Weight, balance, head size, string pattern, and stiffness – five factors that determine whether a racket is right for you. In this guide, we explain what they mean, how to match a racket to your skill level and playing style, common mistakes to avoid, and why a demo session can make all the difference.
By the Tennis Shop Experts Bjorn Rehnquist (Former ITF World Ranking Juniors Nr 3) & Magnus Gustafsson (Former ATP ranking nr 10) · Tennisshopen.se – Tennis and Padel Since 1976 · Reading time: approx. 9 minutes
The right racket makes tennis more enjoyable, helps you improve faster, and is gentler on your arm. The wrong racket can do the exact opposite: slow your development, reduce your enjoyment of the game, and in the worst case contribute to overuse injuries. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to choose the right racket—you simply need to understand five key factors and how they relate to the way you play.
Since 1976, we have helped everyone from beginners to elite players find the right equipment. In this guide, we’ve gathered the most important information—without unnecessary technical jargon—so you can make your purchase with confidence. We’ll begin with the five characteristics that determine how a racket feels and performs, then explain how to match them to your skill level, and finish with a practical checklist and answers to the most common questions.
One thing is worth stating right away: there is no single “best” racket. The racket that suits a hard-hitting singles player rarely suits a beginner who mainly plays for fitness and recreation. The goal is not to find the most expensive or advanced model on the market, but the one that helps you play better and enjoy your time on court.
Almost everything that distinguishes one racket from another can be boiled down to five characteristics. Learn these, and you’ll be able to read any product specification and understand how a racket is likely to feel and perform.
Most adult rackets weigh between 270 and 320 grams unstrung. A lighter racket is easier to swing, quicker at the net, and generally easier on the arm—but it provides less stability when facing hard shots from your opponent. A heavier racket offers more stability and plow-through power, but requires greater technique and strength to use effectively over an entire session.
If you’re unsure, a racket weighing between 270 and 310 grams is a safe starting point for most players.
Keep in mind that the actual on-court weight will be higher once the racket is strung and fitted with accessories such as an overgrip or vibration dampener. Unless you have many years of tennis experience, it’s usually best to avoid the heaviest models. For experienced players, weights around 310 grams can work very well. The most common range is approximately 280–305 grams.
Balance describes where the racket’s center of mass is located.
A head-light racket feels easier to maneuver and suits players who generate plenty of their own racket-head speed. A head-heavy racket places more mass in the head, providing additional power on shorter swings—common in lighter rackets that compensate for their lower overall weight. A neutral balance falls somewhere in between.
Two rackets with the same weight can feel completely different depending on their balance point. A standard midpoint balance is around 32 cm (320 mm).
Head size is measured in square inches (typically 95–115 sq in).
A larger head size (105–115 sq in) provides a larger sweet spot, more forgiveness on off-center hits, and extra power—making it a popular choice for beginners. A smaller head size (below 98 sq in) offers greater control and precision, which advanced players often prefer.
Mid-sized heads (98–104 sq in) provide an excellent balance that suits many club players. We generally recommend a head size between 98 and 104 sq in. A 100 sq in head is one of the most popular options and can be mastered by both beginners and experienced players alike.
The string pattern is expressed as the number of main and cross strings, such as 16x19 or 18x20.
A more open pattern (fewer strings, e.g., 16x19) provides more spin potential, more power, and a softer feel. A denser pattern (e.g., 18x20) offers greater control and typically increases string durability.
If you enjoy playing with heavy topspin, an open pattern (16x19 or more open) is usually preferable. Keep in mind that the string type and tension have just as much impact on performance: lower tension provides more power, while higher tension offers more control.
Strings are also consumables. They gradually lose elasticity and tension over time, so even the best racket can feel disappointing if fitted with worn-out strings.
The stiffness of the frame affects both power and comfort.
A stiffer frame generates more power and maintains its shape better at impact, but may transfer more vibration to the arm. A softer, more flexible frame often provides better comfort and control while being easier on the body—something worth considering if you are prone to elbow discomfort or have previously suffered from tennis elbow.
No single characteristic is inherently “best.” What matters is the combination.
A light racket with a large head and open string pattern is forgiving and easy to play with. A heavier racket with a smaller head and denser pattern provides greater control but demands more from the player.
The key is finding your personal balance between power, control, and comfort.
One factor that is often overlooked is grip size.
A grip that is too small causes you to squeeze the handle harder than necessary, leading to forearm fatigue and potentially injuries. A grip that is too large becomes difficult to rotate in the hand during quick strokes.
A simple rule of thumb: hold the racket with an Eastern grip. There should be approximately one finger’s width of space between your fingertips and the palm of your hand.
Grip size can be increased slightly with an overgrip, so if you are between sizes, it is usually better to choose the smaller option rather than the larger one.
The best way to narrow down your options is to start with your current level of play.
Prioritize a racket that is forgiving and enjoyable to play with.
This typically means:
Weight: 270–300 g
Head size: 100 sq in and larger
Head-light or neutral balance
Slightly softer frame
These characteristics make it easier to develop timing, achieve cleaner contact, and play longer without fatigue.
At this stage, you can start tailoring your racket to your playing style.
A weight range of 280–310 g and a head size of 98–104 sq in provide an excellent blend of power and control.
Ask yourself whether you want more power (larger head size and more open pattern) or more control (smaller head size and denser pattern).
Advanced players generate their own power and prioritize precision.
Typical specifications include:
Weight: 300–330 g
Head size: 95–100 sq in
Denser string pattern
Control-oriented feel
At this level, stability and predictability become more important than maximum power.
| Level | Weight | Head Size | Desired Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 270–300 g | 100–120 sq in | Forgiving, easy to play, arm-friendly |
| Intermediate / Club | 295–310 g | 98–104 sq in | Balanced power and control |
| Advanced | 305–330 g | 95–100 sq in | Control, stability, precision |
These are guidelines only—your body, technique, and playing style always matter more than a chart.
Buying the same racket as your favorite professional player. Professional rackets are often heavier, highly customized, and designed for elite-level performance.
Choosing based solely on appearance or price. The color may stand out on court, but feel and performance determine how you play.
Selecting a racket over 310 g too early. It may feel stable in the store but become exhausting after an hour of play.
Ignoring grip size. Incorrect grip size is a common cause of forearm fatigue and injury.
Forgetting to restring. Old strings reduce both control and feel, even in an excellent racket.
Buying without testing. Specifications tell one story; how the racket feels in your hand tells another.
Two rackets with nearly identical specifications can feel completely different.
That’s why testing a racket before buying is the best way to make the right choice. In our 500 m² store in central Gothenburg, next to Liseberg, you can compare rackets side by side and receive expert guidance based on your level and playing style.
Bring your current racket as a reference, hit a few balls with each candidate, and pay attention to how they feel in your hand, during the swing, and at impact.
Start with two or three rackets within the appropriate weight range for your level and test them using the same balls and string setup. This allows you to compare feel rather than variables. Many players are surprised by how much balance affects the overall experience when everything else is similar.
✓ I know roughly what level I play at (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
✓ I have chosen a weight that feels manageable throughout an entire session.
✓ The head size and string pattern match whether I want more power or more control.
✓ The grip size feels correct in my hand (slightly too small is better than too large).
✓ I have tested the racket or scheduled a visit to do so.
✓ I have a plan for restringing to keep the racket performing well.
Good rackets are available at many price points. As a beginner, you rarely need the most expensive model. A mid-range racket often provides better value and more forgiving characteristics.
Consider allocating part of your budget to restringing and an overgrip, as these can influence feel more than many players realize. Think of your racket as an investment that should last several seasons.
Absolutely. The string and its tension account for a large part of how a racket feels and performs.
The same racket can feel completely different depending on the string setup. Give some thought to string selection and restring regularly—it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain performance.
No. The same racket works perfectly well on all court surfaces.
Your shoes should be adapted to the surface, not your racket. If you'd like to learn more, we have a separate guide dedicated to tennis shoes.
A common rule of thumb is to restring as many times per year as you play per week.
For example, if you play twice a week, two restringings per year is a reasonable starting point. Players who play frequently or break strings often should restring more regularly.
Junior rackets are shorter and lighter, designed for a child’s height and strength.
Adults should use a full-length racket (typically 27 inches) with a weight and balance appropriate for their physique. For children, always follow size guides based on height to promote proper technique and help prevent injuries.
Explore our complete range of tennis rackets—filter by skill level, weight, and brand—or book a demo session at our Gothenburg store and let our experts guide you every step of the way.
→ View all tennis rackets: Senior Tennis Rackets – Find the Right Racket | Tennisshopen.se
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