential on serve and from baseline.
The longer length (27.25 inches) makes this racquet less agile; therefore, it is not recommended for players who prefer to swing quickly and forcefully.
How to Choose The Best Tennis Racket for Beginners?
When selecting a tennis racquet for a beginner, keep in mind that there isn’t one that is suitable for everyone. To get the best racket for tennis beginners, you must first determine what you require from it.
For example, if you require a more powerful racquet, you will lose some control.
Weight
Look for a racket that does not feel too heavy in your hand as you build muscle for the activity. For a novice tennis player, the weight of the racket should be the main factor to consider. Beginners may obtain a powerful and efficient swing with a lightweight, compact racket that is also easier to operate. For novices, tennis rackets under 11 ounces in weight are the best choice. However, smaller persons may choose rackets weighing 8 or 9 ounces for better handling.
Grip Size
Tennis rackets come with a variety of grip sizes (or handles), which is vital not only for control but also for injury prevention. The racket should fit comfortably in your hand, and most beginners will benefit from a grip size of about 4 1/4 inches. A good fit is when a player can easily hold the racket in their dominant hand on the grip and have their fingers reach their thumb.
Head Size
Beginners should opt for rackets with heads larger than 100 square inches to increase their chances of striking the sweet spot and sending the ball airborne. Just keep in mind that the larger you go, the more difficult it is to hit precise shots, so look for larger heads that are reasonable—and consider moving to a head size of 85 to 97 square inches once you’ve advanced to an intermediate level.
Flexibility
As a beginner in the game, you should search for a racket that is more flexible than rigid. This makes the racket more adaptable and simpler to handle when chasing down strokes. Recreational and beginners players should avoid high stiffness ratings, which can lead to technical inefficiencies and an increased risk of injury. A less rigid frame absorbs more of the shot, minimizing the impact on the arm and the possibility of injury. As your game develops, stiffness in a racket can increase the power of your shots.
How Much Should a Beginner Spend on a Tennis Racket?
Tennis may be pretty pricey. This means you shouldn’t overspend on your first tennis racquet. However, you should still ensure that you are purchasing high-quality items. That is why I always recommend investing between $50 and $150 in your first racket.
If you’re a recreational player who doesn’t play frequently, I’d recommend investing in a racket that won’t break the bank.
However, if you intend to play frequently and improve your sport, you should consider spending more money so that your racket does not hold you back.
Tips for Selecting the Best Tennis Racquet for Beginners
Seek Advice from Experienced Players
Everyone had to start as a new tennis player. Ask seasoned players—even tennis pros—what kind of racket they would suggest for a beginner with your level of expertise. Think about whether you want to play for fun or competition.
Effort and Error
It may be necessary to try many different racquets before finding the best fit. Before purchasing a new racket, ask another beginner player if you can test theirs.
Think About Your Style
Everyone has a preferred playing style, which influences the type of racquet they use. Some players favor shortened or flat swings; thus, a strong racquet is ideal. Other players make more vertical swings. When looking for a new racquet, keep your style in mind.
Final Words
This is our overall guide on the best tennis racket for beginners. With so many options on the market, it might be difficult to select which racquet is right for you. Because most novice tennis players use slower, more controlled swings, you’ll need a racquet with plenty of power. You can play the game more easily and enjoyably up until you reach the intermediate level by using racquets with a larger head size and sweet spot.
The Head TI S6 is one of the best rackets for beginners tennis. It provides the perfect blend of control and power, feel and spin, that a novice requires to master the game of tennis. It’s also reasonably priced, so you won’t be investing too much in a sport you’ve never tried before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a heavier tennis racket better for beginners?
No, for beginners, a heavier tennis racket is usually not preferable. Lighter rackets are generally better for beginners since they are easier to wield, more maneuverable, and less likely to cause injuries. Additionally, lighter rackets let novice players increase swing speed and enhance shot control.
Are Wilson tennis rackets good for beginners?
Although Wilson says that their tennis rackets are ideal for beginners, they are not as appropriate as they claim. Wilson makes certain inexpensive rackets that a professional coach would not recommend to a novice. Their aluminum rackets are low-end products that come pre-stringed and do not help the player progress or have a nice first experience. They claimed their lightweight frames, large head sizes, and forgiving sweet spots make them beginner-friendly alternatives that make it simpler to produce consistent shots and increase control.
What to look for when buying a new tennis racket?
Think about important aspects, including balance, head size, and weight, when purchasing a new tennis racket. While larger rackets offer stability and power, lighter rackets are more maneuverable. For beginners, a larger head size provides a greater sweet spot, but for more experienced players, a smaller head provides more control. A racket’s balance affects how it feels in the hand; head-heavy rackets are more powerful, while head-light rackets are more controllable. For optimal comfort and performance, also verify the material, grip size, and string arrangement. Select a racket based on your skill level and playing style.
