Tennis Racquet Buying Guide
Head size, weight, balance and grip — and how they fit together.
Find Demo RacquetsA racquet is a balance of four things: head size, weight, balance point and grip size. This guide explains each one, then shows how they combine for different kinds of players.
Head Size
| Category | Roughly | Plays like |
|---|---|---|
| Midsize | Under about 95 sq in | Precise and controlled; small sweet spot; suits advanced players |
| Midplus | About 95-105 sq in | The all-round middle ground for most club players |
| Oversize | Over about 105 sq in | Forgiving with more easy power; popular with beginners and players with short swings |
Makers print the head size on the frame or throat. Exact category boundaries differ between brands, so use these as rough bands.
Weight and Balance
- Light frames are easy to swing and maneuver, good for beginners, juniors moving to adult frames, and players who want help generating racquet speed.
- Heavier frames feel more solid on contact and transmit less shock, but demand a full, well-timed swing.
- Head-light balance makes a racquet quick at the net and is common on heavier frames.
- Head-heavy balance adds power to lighter frames.
Grip Size
Grip size is measured around the handle. Adult grips commonly run from about 4 inches to around 4 5/8 inches in eighth-inch steps, sometimes labeled with numbers. A grip that is too small makes you squeeze to stop the racquet twisting; a grip that is too large makes it hard to change grips and use your wrist. An overgrip adds a little thickness, so it is easier to build a grip up than to slim it down.
Matching a Racquet to a Player
New adult player
Oversize or large midplus head, light to moderate weight, comfortable grip.
Improving club player
Midplus head, moderate weight, balance to suit net play or baseline play.
Advanced player
Smaller head and heavier frame for control, chosen after demoing several.
Player with arm trouble
A more flexible, moderate-weight frame with softer strings at lower tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my tennis grip size?
One common method: hold your playing hand open and measure from the middle crease of the palm to the tip of the ring finger. Grip sizes are given in inches around the handle, usually in eighths. If you fall between two sizes, many players pick the smaller and build it up with an overgrip.
Is a heavier racquet better?
Heavier frames are more stable and absorb more shock, but they are harder to swing and maneuver. Choose the heaviest racquet you can swing comfortably for a whole match, not just a few shots.
How long can a tennis racquet be?
Under ITF rules, a racquet longer than 29 inches overall is not conforming. Most adult racquets are about 27 inches; junior racquets are shorter.
Demo Before You Buy
Many clubs and specialty shops lend demo racquets. Find tennis shops and clubs near you.
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