How to choose a tennis racket when you're starting out

The criteria that matter for a beginner

Head size

This is the number one criterion when you start. A large head (100 to 105 in²) forgives off-centre hits and gives you more free power. Avoid the 98 in² frames aimed at experienced players — they shrink the sweet spot and punish the smallest technical flaw.

Weight

A racket that is too heavy tires you out, gets in the way of your technique and raises the risk of arm injury. As a beginner, aim for 265 to 290 g (9.3 to 10.2 oz) unstrung. As you improve you can gradually move up in weight to gain control and stability.

Length

The standard length is 27 inches, and that is what you want when starting out. Slightly longer frames (27.5 inches) give you more power but are harder to handle at the net and on the return.

Stiffness (RA)

A stiff racket (RA above 68) returns more energy but passes more vibration into your arm. For a beginner, a moderate stiffness (62–67) is the right compromise between power and comfort.

What to avoid at all costs

Unbranded budget rackets sold for under $25 in supermarkets are built from poor materials. They vibrate heavily, lose their shape quickly and can cause arm pain (tennis elbow).

Tour-level rackets (standard Babolat Pure Aero, Wilson Pro Staff, Head Prestige) are designed for experienced players. They need solid technique to work at all — in a beginner's hands they are uncomfortable and counterproductive.

Shopping on price alone is a mistake in both directions. Between $70 and $140 you will find excellent beginner and intermediate rackets from the major brands (Babolat, Wilson, Head, Yonex). Above that, the extra cost buys technical features that only benefit advanced players.

The best beginner rackets in 2026

Without going into an exhaustive comparison, these are the profiles most people agree on:

• Babolat Pure Drive Lite / Boost — light, powerful and very versatile. A great way to improve without hurting yourself.
• Wilson Clash 100 v2 — exceptional comfort and very little vibration. The pick if you already get arm pain.
• Head Ti S6 — light and oversized, with a huge hitting zone for beginners who are still inconsistent.
• Yonex EZone 100 — comfort and power with a generous head, pleasant to play with from the very first hit.

Strings: the variable everyone forgets

As a beginner, go for a multifilament or a synthetic gut, strung at a low tension (48–53 lbs). They are far more comfortable and absorb vibration better than a monofilament polyester. Poly is for players who generate heavy spin and break strings often.

À découvrir

Great rackets to start with