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, 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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