Racquets
Racquet Attributes
Racquet Price
 At courtsidesports.com we have racquets ranging from less than
$50 to over $400. Keep in mind when searching for the right racquet
that spending lots of money doesn’t guarantee that it will be
the right frame for you. Typically higher priced racquets will
feature newer technology and lighter materials. These high-end
frames typically are suited to recreational and club-level players
that can benefit most from the advancements in technology. More
advanced players will likely find suitable racquets in the moderate
price range as these frames don’t require as many hi-tech features.
All the low-end frames at courtsidesports.com are good quality
and come from reputable manufacturers; they just don’t offer
all the bells and whistles that may be found in the higher end
exotic frames.
Racquet Headsize
All other things being equal, a racquet with a larger headsize
will have a bigger sweetspot and therefore more power than
a racquet with a smaller headsize and smaller sweetspot which
would
offer more control. Therefore, players with long fast swings
will likely prefer the control of a smaller headsize, and players
with shorter, slower strokes will likely prefer the added power
of a bigger headsize. Players that suffer from tennis elbow,
or any other type of arm injury will find more comfort in a
larger headed racquet. Simply put, the shock and vibration
caused by
hitting a ball off center is less likely to occur with a bigger
racquet.
Racquet Length
Standard length racquets offer more maneuverability over their
longer counterparts. Longer racquets will generate more power
and spin through their added leverage. Players will also find
added reach with a longer frame but may also find difficulties
in quick reflex shots.
Racquet Weight
Lighter racquets give players more maneuverability and faster
swing speeds. Heavier racquets have more stability, power and
comfort
(unless they’re too heavy). When looking for the perfect racquet
for your game try to find a racquet that is heavy enough that
it feels solid and stable, yet light enough to react quickly
to shots in pressure situations.
Racquet Balance
Balance is a measurement of the distribution of weight in a racquet.
Whether a racquet is proportioned head heavy or headlight can
have a dramatic impact on how the racquet will swing and feel.
Typically, the lighter a racquet becomes, the more necessary
it is to move the balance point of the frame towards the head,
to add stability and power in the racquet. The heavier a racquet
is the more likely it’s balance point will be proportioned
towards the handle so that the head is still light.
Racquet Swingweight
Swingweight is a dynamic measurement of maneuverability measured
by the Babolat Racquet Diagnostic Center. The higher the number,
the less maneuverable the racquet will be. The lower the number,
the more maneuverable the racquet will be. A more aggressive,
advanced player with a longer, faster swing, will likely prefer
a racquet with a heavier swingweight. A less advanced player
with a shorter, slower, more compact swing will likely prefer
a racquet with a lighter swingweight.
Racquet Stiffness
Stiffness is measured by the Babolat Racquet Diagnostic Center.
Stiff racquets will be rated with a higher number and will
offer more power. Flexible racquets will be rated with a lower
number
and will offer more control. The stiffness of a racquet is
determined by the materials used to make the frame and the
cross section,
or profile of the racquet.
Racquet Cross Section
Cross Section is the measurement of how wide a racquet is when
viewed from a side profile. A traditional width racquet will
usually offer more flexibility and therefore more control than
a widebody frame, which, will offer more stiffness and greater
power.
Racquet String Pattern
String pattern is a way of measuring the density of strings in
a racquet. The more strings there are, the denser the pattern
will be. The less strings there are the more open the pattern
will be. Denser patterns give players more control and greater
string durability. Open patterns give players more power, more
bite on the ball, but less string durability.
Racquet Tension Range
The manufacturer states a suggested tension range for every racquet
they produce. When choosing this range they will take into
account how much tension a racquet can endure and also what
tensions
the racquet will perform best for the target audience they
will be marketing the racquet towards. Most players will find
their
racquet will perform best when strung within the manufacturers
recommended range. Occasionally players will find reason to
string outside the recommended range, which in most circumstances
is
acceptable +/- 10%, however this will void the manufacturer’s
warranty.
Look at Courtside Sports Tennis Racquets
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