The Best Tennis Racquets for Beginners 2024 Reviews
There is no doubt that tennis is the sport for a lifetime, since it is a low-impact game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. The right gear – including a tennis racket for beginners – is crucial if you’re a newbie.
The Head TI S6 is the Best Tennis Racquets for Beginners. Beginners will love this racquet due to its large head size, light frame, and affordable price.
If you have specific goals, are old, have a low fitness level, or need a racquet that fits you better, then you may need a different racquet. Prince Ripstick 100 is my recommendation for serious beginners, which will allow you to improve more quickly.
You will find a review of the 9 best tennis racquets for beginners on the market today, including their pros, cons, and alternatives. We also provide a buyer’s guide to assist you in choosing the right racquet for you.
Tennis has been our passion for over 20 years, and we’ve tested racquets and coached beginners through advanced players. The best brands of racquets have been tested and reviewed by our team for comfort, power, control, spin, and weight, so you can see how they perform on the court.
Best Beginner Tennis Racquets in 2024
Here are our nine favorites from today’s top tennis racquets for beginners. Each of the nine racquets is considered an adult tennis racquet.
On the racquet pages, you’ll find detailed descriptions, specifications, a ranking by the USTA, and the relative price (on a 1-3 scale). As well as the pros and cons, we included an image of the racquet.
Babolat Boost Drive W
A racquet like this should definitely be considered by players entering high school who wish to give tennis a try. The player can grow in their game while also staying within a budget.
At 105 square inches, this racquet is smaller for beginners, but due to its maneuverability, it is perfect for high school doubles players. Aside from its power and spin capabilities, it also has an easy-to-use design.
The racquet may be too light for more serious players, but it can still grow with a player into the lower intermediate level. Tennis racquets are not only great for professionals, they are also great for recreational players.
Head TI S6
Under $100, this is the best tennis racquet for teens and adults learning how to play tennis.
Since it is titanium infused, it is lightweight (8.9 ounces strung), so you can control it easily from the baseline. This racquet’s large frame and weight distribution will help you generate power on shots. With 115 square inches of frame size, this racket has a large sweet spot in case of mishits.
With its 16×19 string pattern, this is one of the best tennis racquets for spin. The more you improve your game, the more topspin you’ll be able to generate. Further away from the handle, the main strings of this racquet spread wider. The racquet feels excellent when combined with the frame technology.
If you want to become a more avid recreational player, this racquet offers the best value. Tennis players just starting their tennis journey may find it to be one of the more affordable gifts. This racquet is not recommended for advanced players due to its bulk and difficulty maneuvering at the net.
Babolat Pure Drive 110
In terms of power, the Babolat Pure Drive is one of the best tennis racquets on the market. Tennis racquets like the Pure Drive 110 are perfect for adult beginners who are looking for a quality, powerful racquet.
A lightweight and easy-to-maneuver Babolat Pure Drive is available with a 110 sq. inch head for a wider sweet spot. Power will be generated as a result of that, along with the wide frame.
In order to improve your game, you can keep using the string pattern to generate spin. You won’t need to change racquets if you become an intermediate player.
Wilson Clash 108
Tennis racquets like the Wilson Clash are perfect for beginners as well as high-level intermediate players. Fast improvement is possible with the Clash 108!
Beginners will benefit from this racquet’s big sweet spot thanks to its 108 square inches of head area. You can control and feel the racquet well with this versatile racquet.
With an extra .25 inches in length, your serve and groundstrokes will be more powerful. Clash 108 offers plenty of spin for beginners who want to learn topspin.
There are few tennis racquets on the market that are as forgiving and comfortable as this one. Most beginner racquets are more expensive than this one. Nonetheless, if you want to improve quickly and play tennis frequently, it is worth the investment.
Head Boom Team
In the Team version of the Head Boom, you get an entry-level racquet that is good for athletic adults. With this racquet, you can quickly improve from a beginner to an intermediate player.
The 102-inch head size of this racquet makes it perfect for both beginners and intermediate players. Its lightweight frame of 10.2 ounces makes it easy to handle as well.
String patterns 1619 and 1619 offer good power and can help you learn topspin as you progress. For a beginner racquet, the beam of the frame is relatively narrow to provide controlled power.
It is a great racquet for players with good hand-eye coordination and a moderate level of athleticism. In terms of helping players place and control their shots, this racquet is definitely one of the best beginners or low-level intermediate models on the market.
Wilson Hammer Adult Recreational Tennis Rackets
Wilson’s line of hammer racquets is perfect for players looking for a balance between control and power.
With an oversized frame (110 square inches) there is a tighter string pattern (18×20) than most beginner racquets.
Your shots will be placed better all over the court if you do this. Even though it is lightweight, it is heavy enough to provide a significant improvement in your game.
In our opinion, this is not a good choice for advanced players or upper-level intermediates, but if you play regularly, it would give you a few years to better your game.
Wilson Tour Slam
This Wilson tennis racquet is a great choice if you need a cheap tennis racquet for just one event or are on a tight budget. This is the best value on the market for racquets under $50. Quality tennis gear is made by Wilson, a major, trusted tennis brand.
For the price, this racquet has a great feel and a large sweet spot because its 110 square inches give you a lot of sweet spot to play with. The 11.5 ounce weight makes it a bit heavy for a beginner’s racquet.
You can also try tennis for a low price to see if you like it without spending a lot of money. The racquet is not recommended for serious tennis players who want to improve to intermediate level.
Prince O3 Legacy 120
A Prince O3 Legacy 120 is an excellent choice for seniors looking to get into tennis, either for exercise or social reasons. To minimize harsh vibrations and maximize comfort, Prince’s unique grommetless O3 technology is used.
There is excellent stability and power with this racquet’s 120-square-inch head. Typically used by seniors, it offers excellent forgiveness and allows for slower, more controlled swings. The 16×19 string pattern of the racket, along with its large head size, contributes to strong spin potential on both serves and baseline shots.
This racquet’s extended length (27.25 inches) makes it less maneuverable, so fast and aggressive players shouldn’t use it.
Best Tennis Racquet for Beginner Adults
In general, adults who want to learn to play tennis should start with racquets that have more than 100 square inches and weigh less than 11 ounces.
It will be easier to play tennis if you have racquets with larger heads. You’ll be able to generate power and handle the bike better if your sweet spot is larger and the frame is lightweight.
The three best starter racquets for adults are as follows:
Best Low-Cost Racquet for Beginner Adults: Head TI S6
Best High-End Racquet for Beginner Adults: Wilson Clash 108
Best Tennis Racquet for Female Beginners
The needs of female beginners tend to be greater in terms of power and control than those of men. It is recommended that female beginners choose a racquet that is over 105 square inches and weighs under 10 ounces.
Best Overall Tennis Racquet for Female Beginners: Babolat Pure Drive 110
Best Budget Tennis Racquet for Female Beginners: Head TI S6
These two racquets offer a lot of power with lightweight technology that can increase the spin on your shots as you improve.
Best Tennis Racquet for Beginner to Intermediate Players
To advance from beginner to intermediate level, tennis players need racquets that allow for improvement.
If you want to learn new skills like topspin, you need to choose a racquet with a generous sweet spot. The tennis ball will come back faster as your game progresses, so you’ll need a racquet that is less bulky as well. Your racquet should have a square area of 100 to 105 inches. With this, you will be able to find a balance between spin, power, control, and maneuverability.
Best Lightweight Racquet for Beginner: Head Boom Team
You can develop control and topspin with both racquets above, which provide plenty of power for a beginner. More options are available in our reviews of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players.
How to Choose the Best Tennis Racquet for Beginners
Tennis racquets aren’t perfect for everyone, so beginners should keep this in mind when choosing a racquet. To choose the best beginner racquet, you need to determine what you need from your racquet.
You will sacrifice some control if you need a more powerful racquet.
Head size and weight are the two main factors to consider when choosing the right racquet for a beginner.
Let’s start with a few questions.
- How old is the child who will use the racquet? Adult racquets can be used by anyone over the age of 14. You can shop for junior racquets here.
- How much power and control do you need? Racquets with a power-oriented focus will have larger frames and heads. Control racquets have smaller heads
- Are you good at hand-eye coordination? Tennis players who play other sports can use smaller racquets.
- How much are you willing to spend? You’ll need a higher-quality racquet if you’re serious about improving in tennis.
Here, you’ll find a great beginner racquet no matter how you answer these questions.
To understand how tennis racquets affect performance, you must first understand their main characteristics. In order to clarify, I’m going to compare beginner racquets with advanced racquets.
What is the Difference Between Beginner and Advanced Tennis Racquets?
Racquets for beginners usually have larger heads and are lighter than those for advanced players.
A beginner’s racquet may also have a thicker frame and be stiffer than an advanced racquet. Their arm-friendly design is hampered by this.
You can use the table below to get a general idea of what specs a beginner racquet should have.
Skill Level Specification Table for Racquets
For tennis players of various skill levels, here is a chart showing the specifications of tennis racquets.
This chart will, of course, have exceptions. Playing other sports that involve hand-eye coordination, such as tennis, might not require as much power, so you can use a smaller racquet.
| Racquet Specifications | Beginner Players Only | Intermediate& Some Beginner | Advanced & Some Intermediate |
| Head Size(sq. inches) | 107 – 115 | 100 – 110 | 95 – 100 |
| Weight(strung) | Under 11 Ounces | 10.1 – 11.5 Ounces | Over 11 Ounces |
| Price | Under $150 | $100 & up | $150 & up |
| Power vs Control | More Power | Balanced Racquet | More Control |
Note on Racquet Length: The average tennis racquet measures 27 inches in length. Although they can go up to 28 inches, you shouldn’t consider this when buying.
Those who are athletic and fit can start with one of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players. Your skills will improve more quickly if you do this.
Tennis Racquet Parts Beginners Should Know
The parts of a tennis racquet should be familiar to you before choosing the right one for you.
Handle: The bottom of a tennis racquet held by a player.
Grip: The material that surrounds the handle. Playing requires your hand to make contact with the grip.
Throat: Above and below the grip of a racquet, this triangle is called the throat.
Head: The oval-shaped portion of the racquet where the strings are attached.
Frame: Racquet’s throat and head are composed of this structure.
Strings: Racquet parts that make contact with the ball. Regular replacement of these is recommended.
Below, I am holding the grip/handle with my right hand. The tennis racquet throat is held in my left hand.
You can also read Best Tennis Rackets Under 50$
How To Choose a Racquet Head Size for Beginner
Beginners should generally choose a racquet with a large head size, over 100 square inches, especially if they have poor hand-eye coordination or need assistance creating power on their shots. Larger frames are the best tennis racquets for power.
The center of the racquet is not consistently made contact with the ball for people who are learning tennis. The sweet spot of a racquet is bigger when the frame is larger. As a result, you can be less precise with your point of contact.
It is easier for advanced players to hit the ball at the same spot on the strings with a smaller racquet head size. Those who are just starting out need racquets that are bigger and more forgiving.
Power can also be increased by using larger heads. Beginning players are able to swing slowly and controllably while still improving their power.
Larger head-size racquets are powerful and forgiving and have a large sweet spot (great for seniors)
For tennis players over 70, 110 square inches is a good head size. It will maximize the sweet spot.
Sports Racquets Provide Better Control & Maneuverability
Playing sports and being physically fit will probably make you have good hand-eye coordination. Therefore, you need a racquet that is easy to handle and can be maneuvered well. You will be able to improve more quickly if you have a smaller head size.
Choosing the Right Racquet Weight: Manipulation & Handling vs. Power & Stability
The lighter the racquet, the easier it is to handle, while the heavier the racquet, the better.
Racquets with more weight are more stable and powerful, allowing you to absorb and redirect shots more easily.
With lighter racquets, you can maneuver better and swing more easily. The easiest racquet to handle is generally more important for beginners, since they do not hit the ball fast.
The best racquet for beginners is one that weighs less than 11 ounces.
Seniors & Less Physically Strong Adult Beginners Should Use a Light Racquet
If you’re a senior or an adult player with less physical strength and athletic ability, you should find a racquet that weighs between 9 and 10.5 oz. Having a faster racquet head speed will make swinging easier.
Best Lightweight Racquet for Beginners: Wilson Hyper Hammer
Stronger, younger adults should use heavier rackets
A heavier racquet will be better for you if you’re young, physically strong, and athletic. Your shots will improve faster if you do this and you will maintain control over them. An 11-ounce racquet would be ideal.
Best Beginner Racquets for Stability (Heavier): Wilson Clash 108
Picking the Right Grip Size for Your Racquet
There are several grip sizes available on most racquets, ranging from 4 15 to 4 508. You can find the grip size on the bottom of your racquet. As an alternative to a fraction, a number can sometimes be used to represent the size between 1 and 5.
The most common handle is 438, which has a 3 on the bottom.
You can start with a 414 (2) if you have small hands.
The 412 (4) is a good choice if your hands are large.
On one of my racquets, I have a 4 grip size, while on the other, I have a 3. To make the smaller racquets feel the same, I use an extra grip.
You should choose the smaller option if you are unsure. You can compensate for the difference by adding any of the best tennis overgrips. You can, however, order a smaller grip size if the size is too big, but it won’t be possible to customize it afterward.
Beginners should start with a synthetic gut
Tennis string tension or type does not need to matter much to beginners. If you want to get the best tennis strings for the cheapest price, you should opt for one of the cheaper ones. Beginners won’t notice a big difference between high-end strings and cheap strings.
At your local tennis shop, select a synthetic gut string that is relatively inexpensive.
It is recommended to string the racquet with 50 to 55 pounds of tension, depending on the manufacturer.
On the frame, the recommended tension can usually be found written in a 10-pound range (e.g. 50 – 60 lbs). The middle option is the best choice in this case (55 lbs).
Generally speaking, loose strings provide more power and wider sweet spots. As you won’t have to swing as hard with looser shoes, you are also less likely to suffer tennis elbow injuries. You can also prevent injuries with the best tennis elbow braces. More control comes with tighter strings, but a smaller sweet spot.
Also, read Wilson Vs Babolat Tennis Rackets
What should I budget for a good racquet?
When choosing a racquet, budget is also a major consideration.
An investment of $150 or more is recommend if you are a serious beginner.
Tennis racquets can be found for around $100 if you’re not sure you’ll play for a long time.
Tennis racquets that are the best are all over $150. There are, however, usually discounts available on previous versions of the racquets. It’s usually only a cosmetic change that makes the new version better than the old one.
What size tennis racket should I buy?
According to Delanoe, it is important to consider your age and strength when choosing a racket size. The average tennis racket for adults measures about 27 inches long.
The next consideration is the size of the head. In general, oversized heads have more power – especially for beginners who may have difficulty putting the ball into their sweet spot – but they don’t offer as much control.
Start with a head size of at least 100 square inches when you’re just getting started. A racquet with a head size of 85 to 97 square inches is recommended for intermediate players who wish to practice more precise shots.
FAQs
What is the ideal weight for a beginner’s tennis racquet?
Typically, beginners need a tennis racquet that weighs between 9 and 10.5 ounces. Beginners will find this range easier to handle and control as it balances power and maneuverability well.
How often should I restring my racquet?
If you play often, you may need to restring your guitar more frequently. Regular players should restring their racquets every 3-4 months. Nevertheless, if your performance has declined or if you are an avid player, consider restringing your guitar more frequently.
Can I use an advanced player’s racquet as a beginner?
The possibility exists, but it’s not recommended. For more experienced players who are capable of generating power and control, advanced player racquets are designed. For beginners, it’s best to choose a racquet that offers a balance of forgiveness and ease of use.
What grip size is suitable for small hands?
In general, grip sizes between 4 and 4 1/8 inches are suitable for players with small hands. A comfortable and secure grip size is essential for preventing strain and improving control when holding the racquet.
Do I need to break the bank for a good tennis racquet?
No, you don’t. The options available for beginners are excellent and budget-friendly. Your budget should allow you to choose racquets that offer a good balance of features. Choosing the right racquet is not always about the most expensive one on the market, but about one that fits your playing style and skill level.
Conclusion
When there are dozens of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide what racquet will suit you best. Tennis racquets with power are needed by beginners since they take slower, more controlled swings. It is also more fun to play the game with a larger head size and sweet spot until you reach the intermediate level with these racquets.
Tennis beginners will benefit from the Head TI S6 tennis racquet’s balance between power and control, feel and spin. Besides being affordable, it’s a good way to try a new sport without investing a lot.
