Racket Selection Guide: Rick Day

As modern materials science progresses so does the design of today’s tennis racquets. If you are looking to purchase your first racquet or upgrade your current one, this guide will provide you with the knowledge to make a wise selection. This article includes the following sections:

1.     Understanding[reh1]  racquet technology

2.     Understanding[reh2]  string technology

3.     Avoiding tennis elbow.

4.     Determining your racquet specifications according to ability level

5.     Information sources

6.     Racquet loan programs

7.     References

1. Racquet Technology

The racquet design can impact the success of your game. Understanding how racquet performance characteristics are affected by design parameters will allow you to zero in on a manageable list of models that are best for you. Manufacturers are striving to provide a racquet that features power and control but alas, currently one can only be achieved at the expense of the other. One must prioritize and compromise[reh3] . The following design parameters affect power and control:

•  Head Size

Power is directly related to head size - a larger head will provide more power and spin than a smaller head, all other things being equal. All racquets have a sweet spot where the strings deliver the most power for the least amount of effort. A larger head offers a larger hitting area and sweet spot but with this comes reduced maneuverability and stability. Racquets with smaller heads are lighter and give you more control at the expense of power.

Head size is measured in square inches of area and can be characterized as follows:

Midsize - 95 in²  or less

Midplus - 95 to 105 in²

Oversize - 105 in² to 125 in²

Super oversize - 125 in² or greater2[reh4] 

Head Size	Power	Spin	Control	Maneuverability	Stability
Midsize	Less	Less	More	More	More
Oversize	More	More	Less	Less	Less

•  Weight [reh5] 

A heavy racquet is more powerful, more stable and transmits less shock and vibration than a lighter racquet, all other things being equal. A lighter racquet is more maneuverable and can be swung faster for greater top spin.

The total weight of the racquet is measured in ounces and can be characterized as follows:

Heavy - 11 ounces or greater

Mid-weight - 9.8 to 10.9 ounces

Super light - 9 to 9.4 ounces

Weight	Power	Stability	Shock and Vibration	Maneuverability	Spin
Heavy	More	More	Less	Less	Less
Light	Less	Less	More	More	More

•  Balance

The balance of the racquet is the most noticeable application of the distribution of the weight in the racquet and can have a dramatic impact on how the racquet performs and feels. Racquets can be characterized as being head light, head heavy or evenly balanced. The more head light a racquet is, for example, the easier it will be to maneuver around but may not be as stable on harder hit shots and the user will have to work a bit harder to generate the same kind of pace as someone with a racquet with more weight in the head. Conversely, a racquet with more weight in the head will provide more stability and power while sacrificing mobility (see Avoiding Tennis Elbow). Racquet weight and balance can always be increased by adding lead tape judiciously.

Balance is defined as being a number of points head light or head heavy. A point is equal to 1/8”.  An evenly balanced racquet will balance half way along its length. A racquet which is head light will have a balance point closer to the butt of the handle. So for example, a 27” long racquet which is 2 pts head heavy, will balance 13 1/2” + (2 X 1/8”) = 13 3/4” from the butt of the handle. A 27” long racquet which is 5 pts head light will balance 13 1/2” - (5 X 1/8”) = 12 7/8” from the butt of the handle.

Balance	Power	Stability	Maneuverability	Spin
Head Heavy	More	More	Less	Less
Head Light	Less	Less	More	More

•  Frame Stiffness

The amount a frame deflects during ball contact directly affects its power potential. A flexible racquet bends more, absorbs more of the energy from the ball, transmitting less impact shock to the wrist, elbow and shoulder and reducing the ball return velocity compared to a stiff frame, all things being equal.       A racquet does not “return” energy to the ball but rather only absorbs it. Therefore flexible racquets are less powerful but more comfortable. A powerful player with a long fast swing may find a stiff racquet results in more balls landing long and therefore would prefer a more flexible racquet. Stiffer racquets generate more top spin since the ball is flattened more upon impact allowing for a greater rotation to be imparted to the ball.

Frame stiffness is measured by machines that measure deflection of the frame when a 25 kg weight is applied to the head. A high number indicates a stiffer frame with the range of stiffness being between 55 and 72. Values may differ slightly since stiffness can be measured with the racquet strung or unstrung. A strung racquet records a lower stiffness than unstrung.

Materials used in frames include; graphite which is lightweight and strong, boron and kevlar being lighter and stiffer, aluminum and titanium which suffer increased vibration and added flexibility. Graphite is often mixed with thermoplastic and fiberglass resins to provide more flexibility and less vibration. A racquet made of resin and graphite is often called 100% graphite but if other materials are used it is called a composite.

Stiffness	Power	Control	Spin	Arm Shock
Stiff	More	Less	More	More
Flexible	Less	More	Less	Less

•  Length

Racquet lengths vary from 27 to 29 inches, the legal limit for tournament play. Lengths greater than the standard 27 inches provide for more reach on groundstrokes, added leverage on serves and slightly more power overall, all other things being equal. Most extended length racquets are lighter than their standard-length counterparts to keep them maneuverable. Longer racquets can lessen the sense of control.

Length	Reach	Power	Control
Standard	Less	Less	More
Long	More	More	Less

•  Grip

A properly fitted grip will improve your control over the tennis racquet and minimize ball impact shock. A grip too small will allow the racquet to twist in your hand, whereas a grip too large will decrease wrist snap on serves.

Grip size is a measurement made from the middle of the palm, in line with the base of the thumb to the top of the ring finger. The man’s size varies from 4 1/2” to 4 3/4” and the woman’s size varies from 4 1/8” to 4 3/8”. If you are between sizes, go with the smaller size and add an overgrip (size increase of about 1/16”) or heat-shrink sleeve (size increase of about 1/8”) for a perfect fit. You should be able to touch the the tip of your thumb to the top knuckle of your middle finger[reh6] .

Some manufacturers incorporate shock and vibration dampening systems in the racquet handle without significantly increasing weight.

•  String Pattern

Overall performance and feel of a racquet can be effected by the string pattern density which is measured by the number of vertical (mains) and horizontal  (crosses) strings. The more mains and crosses, the more holes in the racquet frame. A racquet frame with a dense string pattern (more strings) will offer more control, while a racquet with less dense string pattern (fewer strings) will offer more power but reduced durability. Ball spin can be increased by using a less dense string pattern.

Pattern	# of Mains	# of Crosses	Control	Power	Spin	Durability
Closed	18	20	More	Less	Less	More
Open	16	18	Less	More	More	Less

2. String Technology

Once you have identified the frame that is best suited for you, don’t neglect to invest due consideration to the strings that you have installed in your racquet. The selection of string gauge, tension and material are equally important to frame selection. In fact, string characteristics can be adapted to account for shortcomings in frame design[reh7] . If economy is an overriding consideration, manufacturers provide pre-strung racquets on their less expensive models.

•  String Material

Basically there are two groups of strings, Gut and Synthetic[reh8]  Gut.

    Gut

Gut strings are the most expensive on the market because they are made from cow gut using a complex process. The benefit of gut is elasticity, tension stability and liveliness[reh9]   however this comes at the expense of durability and sensitivity to moisture. The average recreational player is not recommended to use gut[reh10] .

  Synthetic Gut[reh11] 

Man made fibers are used in tennis racquet string production to provide the characteristics of[reh12] ; durability, spin, feel, power and control. Synthetic strings can be classified as follows:

Nylon

Nylon strings provide 98% of non-professional players with a good combination of playability, durability and economy. It has a crisper feel compared to Multifilaments, good, but not as gentle on the arm as Multi or Gut. It’s reasonably durable and holds tension well.

Polyester 

This material is selected for its durability and control but is not so good for power, feel or tension holding capability. Recreational players may use it in hybrid scenarios with polyester being used in combination with a softer synthetic or natural gut which then offers the durability of polyester, while reducing the stiff and dead feel. It is not recommended for beginner players or ones with arm injuries.

Kevlar

This is the most durable string (aramid fibre) available. It is very stiff and holds tension very well. Used mostly in combination with nylon to reduce the string bed stiffness (kevlar main strings, nylon cross strings). Players trying kevlar hybrids for the first time (from nylon strings) are recommended to reduce tension by 10% to compensate for the added stiffness. It is not recommended for beginners or players with arm injuries.

•  String Construction

Below is a list of string cross sections showing[reh13]  string construction, general descriptions and their associated performance benefits and examples of each:

Solid[reh14]  Core with One Outer Wrap

The majority of synthetic gut strings are solid core with a single wrap which is the most popular nylon string construction. The main benefits are tension maintenance and crist feel. The quality of the nylon center core, as well as size and orientation of outer wraps can influence feel and comfort.

Examples: Babolat Conquest, Gosen OG Sheep Micro, Gosen OG Jim Courier, KLIP Scorcher, Prince Synthetic Gut Original, Wilson Stamina Synthetic Gut

Solid Core with Multiwraps

Provides additional durability and cushioning.

Examples: Gamma Gut 2, Gamma TNT Pro Plus

Multifialment (No Wraps)

Nylon multifilaments are typically more comfortable than solid core strings due to the cushioning effect of hundreds or even thousands or micro fibres. The resultant effect is a soft and comfortable string, recommended for players suffering from arm problems who don’t want to pay the high price for natural gut.

Examples: Babolat X-Cel Premium, Gamma ESP, Head Fibre Gel, KLIP Excellerator, Prince Premier with SoftFlex, Tecnifibre 515, NRG2, X-One BiPhase, Wilson Sensation, Sensation NXT

Multicore With Wraps

Smaller multifilament core with one or more outer multifilament wraps. It offers similar benefits to multifilament strings with added durability.

Examples: Babolat Powergy, Gamma Live Wire, Head RIP Control

Textured

This string construction offers enhanced spin potential by wrapping an extra filament around the outer wraps or incorporating larger filaments into the outer wrap. The most effective strings are Gamma Ruff and Forten Kevlar Gear.

Examples: Gamma TNT Pro Plus Spin, Prince Topspin, Prince Topspin Plus, Wilson Extreme Spin[reh15] 

Composites

A combination of different materials blended together in an attempt to bring out the best features of each material. Strings can also combine different grades of nylon.

Examples: Gamma TNT Extreme Spin 19, TNT Fusion Plus, Head RIP Control, RIP Ti. Fibre, Ti. Fibre (coating), Luxilon Big Banger, ALU-Power (polyester & fluorocarbon resin) Prince Perfection, Pro Blend (Duraflex), Synthetic Gut with Duraflex, Topspin (Duraflex)

Monofilament Polyester

This is a good alternative to Kevlar hybrids because it’s less stiff with good durability but it has a dead feel and high initial tension loss. String 3 - 5 lbs. higher tension than nylon to compensate for tension loss.

Examples: Babolat Pro Hurricane, Gosen Polylon, Kirschbaum Super Smash, Kirschbaum Super Smash Spiky, Technifibre Polyspin

•  String Gauge

The thickness or gauge of the string is another variable which can effect[reh16]  both power and control. Gauge has the most effect on spin and feel. The thinner gauges play or feel better, deliver more power, offer more spin (better bite on the ball) and reduce stress on the arm. As usual, these desirable features come at the expense of durability. Keep in mind that some racquets are more prone to string breakage (ex. widebody’s) which can also be effected[reh17]  by the players swing.

String Gauge	Spin	Elasticity	Durability	Comfort	Feel
Thicker	Less	Less	More	Less	Less
Thinner	More	More	Less	More	More

Tennis string gauges range from 15 (thickest) to 19 (thinnest), with half gauges identified with an L (15L, 16L, etc.) which is short for “light”.  Most recreational playing men should use a 16 ga., and most women a 17 ga.

Approximate Gauge Diameters[reh18] :

Gauge	Diameter (millimeters)
15	1.43
15L	1.38
16	1.32
16L	1.28
17	1.25
17L	1.20
18	1.10

•  Tension

Each racquet has a tension range recommended by the manufacturer and is stenciled on the side of the racquet. This range is established by extensive playtesting by real players. Selecting the specific tension for your strings can effect[reh19]  feel, control and power. The type of string material selected will also affect these characteristics.

Basically, lower tensions provide more power, and tighter tensions produce more control. This basic rule of thumb can be modified by the level of player, however. A beginner player, who has a lot of off-center hits would be better off with a softer stringbed which sacrifices control for comfort. Advanced players may appreciate a higher tension providing more control resulting in fewer shots going long. Reducing the tension by 3 lbs can yield a greater depth of groundstroke or pop in the serve.

String Tension	Power	Control	Durability	Comfort	Feel
Higher	Less	More	Less	Less	Less
Lower	More	Less	More	More	More

•  Hybrids

Hybrid stringing consists of using different strings in the mains and crosses of a racquet. It can be as simple as using different thicknesses or using completely different string materials. By selecting different hybrid combination of strings,  players can fine tune playability, comfort, durability, liveliness and control offered by the stringbed. For example, heavy hitting players can find a good combination of durability and playability with a polyester main string and natural gut or premium synthetic cross string hybrid[reh20] .  

Selecting the Main Strings

The main string will dominate the overall feel and playability of the two strings. Select the main string to suit your overall goal. String guages[reh21]  can be mixed between mains and crosses.

Selecting the Cross Strings

The overall feel of the stringbed can be modified by the selection of the cross strings which in fact alter the influence of the main strings. For example, a soft and forgiving cross string, such as natural gut or multifilament synthetic, can soften up a stiff and durable main string, such as polyester.

Tension

Further customization can occur by varying the tension between strings. Generally, main strings should be strung tighter than cross strings. This is a popular way of increasing the size of the sweetspot. Limit the string tension variance to 5 lbs on hybrid stringing.

3.  Avoiding Tennis Elbow

You[reh22]  really don’t want to purchase a new gleeming[reh23]  tennis racquet which then contributes to injuring your elbow connective tissue. This injury can be very painful and long lasting[reh24] . Having the proper stroke form and the suggested racquet total weight and balance can[reh25]  almost eliminate the possibility of this debilitating condition.

The rule of thumb is this:

BEST is heavy total weight and head-light balance.

WORST is light total weight and head-heavy balance.

Fortunately this rule also applies to racquet performance, so there is no conflicting issues here.

Transfer of momentum from the racquet to the ball is what matters. Swinging a light racquet with high velocity does improve the momentum transfer but also has the following drawbacks: (1) a violent stroke is harder to control; (2) when you are stretching for a shot, or executing a reaction volley, you don’t have time to generate head speed so your shot will be weak; and (3) the light, fast racquet will slow down a lot on impact , stressing the arm. The majority of the pros use a heavy racquet with a head-light balance. What you want is to generate most ball speed for the least effort (efficiency), and which will not stress your elbow or shoulder. What you don’t want is to put in a lot of effort on a wild shot that wrecks your arm.

What if the total mass is high with the balance being head-heavy? This may give you better pace and spin but has the following drawbacks: (1) non swinging shots are shocking for the elbow and shoulder; (2) it feels heavy and sluggish to position for volleys and returns; (3) the power comes from your effort, not the racquet, and you have to work a lot harder to get a certain ball speed[reh26] .

Below are some benchmark data which can help you make a selection:

Worst for Elbow:  9.6 ounces and 8 points head-heavy

Best for Elbow: 11.6 ounces and 8 points head-light

Worst for Work on Serve: 9.9 ounces and 9 points head-heavy

Best for Work on Serve: 11.4 ounces and 9 points head-light

You don’t have to choose a racquet with the “best” specs listed above. A variation on weight and balance can be easily tolerated. Just don’t get too close to the worst specs.

4. Determining Your Racquet Specifications

Use the following table as a guide to racquet selection with variation based on your size, swing speed and playing ability level:

Characteristics	Beginner (1.0 to 2.5)	Intermediate (2.5 to 3.0)	Advanced  (3.0 to 4.5)
Head Size	108 to 120 in2 for large sweet spot and power	For power ~ 105 to 115 in2 For control ~ 100 to 105 in2	For control ~ 85 to 105 in2
Weight	9.5 to 10.5 ounces	9.8 to 10.7 ounces	10.2 to 12.8 ounces
Balance	1 pts HL to 5 pts HH	4 pts HL to 6 pts HH	8 pts HL to 1 pt HH
Stiffness (RA)	<70	60 to 72	58 to 70
Length	27.25 in to 27.5 in	27.0 in to 27.5 in	27.0 in to 27.5 in
String Pattern	16 mains /19 crosses 16 mains/20 crosses	16 mains/19 crosses 16  mains/20 crosses 18 mains/19 crosses	all combinations
String Material	nylon synthetic gut	nylon synthetic gut, natural gut	-nylon synthetic gut, natural gut, polyester and kevlar -hybrids of the materials above
String Construction	solid core with one outer wrap	-solid core with one or multiple outer wraps -multicore with wraps	all types[reh27] [reh28]
String Gauge	16 ga. for men 17 ga. for women	16, 16L, 17, 17L ga. for men 16,16L, 17, 17L, 18 ga. for women	15, 15L, 16, 16L, 17, 17L ga. for men 15, 16, 16L, 17, 17L ga. for women
String Tension	low end of manufacturers suggested range for more power	-low end of the manufactures suggested range for more power -high end for more control	-low end of the manufactures suggested range for more power -high end for more control

5.  Information Sources

One of the best sources of racquet and string information on the internet is the Tennis Warehouse. This company’s website (www.tennis-warehouse.com) provides an excellent search engine which provides the user with a list of racquet makes and models that meet the specifications that were input. Use the specifications listed in the table above matching your ability level as a starting point. If you do not know your ability level, follow the National Tennis Rating Program chart found in the same website.

Another source is Tennis Express which also provides a racquet search engine. The company’s website is (www.tennisexpress.com).

If you are a engineer or physicist type, you may wish to delve deeper into racquet science. I suggest you consult the following website:  www.racquetresearch.com .

6.    Racquet Demo Programs

It is wise to play with several racquets that you are interested in prior to purchasing one. Tennis Warehouse and Tennis Express both have a racquet demo program that enables the user to try out a few selected racquets at a time. For a modest fee, racquets will be  shipped out to you, you can try them out for several days and ship them back. Check out their websites.

For tennis players in Tower Point, a demo program is run by Tennis Cabana, 1228 South Sossaman Road, Suite 105, Mesa, Az, 85209, Telephone 480-325-3933, www.tenniscabana,com. The demo fee is deducted from your purchase.

7.    References

The following articles were referenced in the preparation of this guide:

1.                     Author Unknown, A Guide to Tennis Racquet, Life 123, Retrieved March 1, 2013,  http://www.life123.com/sports/golf-tennis/tennis-racquets/a-guide-to-tennis-racquets.shtml

2.                     Author Unknown, 2012, Tennis Racquet Finder, Tennis Planet, Retrieved March 8, 2013 http://www.tennisplanet.eu/en_eu/tennis-rackets/information/tennis-racket-finder.html

3.                     Unknown Author, How to Select a Tennis Racquet, wikiHow,  Retrieved March 8, 2013, http://www.wikihow.com/Select-a-Tennis-Racquet.html

4.                     Author Unkown, Buyer’s Guide-Choosing the Right Tennis Racquet, Tennis Express, Retrieved March 1, 2013, http://www.tennisexpress.com/info/choosing-a-tennis-racquet.cfm

5.                     Author Unknown, Tennis Racquet Buyer’s Guide, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Retrieved March 1, 2013, http://www.dickssportinggoods.com.html

6.                     Author Unknown, (December 31, 2009),The Definitive Guide to Tennis Racquets, Hubpages, Retrieved March 1, 2013, http://therevelationist.hubpages.com/hub/The-Definitive-Guide-to-Tennis-Racquets.html

7.                     Tennis Warehouse, Selecting the Right Racquet, Tennis Warehouse, Retrieved March 1, 2013, http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/lc/selectingracquet/selectingracquet.html

8.                     Author Unknown, How to Choose a Tennis Racquet String - Gut, Synthetic, Multifilament, Polyester, Kevlar, Salt Lake City Stringer, Retrieved March 18, 2013, http://www.slcstringer.com/aboutstrings.html

9.                     Author Unknown, All About Strings and Stringing, Tennis Warehouse, Retrieved March 18, 2013, http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/lc/stringreference.html

10.                McCutchen, W. (2002) The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Choosing a Tennis Racquet, Racquet Research, Retrieved March 1, 2013, http://www.racquetresearch.com/complete_idiot.html

11.            McCutchen, W, (August 15, 2002) Introduction to Racquet Science - Objective                             Evaluation Concepts and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, Racquet Research, Retrieved March 18, 2013, http://www.racquetresearch.com/sevencri.htm

12.           Taken from “High Performance Coaching Program Study Guide”, Technique: Racket Selection, United States Tennis Association, Retrieved March 8, 2013, http://www.usta.com/Improve-Your-Game/Sport-Science/116192_Technique_Racquet_Selection/

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 [reh1]and comparing

 [reh2]and comparing

 [reh3]Price, design, and materials (racket and strings) are the first set of decisions to make.  Like golf, you can buy the economy stick or the gold-plated version, and the cheapest will suffice if you don’t aspire to improving our game very much.  The $17 Walmart Wilson will work well enough at beginner and 1.5, but once you start really keeping score,  it will take $100 or more to get a racket that will survive a punishing hard shot, and $25 or more for strings to learn greater tennis skills through more repeatable behavior of the racket and strings (yes, and fresh balls too).

 [reh4]Tables to follow should have common columns, N/A where that attribute does not relate to the feature

 [reh5]Orphans seem to vary with reader format, should be tied to the paragraph, and later on, the string structure graphic

 [reh6]A pictorial would help here, because I get a size of  6 1/8 following this description.

 [reh7]Alternative:  In fact, Rafa’s Uncle Tony attribuites the record success of his 2011 season to the change, after 12 years, from Babolat Duralast 15L to the new RPM Blast.

 [reh8]Delete gut.  It’s either Gut or Synthetic.

 [reh9], feel, and reduced tennis elbow

 [reh10]Really?  Kids, maybe, and in Seattle, maybe.  But seniors in Phoenix?

 [reh11]Delete GUT

 [reh12]Delete “;”

 [reh13]Insert “synthethic”

 [reh14]Section titles should be locked to each graphic so it stays on same page in all view and print modes.

 [reh15]  Insert “Super-textured, like Babolat RPB Blast, a black, eight-sided string is described in Babolat literature as a "high-density co-polymer polyester monofilament combined with a new cross-linked coating." Nadal attributes the extraordinary spin he now produces to this string.

 [reh16]My checker says “affect”

 [reh17]affected

 [reh18]This could easily be dropped out if you wanted to shorten the writeup.

 [reh19]affect

 [reh20]could insert info here, like “ Federer uses vertical main strings, made of gut, strung at 49 pounds and a synthetic brand called Luxilon Alu Rough in the cross strings at only 46.2 pounds.”

 [reh21]gauges

 [reh22]Many factors enter into your first experience with tennis elbow (a condition few new players manage to avoid), often best treated with ice massage and brief rest..

 [reh23]gleaming

 [reh24]Suggest delete.

 [reh25]with a softer string (like natural gut) and lower tension.  Additionally, a loose grip is essential, which is why many pros serve, and play with their pinkie finger off the end of the racket.  Pete Sampras could often be seen to have the next two fingers open, off the handle in his power serves.

 [reh26]This could be dropped out too.

 [reh27]Could be deleted

 [reh28]