| At first glance, all tennis racquets look similar, if not the | | | | square inches. Because they have a much better idea |
| same. It may be tempting to pick up a Wilson or Head | | | | of their specific style of play, advanced players have |
| racquet, as these top brands are used by tennis stars | | | | the ability to choose a tennis racquet that is more |
| across the world. Or, players may lean towards the | | | | specifically tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. |
| cheapest option, convinced that it's enough like a more | | | | There is literally a tennis racquet available for every |
| expensive racquet to do the trick. However, it's | | | | type and style of player, and advanced players can |
| important to recognize that, in fact, not all tennis | | | | choose from a huge variety of types and brands, like |
| racquets are created equal. In the game of tennis, the | | | | Head, Adidas, Babolat, Wilson, Yonex and Prince, |
| most important and powerful piece of equipment is | | | | among others. Many advanced players enjoy the |
| your racquet, and players must take great care to | | | | Head YouTek Radical Pro used by Andy Murray. With |
| choose one that will work best for their style of play. | | | | a 100 square inch head and 11.7 ounce strung weight, |
| Midwest Sports Tennis Outlet offers a huge selection | | | | this racquet offers a control and feel-oriented racquet |
| of tennis racquets for any level of player in a variety | | | | perfect for more advanced players. Others prefer the |
| of popular brands. | | | | Wilson K Factor series, which run in a range of sizes |
| The first question players must ask themselves when | | | | and weights -- great for any level of play. |
| deciding on a new tennis racquet is whether they are | | | | Of course, when shopping for a tennis racquet, power |
| looking for power, control or a blend of the two. | | | | and control aren't the only two factors that must be |
| Players wanting to add power to their game should | | | | taken into consideration. Players must also decide |
| look for a racquet that weighs between 8 and 10 | | | | whether they want a more entry-level pre-strung |
| ounces and has an oversize head measuring at least | | | | model, or a premium "performance" frame. Pre-strung |
| 107 square inches. Bigger heads give a tennis racquet | | | | racquets are often discounted, and cost anywhere |
| greater power and spin, at the cost of stability and | | | | from $25 to around $60, while most premium frames |
| control. A lighter racquet with a larger head will offer | | | | can be a little pricier, costing between $100 and $250. |
| more power and improve the chances of making | | | | Premium performance frames usually feature the |
| good contact with the ball. The area inside the head of | | | | latest racquet technology, and allow more |
| the racquet is called the strung surface, and is where | | | | discriminating players the option to to customize the |
| the "sweet spot" is held - the spot where strings | | | | string and tension separately and have it installed in the |
| deliver maximum power with the least amount of | | | | frame. |
| effort. A larger head equals a larger sweet spot, which | | | | Other important factors to consider are whether a |
| is perfect for beginner players desiring extra power on | | | | player wants a traditional racquet length or extra long. |
| the courts. | | | | While extra long frames are more powerful than |
| As players advance in skill and gain strength in their | | | | traditional frames, they may not be as maneuverable. |
| swing, they will probably want to switch to a racquet | | | | Players must also decide if their style of play requires |
| with a slightly smaller head, which provides greater | | | | a racquet that is head-heavy or head-light. |
| maneuverability and accuracy. These are ideal for | | | | Head-heavy racquets offer more power on ground |
| intermediate players, because they offer a unique | | | | strokes, but less control at the net, while head-light |
| blend of power and control. They usually weigh | | | | racquets are easier to maneuver at the net but won't |
| between 9.5 and 10.5 ounces with a head size | | | | deliver exceptional power at the baseline. A general |
| measuring 98 to 105 square inches. | | | | rule of thumb is that as the frame gets lighter, it |
| Advanced players will benefit from greater control in a | | | | typically gets more head heavy. The converse is also |
| racquet, and will likely choose one that is more than | | | | true -- racquets with higher static weights tend to be |
| 10.5 ounces with a head size measuring 90 to 100 | | | | more head light. |