How to Choose a Tennis Racquet
Bruce Levine, the tennis racquet technical advisor for Tennis Magazine, shares his thoughts on choosing a tennis racquet.
Bruce Levine
Bruce, you have a lot of experience with tennis racquet testing and tennis string testing. Why and when did you start to do that?
I have been testing tennis racquets for about 20 years. I started because Tennis Magazine came to me and asked if I would be interested. When I first began there were three testers of tennis racquets and then there were two and after the third year, I have been doing it on my own with an editor from the Tennis magazine.
Many tennis players are curious if the tennis racquets that pro tennis players use are the same as those that anyone can buy at a store? If not, what is the difference?
Most of the tennis players that are on tour are using tennis racquets that are very different than you can buy off the wall of a tennis shop. Usually there is a different balance and weight to the players frames, grips are designed for them so that the shape fits their hand and some players even have a stiffer or softer version of the frame made for them. The biggest two changes however are weight and balance.
The same question, but about tennis strings. Are there any differences?
I do not know of any strings that have been altered for players specifications. I believe that there is enough variety of string that a player can find a type and gauge that fits his or her needs.
Your three tips to tennis players about how to choose a tennis racquet and strings?
1. Don’t look at what your pro or the pros TV are using try to find a frame that fits YOUR needs and is comfortable in your hand.
2. Play test, play test, play test in all aspects of your game under match situations, drills, practice.
3. Remember with string that if you play with a firm racquet, then your string bed should be a bit more flexible and if you play with a flexible racquet, then your string bed can be firmer. Always remember the elbow with be the loser if the frame and strings are both very rigid and firm and also if both are too flexible.
Thank you for the interview Bruce. I hope, you will share your experience and give us more useful information about tennis racquets.
Bruce agreed to answer any questions about tennis racquets. So, ask him.
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Thanks for the tips Bruce. One question I have; at club player levels, say 3.5-4.5, is it more important to choose the “right” racquet or is it better to simply choose “a” racquet and get comfortable with that racquet?
I think the right racquet is quite important. At the 3.5 level; injury can be an issue as well as the ability to control the ball with some was. At 4.5 a player generally is quite specific about a racquet and likes certain characteristics. I believe that a player should play test and try practice, matches and even lessons and clinics before making a choice about a racquet. There are so many great frames in the marketplace today there is no reason to just settle when you can find a frame that you really enjoy and fits your game and style of play.
Dear Bruce,
I bought to my 11 yo daughter a new racquet Wilson BLX Bold. I chose it mainly due to its lightness – 281 g. strung (291 swingweight) and low stiffness – only 50 RDC. The stick came stock strung with Sensation 16, don’t know what tension (suppose 55-57 lb) . Having in mind your recommendation: stiff racquet/soft stringbed and vs., most kindly ask for your expert advise about what string and tension is best to apply for the next strindjobs. I’m considering among these:
1. Again Wilson Sensation 16/17
2. Head RIP Control 16/17
3. Forten Sweet 16/17
The kid is a tour player about NTRP 3-3.5.
Thanks in advance!