Guide to Purchasing Your First Tennis Racket
When purchasing your first tennis racket in the UK, many of the same factors apply as anywhere else, but there are some local considerations regarding where to buy, pricing, and availability. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice:
1. Know Your Playing Level
Beginner: Choose a racket that emphasises ease of use and comfort, typically with a larger head size and lighter weight.
Intermediate/Advanced: If you’ve had some lessons or experience, look for rackets that suit your playing style (e.g., control, spin, or power).
2. Racket Head Size
Oversized (105+ square inches): Great for beginners, providing a large sweet spot and more forgiveness.
Mid-plus (98-104 square inches): Offers a balance between power and control, perfect for most intermediate players.
Mid-size (85-98 square inches): Focuses on control, usually for advanced players.
3. Racket Weight
Lightweight (255-285g): Easier to maneuver and ideal for beginners.
Midweight (285-300g): Provides more stability and power, suitable for improving players.
Heavyweight (300g+): Offers more control but requires more strength to handle, suited for more advanced or competitive players.
4. Grip Size
In the UK, grip sizes are typically measured in inches and range from size 0 (4 inches) to size 5 (4 5/8 inches).
To find the right size, hold the racket and check if there’s a small gap (about a finger width) between your fingers and palm when gripping it. Most UK adults use grip sizes 3 (4 3/8 inches) or 4 (4 1/2 inches), but it’s important to check which size feels best for you.
5. String Pattern
Open (16x19): Provides more spin and power, which is beneficial for beginners looking for more forgiving hits.
Dense (18x20): Offers greater control and durability, often preferred by advanced players.
6. Where to Buy in the UK
Specialist Sports Stores:
Nick Rivett Sport: Both online and physical store we stock a wide range of tennis rackets and often run promotions or discounts.
7. Price Range (UK-specific)
Entry-level (under £50): Suitable for casual beginners. These rackets are pre-strung and offer decent durability for learning the game.
Mid-range (£50-£150): Ideal for players who want to invest in a better quality racket, balancing power and control.
High-end (£150+): These rackets are more suited for advanced or competitive players who have developed a strong playing style.
8. Popular Rackets for Beginners in the UK
Wilson Clash 100L: Lightweight and beginner-friendly.
Head Graphene 360 Speed Lite: A great option for those needing power and maneuverability.
Babolat Pure Drive Lite: A good combination of power and control, often recommended for beginners.
Yonex Ezone 100: Known for its large sweet spot and user-friendly feel.
9. Other Considerations
Weather Conditions: In the UK, weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to invest in a racket bag to protect your racket from rain and moisture.
Tennis Strings and Tension: While beginner rackets usually come pre-strung, you may eventually want to customise the string tension as you improve. A lower tension (50-55 lbs) offers more power and comfort, while higher tension (55-60 lbs) provides more control.
By considering these factors you should be able to find the perfect tennis racket that suits your needs and level of play.