FYI

We want you to feel good about your purchases at ALL TENNIS.  Here is a quick guide to choosing a racquets, strings, etc..

STRINGS

GAUGE

- The higher the number, the thinner the string.  - ‘L’ refers to light (works like half sizes).

- Thinner gauges offer more resiliency and feel (better for spin). - Thinner guages can be easier on the body, especially those prone to or with injuries. - Thicker gauges are stiffer and last longer. 

TENSION

Recommended racquet tension is usually between 50-70 lbs.

Beginner players should start off in the middle until they refine their style of play. 

Power - Stringing at the lower end of your racquet's recommended tension can give you more distance, as the ball sits on the strings longer during your upward swinging motion.

Control - Stringing at the higher end of your racquet’s recommended tension can give you more control and play with more precision. 

Power players should avoid higher tension as it lowers the size of the racquet’s sweet spot and can tire a player’s arm faster.

COMPOSITION

String comes in natural and synthetic. Composition reflects player preference.

RACQUETS

WEIGHT  

Heavier racquets are more powerful and stable, but less maneuverable.

Beginners and intermediate players generally prefer lighter racquets for their maneuverability. 

Players should also consider weight balance – head heavy vs head light.

Head heavy racquets give players more power but lack maneuverability because of weight distribution. Head light racquets provide more control and maneuverability. Experiences players generally prefer head light racquets. 

HEAD SIZE  

A midsize racquet has a hitting area of 85–95 square inches, mid-plus 95–105 square inches, and oversize greater than 105 square inches. 

Bigger head racquets offer more power and spin, but lack maneuverability and stability. Smaller head racquets offer more control and less power. 

Beginners generally prefer larger heads for more power and a larger sweet spot. Experienced players tend to use mid-size and mid-plus racquet because they can generate more power on their own and need a racquet that they can control their power with. 

GRIP  

The grip size is measured as the length of the perimeter of the octagonal cross-section of the handle. 

Junior - <4 up to 4

Adult - 4 1/8, 4 1/4, 4 3/8, 4 1/2, and 4 5/8

Female Average - 4 1/4

Male Average - 4 3/8 

To figure out your grip size - hold the racquet where your palm is on the same level as the string face. It should be possible to comfortably fit the index finger of your non-racquet hand into the space created between the ring finger and the palm that is holding the racquet. 

If there is not enough space for the index finger, then the grip is too small. (If there is too much space then the grip is too big. If you fall between two grip sizes, we suggest the smaller one.) 

LENGTH  

Standard length - 27 inches. 

Extended length racquets (27.5-29 in.) can give players more power and slightly extra reach. 

FLEX  

A stiffer racquet bends less, thus depleting less energy from the ball and offers more power. A flexible racquet bends more, resulting in more energy loss and less power, but more control of the ball.   

Players with short swing would want to have stiffer racquets since it will give the most power. A much less stiff racquet give less power and would suit players with longer swing who can generate their own power. Stiff racquets also offer solid feel while less stiff racquets have a softer feel. 

One thing to keep in mind is the highly stiff racquets tend to give players tennis elbow.

SHOES

Make sure your tennis shoes..

..are lightweight

..provide lateral support (to protect your ankles)

..have a wide footprint, flat sole, good lacing 

..are durable

..provide cushioning  

..and don’t forget to grab a pair of good socks!