Gear FAQs
How much can a racquet make a difference?
Paying more for a racquet won’t make you play better, but choosing the right racquet (and the right strings) can make a real difference. Racquets come in a variety of specifications that lend themselves to different levels and styles of play. The bottom-line is do research or ask an expert before picking a racquet off the shelf.
How and where do I get my first tennis racquet?
HOW: Talk to your coach first, ask for recommendations. Then consider looking into demo programs that allow you to try out a few racquets before settling on a favorite.
WHERE: You are far better off buying from a reputable specialty store or online retailer than from a sporting goods store or big box retailer. These types of stores generally sell racquets made out of cheaper materials like aluminum and plastic rather than graphite, which is the industry standard.
How much does a good racquet cost?
Brand new models are going to cost $200-280 before stringing costs (add another $20-40). Although this seems expensive, consider that racquets can easily last 5-10 years with regular use and minimal upkeep. If you’re on a budget, you can usually get last year’s model around 25-40% off the original msrp and the performance will be just as good as a current model.
HOT TIP: Racquet manufacturers usually release new models December through February to coincide with the Australian Open and the beginning of the pro season. Budget-conscious consumers should look to buy racquets at the end of the calendar year when older models go on sale. Act fast during this window!
What strings should I put in my racquet and how often do I need to restring?
For string type and tension recommendations: consider reading my string guide here. As far as restringing, the rule of thumb for non-string-breakers is to restring based on how often you play, or at least every 6 months. If you play 2 times per week, restring 2 times per year, or if you play 3 times per week, restring 3 times per year. For polyester strings, you’ll most likely want to restring twice as often as that. Polyester strings are very durable but lose tension faster than most other strings. Some players may not mind the “dead” feeling of loose poly strings, so if you play with poly, use your best judgement.
What size racquet does my child need?
Kids racquets come in 19,” 21,” 23,” 25,” and 26” varieties. Unless your child is unusually tall or short, 21” is typical for a 6-7 year old, 23” is typical for a 7-8 year old, and 25” is typical for age 9 and 10. By 10 or 11, many kids are ready to switch to a light adult racquet with a small grip size, but a 26” racquet will also work well.
What other gear do I need to play tennis?
Tennis-specific shoes are absolutely necessary, especially as you reach higher levels of the game. Tennis shoes provide more lateral support than running shoes and more traction and durability than basketball or volleyball shoes. Also, shorts or skirts with pockets are highly recommended since you’ll probably want to keep at least one extra ball in there during play (leggings are often good too since players can tuck the ball into their waste bands).