Have you recently developed an interest in the world of tennis? If so, let us welcome you! Whether you’re looking to get a little fitter or to just play a fun outdoor sport with your friends, tennis can give you all. Charging around the court and swinging your racket will whip you in shape before you even realize it, and the competitive match will be a great way to have bonding time. That said, the best tennis racket for beginners can make a world of difference in your gameplay. However, picking a good tennis racket for beginners among the dizzying collections might leave you scratching your head. If that’s the case, then you’re in the right place! Here, we will show you all the top tennis rackets for beginners like you, so read on!
In case you’re looking for tennis racquets for juniors, feel free to take a look at our 13 best tennis rackets for kids!
How To Choose The Best Tennis Rackets For Beginners
Just like when you want to choose the best tennis rackets for girls, there are also some key features that you should consider before you decide on which racket to buy.
Balance
A head-light racket will feel lighter since the bulk of the racket’s weight is in the handle. That said, rackets like this are typically the easiest to maneuver, making them ideal for beginners.
Shock absorption
Tennis rackets that boast shock-absorbing features are great for beginners. That’s because they’re easier on your arm when you hit the ball. Plus, it’ll allow you to improve your skills without injuring your wrist or arm.
Head size
The size of the racket isn’t only crucial when choosing the best tennis racquets for juniors, but also when shopping for the best racket for beginners. It’s recommended that beginners should look for rackets with larger heads around 98 to 110 square inches. These are more forgiving and will give you a larger sweet spot for actually hitting the ball.
Grip size
Many people neglect this factor, but finding the right grip size is also important. To find the right grip size, you can place a ruler on the center of your dominant hand, and measure from the tip of your ring finger to the bottom of the lateral crease of your palm. The distance between those two points will be your grips size.
Babolat Drive G Lite (404)
13
Kicking off this list is a great racket from Babolat, Babolat Drive G Lite, the lighter version of the original Drive G. This racket offers a faster swinging speed that’s packed with top-notch features. It offers a strung weight of 9.6 ounces for increased maneuverability and boasts a 102 square inch head for greater comfort and easier access to power.
Same with its sibling, this version also features Babolat’s Woofer Grommet system. It’s a technology used in top performance frames to give the stringbed more power and comfort. All in all. Beginners should find easy access to pace and spin on groundstrokes. They should also be able to close out points at the net with power and precisions when using this racket.
What We Love
It’s a lightweight, user-friendly racket at an affordable price point.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Offers great power
Cons:
- Expensive compared to others
Wilson Burn 100
12
Besides producing the best tennis racquets for juniors, Wilson also has several rackets for beginners, and one of them is Wilson Burn 100. It can be seen as the best tennis racket for juniors as it’s more than capable of helping them to improve their gameplay. Another perk that’s loved by many is the fact that this racket is arm-friendly. Weighing about 10 ounces, it offers you the speed that will result in effective pace and spin. It’s also very easy to maneuver, which is why it’s a good racket for beginners.
Another feature that you should know is the perforated Cushion-Air grip of this racket, which gives you a soft feel. With a head size of 100 square inches, this racket makes it super easy for you to access power, while the 16×20 string pattern will give you great access to spin.
What We Love
One of the best rackets for players looking for power and consistency from the baseline.
Pros:
- Very arm-friendly
- Explosive power
- Great spin capabilities
Cons:
- Some people feel that it’s quite stiff
Buy on:
Wilson Tour Slam Lite
11
Wilson Tour Slam Lite has the same basic concept as its twin, the Wilson Tour Slam. However, this version is slightly lighter and takes into consideration the requirements of a slimmer framed player. This racket weighs 10.2 ounces, along with a slightly bigger head size of 112 square inches. Some players see it as the best tennis racket for beginners, and that’s also because of its smaller grip and harder string formatting that results in a power boost.
Knowing that the hard strung head can’t absorb much of the slamming, this racket adds Stop Shock Sleeves. They’re strategically placed rubber fillets that limit the impact to the racket’s frame rather than the player’s frame. With everything it offers plus its super affordable price, this is indeed a good racket for beginners!
What We Love
It’s a great alternative for beginners with smaller physiques.
Pros:
- Excellent grip
- Durable
- Moderate striking and power
Cons:
- Some people might find it too light
Buy on:
Babolat Drive Max 110 (404)
10
There are some affordable Babolat rackets available on the market today, but Babolat Drive Max 110 is definitely the cheapest! Weighing only 9.2 ounces, it’s extremely light and stable. The balance and power combination is also amazing. Unlike some tennis rackets, it has an extra length which gives you a more powerful swing, which will definitely rattle your opponent.
If you feel that this racket is quite stiff, that’s because it tries to make your shots more accurate. At the net and serving, this racket will give you plenty of maneuverability, and it’s perfect not only for beginners but also for all tennis players.
What We Love
An attractive and sleek racket for beginners looking to improve their games or playing for the first time.
Pros:
- Exceptional grip
- Offers great power
- Affordable
Cons:
- The string quality isn’t the best
HEAD MicroGel Radical Tennis Racquet
9
You might’ve found this racket on our list of 13 best tennis rackets for women, but do you know that it can also be the best tennis racket for beginners? Yes, HEAD MicroGel Radical Tennis Racquet is a great tweener racket for athletic beginners or players who want to improve to an intermediate player quickly. Need us to convince you more? We’re here to let you know that compared to others, it’s relatively more affordable!
With a head size of 98 inches, this racket is excellent for control and maneuverability. Plus, the tight 18×20 string pattern adds even more control. Meanwhile, the 11 ounces head will help players to generate more power. For players who are quite athletic and have good hand-eye coordination, this racket is certainly worth having.
What We Love
It’s a good tennis racket for juniors to learn how to place and control their shots.
Pros:
- Delivers great power and mobility
- Offers added stability
- Amazing control
Cons:
- Some players might find it a little bit too heavy
Buy on:
Wilson Federer Tennis Racquet
8
Like other rackets from Wilson, you can’t go wrong with Wilson Federer Tennis Racquet. It’s one of the most budget-friendly picks on this list, and its 100 square inches head along with its 4 3/8 grip size make this racket super comfortable for beginners to use. Aside from being lightweight, it also features a volcanic frame which enhances the racket’s power and stability.
Another great feature that this racket has is its signature Stop Shock Pads that reduce vibrations from tennis ball impact. Thanks to the perforated grip, the racket’s grip also feels exceptionally nice and cooling to the palm. It’s obviously not the best racket Wilson has made, but it’s certainly a great choice for beginners.
What We Love
It’s light, comfortable, and affordable. What more could you ask for?
Pros:
- Stop Shock Pads to reduce vibrations
- Offers good control
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- Not really durable
Buy on:
Wilson Tour Slam
7
This racket is arguably the best tennis racket for beginners who need a cheap racket. Because of the wallet-friendly price, Wilson Tour Slam is also a great way to see if you’ll truly enjoy tennis without having to spend much. First of all, it’s made from aluminum, and the frame is built with the Volcanic Frame Technology. This results in a very lightweight racket that will feel superb on the hands of beginners.
Then, it also boasts a head size of 122 square inches, which offers players a great sweet spot as well as excellent power and comfort. The head is pre-strung, and it provides the right tension when it comes in contact with the ball. As a synthetic racket, it feels not only light but also sturdy. Another feature that’s worth mentioning is the Stop Shock Pads, which act as stabilizers that reduce vibrations.
What We Love
With its praise-worthy features, it’s a good tennis racket for beginners at a great value.
Pros:
- Offers great control and power
- Massive hitting area
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not the best choice to improve your game
Buy on:
Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3
6
Also seen by many players as the best tennis racket for beginners, Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 is a must-have for players who want to improve their swings and strikes. It’s a tweener tennis racket that provides a nice blend of power and control, which is perfect for players who just started learning how to play tennis. Constructed from 85% graphite and 15% hyper carbon, this feature makes the racket strong, stiff, and light at the same time.
With a head size of 110 square inches and a length of 27.5 inches, this racket offers players more power, better reach, and better angles. As the name suggests, this racket comes with a hammer technology that it a lighter feel. Because of its 16×20 string pattern, 28mm dual taper beamwidth, and the 10-point head heavy frame, this racket’s head size can be considered as huge!
What We Love
The great balance between power and control as well as the large sweet spot is perfect for beginners.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Large sweet spot
- Provides a great amount of power
Cons:
- Not so stable compared to other rackets
Buy on:
Babolat Pure Drive Lite (CU)
5
Beginners who want to own Babolat Pure Drive but not sure whether it suits them or not should opt for Babolat Pure Drive Lite instead. This racket is a little bit more affordable than the original Pure Drive, but still offers the benefits of it in a lighter, more manageable racket. Aside from being a good tennis racket for beginners, it’s also one of the best tennis racquets for juniors who want some extra power without sacrificing too much control.
This racket is the lightest version of the Pure Drive series, coming in at just 10 ounces. While lighter rackets usually have less stability, that’s not the case for this racket. Plus, it also allows you to fly through contact with the ball. The high maneuverability of this racket gives it a fast feel and allows you to generate enough speed for a top-notch spin.
What We Love
It provides a good amount of control, which some rackets for beginners don’t offer.
Pros:
- Lightweight but stable
- Great balance of power and control
- High maneuverability
Cons:
- Some have complained that this racket comes unstrung
Babolat Pure Aero 2019 Tennis Racquet
4
Babolat is popular for producing lots of first-rate tennis rackets, and Babolat Pure Aero 2019 Tennis Racquet is one of them. Considered by many as the best tennis racket for juniors, this racket is also known for its easy power and topspin potential. Beginners who are looking to hit a spin-loaded ball will certainly appreciate how fast this racket whips through contact. Aside from that, this racket is actually a good option for intermediates and professional players too. Even the amazing Rafael Nadal uses this!
This racket weighs just 10.5 ounces, and it’s reinforced in the head by Cortex-System that will protect players’ arms in the hitting position. When using it, you’ll feel that the ball stays longer on the strings, which will give you a better chance to hit the ball hard and put an extra spin into it. Overall, it’s a good tennis racket for beginners who love to play defense.
What We Love
A worthy upgrade from the previous version as it’s more comfortable and offers better control.
Pros:
- A great racket for topspin
- Impressive ball control
- Great on the defensive
- Endorsed by Rafael Nadal
Cons:
- Some people might find it too stiff
Buy on:
Babolat Boost Drive (CU)
3
Tennis players might find Babolat Boost Drive looks familiar. Well, that’s because this racket is the younger sibling to the more expensive Babolat Pure Drive that comes with a nearly identical light blue paint job. When it comes to the best tennis racket for beginners, this racket should be on the top of your list. Its 105 square inch head is a great size for most beginners, as it’s not too big nor small. In fact, it’s the most forgiving head size in the boost line up.
Then, it also comes with a 16×19 open string pattern, which helps it pack some extra punch while providing plenty of topspin at the same time. This racket is only 9.8 ounces, making it light and easy to maneuver for beginners looking to develop their strokes. Topped by its reasonable price point, we’re confident to say that this is indeed the best tennis racket for beginners that is available today.
What We Love
It’s a racket with plenty of beginner-friendly features with a price point that’s very reasonable.
Pros:
- Looks almost identical to the more expensive Babolat Pure Drive
- Provides plenty of topspin
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Some people have complained about the poor quality of the frame
Babolat Pure Aero Lite
2
Babolat Pure Aero is fantastic, but if you find it a bit on the heavy side, then maybe Babolat Pure Aero Lite will suit you more. As you might’ve guessed, this is the lightweight version of the Pure Aero line, and it’s a good tennis racket for beginners who want to have the option to become more advanced players. It has a sturdy and wide frame that will help you create more power, which is also why it’s seen by many players as one of the best tennis racquets for juniors.
Although the 100 square inches frame might be low for beginners, it’s still pretty decent if you have okay hand-eye coordination. Weighing only 9.5 ounces, it’s also very easy to swing, even if you’re just learning to play tennis. Moreover, the frame design and string pattern will help add more spin as you develop your game to the next level.
What We Love
Its features can greatly help beginners to improve fast.
Pros:
- Good control and spin
- Better feel than most beginner rackets
- Offers great power
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Quite expensive
Buy on:
HEAD Ti.S6
1
Those who are looking for the best tennis racket for juniors that’s fairly affordable should definitely take a look at HEAD Ti.S6. This is a titanium racket that’s not only lightweight but also very easy to control. With its big frame and weight balanced towards the head, you’ll have the chance to generate more powerful shots. Boasting 115 square inch frame size, it also offers you a large sweet spot so that you’ll have almost zero chance to miss the ball.
Moreover, the 16×19 string pattern allows you to generate topspin on your shots. The main strings are constructed in a way that they’ll spread wider as they move further from the handle. Together with the frame technology, it’ll give this racket an excellent feel. Overall, this is certainly a very good tennis racket for beginners that are passionate to improve their skills.
What We Love
An affordable racket for beginners that doesn’t skimp on quality and features.
Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Huge sweet spot
- Offers great power
- Lightweight and arm-friendly
Cons:
- Not for advanced players as it’s quite bulky
Buy on:
