INFORMATION ABOUT TENNIS RACKETS

Many discussions about what racket is the best take place but not much is really understood. Simply taking a racket in the hand and relying on your feeling is definately not enough. It makes more sense to also consider the comments and information supplied by the manufacturers, which are backed up by the so called swing index. Almost all manufacturers use the swing index to catergorize their rackets. A higher swing index says that a racket is more powerfull as it produces more energy during the swing and ball contact. The lower the swing index the more the player must produce their own energy through better and faster stroke technique. Generally it can be said that tournament rackets have a lower frame profile and comfort rackets a higher frame profile.

Swing Index -  Classification of the racket property in depend of player type

Main racket characteristics

Frame materials
There are many materials being used today to give the racket its characteristics for eg. weight, stiffnes damping etc. With each line of models the racket manufacturers change the combination of these materials. The customer is presented the newest of racket technology, however the latest technology must not automatically be the best but those who want to stay up to date then go ahead.

Total weight and balance
Every player prefers a different weight (240gr - 340gr) as well as a differently balanced racket. Base line players mostly prefer a head heavy racket ie. the weight is found at the top area or racket head. Serve and volley players usually take an evenly balanced racket which means the centre of balance is around the middle of the racket and towards the grip. This achieves better handling.

Shock absorbtion 
The shoch absorbtion qualities of the racket are next to weight and balance very important. Here we are not talking about the vibrastop or grommet that is placed between the strings rather about the internal absorbtion qualities of the racket. This characteristic is achieved using certain materials within the frames construction. These qualities are also influenced by the grip, strings and/or stringing tension. Those who have a sensitive arm and elbow should allways purchase models with good shoch absorbing qualities.

Size of the racket head
The head size is the surface area of the rackets hitting zone ie the strings. There is no standard sized racket head but the majority of models range between 600 and 720 cm². It is not allways an advantage to choose a larger racket head as the ideal racket balance is achieved through a higher total weight. Smaller head sizes are usually recommended only to very good players. In addition the larger racket head produces more wind resistance. A further term used is the sweet spot. That is the perfect hitting zone in the rackets head for a clean contact. Every manufacturer tries to produce a larger sweet spot. Sometimes unusual head shapes are used.

Grip size
The importance of the rackets grip size is not to be over looked. There is no general rule but the grip should be held comfortably and secure. The grip should be large enough so that the finger tips are not touching the hand. Grip sizes range from 1 to 5. When choosing please consider if the racket will be played with an additional overgrip or with the original leather grip.

Chart of grip sizes

Stringing
The stringing of the racket plays equally a big part in the choice of racket. It makes sense to try a few different strings when having purchased a racket to find the best combination for your individual needs. The recommended stringing tension is marked on each racket.

Help with hand or shoulder problems
Generally players with hand or shoulder problems should stay away from head heavy rackets and a harder stringing tension. The racket should have good shock absorbing qualities within the frame and/or grip. Also lighter balls with a quality felt help with injury prevention.