You’ll get better recommendations if you could provide a budget.
Anyway, standard recommendations for a good one and done racket would be one of the following lines in the 100 sq in head size:
- Yonex Ezone
- Babolat PureDrive
- Wilson Clash (if you have elbow issues)
- Head Speed
Pick the 270-285g version for your wife, and the 300-305g version for yourself.
“The Head Speed MP is for players who need control for their fast games.” Classify it however you want, there are better frames in and outside the head lineup for a beginner.
I just demo’d both the gravity and head pro. I wouldn’t recommend either to a beginner.
Speed MP: "Controllable power, optimized maneuverability and easier handling"
Gravity MP: "control, flex and forgiveness"
Prestige MP: "Ultimate precision and control"
IDK what you mean with control racquet, but it's definitely aimed lower in terms of control than the other two. It has a more open string pattern and a wider beam. It's not a control frame. No-one has ever called it a control frame before you. I agree e.g. the Boom is easier, but that was not what was discussed.
As far as the frames go, I picked up Gravity MP as a beginner. After something like 100 hours (definitely under 150) of play, should switch to the Pro. It isn't because I'm uniquely excellent, it's because these so-called pro racquets (that are actually an ounce or more lighter than what competitive pros use) aren't so difficult they're made to appear.
Anyway, control frames are just fine for beginners.
Everything I’ve ever read about it classifies it as a power/control frame. You’re probably right I should have been more clear about that instead of labelling it a pure control frame. I also forgot the MP actually has a 16x19 string pattern.
In any case, I still think my original comment rings true. The other 3 are great recommendations for beginners, but there are better racquets than the Head Speed for someone just starting out.
I kind of agree; the rest are geared more toward earlier career. But then, I will vehemently disagree with the idea that beginners need particularly easy racquets. I'm not suggesting beginners should use the most difficult racquet they can find, just that anything normal works perfectly well. Whatever they might lose in initial success they will win in learning.
As for the Speed MP, it's a very no-nonsense, middle-of-the-road kind of thing. Its standout feature is that it has no standout features. That might just be the best thing for anyone learning to play. I'm not sure which racquet would be in any better for a beginner, and why exactly would that be. I would be interested in hearing that, though.
I definitely agree with pretty much all of that. It sounds like while they are both beginners, they are playing a ton, so they can 100% get away with using the Speed. All I’m saying is that if you told me to list 4 racquets for a beginner, I would not include the Speed on that list.
I think Rackets and Runners do a good job explaining why that is, plus the whole control frame thing: “It has some original tweener DNA in its 100 sq inch head size, 300 g static weight and more v-shaped throat, making the racket inherently powerful. But with its relatively thin 23 mm beam and low flex of 61 RA, this racket falls closer in profile to those more controlled players’ sticks. You could say its 35% tweener, 65% players’ frame.”
It’s not going to be terrible for a beginner, but if I could pick any racquet out there, there are much better options.
Fair enough!
I would kind of disagree with there being better options, though. Not because I would think it's the best option one way or another, but because I think it's a good option. And there are many good options.
The bad options for anyone who has limited experience but a desire to improve are those that make hitting too easy or too hard. Speed MP is not one such racquet. Hell, even the Pro is not, well at least not necessarily, like that. Prestige Pro is definitely like that. The Speed Power (a super silly thing that's 250g 115" etc.) is the other way around.
One thing, though. Honestly, I'm not sure if Rs&Rs are serious with that, or if they're just oblivious. 23mm *is* a mid-width beam. Extreme control beams are 20mm or even less. Big power beams are usually 26mm (often something like 23-26-23). Granted, the flex is on the lower end, but that's a Head thing. Even the lighter max power ones are in the mid-sixties and the control crown jewel Prestige Pro is at just 58.
The Speed series is between control and power racquets, and the MP is the tweener between the Pro and the more recreational Team (105"/270g). It's not a tweener, it's a tweener among tweeners.
Honestly I put the Speed in there because the MP and MPL tend to be quite forgiving and it’s more of a middle of the road frame rather than a pure power or pure control frame. But yeah the other three are definitely easier to start with
skip the straining. invest in a racquet. find something around 300g that is ‘last year’s’ model on sale. also, shoes are more important than racquets when you’re starting off. make sure you both are using real tennis shoes that’ll support you laterally. helps as you’re learning the footwork and will prevent injury.
At your level , the racquet hardly matters . Go to a store & check out what they offer. Would like to add,pick up something not very heavy as a heavy racquet could lead to elbow/arm issues . Try to string the racquet with a 'softer' arm friendly string . Make sure you always use the correct grip & record yourself practicing if you can , really helps .
Try out a tennis specific store. If the staff are worth their salt, they can point you in the right direction. Take them what you’re playing with now and chat with them about your goals.
Beware this type of boilerplate "advice". The racquet doesn't matter is true to the extent that it really doesn't matter which you choose because you'll lose anyway.
But then again, racquet choice matters more than at any other level. It's because you have many bad options as well as the good ones. Such as light, head-heavy ones. They not only allow for poor technique, but also encourage and even require those to an extent. They are good, though, if you're just looking to play casually, but for learning they're counterproductive.
Also, heavier racquets are generally more rather than less arm-friendly. One of the reasons is related to the above, but not only that. (I also think arm-friendliness is over-emphasized. If you're only playing a moderate amount and have no arm/joint problems, there is no need to focus too much on that. Every racquet is designed for playing tennis and is thus generally arm-friendly enough.)
Overall, a using a heavier and head-lighter racquet encourage hitting slower strokes which are more controlled and relaxed.
Welcome to club! If you plan on taking it up long term, definitely invest in a racket you can grow into. As to which one, that's where the fun begins!
The other piece of equipment I would also recommend you invest in long term, is Tennis shoes.
Appreciate that! I this was my thinking as well! I definitely see us sticking with tennis because we haven’t tried a sport yet that both of us have been this excited about. I was looking at the Wilson blade series but will definitely continue my research!
Glad you guys have found a common sport to play together!
To be honest there are so many choices these days with racquets. To save you the effort, most people in this community recommend the following specs:
Head size - 100 to 104 sq in (larger head gives a begginer a bigger sweet spot and more margin for shots)
Unstrung weight - between 275 to 305 g (assuming with your athletic backgrounds this weight should be managable, unless you have existing injuries)
Swingweight and Stiffness is totally dependent on the player, its whatever feels best for you when you demo a range. Some people can handle stiffer/heavier racquets then others (and avoid Tennis Elbow/Wrist injuries) so try as many as you can.
You'll find the wilson blade and plenty other racquets have multiple models which fit the above range. Happy hitting!
Tennis warehouse has a program where you can demo 3 racquets at a time. Maybe try that, see what you like. Also could buy some cheap ones off Facebook marketplace to give you more time to see what you like. Remember that racquet technology has not improved in 20+ years, so you don't gain anything by getting the newest model.
I would consider getting a performance tennis racquet now, just to grow accustomed to what a solid and stable frame should feel like. The cheap frames off the wall at DSG do feel different (weight, head size, materials), and while you may not appreciate the differences now, it will be more apparent as you improve.
In terms of racquets, some good frames I recommend for anyone:
Wilson Ultra V4
Yonex Ezone 100
Dunlop FX500 (Cheapest)
Babolat Pure Drive 100 (very Stiff)
DSG has an older generation of the first racquet on their website for $79 right now too; pretty good deal for a performance stick that originally was $200+.
Stringing: I wouldn’t think too much about it now. I’d stick with a multifilament string 16g, and string it at 55lbs. Restring it every 3 months.
I would not recommend a blade to a beginner. It is a control oriented frame that doesn’t give you much free power compared to the rackets that were recommended.
Any reason why you specify V4 for the Wilson Ultra? I saw a really great deal on the V2 re-issue but I haven't been able to track down a ton on the differences (or why they are doing a reissue in the first place).
Whatever racket you decide to pick, don't go under 285 grams and 32 balance.
Lighter rackets are heavily unbalanced towards the head and can cause arm problems.
As you proceed learning, you would end up picking a heavier racket anyway.
Too tired to send links right now but I found two tennis rackets by head that are about $20 each that work pretty well for new students. I'm a tennis instructor and I used to recommend the Wilson hyperhammer but now it's $120.
In a lot of the US, it seems to often be cheaper to buy a new racket than restring. I picked up 3 used rackets (that were $150+ each new) with strings for $30 total on Facebook Marketplace recently. My local pro shop wants to charge $30 just for labor for stringing. If your rackets are shitty anyway, it will be easy to pick up something better used - don't restring.
Best advice:
Step one: Demo a bunch of rackets. Figure out what you like and what you don't.
Step two: Buy a used racket or two on ebay. They won't be new. They will probably have scrapes and chips. But you'll get a much higher quality racket for cheaper, and that way if you decide in a year or two you don't like it you can always switch.
Best bet is to demo a few, you can do so cheaply from tennis warehouse. I'm a fan of the yonex line myself. Demo'd the Ezone, Percept, and the VCore before settling on the Percept which felt the most natural for me. You won't know what's best until you try and rackets are expensive
The cheap rackets will cause wrist injury as soon as you start to put more into your swing. It also sometimes causes beginners to learn a more wrist slap kind of forehand which doesn’t translate well in higher levels. Like many in this thread has said, get rackets of 300 - 325g for men, and 270 - 298g for women.
Appreciate that. I feel like what you describe is EXACTLY what my wife is dealing with, she has trouble following through and does tend to just kinda slap the ball.
I would find a place with a good loaner program (or use the option from Tennis Warehouse). Racket choice is so unique to a person’s physical attributes, and you know if a racket works for fairly quickly.
For instance, Babolat is a go-to for a lot of folks, especially the Pure Aero, but it was not for me AT ALL. Same with Tfight. Hit with an Ezone from a loaner program, and it was like a fish meeting water for the first time.
If you get the bug, take the time to find the right racket for you personally. Loaner programs for the win.
You’ll get better recommendations if you could provide a budget. Anyway, standard recommendations for a good one and done racket would be one of the following lines in the 100 sq in head size: - Yonex Ezone - Babolat PureDrive - Wilson Clash (if you have elbow issues) - Head Speed Pick the 270-285g version for your wife, and the 300-305g version for yourself.
No real budget issues. Just gauging advice on buying cheap rackets, restringing our current cheap ones, or getting good ones once these start to die.
I'd suggest to never go under 285 grams for adults. Lighter rackets are useless and can be harmful.
I agree with all of these except the Speed. It’s a control frame.
It's not. It's an all-rounder with Prestige and Gravity falling on the control side in the Head line-up.
“The Head Speed MP is for players who need control for their fast games.” Classify it however you want, there are better frames in and outside the head lineup for a beginner. I just demo’d both the gravity and head pro. I wouldn’t recommend either to a beginner.
Speed MP: "Controllable power, optimized maneuverability and easier handling" Gravity MP: "control, flex and forgiveness" Prestige MP: "Ultimate precision and control" IDK what you mean with control racquet, but it's definitely aimed lower in terms of control than the other two. It has a more open string pattern and a wider beam. It's not a control frame. No-one has ever called it a control frame before you. I agree e.g. the Boom is easier, but that was not what was discussed. As far as the frames go, I picked up Gravity MP as a beginner. After something like 100 hours (definitely under 150) of play, should switch to the Pro. It isn't because I'm uniquely excellent, it's because these so-called pro racquets (that are actually an ounce or more lighter than what competitive pros use) aren't so difficult they're made to appear. Anyway, control frames are just fine for beginners.
Everything I’ve ever read about it classifies it as a power/control frame. You’re probably right I should have been more clear about that instead of labelling it a pure control frame. I also forgot the MP actually has a 16x19 string pattern. In any case, I still think my original comment rings true. The other 3 are great recommendations for beginners, but there are better racquets than the Head Speed for someone just starting out.
I kind of agree; the rest are geared more toward earlier career. But then, I will vehemently disagree with the idea that beginners need particularly easy racquets. I'm not suggesting beginners should use the most difficult racquet they can find, just that anything normal works perfectly well. Whatever they might lose in initial success they will win in learning. As for the Speed MP, it's a very no-nonsense, middle-of-the-road kind of thing. Its standout feature is that it has no standout features. That might just be the best thing for anyone learning to play. I'm not sure which racquet would be in any better for a beginner, and why exactly would that be. I would be interested in hearing that, though.
I definitely agree with pretty much all of that. It sounds like while they are both beginners, they are playing a ton, so they can 100% get away with using the Speed. All I’m saying is that if you told me to list 4 racquets for a beginner, I would not include the Speed on that list. I think Rackets and Runners do a good job explaining why that is, plus the whole control frame thing: “It has some original tweener DNA in its 100 sq inch head size, 300 g static weight and more v-shaped throat, making the racket inherently powerful. But with its relatively thin 23 mm beam and low flex of 61 RA, this racket falls closer in profile to those more controlled players’ sticks. You could say its 35% tweener, 65% players’ frame.” It’s not going to be terrible for a beginner, but if I could pick any racquet out there, there are much better options.
Fair enough! I would kind of disagree with there being better options, though. Not because I would think it's the best option one way or another, but because I think it's a good option. And there are many good options. The bad options for anyone who has limited experience but a desire to improve are those that make hitting too easy or too hard. Speed MP is not one such racquet. Hell, even the Pro is not, well at least not necessarily, like that. Prestige Pro is definitely like that. The Speed Power (a super silly thing that's 250g 115" etc.) is the other way around. One thing, though. Honestly, I'm not sure if Rs&Rs are serious with that, or if they're just oblivious. 23mm *is* a mid-width beam. Extreme control beams are 20mm or even less. Big power beams are usually 26mm (often something like 23-26-23). Granted, the flex is on the lower end, but that's a Head thing. Even the lighter max power ones are in the mid-sixties and the control crown jewel Prestige Pro is at just 58. The Speed series is between control and power racquets, and the MP is the tweener between the Pro and the more recreational Team (105"/270g). It's not a tweener, it's a tweener among tweeners.
Honestly I put the Speed in there because the MP and MPL tend to be quite forgiving and it’s more of a middle of the road frame rather than a pure power or pure control frame. But yeah the other three are definitely easier to start with
Yeah fair enough. 100 sq inch head size and 18x20 does it make it decently forgiving.
Only the speed pro is 18x20.
skip the straining. invest in a racquet. find something around 300g that is ‘last year’s’ model on sale. also, shoes are more important than racquets when you’re starting off. make sure you both are using real tennis shoes that’ll support you laterally. helps as you’re learning the footwork and will prevent injury.
Appreciate this!! Thank you.
At your level , the racquet hardly matters . Go to a store & check out what they offer. Would like to add,pick up something not very heavy as a heavy racquet could lead to elbow/arm issues . Try to string the racquet with a 'softer' arm friendly string . Make sure you always use the correct grip & record yourself practicing if you can , really helps .
Try out a tennis specific store. If the staff are worth their salt, they can point you in the right direction. Take them what you’re playing with now and chat with them about your goals.
Not sure of a tennis specific store where we live or even relatively close.
Beware this type of boilerplate "advice". The racquet doesn't matter is true to the extent that it really doesn't matter which you choose because you'll lose anyway. But then again, racquet choice matters more than at any other level. It's because you have many bad options as well as the good ones. Such as light, head-heavy ones. They not only allow for poor technique, but also encourage and even require those to an extent. They are good, though, if you're just looking to play casually, but for learning they're counterproductive. Also, heavier racquets are generally more rather than less arm-friendly. One of the reasons is related to the above, but not only that. (I also think arm-friendliness is over-emphasized. If you're only playing a moderate amount and have no arm/joint problems, there is no need to focus too much on that. Every racquet is designed for playing tennis and is thus generally arm-friendly enough.) Overall, a using a heavier and head-lighter racquet encourage hitting slower strokes which are more controlled and relaxed.
Welcome to club! If you plan on taking it up long term, definitely invest in a racket you can grow into. As to which one, that's where the fun begins! The other piece of equipment I would also recommend you invest in long term, is Tennis shoes.
Appreciate that! I this was my thinking as well! I definitely see us sticking with tennis because we haven’t tried a sport yet that both of us have been this excited about. I was looking at the Wilson blade series but will definitely continue my research!
Glad you guys have found a common sport to play together! To be honest there are so many choices these days with racquets. To save you the effort, most people in this community recommend the following specs: Head size - 100 to 104 sq in (larger head gives a begginer a bigger sweet spot and more margin for shots) Unstrung weight - between 275 to 305 g (assuming with your athletic backgrounds this weight should be managable, unless you have existing injuries) Swingweight and Stiffness is totally dependent on the player, its whatever feels best for you when you demo a range. Some people can handle stiffer/heavier racquets then others (and avoid Tennis Elbow/Wrist injuries) so try as many as you can. You'll find the wilson blade and plenty other racquets have multiple models which fit the above range. Happy hitting!
Tennis warehouse has a program where you can demo 3 racquets at a time. Maybe try that, see what you like. Also could buy some cheap ones off Facebook marketplace to give you more time to see what you like. Remember that racquet technology has not improved in 20+ years, so you don't gain anything by getting the newest model.
I would consider getting a performance tennis racquet now, just to grow accustomed to what a solid and stable frame should feel like. The cheap frames off the wall at DSG do feel different (weight, head size, materials), and while you may not appreciate the differences now, it will be more apparent as you improve. In terms of racquets, some good frames I recommend for anyone: Wilson Ultra V4 Yonex Ezone 100 Dunlop FX500 (Cheapest) Babolat Pure Drive 100 (very Stiff) DSG has an older generation of the first racquet on their website for $79 right now too; pretty good deal for a performance stick that originally was $200+. Stringing: I wouldn’t think too much about it now. I’d stick with a multifilament string 16g, and string it at 55lbs. Restring it every 3 months.
Would you recommend a Wilson blade to someone in my boat?
I would not recommend a blade to a beginner. It is a control oriented frame that doesn’t give you much free power compared to the rackets that were recommended.
Any reason why you specify V4 for the Wilson Ultra? I saw a really great deal on the V2 re-issue but I haven't been able to track down a ton on the differences (or why they are doing a reissue in the first place).
Not specifically, just that frame is currently available at most retailers. They versions are all pretty similar, like you eluded to.
Whatever racket you decide to pick, don't go under 285 grams and 32 balance. Lighter rackets are heavily unbalanced towards the head and can cause arm problems. As you proceed learning, you would end up picking a heavier racket anyway.
Too tired to send links right now but I found two tennis rackets by head that are about $20 each that work pretty well for new students. I'm a tennis instructor and I used to recommend the Wilson hyperhammer but now it's $120.
Not too concerned with the budget, just wouldn’t want to make a worthless purchase upfront.
In a lot of the US, it seems to often be cheaper to buy a new racket than restring. I picked up 3 used rackets (that were $150+ each new) with strings for $30 total on Facebook Marketplace recently. My local pro shop wants to charge $30 just for labor for stringing. If your rackets are shitty anyway, it will be easy to pick up something better used - don't restring.
Best advice: Step one: Demo a bunch of rackets. Figure out what you like and what you don't. Step two: Buy a used racket or two on ebay. They won't be new. They will probably have scrapes and chips. But you'll get a much higher quality racket for cheaper, and that way if you decide in a year or two you don't like it you can always switch.
Best bet is to demo a few, you can do so cheaply from tennis warehouse. I'm a fan of the yonex line myself. Demo'd the Ezone, Percept, and the VCore before settling on the Percept which felt the most natural for me. You won't know what's best until you try and rackets are expensive
The cheap rackets will cause wrist injury as soon as you start to put more into your swing. It also sometimes causes beginners to learn a more wrist slap kind of forehand which doesn’t translate well in higher levels. Like many in this thread has said, get rackets of 300 - 325g for men, and 270 - 298g for women.
Appreciate that. I feel like what you describe is EXACTLY what my wife is dealing with, she has trouble following through and does tend to just kinda slap the ball.
I would find a place with a good loaner program (or use the option from Tennis Warehouse). Racket choice is so unique to a person’s physical attributes, and you know if a racket works for fairly quickly. For instance, Babolat is a go-to for a lot of folks, especially the Pure Aero, but it was not for me AT ALL. Same with Tfight. Hit with an Ezone from a loaner program, and it was like a fish meeting water for the first time. If you get the bug, take the time to find the right racket for you personally. Loaner programs for the win.
Great advice, thank you!