With new rackets launching every few months, it’s an exciting time to be a tennis player. But with so many great options on the market, an important question arises: how do you actually pick the right one?

For all the videos I’ve made on the Rackets & Runners YouTube channel, I’ve never actually put together a step-by-step guide to help you make that decision from start to finish. Whether you’re a beginner choosing your first frame or an experienced player looking to switch, this article will walk you through exactly how to find the racket that fits you best.

And just to make this relatable — I’ve actually been through this process myself. After spending the last couple of years with the Head Boom Pro, I’m finally going to switch rackets, so every step in this guide is something I’ve personally lived through.

Let’s dive into the six key steps you should follow when choosing your next racket.

 

Step 1 — Set Your Budget

The first step is simple: determine how much you’re willing to spend.

If you’re new to tennis or want something that doesn’t break the bank, it’s perfectly fine to stay under the $150 mark. There are some solid rackets in that range, just make sure to buy a racket that is made of graphite.

Graphite is the same material used in top-end rackets. Even though entry-level models don’t have the same advanced layups or dampening systems, graphite still gives you more stability, power, and feel compared to cheaper composite or aluminum rackets. It’s absolutely worth the investment, even for beginners. The Head Graphene XT Radical S is a great starter option at around $130.

The only limitation at this price point is variety — these rackets are often one-size-fits-all, designed for general playability rather than anything too personalized.

If you’re planning to take tennis a little more seriously, it’s worth looking into top-end rackets, which typically start around $300. I know that’s a significant jump, but here’s why it’s worth it:

• • You get access to the most modern graphite constructions, technologies, and designs.
  • You can choose a racket that better matches your specific playing style.
  • Rackets are extremely durable — if you take care of them, they’ll last for years, making the cost easier to swallow.

If you are ok making the jump to a top end racket, you can move on to step 2.

 

Step 2 — Learn the Racket Categories

Once you’ve set your budget, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the main racket categories. Understanding this will quickly streamline the buying process.

Broadly speaking, there are three broad racket categories: game improvement rackets, tweener rackets, and player’s rackets.

Game Improvement Rackets

These rackets are designed to help players as much as possible, meaning they are more powerful and more forgiving than most others. They typically feature larger head sizes (over 105 square inches) and they are always very light (less than 270 grams).

We recommend the Wilson Triad Three, Head Instinct PWR, and Wilson Ultra 108.

These rackets are great for older players who need extra help generating power and getting the ball over the net. The issue with game-improvement rackets is that they can be imprecise and unstable, making them unsuitable for intermediates and advanced players. Even beginners who are hoping to improve should avoid these rackets because they will limit your development. Instead, take a look at tweener rackets.

Tweener Rackets

This is the category most players — from beginners to professionals — fall into. “Tweeners” balance power, control, and forgiveness, usually with head sizes around 100 square inches and medium weights (285-300 grams).

Popular examples include the Babolat Pure Drive, Yonex Ezone 100, and Head Speed MP.
They’re versatile, easy to use, and work well for just about every level of player, which is why they dominate the market. Compared to tweeners, these rackets are much more viable to learn with or play at a high level because they are more stable and provide more feedback, which is invaluable to develop your technique.

Player’s Rackets

These are control-oriented rackets made for experienced players. They have smaller head sizes (typically 98 square inches or less) and heavier static weights (305 grams or more).

They deliver a more connected, rewarding feel but also demand consistent technique, timing and precise footwork. Frames like the Wilson Blade 98, Yonex Percept 97, and Babolat Pure Strike 98 fall into this category.

You should avoid these rackets if you’re not yet an advanced player as they are quite punishing and may actually slow your development. Of course, for high-level players who value control and feedback, they’re incredibly satisfying and are loved by many.

Step 3 — Identify Your Playing Style

Once you understand the racket categories, it’s time to determine which one is going to work for you. Figure out what type of player you are by identifying your strengths and weaknesses. This is easy to do for intermediates and advanced players who have been playing for a while, but beginners can too.

For example, if you’re naturally strong, athletic, or tall, you will probably have an easy time generating power.

Use little clues like that to identify your likely style and once you have, then it’s time to figure out whether you want a racket that complements your strengths, or eliminates your weaknesses.

If you are naturally powerful, you may want to try a control-oriented racket that helps you keep the ball in. If you struggle to hit the ball deep but you have no issues with control, a power or spin-oriented frame could help you generate more power.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. Racket complementarity is a more popular choice because it feels more natural, but picking a racket that accounts for your weaknesses can really help to unlock your game.

Personally, I’ve always gravitated toward control rackets because I hit a flatter ball and like the precision they give me, but recently, I started playing more with the Babolat Pure Drive. The Pure Drive is a true power racket, and I was surprise by how much I appreciated the heavier ball it helped me produce. What surprised me the most was that I didn’t feel a significant loss in control. The point is, you never know how you’re going to respond to going outside your comfort zone and it could benefit your game in the long run.

Even professional players are strategic with their equipment choices. Many shorter players opt for extended rackets to get more leverage on serve, and others are switching to more powerful frames to adapt to slower conditions on tour.

Your racket is a tool. Use it to give yourself every advantage you can.

Step 4 — Narrow Down Your Options

Once you’ve determined your style and the racket category you’ll be picking from, it’s time to narrow your search to a handful of specific options to demo.

You don’t want to take 10 rackets out to the court — you’ll just confuse yourself. Instead, aim for four or five, so use the resources available to shorten your list.

Whether online or in-person, there are plenty of resources available to you:

• YouTube reviews: Channels like Tennis Nerd and our very own Rackets & Runners Tennis are a great place to start. Take notes from multiple reviewers and see what rackets stand out as options that could work.
  
  
• Your coach: If you take lessons, ask your coach for input. They see how you play and know what might fit your strengths and weaknesses.
  
  
• Stringers: Our staff at Rackets & Runners test almost every racket we sell. We know how they perform and who they generally suit best because we send them out for demo every day. We are more than happy to help you find the right match.

Once you’ve done your research and narrowed it down to four or five rackets, it’s time for the most important step.

 

Step 5 — Demo, Demo, Demo

All the research in the world can’t replace actually hitting with a racket.

On paper, a racket might sound perfect, but once you get it on court, it just might not click, and that’s totally fine.

The tennis racket is a uniquely personal piece of gear. It’s not like shoes, where you can tolerate small imperfections, or clothing that doesn’t matter for performance. Your racket is an extension of your arm, and it has to feel right.

When you demo, don’t overthink it — trust your instincts. You’ll often know within a few minutes if something works or doesn’t. For example, I love the Babolat Pure Aero 98 as a reviewer — it’s one of the most impressive rackets I’ve tested — but for my game, something’s a little off. No amount of research could have told me that.

So take your short list, hit with each frame, and figure out which ones you naturally gravitate toward. After a couple of sessions, you’ll probably have one or two clear favourites and it’s time to move on to the final step.

If you live in Greater Vancouver, we have a fantastic demo program.

Step 6 — Test Under Pressure

This final step may be the most frustrating, but it’s extremely important: test your racket in pressure situations.

I’m not saying to take a demo straight into a tournament, that’s not smart, but play some points against someone who pushes you, especially someone you hate losing to. The extra tension will quickly expose whether the racket truly fits you.

When you tighten up under pressure, your swing changes, your timing may be a little off, everything gets a little harder. That’s when you’ll really see if your racket helps you or hurts you in pressure situations.

I spent several weeks testing the Babolat Pure Strike 98 and played really well in practice rallies, but when I started playing sets, I realized it was too heavy for me. Once I got tight, I couldn’t accelerate through the ball to produce adequate spin, and my shots started sailing long. It was a tough realization, but an important one — that frame wasn’t “pressure-proof” for my game.

So take your time during this phase. Play as many points as you can and if the racket feels right even under pressure, that’s your final sign that it’s the one.

You’ve Found your Racket!

Choosing a tennis racket can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into defined steps makes the process much easier. As a reminder:

1. 1. Set your budget
   2. Learn the main racket categories
   3. Identify your playing style
   4. Narrow your options through research
   5. Demo the shortlist
   6. Test the last couple under pressure

If you follow this process, I guarantee that you will find the perfect racket for your game.

When you’re ready to start your own search, visit us in-store or online at racketsandrunners.ca. Our team can help you find the perfect frame and set you up with demos to start your journey.