Are you new to tennis and unsure which racket to pick? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll simplify the process of finding the best tennis rackets for beginners. We’ll break down what to look for and share our top recommendations.
The 8 Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners
- Wilson Clash 100 V2 (Best Overall)
- Babolat Pure Aero 2023 (Best Comfort & Control)
- Head Radical MP ( Best Control & Feel)
- Yonex Ezone 100 (Best for All-rounders)
- Wilson Pro Staff 97L V14 (Best Feel & Precision)
- Babolat Pure Drive (Best Power & Control)
- Babolat Pure Strike 98 (2024) (Large Sweetspot & Feel)
- Dunlop FX 500 (Best for Solid Power)
Our Top Pick Tennis Racket for Beginners is Wilson Clash 100 V2. This racket has all the best features for beginners and also you can grow your skills to an immediate level without changing to other any rackets. If you like the color or cosmetics of the racket, buy this racket, it can’t be wrong.
How to Choose Beginner Tennis Rackets?
There are two fundamental tips and critical racket characteristics that beginners should keep in mind when selecting a racket. These pointers are likewise verified by some professional players.
Tips for Choosing Beginner Tennis Rackets
- One Step Further: When you first begin playing tennis, you’re already a beginner-level player. Therefore, choose a tennis racket that is suitable for immediate players but with some beginner preferences.
- Your Aesthetics: Don’t underestimate the significance of aesthetics, particularly at the beginning of your tennis journey.
Essential Racket Specs for Beginner Players
Beginners should grow out of their rackets, not into them. Begin with a racket that feels relatively effortless.
- Racket Head Size 98 to 100 sq. inches: Unlike other experts, who suggest beginners get an oversized racket head (over 105 sq. inches) to make it easier to hit the ball, we suggest a mid-sized racket head for beginners to learn how to swing and use their body power.
- Racket Weight (unstrung) 10 to 11 oz. This is a tweener weight for beginners to swing. Avoid excessively massive (over 11 oz) or excessively light (under 10 oz) tennis rackets at first.
Top 8 Tennis Rackets for Beginners
Here are the reviews of the best tennis racquets for beginners, we’ve gathered all the critical specifications you need to choose your very first racket. Let’s dive right in.
Wilson Clash 100 V2 – Best Overall Tennis Racket for Beginners
The perfect combination of spin, power, and maneuverability. The patented technology of FORTYFIVE allows the racquet to bend across a wide range of stroke paths, enabling a comfortable feel at impact. This is a flexible racket with sufficient power, and most importantly it’s so comfortable. This racket has been recognized as the No.1 choice for those who just begin to play tennis.
Pros
- great for players who have arm or elbow issues
- easy to swing
- great performance at volleys
- modern cosmetics
- some sustainable components
Cons
- less feel of ball connection
- lack of stability
Specifications
| Head Size | 100 in² / 645 cm² |
| Weight (unstrung) | 10.4 oz / 295 g |
| Balance (unstrung) | 310 mm / 10 pts HL |
| Length | 27 in |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Rec. String Tension | 50-60 lbs / 22-27 kg |
Needs the same racket but a lighter one? Choose Wison Clash 100L V2 which results in 9.9 oz/280 g for those who may not be able to swing easily with the regular version of the racket.
Babolat Pure Aero 2023 – Best Beginner Tennis Racket for Comfort and Control
It’s the latest signature model of Babolat. Babolat adds comfort with NF² Technology to soften ball impact, less pressure on your arm, and more comfort when hitting the ball. Also updates its FSI Spin technology with slightly tighter string spacing, resulting in more control.
Pros
- added comfort
- better control
- easy to produce power & spin
Cons
- less control on volleys
- low mobility
- not budget-friendly
Specifications
| Head Size | 100 in² / 645 cm² |
| Weight (unstrung) | 10.6 oz / 300 g |
| Balance (unstrung) | 320 mm / 7 pts HL |
| Length | 27 in |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Rec. String Tension | 50-59 lbs / 23-27 kg |
Needs the same racket but a lighter one? Choose Babolat Pure Aero Team which results in 10 oz/285 g for those who may not be able to swing easily with the regular version of the racket.
Head Radical MP – Best Beginner Tennis Racket for Control & Feel
With Graphene 360+ technology, the racket will produce the right amount of power and stiffness. A more dense 16/19 string pattern provides a balanced feel over control and power. If you’re looking for a perfect balance with fresh cosmetics, this is the one.
Pros
- sufficient power and control
- some topspin
- swing easily
- less expensive
Cons
- less power
- less comfort
Specifications
| Head Size | 98 in² / 630 cm² |
| Weight (unstrung) | 10.58 oz / 300 g |
| Balance (unstrung) | 320 mm / 7 pts HL |
| Length | 27 in |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Rec. String Tension | 48-57 lbs / 22-26 kg |
Yonex Ezone 100 – Best Beginner Tennis Rackets for All-Rounders
The unique square-shaped frame increases the sweet spot by 7% compared to other round frames, so more chances for beginners to land the balls in the sweet spot. The stretchy mesh wrapped inside the racquet handle can filter unwanted vibrations making the racket very comfortable from the baseline and net. EZONE 100 has a good balance of power and control, maneuverability and a plush feel, and easy spin potential.
Pros
- bigger sweet spot
- great control
- sufficient power
- top quality (made in Japan)
Cons
- hard to produce solid power
- less topspin
Specifications
| Head Size | 100 in² / 645 cm² |
| Weight (unstrung) | 10.58 oz / 300 g |
| Balance (unstrung) | 320 mm / 7 pts HL |
| Length | 27 in |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Rec. String Tension | 45-60 lbs / 20-27 kg |
Needs the same racket but a lighter one? Choose Yonex Ezone 100L which results in 10 oz/285 g for those who may not be able to swing easily with the regular version of the racket.
Wilson Pro Staff 97L V14 – Best Beginner Tennis Rackets for Precision and Feel
Seeking the precision and head-light feel in a more maneuverable frame? The Wilson Pro Staff 97L V14 delivers, with an elegant design inspired by earth tones. It’s a lighter version of the Pro Staff 97 V14, offering enhanced pocketing feel through Braid FORTYFIVE° construction. Enjoy power and control with increased shaft and hoop flexibility.
Pros
- precision and neutral power
- easy to swing
- easy to maneuver
Cons
- may have some vibration on the arms
- less topspin
Specifications
| Head Size | 97 in² / 626 cm² |
| Weight (unstrung) | 10.23 oz / 290 g |
| Balance (unstrung) | 325 mm / 6 pts HL |
| Length | 27 in |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Rec. String Tension | 49-55 lbs / 22-25 kg |
Looking for a lighter racket? Consider the Wilson Pro Staff 97UL V14, weighing 9.49 oz/269 g, for easy swings and user-friendly play.
Babolat Pure Drive – Best Beginner Tennis Racket for Power and Control
There are a lot of overlaps between Pure Drive and Pure Aero if we only look at the racket specifications, but Pure Drive adds more power due to the HTS system which is a lay-up composition in the hoop of the racquet for increased rigidity to produce explosive shots at will, even on off-centered hit.
Pros
- great power
- sufficient control
Cons
- minimum comfort
- less mobility
Specifications
| Head Size | 100 in² / 645 cm² |
| Weight (unstrung) | 10.6 oz / 300 g |
| Balance (unstrung) | 320 mm / 7 pts HL |
| Length | 27 in |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Rec. String Tension | 50-59 lbs / 23-27 kg |
Needs the same racket but a lighter one? Choose Babolat Pure Drive Team which results in 10 oz/285 g for those who may not be able to swing easily with the regular version of the racket.
Babolat Pure Strike 98 16×19 (2024) – Best Beginner Tennis Rackets for Large Sweetspot and Feel
The 2024 Pure Strike 98 16×19 is designed for control-oriented players who desire both power and comfort. Babolat’s use of NF2-Tech in the shaft ensures direct ball feedback, making it an excellent choice for those seeking stability and a large sweetspot with a great feel.
Pros
- great control
- large sweetspot
- direct feedback
Cons
- less spin
- less mobility
Specifications
| Head Size | 98 in² / 632 cm² |
| Weight (unstrung) | 10.8 oz / 305 g |
| Balance (unstrung) | 320 mm / 7 pts HL |
| Length | 27 in |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Rec. String Tension | 50-60 lbs / 22-27 kg |
Dunlop FX 500 – Best Beginner Tennis Rackets for Solid Power
This racket is a power racket that so clean and in response to the strokes. The redesigned grommet system and tapered beam construction increase the sweet spot, making it more forgiving. Players looking for a speedy point-and-shoot weapon with easy power and above-average comfort should love this one.
Pros
- raw power
- instant feel
- sufficient mobility
Cons
- minimum comfort
Specifications
| Head Size | 100 in² / 645 cm² |
| Weight (unstrung): | 10.58 oz / 300 g |
| Balance (unstrung) | 320 mm / 7 pts HL |
| Length | 27 in |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Rec. String Tension | 45-65 lbs / 20-29 kg |
Beginner Tennis Rackets Quick Comparison
| Racket | Head Size | Weight | Balance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Clash 100 V2 | 100 in² | 10.4 oz / 295 g | 310 mm / 10 pts HL | $$$$ |
| Babolat Pure Aero | 100 in² | 10.58 oz / 300 g | 320 mm / 7 pts HL | $$$$ |
| Head Radical MP | 98 in² | 10.58 oz / 300 g | 320 mm / 7 pts HL | $$$ |
| Yonex Ezone 100 | 100 in | 10.58 oz / 300 g | 320 mm / 7 pts HL | $$$$ |
| Wilson Pro Staff 97L V14 | 97 in² | 10.23 oz / 290 g | 325 mm / 6 pts HL | $$$$ |
| Babolat Pure Drive | 100 in | 10.58 oz / 300 g | 320 mm / 7 pts HL | $$$$ |
| Babolat Pure Strike 98 (2024) | 98 in | 10.8 oz / 305 g | 320 mm / 7 pts HL | $$$$ |
| Dunlop FX 100 | 100 in | 10.58 oz / 300 g | 320 mm / 7 pts HL | $$$ |
How to Choose the Right Grip Size?
The most accurate method of determining the correct grip size is to measure the length from the tip of the ring finger to the middle of the palm of the hand (2nd line).
Each measurement corresponds to a matched grip size. The corresponding sizes can be found in the table below:
| EU | US | Hand size (in mm) |
| 0 | 4 | 100 – 102 |
| 1 | 4 1/8 | 103 – 105 |
| 2 | 4 1/4 | 106 – 108 |
| 3 | 4 3/8 | 109 – 111 |
| 4 | 4 1/2 | 112 – 114 |
| 5 | 4 5/8 | 115 – 117 |
Still, have questions about grip sizes? Take a look at our complete guide on selecting the right size for your Tennis Grip.
How to String the Racket?
When you order a racket online, just drop by your local tennis shop and have them string it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 50 to 60 pounds is the most common string tension, don’t overcomplicate this.
FAQs
Is a lighter or heavier tennis racquet better for beginners?
We don’t suggest choosing a racket too light or too heavy. A tweener racket would be perfect for beginners to learn how to swing and use body power.
When should I buy a racket?
If you take a tennis lesson, you can buy your first new racket right after 1 or 2 sessions (your tennis coach has rackets for you to train). Or buy the racket as soon as you can if you want to learn tennis by yourself.
Should I demo a racket first?
No, you shouldn’t. Because no matter how much you analyze the demos, beginners will not be able to identify where their greatest strengths are. Just simply select the color or design you like the most or read our review of every racket.
Should I buy a used racquet?
Sure, if you’re on a budget. However, a good-condition used racket is not as inexpensive as you may think, so it’s your decision whether to buy a used racket or not. Here are some recommendations for you to buy a used racket:
Conclusion
Wilson Clash 100 V2 is the most popular tennis racket in the country and also the best overall racket. It provides the right amount of power, control, and comfort so that beginners can learn to swing and produce ground strokes with ease.
