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Standard vs tour version

  • Thread starter Margomael
  • Start date Jan 28, 2021
  • Jan 28, 2021

Do you prefer buying a standard version of the same racket instead of the heavier tour version? So there is more room for customisation? Or if the tour version feels better you get it? Thanks  

Hall of Fame

Lighter version to allow customization.  

happyandbob

happyandbob

I always buy the racquet that feels better during the demo  

depends on the specs. the naming schemes for "tour" and "pro" models are thrown around a lot and are not even the same mold or racket at times (gravity mp vs. gravity tour vs. gravity pro). i usually stick with the more popular model of the two if it's the same racket but different weight/balance. the heavier model isn't always better than the standard model in my experience.  

I got the Tour/Pro versions when I was (much) younger. Now that I am much older, I always get the standard or sometimes lighter version to allow more customisations.  

Purestriker

Purestriker

Margomael said: Do you prefer buying a standard version of the same racket instead of the heavier tour version? So there is more room for customisation? Or if the tour version feels better you get it? Thanks Click to expand...

Assuming the racquets play very similar, I think it's usually better to pick the heaviest version that is lighter than your desired spec, essentially the one that still allows room for customization, but requires the least amount. A friend of mine chose the heavier version (TF40 315) because the demo was right on spec, but becomes too heavy because his string of choice was heavier than the strings in the demo. On the other hand, if you already plan on adding some lead to, say, Prostaff 97, I don't really see why you would get the lighter 97L, and have to add even more lead.  

socallefty

  • Jan 29, 2021

I like racquets that are around 12 ozs strung with SW above 330 as otherwise they feel too unstable to me. I also just buy stock racquets and don’t customize them. So, I’ve bought Tour versions of racquets (AeroStorm GT, Gen 1 and Gen 3 Pure Strikes) for the last fifteen years - my last non-Tour racquet was the Pure Control + from 2000 which still weighed a hefty 11.9 ozs and had a SW over 330.  

mtommer

I bought the Tour version of my most recent racquet solely because it was the comparable model to my older racquets that I was starting to run out of. That it had "Tour" in the name is purely a naming choice by the mfg. as the previous models never had a Tour moniker.  

I generally like my racquets around 350g, so rarely even demo anything really light.  

mhkeuns

Players’ frames - I like the heavier Tour/Pro version Tweeners - I like the regular version - The Tour/Pro versions are often too powerful. I prefer not to mod.  

Professional

weight and balance point seem to me to be most important not labels  

Ever since I started playing with the Pro Staff 90 four years ago, I haven't liked a racquet under 12 ounces strung. I moved on to the RF97 because it was more forgiving when my timing was off and I was close to pulling the trigger on the VCORE Pro 97 330g a couple years ago, but that was the lightest racquet I've liked since 2016.  

If everything is held constant except for weight/balance, I would probably say the more "standard" or lighter version. Unfortunately for a racquet like the Head Gravity, the Pro, MP (kinda the standard), and the Tour all have things different other than weight and balance. They have different beam thicknesses, string patterns, and flex ratings. I picked up a demo Gravity Pro that my shop was selling because the flex, beam thickness, and string pattern is more in my wheelhouse, even though I would like to have a little more of an ability to customize the swingweight and balance to my liking.  

  • Jan 31, 2021

Thanks for all the responses. I think I lean more towards an standard version. I’ve done racket demoing in the past but just a week testing a racket (under the wet UK weather) with likely old strings is less and less appealing now. I am also leaning towards lighter rackets. I’ve been hitting with juniors and their power is amazing using like rackets. I guess you need to be able to control that power.  

Margomael said: Thanks for all the responses. I think I lean more towards an standard version. I’ve done racket demoing in the past but just a week testing a racket (under the wet UK weather) with likely old strings is less and less appealing now. I am also leaning towards lighter rackets. I’ve been hitting with juniors and their power is amazing using like rackets. I guess you need to be able to control that power. Click to expand...

graycrait

A lot of 330G+ unstrung frames feel great to me but I’ve found as I’ve aged that they start to lose their appeal into the 3rd set or second match of the day. As such I’ve now gravitated to lighter frames and will simply add lead until I feel like I’ve got it where I want it. It’s also nice to be able to remove weight when you want. Whether it’s because you haven’t hit the gym in a while or it’s winter and you’re feeling like you need more racquet head speed to combat the denser air.  

bogdan101

The one with higher SW.  

I agree that swingweight is really important. It’s really bad that quality control on companies like Wilson and Babolat are bad. So you may end up with really high SW. Again, you may demo a great racket and when you buy it the SW may be too high and you are stuck. I guess if you purchase the standard or even lighter version you may have more chances. But it’s not fair having to purchase a lighter racket to be able to compensate for bad manufacturing.  

LocNetMonster

graycrait said: whichever comes in at the lowest auction site price with shipping Click to expand...

J-Wildcard

  • Feb 1, 2021

I think if you get the pro version, if say a gravity there isn't much to work with. With the lighter hairpin you can always add weight and adjust the balance. On a heavy frame it is more difficult unless you want it really heavy. I guess the beauty of the pro stock is a light balanced hairpin ready to work on as with the weigh where you desire it. The problem for me with certain nu skool releases is the lack of maneuverability they bring. I sensed that right away when I was trying out the head youtek graphene speed pro, after using a prestige mp. It felt difficult on the volleys due to where the weight was.  

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Tennis racket specifications explained

Blinded by the numbers? Confused by the terminology? Not sure how you can tell if a racket is right for you without trying it out? Then look no further as we explain the meaning and implications of the tennis racket specifications used when the tennis brands describe their rackets

Normally found on the inside of the frame of your racket or on the promotional material you receive with your racket, the manufacturers tennis racket specifications are designed to give you more information about the racket you are about to purchase. The categories of specification used by the different manufacturers are normally very similar but does the average tennis player know what they really mean?

Click here to buy tennis rackets, balls, clothes, strings and shoes with a 5% DISCOUNT on the lowest internet price PLUS a free string upgrade (worth £30) from our trusted retail partner All Things Tennis

Racket head size

Measured in ‘square inches’ or ‘sq. in.’

This basically denotes the total surface area of the strings & frame or the size of the head including the frame. The important point with this is that the bigger the tennis racket head size then the more surface area you have when trying to hit the ball. In it’s simplest form, the bigger the head size then the easier it is to hit the ball.

But actually hitting the ball isn’t really the hardest part of tennis, it’s more to do with what you actually do with the ball once you’ve hit it. Hence why the head size becomes more important.

  • A large head size, anything over 100 square inches, will generate moire power in your shots because of greater trampolining effect. A larger head size means longer strings and therefore more spring in them when you contact the ball.
  • A head size between 96 – 100 square inches is considered average size
  • A head size below 96 square inches is considered small and will therefore generate less power in theory allowing oyu to control the ball better

Tennishead suggests…

Go for a larger head size (over 100 sq. in.) tennis racket if you are a smaller framed person who doesn’t possess natural strength. Maybe you are a small slight woman or you are an elderly player or a younger player who is still growing. Also if you have a short swing you might want the extra power of a larger head size.

Choose a medium size head (96 sq. in. – 100 sq. in.) if you consider yourself neither very strong or very weak and have an average length swing. (Ask a coach or good player if oyu don’t know how long your swing is)

If you are an advanced player or are reasonably strong or tall with a long swing then a smaller head size (Less than 96 sq. in.) might be right for you. for example, we’d suggest that most men between the ages of 17 and 60 who are over 6 feet tall and in good shape will probably only need a medium or smaller head size racket.

(There is no right or wrong by the way, we are just offering some advice)

Tennis racket weight

Measured in grams or just ‘g’ or sometimes in Ounces or just ‘oz’

This is exactly what you think it is… The total weight of the racket! Simple as that…

With the tremendous advances in technology and use of new materials the average weight of a racket has reduced significantly over the years and this trend will probably continue. However, as a general rule:

  • 300 grams (or 10.6 ounces) is an average weight for a racket
  • Less than 285 grams (10 ounces) is considered light
  • More than 310 grams (or 11 ounces) is considered heavy

As you’d expect, a heavy racket in general means more power but less manoeuvrability and vice versa with a light racket. But extra weight also mean more stability, so in theory you can hit the ball harder and still control the racket. Therefore you’ll tend to find advanced players will look for a heavier racket and beginners will opt for something lighter.

String pattern

Show as 16/19 which means 16 main strings going down the racket head vertically and 19 cross strings going across the racket head horizontally

The simple rule of thumb here is that the smaller number of strings in a tennis racket normally equates to more power and spin whereas a higher number of strings in a racket equates to more control and less spin

  • 16 main and 19 cross (16/19) is an average string pattern
  • 16 main and 18 cross (16/18) is an open string patter for spin and power
  • 18 main and 20 cross (18/20) is a closed string patter for control

Unless you specifically know what you want or someone with experience has told you, go a a 16/19 string pattern in a racket or as close as possible to that. If you consider yourself a big spinner of the ball go for 16/19 or less like 16/18 and if oyu hit the ball hard and flat then try something with more strings such as 18/20

Measured in Millimetres (mm) or centimetres (cm)

This measure shows where most of the weight is in your racket. Either its perfectly balanced with equal weight across the racket head and the handle, or its head heavy with more weight in the racket head or its head light with most of the weight in the handle.

More wight in the head of the weight will mean more velocity in your swing when the ball connects so more power in your shits. And similarly a head light racket will have less power but offer you more control.

The balance point of a racket is measured from the butt or handle end. If the balance measurement is less than half the length of the racket that means the balance point is towards the handle and therefore its a head light racket. If the balance measurement is more than half the total length of the racket then the balance point is towards the head which means its a head heavy racket.

Most rackets are 27 inches or 69cm or 690mm:

  • If the balance is less than 345mm (34.5cm) then the racket is head light
  • If the balance is more than 345mm (34.5cm) then the racket is head heavy
  • If the balance is 345mm (34.5cm) or very close then the racket is perfectly balanced

As you’d expect, a head heavy racket in general means more power but less manoeuvrability and vice versa with a light racket. But extra head weight also mean more stability, so in theory you can hit the ball harder and still control the racket. Therefore you’ll tend to find advanced players will look for a head heavy racket and beginners will opt for something with a lighter head.

But please note that there are plenty of beginners who want extra power so they plump for a head heavy racket.

Measured in millimetres (mm) showing head, shoulder and handle of the frame e.g. 23mm/26mm/23mm

Modern tennis rackets aren’t all straight if you look at their frame. Often the width differs as you go along the frame. The 3 measurements for the beam will show you if the frame stays straight or goes in our out as you move along the frame.

In general a wider beam width means a more powerful racket as their is more material in the racket therefore giving you more strength when you contact the ball.

  • 22m or less is considered a narrow beam
  • 22-24mm is considered an average beam
  • 24mm or more is considered a wide beam

As you’d expect, a wider beam racket in general means more power but less manoeuvrability and vice versa with a narrow beam racket. Therefore you’ll tend to find advanced or stronger players will look for a narrow beam racket and beginners will opt for something with a wider beam to give them more help when trying to generate power.

Measured in inches (in) or centimetres (cm) or millimetres (mm)

The variance in the length of a tennis racket hasn’t really changed over the years apart from a short trend towards extra long rackets. This means that nearly all rackets are 27 inches in length

If you do find a racket that isn’t this length then we would suggest that a longer racket will create higher swing velocity and therefore a more powerful shot, but will be harder to control. Therefore a player looking for help with their power of hitting might like a longer frame (if oyu can find one that is)

Recommended string tension

Measured in pounds (lbs)

Racket manufacturers will always recommend the tension range that you should use when stringing their rackets. Often oyu will have bought a racket with strings already in it so you don;t need to worry about this. but if oyu have bought just the frame or if you restring a racket then you might want to pay attention to the manufacturers recommend tension.

However, a lot of players have their own preference in terms of string tension so will ignore this manufacturers advice. If you did string a racket outside of their recommended tension and it broke then they might refuse to replace it but we’ve never heard of that happening.

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tour racket meaning

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.

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  • head graphene 360 prestige tour racket review

Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour Racket Review

Oh, the classic Prestige - one of Head’s oldest racket lines, and a fairly legendary racket.

This range recently got Head’s latest update, with Graphene 360+ technology, and we took the chance to playtest the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour.

This racket is a world away from the traditional Prestige that many people associate with Marat Safin, but it does retain some of the great virtues of control and precision, whilst offering much more friendly maneuverability.

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At 305g unstrung, and with a 99 sq inch frame, this stick is much easier to play with than the Prestige Mid, opening it up to a wide variety of players.

As always with a Prestige racket, you’re in for plenty of control and feel, but with modern maneuverability that really allows you to swing through the ball.

We were big fans of the old version of this racket , but hopefully, the Graphene 360+ technology would add that extra bit of stability, and turn this racket into a serious threat.

Looking at the specs, you can see Prestige Tour is going to be competing with rackets like the Wilson Blade 98 and Babolat Pure Strike , so it does have some stiff competition.

To make it stand out though, Head has opted for a slightly unusual 18 x 19 string pattern, which should fall somewhere in the middle of a normal 16 x 19 and 18 x 20.

We took the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour out with a string setup of Head Sonic Pro at 52lbs.

This string setup should suit the control-oriented nature of the Prestige and allow us to swing through with plenty of confidence.

Groundstrokes

8.5 out of 10

The new Prestige Tour might look very modern, but it still has some of that classic control and feel these rackets are known for.

When you combine this control with a racket that swings extremely fast, you’ve got a recipe for some big strokes.

If there’s one complaint I would have it’s that this racket does lack a little bit of stability if I compare it to the Pure Strike, but otherwise, I think you have a very good racket.

The 18 x 19 string pattern leans towards control, but it still manages to give you a bit of pop and some reasonable spin potential.

This was particularly useful on my backhand side, where I don’t get as much action on the ball, and I was really pleased with how I was able to keep hitting deep and stop my opponent from attacking.

This set me up nicely to get play onto my forehand side, where I was able to make the most of the control and precision of the Prestige by really attacking the ball.

I always picture Prestige rackets in the hands of aggressive players, and I do think those are the kinds of players this Prestige Tour is best suited to.

At 305g it’s light enough to work for younger players as well as older players, and the easy maneuverability really allows you to attack the ball.

Although I enjoyed playing on the front foot, the Head Prestige Tour doesn’t let you down when you’re scrambling around on defense either.

You’ve got to hit through the ball to keep it deep, but it encourages you to do this with its easy playability.

We were impressed with the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour from the back of the court.

It’s much easier to play with than traditional Prestige rackets, meaning more people can enjoy the precision and control of this stick.

We gave it an 8.5 out of 10 from the back of the court.

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time at the net and you want a racket around the 305g weight, then you can’t go too wrong with the Head Prestige Tour .

The blend of maneuverability, control, and precision works really well at the net and allows you to feel comfortable, even on the most difficult volleys.

I generally like to volley with something a little bit heavier than this stick, but it’s hard to find negatives given it’s a 305g racket.

It could possibly benefit from a little bit more stability, but other than that, it’s got everything you need.

The feel on this racket is so soft, which allows you to play the most delicate shots with real confidence.

When you’re forced to play those difficult pick up volleys you can guide the ball back into court, giving you a platform to start attacking from.

Of the Prestige range, I would probably say the Tour is the most groundstrokes oriented racket, but it still does a very good job at the net.

Whether you come to the net infrequently, or you love to get there as quickly as possible, this racket has all the tools you need to volley well.

We gave the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour an 8.5 out of 10 at the net.

8 out of 10

The serve is an area where I find the Prestige can lack a little bit of pop.

It seems you need to have a very good action, and plenty of power to be able to get the most out of this stick on serve.

However, if there is one Prestige racket that’s slightly easier to serve with then it’s the Tour.

The main reason for this is the fact that the Prestige Tour is that little bit lighter, so it’s easier to get some racket head speed to produce the power you need.

With the heavier Mid racket, it always feels like you’re laboring to get the racket moving, but you don’t have the same problems with the Tour.

This allows you to get your technique right, and although it isn’t the most spin or power friendly racket, there is enough to be found to turn your serve into a threat.

I particularly enjoyed the control aspect of this racket, allowing me to get good precision, particularly when I was hitting my slice serve out wide.

I find it’s easy to get too much slice on this and the ball ends up doing nothing, but the balance of the Prestige Tour felt just right for me.

All in all, I thought the Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour did pretty well on the serve and I gave it an 8 out of 10.

Based on the rest of the playtest, I was pretty sure the Prestige Tour would offer a good package for returning.

It’s got the speed, control, and precision that I enjoy when taking on the return, and I used it to good effect.

It’s another area where I could have perhaps used a touch more stability, but other than that, I really liked what I got with this stick.

It’s especially nice on second serves, where you’ve got a little bit more time and can take big aggressive swings at the ball but it served me pretty well on first serve returns too.

Control is the first thing I look for when it comes to returning – that last thing you want is to be pinging the ball long every time.

Luckily, when it comes to 305g rackets, there are few options that offer better control than the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour.

We gave this stick another great score of 8.5 for the return.

The big question with updated rackets is always is better than the previous version.

I always find the answer is normally – yes it’s slightly better. In general, good rackets remain good and not so good rackets remain not so good.

That’s exactly the case with the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour.

The Graphene 360+ technology makes this racket a little bit more arm friendly, but other than that, it’s really more of the same and that’s a good thing.

We love the idea of a 305g racket that offers classic control, feel, and precision and that’s what the Prestige Tour does.

It’s fast through the swing, which allows you to swing through with lots of confidence and really go after your shots.

It excels from the back of the court, but it’s extremely comfortable at the net as well, so it’s ideal for players who have an all-round game.

I think the main thing is it opens the Prestige up to players who love control and precision, but don’t want a heavy, more cumbersome racket, and that makes it a very nice option.

We gave the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour an 8.5 out of 10.

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Sep 14, 2023 • Boom Head

Head Boom MP Tennis Racket Review

So, you want to know all about the Head Boom MP? From the family of frames endorsed by US sensation Coco Gauff and the classy Italian, Lorenzo Musetti? The celeste and black color frame makes the Boom line stand out, but does its performance match the cosmetic? With an ever…

Aug 31, 2023 • Babolat Dunlop Head Prince Wilson Yonex

Men’s vs Women’s Tennis Rackets: What’s the Difference?

Is there really a difference between men’s and women’s rackets? This is a commonly asked question that doesn’t have a very clear answer. Whilst there aren’t specific rackets that are designed for men or women tennis players, there are some trends in both the men’s and women’s games that make…

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Tour Racquets 36

Product overview - Boom PRO 2024

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Tennis Racket Stiffness Explained

tour racket meaning

If you’re busy browsing the tennis racket market, you are likely trying to make sense of all of the numbers you’re seeing. The racket’s “specs” show everything you really need to know about each racket, and they will give you the best idea of what a racket will play like before you even hit a ball. One of the most telling specs is racket stiffness, and it’s important to understand what that number means before you consider buying a particular racket.

A racket’s stiffness is defined by how much the frame bends when it makes contact with the ball. The number you see is correlated directly to how much the racket is distorted as the ball is struck. So, a higher rating of stiffness relates to less bend in the racket at contact. A lower rating, therefore, means that a racket will bend more at contact. 

Rackets on the market have a stiffness of anywhere from 40-80. However, the most popular rackets typically fall between 60 and 70. The difference between a racket with a rating of 60 and a racket with a rating of 70 quite substantial.

This article will go through the details of what stiffness means, how stiffness affects a racket’s feel, how stiffness affects potential injuries, and examples of rackets with both high and low stiffness ratings. Let’s get to it.

What does stiffness mean in a tennis racket?

We touched on it above, but stiffness is defined by how much the frame bends when it makes contact with the ball. “Stiff” rackets are less distorted at impact than “flexible frames, assuming that all of the other specs are the same. 

The stiffness in a racket is one of the most important specs because it considerably affects how a racket will feel to a player upon contact. This number tends to confuse people and to be honest, it confused me as well earlier in my career.

When we say that a racket is distorted at impact, this isn’t something apparent to the naked eye. Flexible rackets aren’t going to be bending to the point where you’ll see it when hitting a ball, but players will definitely feel a difference in how the ball comes off the strings. 

How is stiffness determined?

So if you can’t see the racket bend, how can people tell how stiff a frame is? You can’t bend even the most flexible frames on your knee and expect to see anything. If you try this, you may be looking like Stan Wawrinka below. 

tour racket meaning

There are machines that determine a racket’s stiffness. These machines are used by racket companies to put a number on the rating so that their consumers have a better idea of how the racket will play. 

How does stiffness affect a racket?

Now it’s time for the important part: Why does stiffness matter? The stiffness determines how much control and feel the racket has. This is why this spec should be such a key factor when deciding which racket you should be using.

The reason that this rating is confusing to many is because the wording is slightly contradictory. Some players jump to the conclusion that the higher stiffness rating will cause the racket itself to feel stiff, like a board (i.e more control, less power). The truth is actually the opposite. Remember, stiffer rackets actually allow for more power, not less. 

Sounds weird, but once it is explained it will make some more sense. Stiff frames allow the energy to bounce back quickly and explosively off of the strings at impact. The stiffer the frame, the less energy is transferred to the racket (and therefore there is more energy in the ball). Frames that are less stiff absorb more energy from the ball, and therefore the racket will provide less power when the ball is transferred off of the strings. 

Does stiffness increase the risk of tennis elbow?

tour racket meaning

This is a common question. The answer is yes, definitely, but it is not the only spec that can contribute to injury. The combination of a stiff and light weight racket can cause injury because of the way the joints are whipped around, especially with hitches in technique. Less stiff rackets can also lead to injury, mainly if they are heavy, because the joints end up taking a lot of the blow at contact when the racket does not bend.

The stiffness of your racket could be leading to injury, but it isn’t always as simple as just using a racket that has a different stiffness. It is important to look at the whole picture rather than just one spec of the racket. 

For more information about tennis elbow, see our article: Tennis Elbow – The Full Guide For Tennis Players .

Recommendations and Examples

Now that you have a better understanding of what stiffness is all about and what it can provide to your game, you are ready for a couple of our recommendations. Remember that stiffness is just one of the many factors that makes a racket more based in power or control, so stiffness is not the ultimate determiner. Below are our highly recommended rackets for both low and high stiffness. 

Stiff Rackets

Wilson ultra 100 v3.

tour racket meaning

Babolat Pure Aero

tour racket meaning

Babolat Pure Drive

tour racket meaning

Wilson Pro Staff 97 RF Autograph Black

tour racket meaning

Flexible Rackets

Yonex vcore pro 97hd 18×20.

tour racket meaning

Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v7

tour racket meaning

Head Gravity Tour Graphene 360+

tour racket meaning

Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Midplus

tour racket meaning

Final Thoughts

When choosing a racket, it is important to understand the specs that the racket provides. The combination of all these specs is what makes a racket unique, and they will give you an idea of what a racket will play like before you even hit a ball.

Stiffness is one of the specs that generally has a large effect on how a racket feels, so hopefully this article answered some of your questions about it. If you have more detailed questions that we may have missed the answer to, feel free to reach out to us. You can reach us either in the comments below this article, or on our instagram at @MyTennisHQ .

Austin Rapp

Hi there! My name is Austin Rapp and since I picked up a racket at age 8, I worked hard to improve my game. I was never the most talented junior, but I tried to learn the game to give myself an edge. I earned the privilege of playing at UCLA for 4 years, serving as team captain for my last 2. In my time there, I took advantage of the coaching and great talent around me to grow my knowledge of the game and became an All-American. I am currently playing professional tennis, ranked top 700 in singles and top 350 in doubles. Above all, my favorite tennis moments were hitting with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal at Indian Wells!

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Meaning of racket in English

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racket noun ( SPORT )

  • You ought to have your racket re-strung before the competition .
  • He holds his tennis racket with a vice-like grip .
  • You're welcome to borrow my tennis racket, such as it is.
  • He threw his racket across the court .
  • A string on my squash racket snapped .
  • approach shot
  • mixed doubles
  • shuttlecock
  • table tennis

racket noun ( NOISE )

  • bang something out
  • bash something out
  • boisterously
  • disturbance
  • ring with something

racket noun ( CRIME )

  • anti-racketeering
  • anti-smuggling
  • black market
  • gun-running
  • modern slavery
  • people trafficking
  • sell someone a bill of goods idiom
  • under the counter

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

racket | American Dictionary

Racket noun ( sports ), racket noun ( illegal activity ), racket | business english, translations of racket.

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tour racket meaning

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Popular Racquets Among the Pros

tour racket meaning

I often get questions about popular racquets among the pros, usually meaning pros that use commercially available retails molds

The problem with the question of pros using retail racquets is that few to no high-level pros use racquets from the shop. They get so-called pro stock racquets sent to them from the brand they are sponsored by. It’s often the same mold of a certain retail racquet but might have a different layup (for example a softer flex). Most pro stock racquets come with a certain code ( check out some HEAD codes here ) which gives you information about that particular mold/layup. There are seemingly infinite variations, but in general, there are certain models that you see more frequently. So let’s look at some popular racquets among the pros.

They are not many pros using pro stock racquets based on molds that are currently available at Tennis Warehouse for example. But there are a few.

Pros using current racquet molds

tour racket meaning

Lorenzo Musetti is a young and exciting player to watch with a spectacular one-handed backhand. He uses the HEAD Extreme Tour with the retail code PT 348.1. Stringer  Pier Paolo “Jambo” Melis spoke to SuperTennis in this article (in Italian) where he gave some specs and stringing info of Musetti and Matteo Berettini . Musetti’s racquet weighs 345g, has a balance of 32 cm, a stiffness of 60 RA, and a swing weight of 317. He strings it with a hybrid of HEAD Hawk Rough 1.25 and HEAD Lynx Tour at 24 kg or 53 lbs (38 DT).

The stiffness is lower than the retail version of the Extreme Tour (64 vs 60 strung). Musetti uses the PT 348.1 layup, which is softer than the retail TGT 348.1. The swing weight sounds like it’s given as an unstrung metric here because 317 for a pro sounds very low, which is why I think it’s around 347 with strings.

Before I move on to other popular racquet molds for pros, I want to point out Berrettini’s and Sonego’s racquet specs from the article.

Berrettini’s Racquet

tour racket meaning

According to “Jambo” Berrettini’s racquet weighs over 352 grams has a balance of 33 cm and a stiffness of 72 RA. The swing weight is 327 (must be unstrung with those specs, which makes it 357 strung!) As far as I know, it’s an older HEAD Extreme mold (IG) that he strings with Signum Pro Firestorm 1.30 at 24/23 kg (53-51 lbs) DT 36.

Berrettini uses a grip 3 with over grip.

Like that’s not enough, Jambo also gives us Lorenzo Sonego’s racquet specs, which he says is a Wilson Blade 98 18×20 (we knew that already :)), with Luxilon Alu Power Soft with the tension of 18/17 kg (41/39 lbs!). In my post about Sonego’s racquet, I wrote 20 kg, so this probably varies depending on surface, weather and so on.

Popular racquets among pros

tour racket meaning

Going back to the topic at hand, another player that uses the HEAD Extreme Tour is Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

Otherwise, it’s not easy to find high-ranked players that use current retail molds (that they then customize ). One such player is Dominic Thiem , that is allegedly using the new mold of the Pure Strike 18×20 (he did switch some time back from gen 1 to gen 3).  He never used gen 2 however.

Jannik Sinner uses a recent HEAD Speed MP ( Graphene Touch version ) that is still available in some stores. Marton Fucsovics is said to use a Yonex DR 98 in stock form (might be customized now, but I think he used it stock for a while).

There are probably a few lesser-known pros that use the DR 98 as well as that was a very popular model. I review the latest Ezone 98 and talk about some of the models in the line-up here.

A general rule is that the younger the player, the more likely they use a recent mold, like Sinner. There are of course outliers like Alexei Popyrin that use a 25-year-old racquet mold in an open pattern that was never available to purchase.

Bestsellers among pros and club level players

tour racket meaning

There are racquets that you see over and over again on pretty much all levels (perhaps not among beginners, but from intermediate to professional).

The Wilson Blade 98 (this racquet is due for an update soon) is extremely popular on all levels. Just a user-friendly frame with a nice blend of control and power and a more old-school connection to the ball. Also available now as the Blade Pro  which is based on the H22 pro stock that is also a favorite among pros. I mentioned Sonego as a Blade user, but you also have players like Tsitsipas and Goffin using this popular racquet mold.

The Babolat Pure Drive . You see this racquet more on the WTA Tour , but there are also players on the ATP that use it. Fognini is one example, Ramos-Vinolas , Jordan Thompson , Karolina Pliskova, Garbine Muguruza , Kim Clijsters, Sofia Kenin. The list grows long…

The Yonex Ezone 98  is going strong on the tours. Osaka , Kyrgios , and Fucsovics  as mentioned. And plenty of players that use the Ezone 100 as well such as Casper Ruud  (DR 100+) and Lloyd Harris .

HEAD has so many different racquet options that the variations are hard to wrap your HEAD around. One of the most popular molds is the PT57A where you have a mix of young and old using this legendary racquet. Karatsev , Popyrin , Murray Ivashka, Simon , it’s a pretty long list. Among younger players the HEAD Speed family of racquets is growing in popularity and the HEAD Gravity is also growing with players such as Ash Barty, Alexander Zverev , Andrey Rublev  and Nikoloz Bashilashvili using some form of the Gravity Pro .

Well, let’s not forget…

tour racket meaning

The Babolat Aero Pro Drive or the Pure Aero as it’s now called, is also popular among pros in various formats. Rafa uses the original as devoted readers of Tennisnerd knows, but there are plenty of pros that like the 2013 GT version such as Benoit Paire and Adrian Mannarino .

The more controlled Pure Aero VS is not as popular, but you have young pros like Felix Auger-Aliassime and Carlos Alcaraz Garfia using this one.

The Wilson Six One 95 is a racquet I have talked about a lot on Tennisnerd. There are so many pros using a variation of this racquet mold. Del Potro is the most famous one, but you also have Dan Evans , Roberto Bautista-Agut , Reilly Opelka and a bunch of ones I can’t think of right now. You can still get this racquet in the Hyper Pro Staff mold (Delpo) as a part of the Wilson Pro Labs program . The Wilson Pro Labs also include popular racquet molds among pros such as the Wilson Ultra Pro  (H19) and the Wilson Blade Pro (H22).

There are also a group of high-ranked players enjoying the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 line of racquets. Players such as Frances Tiafoe  (310g customized), Hyeon Chung (what happened to him?), Hubert Hurkacz  (330g version). There are excellent control frames and I think we will see more of these on the pro tour in the coming years.

Pros put control first

This article grew bigger than I intended when I first wrote “Pros using retail racquets” as a headline. I hope this gives you an idea of what racquet lines are popular among pros. Is there a common thread? Not really. They like a racquet and start using it as a junior and then likely stay with that racquet (perhaps adding weight here and there) over their career. Racquet switches happen but are rare. I recently mentioned Iga Swiatek as one example.

I think the main thing I keep seeing over and over is that pros want control. Not necessarily a lower stiffness (although it seems more common than not), but on average they prefer tighter string patterns. Open patterns can launch the ball in unforeseen angles at times and that’s not desirable for most advanced players. That’s why we see pros gravitating towards racquets with 18×20 patterns or tighter 16×19 patterns. Even if they use a power/spin frame like the Pure Aero, many likely prefer the tighter patterns of the older generations.

Take Sonego for example, he prefers a soft poly at a low tension in a tight pattern. Thiem gets his spin from his swings, not his strings and that’s why he uses an 18×20. Even most Pure Drive users, like Muguruza , seem to prefer the more closed patterns of the older generations (she uses a GT 2012).

In general, I would put it like this. Most pros prefer power from weight and spin from their own technique – not an open string pattern. It’s all about being able to influence as much of the shot as possible. Then it all varies with what style, technique, and preferences they have, but they need to have 100% confidence in their setup outputting their input (if you know what I mean).

I hope you found this interesting!

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Jonas has been known as "tennis nerd" mainly for his obsessing about racquets and gear. Plays this beautiful sport almost every day.

Yonex Ezone 98 Review

Nine atp season winners on the list for the mercedescup 2021, you may also like, yoshihito nishioka’s racquet, the babolat pure drive celebrates 30 years, head boom 2024, is the one-handed backhand experiencing a slow death, luciano darderi’s racquet, andy roddick needs a new racquet, wilson blade 98 18/20 v9 review, wilson blade v9 racquets, australian open final predictions and racquets, diadem nova v3 review.

you should try fabrizi racquets! they make handmade prorooms availabale for the public. the factory is located near florence. however their website is in italian only i think,

fantastic and fun article!!!!

Hi Tennisnerd Another great analysis. I was surprised to see some players requiring small grip sizes. Surely that will spell arm issues and tighter grip on receiving serves ?

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tour racket meaning

The Best Tennis Rackets of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Product image of ‎Wilson Tour Slam Tennis Racquet

‎Wilson Tour Slam Tennis Racquet

Lightweight and comfortable

Good margin of error

Not ideal for intermediates

Product image of Head Sports Speed Junior Tennis Racquet

Head Sports Speed Junior Tennis Racquet

Light enough for small children

Attractive price point

Grip may wear out quickly

Product image of Head Sports Ti.S6 Strung Tennis Racquet

Head Sports Ti.S6 Strung Tennis Racquet

Well balanced

Good control

No head cover included

So-so string tension

Product image of Babolat Pure Drive

Babolat Pure Drive

Facilitates powerful shots

Good overall feel

A little pricey

Fairly heavy

Product image of Wilson Blade

Wilson Blade

Smooth, lightweight design

Good intermediate option

Can be stiff on the arm

Alex Kane

Updated March 28, 2024

Choosing a tennis racket can be intimidating, whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been playing for years; the range of options available is enough to put your brain in a backspin. Going into a store and asking someone for help sounds anxiety inducing, and as someone who prefers to do their own research, I wouldn’t leave my game and comfort up to chance with a sales associate who may or may not know their stuff.

If you’re new to tennis and gearing up for the court, you’ll want to take into account the size of your new racket, your relative skill level, and what you’re looking to get out of your game. After researching thousands of reviews from advanced players and beginners alike, we came up with this list of the best tennis rackets you can shop online right now.

Product image of ‎Wilson Tour Slam Tennis Racquet

An ideal racket for beginners, Wilson’s Tour Slam is a forgiving option with a stiff but lightweight frame and a great feel. Its 110-square-inch head size provides a nice margin of error, while allowing players to maintain solid power and comfort—even when making less-than-perfect contact.

Near the throat of the racket, you’ll find shock pads that help to reduce vibrations to your arm during a swing, making this a great choice for people who are trying to up their game without overdoing it on the court. If you’re new to tennis and need a reliable racket, the Tour Slam is a solid, forgiving option.

Product image of Head Sports Speed Junior Tennis Racquet

If you’re shopping for a young beginner, the Speed racket from Head Sports has a light, balanced head, which helps manage vibration and boost stability when hitting the ball. Made of durable aluminum throughout, this racket’s light enough for young kids, making it the perfect option for developing your child’s game.

Some reviewers warn that the grip may wear out quickly, but that’s something you can repair, and the entry-level price point also makes it pretty forgivable. Overall, this is a great junior tennis racket for building kids’ confidence and skills out on the court.

Product image of Head Sports Ti.S6 Strung Tennis Racquet

The Head Ti.S6 tennis racket is great for both beginners and intermediates looking to hone their skills. Lightweight yet sturdy, this is a great option, offering a ton of control for even the most casual player. Reviewers say it’s worth the price tag—whether you’re a teen getting into the game or an adult looking to get back into the swing of things—and say it has a nice, balanced feel.

Opinions about the racket’s string tension vary, but players can restring it to suit their preferences, so this shouldn’t be a problem for folks who are comfortable stringing their own rackets. It doesn’t come with a head cover, but you can purchase one separately at an additional cost.

Product image of Babolat Pure Drive

The Babolat Pure Drive is more expensive than some rackets, but reviewers say it’s great for an intermediate level of play. It has a nice overall feel, but the power it can add to your shot comes at the cost of a heavier racket. It arrives unstrung, with some string included, but folks who have tried this one say you may be better off ordering your own third-party string to craft the perfect racket for your game.

Product image of Wilson Blade

The Wilson Blade offers a lightweight frame for excellent control and maneuverability. Reviewers say it’s great for delivering precision shots, with a smooth, lightweight feel.

It’s a popular recommendation among tennis pros and coaches, who say it sacrifices a bit of power in favor of more control. It also has a nice carbon-fiber liner. Some players say it can be a little stiff on the arm, but this is something you can likely remedy by upgrading the strings.

Product image of Wilson Clash 100

The Wilson Clash 100’s design improves on older clash models, with a bigger sweet spot to prevent overhitting. It offers great control over your shots, plenty of stability and precision, and a nice feel with plenty of control. Its flexible, forgiving frame makes this a perfect choice for folks who suffer from tennis elbow or just want to change things up from some of the stiffer rackets out there.

Large, forgiving sweet spot

Flexible frame

None that we could find

How we chose these products

The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Alex Kane

Sr. Editor, Search & Updates

Alex Kane is a senior editor at USA Today ’s Reviewed and the author of the Boss Fight Books volume on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic . He has written for Fangoria , PC Gamer , Polygon , Rolling Stone , StarWars.com, and Variety . He lives in west-central Illinois.

Ceara Perez-Murphy

Ceara Perez-Murphy

Staff Writer

Ceara Perez-Murphy is a staff writer at Reviewed. In her free time she likes trying out new recipes in the kitchen, exploring new restaurants and spending time outdoors with her dogs.

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Tennis String Tension Explained: Guide and Chart

Read our review guidelines

Tennis String Tension

  • Tennis string tension is the measurement of how tight the strings are pulled in the frame, usually expressed in kilograms or pounds.
  • The tension rate varies anywhere from 40 lbs (18 kg) being the lowest and 65 lbs (29.4 kg) at the highest.
  • Different string materials have different recommended tension rates, based on power, spin, comfort, control, stability, etc.
  • Beginners typically go for lower rates while advanced players stick with higher tension levels.
  • Higher tensions offer increased control while lower tensions provide more power potential and extra comfort.

Learning how tennis string tension impacts a racket’s performance is one of the most beneficial skills for a player, which will help you be steps ahead on the court. In simple terms, the string tension is the measurement of how tight the strings are pulled in the frame, whether manually or by a stringing machine . 

Typically, you’ll find the string tension in the specification, expressed in kilograms or pounds. The tension rate varies anywhere from 40 lbs (18 kg) being the lowest and 65 lbs (29.4 kg) at the highest. There is no right or wrong when choosing what tension level your strings should be; this is a personal choice based on your preferences and skill levels.

What you should be aware of, though, are the striking contracts on playability and performance between different strings’ tension rates. Various features, such as power, spin, comfort, control, stability, etc., might vary based on how loose or tight the strings are pulled on the frame. Let’s dive into the topic to explain how!

How to Choose a Tennis String Tension 

What string tension do pros use, how does string tension affect tennis racket , string tension and durability, string tension and topspin, tension loss, weather consideration on string tension, best string tension for tennis elbow , how to check string tension.

Choosing what level your tennis racket string tension should be, is one of the most important decisions for a player. As a beginner, this process might seem even more complicated than picking the racket itself, as there are various factors that you should consider beforehand. While it might seem like too much, it’s not complicated at all.

Tennis String Tennsion

Listed below are all the simplified instructions that will guide you on how to choose tennis string tension confidently. 

Based on Tennis String Material

First thing first! Materials are crucial as they make up for the texture and structure of the strings. Not all types of string will feel the same, even if you use to put them under the same tension level. Choosing the right tennis string material has a direct impact on the frame performance and touch. 

There are some general rules instructing the players on what tension rate to use for different kinds of materials; however, you can still make adjustments if you find it necessary. 

  • Natural gut is the most popular and expensive option on the market. They offer excellent playability and can hold tension pretty well, which allows the players to go for higher tension rates. In cases where you decide to mix natural gut with other materials, the string tension should be slightly less than usual to prevent breakage. 
  • Polyester naturally has a stiff construction. Many players prefer this material for its excellent durability and heavy spin. When trying it for the first time, it’s better to slightly reduce the recommended tension rate to find a comfortable zone while still taking advantage of all the features. 
  • Nylon strings are a cheap alternative to natural gut. Overall they offer an average but decent performance. This kind of string performs under different tension rates, so the choice is up to the player. 
  • Hybrid strings are a combination of two different types of material, as players try to mix different features for an all-around perfomance. While there is a recommended tension rate, strings can be adjusted depending on the material and the player’s preferences. A good example of this is polyester strings that are typically in a slightly lower tension rate when mixed with other materials. 
  • Multifilament mimics the features of natural gut and is very popular among players for its many features. This string material performs at best in mid to high-tension rates. 
  • Kevlar strings are extremely stiff but sought after for their excellent durability and heavy spin. Due to its construction, it’s better to hold kevlar at a lower tension rate for more comfort. 

Here’s a tennis string tension chart based on different kinds of materials. 

Based on Skill Level 

Your skill levels at the game are an important factor to consider when choosing the tennis strings’ tension rate. This will make your experience on the court way more enjoyable, as you’ll be more comfortable and still be able to maximize performance. 

Generally speaking, beginners go for lower rates, while advanced players stick with higher tension. 

For more detailed information, here are tennis strings tension recommendations based on skill levels. 

Control is one of the main features players look for, as it allows them to redirect the ball with confidence, adjust speed and a good rhythm, hit targets repetitively, etc. The more advanced you become in the game, the more control you seek. However, this should come gradually because a sudden increase in tension level can compromise comfortability, especially in the beginners’ phase. 

Check the table below for the recommended tennis strings’ tension rate to enhance control. 

Based on Game Style

There is a simple, golden rule you should remember when it comes to choosing tennis string tension based on your game of style and the features you are looking for: higher tension is for control, while lose tension is for power and comfort. 

Here are tennis strings tension recommandation to enhance power or control.

As mentioned several times, tension rates are a personal choice based on skill levels, game style, and other needs you might have in court. With that being said, many wonder what string tensions pros use. Well, we are all guilty of that, especially for the big stars that have won so many grand slams and the hearts of millions of fans. 

Here is a completion of tennis string tension that some professional players use. While you might get inspired by all of them, please keep in mind that your comfort and safety in the court come first. 

Professional player’s tennis string tension chart.

Tennis Racket String Tension

So, how do you decide at what tension rate your strings should be? If you are a fresh beginner with no previous experience on the court or a competitive tennis star, the decision is easy. But there is a whole range of players in between these levels, who understandably might struggle with this issue. 

Well, the answer to this might be a little more complicated because apart from power and control, other factors influence the response of the string and the overall racket’s performance. Let’s take a look! 

Low String Tension

Lower tension rates correspond with a higher power potential for the racket. The stringbed has a soft and plush feeling, and it bends every time it comes in contact with the ball. As a result, the dwelling time lasts a fraction of a minute longer, creating the “trampoline effect”. 

Naturally, all of these factors help the player to hit long shots with little effort and push the ball deeper on the other side of the court than they would with a stiffer frame . Lower tension rates also mean more comfort for the arm, as loose strings dampen the harsh vibrations and shock impact. On the downside, lower tension decreases the control level, making players struggle with hitting the target or redirecting the ball’s landing or trajectory. 

  • High power levels 
  • Extra comfort 
  • Added depth 
  • Plush feeling 
  • Less control 

High String Tension

High string tension will make the frame feel stiffer and, as a result, provide increased levels of control. The player can accurately predict where the ball will go while being more successful at hitting targets. A tight stringbed is also able to generate heavy spin with ease; however, the power potential is significantly less. 

Since the ball’s trajectory is lower, it’s harder to go for penetrating shots. even by putting a lot of energy and strength into each hit. Stiffer frames will compromise comfort levels, too, as the harsh vibrations are transmitted almost immediately on the arm, wrist, and shoulder. 

  • Increased control 
  • Heavy spin 
  • More accuracy 
  • Less power potential 
  • Less comfort 

Durability is an aspect that concerns all players, and rightfully so, because nobody likes to replace the strings every now and then. Tennis string tension does impact durability; however, there are controversial beliefs on how this happens. 

The rule of thumb is that at lower tension rates, strings are able to move more freely, and because they notch each other frequently, they tend to break faster. 

This is not a fixed statement, though, because, from our experience, lower tension rates do increase durability. This also depends on what kind of string materials you are using. A hybrid setup or polyester will definitely last longer while performing in lower tension. 

As for higher tension rates, the strings will have limited movements even then. Due to the increased friction, since the dwell time is less, the strings will tend to break faster than if they were let loose. 

As in many other aspects, there is not a crystal clear answer for how durable strings are at different tension rates. The best way to find out is by experimenting with yourself, to find out at which rate you feel most confident. 

Topspin is a priority in most players’ game styles, so there is a lot of interest in what tension rates will help to maximize this feature. While many say that high tension rates increase topspin, more data must be collected for a definitive answer. 

It would be more effective if you put your focus on mastering your techniques and generating more speed instead, as there are no shortcuts in this area. One thing you can do, though, is opt-out of polyester string in order to increase topspin. They have a snapback effect and can generate heavy spin even when pulled loose on the frame. 

Tension loss is inevitable and will happen within the first 24 hours after stringing the racket . Actually, this process is so fast that the frame can lose up to 10% of the string tension since the first day. 

The only way to prevent tension loss, especially before big games, is by seeing a racket technician pre-stretch the frame with a machine or manually. Many pros need to do the stringing process more consistently, in particular timing, especially during tournaments. 

However, this is unrealistic for the average player, so it would be better to focus on the kind of strings you are using instead. Not all tennis strings lose tension at the same time, and some do a better job of holding tension. 

The natural gut of multifilament would be a great choice, as they can hold tension better than other options, like polyester, for example. That’s why, before choosing your tennis strings is better to learn about their main features so that you can make an educated choice for yourself. 

The weather elements do play a role in the stringbed response when coming in contact with the ball. When playing in warm climates, the response feels much more lively compared with cold temperatures, when the ball can feel “dead.” 

We recommend adjusting the tension rates slightly higher on warm, sunny days so that you can gain more control. During the winter’s cold, let the string loser than usual so that you can have added power for the shouts. 

If you play in very humid climates, the presence of water molecules in the air can slow down the ball, as it increases air resistance. In this situation, try to lower the tension rates to increase the power potential. When playing in dry climates, you need a higher tension rate for more control, as the ball will fly out in the court due to the little resistance. 

Tennis elbow condition can cause a lot of pain and discomfort due to inflammation or even breakage of the muscles. If you are currently in active recovery from this, it would be best to lower string tension rates. 

The Best Tennis Rackets for Tennis Elbow Options

Senior players might compromise in control levels, but comfort must remain a priority in this situation. When let loose, the stringbed will also deliver a softer, plush feeling while reducing the harsh vibration and shock impact on the arm, wrist, and shoulder. 

Don’t stop at low-string tension only! When dealing with tennis elbow conditions is important to switch to lightweight rackets for tennis elbow and softer string types, like the natural gut. These changes might do wonders for your recovery. 

To determine the tension of the frame, you can always use a tennis string tension tester. You can purchase this simple tool yourself or look for one in your local tennis club. The first tension measurement should be done right after the stringing process and then in periodic timing to tell the rate of tension loss. This is not very accurate, but it will do the work just fine for an average player and let you know when it’s time to restrung the frame. 

Before you hit the court with your new tennis racket, you may still have questions about the tennis string tension you have chosen. Take a look at these frequently asked questions and their succinct answers to have a full understanding of the tennis racket string tension.

Q: What is the best tension for tennis strings?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best tennis string tension for you will depend on your playing style, experience level, and even the weather conditions. However, some general guidelines do exist that can help you find your ideal tension range. 

Generally speaking, lower tensions offer more power, while higher tensions provide more control. Additionally, players with arm injuries or tennis elbow may find low-tension strings to be less painful and easier on the body.

Q: What tension does Rafael use?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as Rafael Nadal uses his own custom-made string patterns and tensions depending on the conditions of each match. However, some sources have reported that Nadal typically plays with a tension of around 55 pounds in warm weather conditions while using slightly higher rates in colder temperatures or when playing on clay surfaces.

Q: Do thicker strings have more tension?

Yes, thicker strings generally have a higher tension rating than thinner strings. This is because thicker strings are typically more durable and can withstand greater tension levels without breaking. However, it’s important to note that there is no direct correlation between thickness and tension; the exact tensions will vary depending on your specific string type and construction.

Q: Are there any negative effects associated with using different string tensions? 

Some negative effects can be associated with using different string tensions in your racket. For example, higher tensions may increase the risk of tennis elbow or other arm injuries, while lower tension rates may lead to decreased control and power when playing.

Another potential downside is that if you use a heavy string tension and switch to a light string tension, the strings may not withstand the increased forces exerted on them, which could lead to premature breakage. 

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I am Mario, a tennis player passionate about encouraging others to join the sport. Here at TennisRacketBall, we strive to set ourselves apart from other review sites by making an effort to purchase and test the products whenever possible. We do not allow ourselves to be bribed! We are 100% honest with our reviews even when manufacturers do not like it.

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Head Extreme Tour

Head Extreme Tour\Racquet

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Surgical, spin-friendly and uniquely fast, the Extreme Tour gets updated with Auxetic technology for 2022

Introducing the Extreme Tour 2022! With this update, Head delivers a uniquely fast and spin-friendly weapon to intermediate and advanced players. Featuring the smallest head size in the Extreme family (98in²), this model packs a tad more control than the Extreme MP. Although too underpowered for those who require the mass-based pop of a traditional player's racquet the Tour is perfect for those who crave easy acceleration from the baseline and lightning quick reactions at net . For 2022 the product team at Head adds an Auxetic construction to the yoke which optimizes the feel and response according to impact force. Additional technologies include Spin Grommets which enable greater string movement for enhanced snapback. Like the previous generations, this racquet benefits from Graphene 360+ , giving it extra stability and power.  Ultimately, this is a great option for aggressive players looking for a speedy and spin-friendly weapon.

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Dunlop SX 300 Tour Racquet

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Yonex 'TOUR" series Racquets

Discussion in ' Badminton Rackets / Equipment ' started by PA3040 , Jul 21, 2014 .

PA3040

PA3040 Regular Member

Dear All, I sow the Yonex has 'TOUR" series racquets in each category What does mean tour - What is reference to Is all Tour series Racquets made in Japan? Where can I have spec of them? Please advice  

gundamzaku

gundamzaku Regular Member

from my experience and what i've seen, the armortec and nanospeed tours are just mid-range rackets and are made in taiwan. the armortec tour is a bit head heavy obviously and the nanospeed tour is a bit even balance at least to my hand. from what i have inspected they are both 3u. i personally own two muscle power tours and it's even balance 3u on the heavier side of 3u meaning it's has a bit of weight. the shaft of the mp tour is medium to me at least. the racket itself is very forgiving with quite a big sweetspot. if i remember correctly, they are all made in taiwan.  
gundamzaku; if i remember correctly said: Not all are Taiwan Click to expand...

ntpm

ntpm Regular Member

The particular Tour rackets in the following thread are made in Japan: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/for...ur-amp-Nanospeed-Tour?highlight=armortec tour I bought 2 4UG4 Armortec Tours after reading the above thread and enjoyed them but after a while found the shaft to be a bit too flexible. There may have been others which were made in Taiwan though.  

blancrgaza

blancrgaza New Member

There may have been others which were made in Taiwan though.  

CarbonexFan

CarbonexFan Regular Member

The Arcsaber 2 tour and Arcsaber 3 tour were also made in Japan and are limited editions. There are no specs which can be found on the internet. They are both the head lighter series in balance from the Arcsabers with medium stiffness.  
wow, i have no idea that there were so many tour rackets, the ones i know are all yellow for some reason, the mp, ns, and at. i should have bought them when i had the chance. now it's so hard to find and i haven't been to HK lately thx guys for clearing this out, it's great news to me, more rackets to get and collect i guess  

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tour racket meaning

What Does MP Mean in Tennis Racket?

When you’re shopping for a tennis racket, you’ll notice that some models have MP written on them. But what does MP mean?

Well, if you are here, you might be wondering what this stands for.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain what MP means in tennis rackets and provide tips on how to choose the right model for your needs.

So what does MP mean in tennis?

MP stands for the mid-plus model.

These rackets have a larger sweet spot than the standard models and are more forgiving on off-center hits.

If you’re a recreational player or just starting, a mid-plus racket is a great option.

They’re also popular with players who have arm injuries or Tennis Elbow.

When choosing a mid-plus racket, it’s important to consider the balance and weight.

You’ll want a racket that’s comfortable to hold and easy to swing.

The head size is also an important factor.

A larger head size will increase the sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball in the center of the strings.

What Does MP Mean in Tennis Racket?

What is the weight of a mid-plus tennis racket?

Mid-plus rackets typically weigh between 9.8 to 10.9 ounces ( 280 – 310 grams).

The weight is evenly distributed throughout the racket, making it balanced, more comfortable to swing, powerful, and controlled.

What is the head size of a mid-plus tennis racket?

The head size of a mid-plus racket is usually between 98-105 in 2  / 630-680 cm

This is slightly larger than the standard head size, which is 95 to 100 square inches.

The extra few square inches make it easier to hit the ball in the sweet spot and generate more power.

What’s the difference between a mid-plus and an oversize racket?

An oversize racket has a larger head size than a mid-plus.

The sweet spot is also bigger, making it more forgiving on off-center hits.

Oversize rackets are often used by beginner and intermediate players .

What head size is an oversize tennis racket?

An oversize racket has a head size of 105-110 square inches.

What head size is a mid-sized tennis racket?

A mid-sized racket has a head size of 85-90 square inches.

What is the weight of an oversize tennis racket?

Oversize rackets typically weigh between 9.5 ounces strung(250-280 grams)

What is the weight of a mid-sized tennis racket?

Mid-sized rackets typically weigh between 9.8 and 10.9 ounces strung (280-310 grams).

which tennis racket is a mid-plus racket?

If you’re looking for a mid-plus racket, we recommend the:

-Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 3rd Gen – head size 98 in² / 632.3 cm²

-Babolat Pure Aero 2019 – head size 100 in² / 645.2 cm²

-Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v8 – head size 98 in² / 632.26 cm²

-Wilson Burn 100 Team – head size 100 in² / 645.2 cm²

-Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP – head size 100 in² / 645.00 cm²

-Prince Textreme Warrior 100L – head size 100 in² /645.16 cm²

What is the best string tension for a mid-plus racket?

The ideal string tension for a mid-plus racket is nylon or natural gut between 50-60 pounds.

This tension range will provide you with the power and control you need to improve your game.

What is the best string tension for a mid-sized tennis racket?

The ideal string tension for a mid-sized racket is nylon or natural gut between 50 -60 pounds.

What is the best string tension for an oversize racket?

The ideal string tension for an oversize racket is between 64-65lbs pounds.

Does higher string tension give more control?

Yes, the higher string tension will give you more control over the ball.

However, it’s important to find a balance between power and control.

If the string tension is too high, it will decrease the power of your shots.

How much does Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 3rd Gen tennis racket cost?

The Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 racket retails for $219.00.

How much does Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v tennis racket cost?

The Wilson Blade 98 16×19 racket retails for $219.00.

What is the length of a mid-plus tennis racket?

Mid-plus rackets are typically 27”-27.5” inches long(68.6-69.9 cm).

What is the length of an oversize tennis racket?

Oversize rackets are typically 27 inches long.

What is the length of a mid-sized tennis racket?

Mid-sized rackets are typically 27”-29” inches long (68.58-73.66 cm).

In conclusion:

MP stands for mid-plus and it refers to the head size of the racket – and that’s what MP means in tennis.

Babolat Pure Strike, Babolat Pure Aero 2019Wilson Blade, Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP, Prince Textreme Warrior 100L, and Wilson Burn 100 Team.

The Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 racket retails for $219.00 and the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 racket retails for $219.00.

Check our guides for more information on tennis rackets.

I hope you liked my post and now you know what MP means in a tennis racket.

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Matt Olsen

I still remember what it's like to be a beginner. I started playing tennis ten years ago and now I'm on my way to the pro tour! Never before has there been such an easy place on the internet to find the best rackets- Until I built this website, where you'll find all of my favorite choices, from my go-to $100 racket that can't fail me when I need something new, or even up to $500+ models that will allow me to reach the stars with every swing! 

Matt Olsen

Hi! I’m Matt Olsen, and I’ve been playing tennis for over 10 years. Tennis is my life!

My favorite part about being a professional tennis player? Playing the game. My least favorite part of this job? Sitting on the bench after having to retire from a match because of an injury (it’s still fun watching the teammates play, though!).

One secret that helps me keep up with all my training? Choosing the best tennis racket that suits me. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why I started this site Tennis on Flame, where I help people find their perfect racket!

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By clicking on these links, we receive compensation for any items purchased which can be used to further the development of our website.

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tour racket meaning

Tennis Racquet Grip Sizes

How-To Guide + Chart & Visuals

tour racket meaning

By Jon Crim TennisCompanion

If you’re about to buy a new tennis racquet or are considering changing racquets, evaluating and selecting the appropriate grip size is crucial for optimal performance and comfort.

Although grip size ultimately boils down to personal preference and feel, selecting the wrong size grip can have painful repercussions that you can easily avoid through a little due diligence.

In this guide, I’ll explain how tennis racquet grips are measured, the benefits of finding the right size, and how to determine the perfect fit for your hand. I’ll also share tips for selecting the best size, what the pros use, and how to change a racquet’s grip size.

Article Contents

Click below to jump to a section

Tap below to jump to a section

Grip Size Video

How Grip Sizes Are Measured

Why Grip Size Matters

Determine Your Grip Size

Kids Grip Sizes by Height

Demoing Grip Sizes

Pro ATP & WTA Grip Sizes

Changing a grip’s size, wrapping up, new to tenniscompanion.

Create a free account and explore my latest videos below

Tennis Racquet Grip Sizes [Video]

If you’re a visual learner, you might enjoy my video on selecting the perfect size grip for your racquet, which covers everything you need to make the best choice for your game.

Here are timestamps for each section I cover so you can quickly jump around to find the information you need.

0:16 – Why Grip Size is Important 0:56 – Measurement & Sizes 1:23 – Grip Size Chart 1:28 – Finding Your Grip Size 1:34 – Method #1 2:06 – Method #2 2:41 – Changing Grip Sizes 3:07 – Grip Sizes for Kids 3:25 – Kids Racquet Size Chart

If you’re a parent looking for the right grip size for your child, I’d encourage you to check my complete guide on kid’s racquet sizing. In the article, I cover everything you need to know and provide recommendations for high-quality, affordable kids’ racquets.

Alternatively, you can jump straight to the section of this article where I discuss children’s grip sizes by clicking here .

The Butt Cap of a Yonex Racquet Showing Its Grip Size

A tennis racquet’s grip size measures the circumference or distance around the handle, ranging from 4 inches to 4 3/4 inches.

There are eight available grip sizes within that range, which start at 3 7/8 inches (9.8 cm) or a size double zero and increase by 1/8 inch for each size up to 4 3/4 inches (12.1 cm) for a size six.

Tennis Racquet Grip Size Chart

The size of a racquet’s grip may be expressed differently based on your country, so I’ve included a table with conversions to the most common measurements you’ll find.

*Double zero is a newer size reserved for children’s racquets, but zero is the most common size racquet grip for younger players.

**Size six is a thing of the past, but I’ve included it because players might stumble upon older racquets with this size.

It’s worth noting that not all racquets are available in every grip size. For example, most kids’ or junior tennis racquets are only available in size zero or one through five for adult racquets.

In rarer cases, such as with some Babolat frames, you’ll find lightweight adult-size racquets with size zero grips.

Available Grip Sizes from Top Brands

Thankfully, grip sizes are standardized, so all brands use the same measurements and sizing for their racquet handles.

However, the sizing a brand makes available for its racquets varies and may change based on the specific model, so every racquet they offer is not guaranteed to have all these sizes.

Here’s an example where Babolat has limited the available selection of grip sizes based on the typical player profile that would use each of the following racquets.

Finding Your Racquet’s Grip Size

Usually, you’ll find the size of a tennis racquet’s grip listed on its butt cap at the very bottom of the handle. This has become the standard location for displaying grip size for most brands.

However, some brands will only list the number corresponding to the size, while others may display the number and measurement.

The Butt Caps of a Babolat and Wilson Racquet Side By Side to Highlight Their Grip Sizes

Furthermore, the grip size may be printed in a different location, such as near the racquet’s throat or shaft.

A Yonex Racquet's Grip Size Engraved Into the Frame's Shaft

In other cases, you may find it printed under the butt cap’s trap door.

The Inside of a Racquets Butt Cap Where the Grip Size Is Printed

Generally, carefully inspecting the frame from top to bottom will uncover the grip size.

However, some manufacturers place stickers on the racquet, making it more challenging to identify a racquet’s size once peeled off.

A Sticker on the Side of a Wilson Racquet Showing Its Grip Size

As a last resort, you can measure the circumference of your racquet’s handle with a flexible measuring tape.

Why Does Grip Size Matter?

Hitting a Slice Backhand With an Appropriately Sized Grip

An appropriately sized grip will provide optimal comfort and feel while helping prevent injury.

A grip that’s too small may twist or rotate within your hand when striking the ball, leading to painful blisters and unnecessary strain on your arm as you overcompensate by holding the grip too firm. Over time, this can contribute to injuries such as tennis elbow.

Furthermore, a grip that is too small can also slip from your hand, especially when sweating heavily.

On the other hand, a grip that’s too large can be challenging to hold, putting unnecessary stress on your hand, wrist, and arm.

Moreover, a large grip can be challenging to manage when you need to change grips quickly or when you’re looking to snap your wrist when hitting a forehand, serving, or hitting an overhead because it restricts movement in your wrist.

The key is to find a grip size that feels comfortable, prevents undue stress on your body, and allows a full range of motion.

Grip Size for Maximum Spin

Many players argue they can generate more topspin with smaller grip sizes, which they feel provide more control and a snappier release when striking the ball.

Rafael Nadal is well-known for using a smaller size two grip, which he argues feels right and allows him to generate the most spin. Recognizing that he hits with some of the highest RPMs on the ATP tour, it’s noteworthy and worth considering.

Perhaps most importantly, it underscores that the “right” fit for a grip size is the one that feels best and allows you to perform at a high level, which you can only learn by experimenting.

How to Determine Your Grip Size

A Diagram Showing the Different Size of Available Grips, Including Their Inch and Millimeter Measurements

Measuring Your Grip Size

Two standard methods help identify the ideal grip size for a player. I typically recommend using both to help get the best fit.

However, before getting started, keep in mind that these methods intend to get you in the right ballpark for your grip size.

Unfortunately, both are imperfect, but they should help get you close to the correct measurement, which you can refine by testing different grip sizes in person to achieve the optimal fit.

Method #1: With a Ruler

First, if you have one handy, grab a ruler or measuring tape. Next, look at your dominant hand, and you’ll notice a bunch of lines or creases running through your palm.

If you look closely, you should see two large or more prominent lines in the middle of your palm, one on top and one on the bottom, running horizontally from one side to the other.

Grab your ruler or measuring tape and line it up vertically with your ring finger so that the bottom of the ruler lines up with the top horizontal line in your palm and measure to the tip of your ring finger.

Holding a Ruler Up to My Hand to Measure for the Ideal Grip Size

You should find that the measurement falls between 4 inches and 4 3/4 inches. As you can see above, mine measures 4 3/8 inches or a size three grip.

Helpful Tip This method works great if you’re ordering online and you don’t have access to test out multiple grip sizes in person. However, if you do order online and you’re between sizes, I’d encourage you to go with the smaller size as it’s much easier to increase the size of a grip than decrease it.

Please note that the creases in everyone’s hands aren’t identical and vary from person to person. With that in mind, if the lines in your hand don’t look like mine, that’s fine. You likely have at least one prominent crease that runs close to the edge of your hand, which should be sufficient for taking a measurement.

However, if you measure your hand and don’t come up with a logical size for your grip, don’t get discouraged. Instead, skip the ruler approach and move on to the following method.

Method #2: Test Grips in Person

Another method to find the right grip size is to try multiple sizes in person and reference the gap between your fingers and your palm when holding the racquet.

First, grab a racquet handle with your dominant hand and note the grip size. Then, place your index finger within the gap between your fingers and palm with your other hand. You’re looking for a grip where that space roughly equals your index finger’s width.

Holding a Racquet's Handle and Placing My Index Finger In The Space Between My Fingers to Measure for the Right Fit

Once you find the grip size that roughly matches up, I’d recommend trying one size above and below to compare and see what feels best. The racquet’s handle should feel comfortable yet secure.

Many players will fall between sizes, which is common. If that’s you, I’d encourage you to go for the smaller size because it’s easier to increase your grip size than decrease it.

For example, adding an inexpensive overgrip will increase your grip size by 1/16 of an inch or a half size. Similarly, a local racquet technician can add a heat shrink sleeve to the grip to increase the size by 1/8 of an inch for a full-size increase.

However, apart from swapping out the base grip that came with the racquet or removing it altogether, it is difficult and, in some cases, impossible to drop the size of a grip.

Men’s vs. Women’s Grip Sizes

Tennis racquet grip sizes are universal, not gender-specific.

Although it’s common for women’s hands to be smaller than men’s, the sizes or measurements don’t change for genders.

Average or Most Common Size Grip

A size 3 or 4 3/8 grip is the most common, and you’ll find many crossover between men and women at this size.

Most women will play with a grip size that’s a size 1, 2, or 3. Men, on the other hand, will typically have a size 3, 4, or 5.

Although average or standard grip sizes are helpful as a point of reference, many players fall outside these ranges, so it pays to do your homework.

4 3/8 vs. 4 1/2 Grip Sizes

Many men looking for tennis racquets will choose between a size 3 (4 3/8 in) and a size 4 (4 1/2 in) grip.

If you’re on the fence between the two, I’d encourage you to go with 4 3/8 because it’s much easier to build up a grip than reduce it, and the difference between the two is only 1/8 inch or 3.2 mm.

You may also find that adding a single overgrip to a size 4 3/8 grip for a half size or 1/16 inch increase gives you the perfect fit, as it does for me.

Four Different Size Wilson Tennis Racquets

For kids, there are typically fewer grip size options than adults. Most will usually fall at size zero, 4 inches or less, which depends on the manufacturer.

However, instead of finding the right grip size, parents will want to focus on the racquet’s length, which generally corresponds with their child’s height. The following chart outlines those sizes.

Centimeters

If you buy a tennis racquet that your child can comfortably handle at the right length, the grip size should work out.

However, I wouldn’t be overly concerned, even if the grip is slightly large. First off, your child will grow into it quickly, and second, most young kids won’t play aggressively or long enough with that grip size to harm their hand, wrist, or arm.

Demoing Racquets for the Perfect Fit

Two Demo Racquets Crossed Over the Top of Each Other

Although I hope the methods we’ve reviewed in this article help point you in the right direction toward your ideal grip size, there’s no substitute for testing out different grip sizes while playing.

Therefore, I highly recommend players get their hands on a few different tennis racquets with varying grip sizes before deciding and buying a tennis racquet.

You can take advantage of one of many available racquet demo programs to test different-sized grips. Here are a few options to consider for tracking down demo racquets:

  • Local tennis shop
  • Racquet club’s pro shop
  • Online retailers

Once you’ve settled on a specific model tennis racquet, demoing the same racquet with different size grips is ideal. That’s because changing between different racquets with varying grip sizes will make it challenging to gauge how feel changes from one size to the next.

However, if you can’t track down multiple grip sizes for the same racquet, it’s still better to test different models with varying grip sizes than not at all.

In my experience, local tennis and pro shops will carry a single model in one or two standard grip sizes, while online retailers will have a broader range of grip sizes available for each racquet.

As a last resort, use the methods outlined in this guide to approximate your grip size, and if you’re on the fence, order a size down. From there, you can build up your grip for the perfect feel.

Roger Federer's Signature on the Inside of the Throat of His RF97

As a point of reference, you might find it helpful or interesting to know what some of the world’s top players use for their grip size.

One thing you’re likely to spot quickly is that most of the players listed are using the average size 3 or 4 3/8 inch grip.

ATP Grip Sizes

Wta grip sizes.

Although players sometimes change racquets, most rarely change their grip size, which remains constant throughout their career.

Wrapping a Racquet's Grip With an Overgrip to Increase Its Size

Whether you’re playing it save and ordering down a grip size or looking to change the size of your existing grip, it’s helpful to understand how to increase or decrease your grip size.

Increasing Grip Size

Generally, it’s easier to build up a grip and make it larger, so I recommend players order down a size if they’re between sizes or on the fence between two sizes, i.e., 4 3/8 vs. 4 1/2.

The quickest and easiest way to build up a grip is to add an inexpensive overgrip on top of the grip your racquet’s existing grip. Doing so will add 1/16 of an inch for a half-size increase. Adding two will increase your grip size by 1/8 of an inch, the equivalent of a full-size increase.

Helpful Tip The handle of a tennis racquet has eight sides or bevels, which prevent the racquet from twisting in your hand, help you maintain a solid grasp, and allow you to identify various types of grips quickly. Keep in mind that as you add overgrips, the bevels will become less pronounced.

Alternatively, you could replace the racquet’s existing grip with a thicker replacement grip for some added thickness. Swapping out a replacement grip is a bit trickier, but it’s still straightforward.

Finally, for a more permanent solution, you can remove your racquet’s grip and add a plastic heat shrink sleeve, available in half sizes or 1/16 of an inch and full sizes or 1/8 of an inch.

One of the benefits of heat shrink sleeves is they allow you to increase the size of your handle while maintaining clean bevel edges, which you lose slightly with each overgrip you add.

Decreasing Grip Size

If you accidentally buy a racquet with a grip size that’s too large or want to reduce the grip size on your racquet, you have a few options to consider.

Typically, the first step I’d encourage you to take is to replace the existing grip on the racquet with a thinner one. Most tennis racquets come with a thicker replacement grip for added comfort. However, thinner grips are available to reduce a grip’s size and change a racquet’s feel.

Some players prefer a lower profile grip for added feel, while others enjoy a thicker grip for extra comfort. The main drawback to a thinner grip is that you may end up with more shock and vibration, i.e., less comfort. Nevertheless, give it a try to see how it feels for you.

If replacing the grip isn’t practical because you need to drop the grip size further or doing so would reduce comfort too far, then a racquet technician may be able to help you sand down your grip depending on your grip’s material.

It’s also worth considering the cost of having someone customize your tennis racquet . You’ll often be better off buying a new racquet instead of absorbing the cost of customizing yours.

Although finding the right grip size takes a bit of trial and error, it pays to get something that feels comfortable and allows you to perform your best. Thankfully, you’ll only need to go through the process of identifying the correct size grip once. Then, after finding the size that works well, you’ll know what to order for all future racquet purchases.

As a parent, you don’t need to worry too much about grip sizes for your kids until they transition to a full-size 27-inch tennis racquet with a greater variety of grip sizes. You’ll also likely need to remeasure for the appropriate grip size as they grow.

Now that you know how to select the correct size grip, head on over and check out our list of the top 20+ racquets for 2024  to find a racquet you’ll love. Of course, if you have any questions on this topic, let us know in the comments below.

Home > Gear > Racquets > How to Select a Grip Size

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Kevin

I bought my 14 daughter a new tennis racquet for Christmas. I had no idea about size. The size I got is 4 1/2. This is her first year playing. Is that size to big? I would hate to take it back.

TennisCompanion

Happy Holidays! Unfortunately, yes, that grip size will be too large for a 14-year-old, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

If you didn’t stumble upon my guide for kids racquets , I’d encourage you to check it out – it should have everything you need to make sure the next one you buy is a perfect fit.

All the best, Jon

Pauline N.

Hello, Good article! I measured my hand as you indicated but mine was less that 4”, 3 3/4” to be exact. What grid size should I choose? I am adult. Thanks!

Hi Pauline,

Thanks for stopping by and asking a great question!

Your scenario isn’t all that uncommon, so I’m glad you asked. Players in your situation will want to use a #0 or 4-inch grip size.

If you find this grip size challenging to handle, you have two options. First, you can try replacing the grip that came with your racquet for a thinner option – here’s an article with some recommendations:

The downside of swapping out your grip with a thinner option is that it might lack a bit of comfort, so there’s going to be a trade-off.

Alternatively, you can check with your local tennis retailer and have them look at your racquet to see if they can reduce the handle’s size. Unfortunately, it’s less common that this is possible with the materials used for handles these days, but it’s worth a shot.

Hopefully, this helps point you in the right direction.

William Black

I’m looking for some clarity on measurement with a ruler. I am getting back into the game – played for 15 years with a 4 5/8 (with numerous shoulder and elbow issues). When I measure from my ring finger to the middle of my top line, I’m 4 inches. To the middle line, I’m 4 1/2. So, per your rec, I should look at a 4 (or 4 1/4) and then add wraps if needed?

Blows my mind to think that I had be playing with a racquet up to 5 sizes too big?!?! Wonder if this contributed to my long standing elbow issues…

I’ve also seen several sites say to measure to the middle line of the palm (vs. the top). Why the discrepancy?

Hi William,

The discrepancy you’re having likely has to do with the differences in the lines of your hand, which will be different for some players, and why some websites suggest varying lines in a player’s hand. As I mentioned, this is, unfortunately, why these methods are imperfect.

Considering that you used to play with a size five, you’ll likely need a bigger grip size than what the measurement tells you, but perhaps not quite as big. Years ago, playing with a larger grip was more common, but that’s evolved along with the game.

That said, did you try the second method, i.e., holding the handle for your old racquet and placing your index finger between the gap of your fingers and the palm of the hand holding your racquet?

If there’s a huge gap, you’re likely using a grip that’s too large, so you can try holding a few different grip sizes until your index finger roughly fills that gap. However, it’s crucial the size you select feels good in your hand as well, and in a perfect world, I’d want you to demo the size you’re landing on to ensure that it doesn’t cause you any discomfort.

I wouldn’t speculate what caused your shoulder and elbow issues, but dialing in the correct size grip should help as you return to the game. However, as you select a new racquet, I’d encourage you to consider your frame’s stiffness, weight, and the type of strings you’re using as factors.

Here are some resources to help:

  • Racquet Stiffness
  • Racquet Weight, Balance, & Swingweight
  • Types of Tennis Strings

James

I measure from top of my ring finger to first line 130mm. I used to play with size 4 until i developed pain in small bones of the palm. After much pain and bad tennis i finally discovered the cause was too small grip size. So i built up the grip size of one of my rackets to 7 (124mm) and the other one to size 9 (131mm). Playing with the smaller one still makes my palm hurt after a while. The larger one is pain free (and passes the finger test perfectly) but is kind of clumsy.

I plan on buying a new racket soon but the standard grip sizes end at L5. I have not seen anything with size 6 available anywhere. Not to mention 7 or 9.

Am i really stuck having to build up grips with heatshrink tubes?

That is not a good solution as they add weight and mess with the balance — my size 7 weighs 343g and the 9 is 370g. That’s a bit much to handle.

I’m not a giant by the way (below two meters).

That’s a pretty big jump from a size four to a seven, but if it works and feels comfortable, I woudn’t try to tell you it’s wrong.

Have you tried the second method I outlined in the article? If not, I’d encourage you to try that with your existing racquets. Also, it’s pretty inexpensive to demo racquets from online retailers, so you could do well with demoing a handful of grip sizes to see what works best. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference – the methods outlined are intended to serve as a guide and will work better for some than others.

Heat shrink sleeves are the most economical approach to changing the size of a racquet’s handle outside of adding an overgrip or using a thicker replacement grip. Some specialized craftsmen like Roman Prokes will completely rebuild a grip for a price. Unfortunately, regardless of the method, you add material and weight, changing the specs.

A talented racquet technician can make further changes to other parts of the racquet to help maintain specs with the added weight in the handle. However, you’re getting into some pretty serious customization that, for most players, is cost-prohibitive.

TJ

Just getting into tennis (4 lessons so far). I measure at 5 3/8 using the above method. Puts me way out of range. Options?

Unfortunately, that’ll happen for some players. Have you tried the second method outlined in the article? If not, give it a go.

What size grip does the racquet you use for your lessons have? That should serve as an excellent reference point, which, along with demoing a handful of grip sizes, should help you narrow things down.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask your instructor, who can help provide on-the-spot guidance combined with your direct experience.

David

For the grip measurement you say “bottom of the ruler lines up with the top horizontal line in your palm” but almost every other guide I can see online says the bottom horizontal line. Could you confirm? Thanks!

I can’t speak for other websites, but the top horizontal crease has consistently worked for most players I’ve helped over the years.

That said, the creases in everyone’s hands aren’t identical, which is why there is a discrepancy with this method. I’ve worked with plenty of players where this method doesn’t work, so we’ll move to the second method combined with demoing a handful of racquets to gauge feel.

Jean

Hi there, i measured my hand-ring finger length and am 3.8inches. What size grip do you recommend i buy in that case? Do i buy a kid’s racket?

If you’re an adult, you’ll definitely want to purchase a full-size adult racquet :) The methods I outline are imperfect, so if you’re getting a measurement that seems off, as with yours, I’d encourage you to try method #2 and demo a few racquets to gain first-hand experience for their feel to make a decision.

Kamilla

Hi, I have noticed that some brand are reducing available grip sixes. Babolat are only offering grip size 2, 3 and 4 for the new Pure Aero 98. This while the comparable older version Pure Aero VS and also the Tour were available also in 1. Do you know why? I find it surprising as 1 is not that small and in particular as there is a current trend that many are going down in sizes.

Babolat doesn’t offer the same size grips for all of their racquets, but they sell the Pure Aero 98 in a size one. My best guess is that they were out of stock when you looked. Some websites will remove the option entirely, making it appear unavailable. I’d check a handful of retailers to see what you can dig up. Good luck!

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NCAA Women's Tournament bracket 2024: Printable bracket, games, dates, matchups for Sweet 16 of March Madness

The first two rounds have already brought a big upset and plenty of thrills and now things kick up a notch in the sweet 16.

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The NCAA Women's Tournament is off and running. The first two rounds had a bit of drama, but this is when things usually kick into high gear with the top 16 teams remaining.

Those 16 teams will be split into two neutral sites for this weekend to decide who will advance to the Final Four. Those host sites are Albany, New York and Portland, Oregon.

The matchups are just brimming with intrigue at this point. No. 1 seed Iowa and Caitlin Clark are set to take on No. 5 seed Colorado. Also in the region, No. 3 seed LSU is set to face No. 2 seed UCLA. If Iowa and LSU emerge victorious, we could see one of the biggest possible matchups take place in the form of a rematch from last year's national championship game. Plus, No. 1 seed South Carolina is set to take on No. 4 seed Indiana and No. 2 seed Notre Dame is set to face No. 3 seed Oregon State. The winners of those two games will meet in the Elite Eight.

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Local news | ‘through tennis we build bridges.’ young israeli tennis players visit boca raton.

Members of the Israel Tennis Education Centers enjoy a break in the action during exhibition play at the Boca Raton Racquet Club. They are, from left, Inbar Pony, Arina Diatlenko, Aline Masri and Rom Malka. (Gina Fontana-Photographic Services/Courtesy)

Four young tennis players and their coaching entourage representing the Israeli Education Tennis Centers enjoyed a three-week whirlwind tour in Florida with a series of exhibition matches and fundraising events. The Boca Raton Racquet Club was the host site for one of the events, followed by a reception, courtesy of sponsors Mindy and Alan Swift, Deanna and Bob Adler, and Harvey Rothenberg.

Despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the ITEC has stayed true to its core values and mission of creating a safe haven for children coming from diverse backgrounds. Jews, Muslim Arabs, Christian Arabs, Bedouins, Druze and refugees from countries around the world are part of the successful program.

The stars of the ITEC were the young tennis players who have proven to be great ambassadors of the program as well as the sport. Ranging in age from 10 to 18, the players shared their testimonies to the crowd of supporters.

Pictured left ITEC U.S. Vice President of Development Yoni Yair, and tennis ambassadors Rom Malka, Inbar Pony, Arina Datlenko and Aline Masri at the reception banquet in Boca Raton. Courtesy/Emmett Hall

Arina Diatlenko, 11, a Christian, escaped the war in Ukraine in 2023 and came to Israel with her family, only to encounter another war in Israel after last year’s Oct. 7 terrorist attack. She was joined by teammates Aline Masri, 10, an Israeli Muslim from Jaffa, and Rom Malka, 14, who escaped the recent terrorist attack in a bunker with his family.

“This is my second time in the U.S. It’s very special to meet new friends and people,” Diatlenko said. “I appreciate all the love and support here.”

Inbar Pony is an 18-year-old who lives near Tel Aviv and has joined the Israeli Defense Force. The internationally ranked tennis player has been part of the ITEC for 10 years.

“This is my first time here in the U.S. and my dream is to come here for college,” Pony said. “I continue to compete in international tournaments. The IETC is very special, and it gives all the children opportunities to play tennis that they may never have because of the expense. We learn values for life, and I started coaching little children this past year, which is special for me to give back.”

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The ITEC program was established in 1976, serving more than 20,000 children annually with a staff of more than 300 tennis coaches, social workers, fitness professionals and psychologists. No child regardless of background or religion is ever turned away.

With 24 centers across Israel, the ITEC is one of the largest social service agencies in the country with hundreds of graduates receiving tennis scholarships at U.S. colleges and universities.

Yoni Yair was one of the first children to join the ITEC back in 1976. Today, serving as the U.S. vice president of development, he remains committed to the program that had a profound impact on his life. Now, he has become the mentor to a new generation of children.

“I’m an ITEC graduate, and I was fortunate to be one of the first children to benefit from the program that started back in 1976,” Yair said. “It was a special year. Six visionaries got together to see how they could help and inspire children and bring them some quality of life and hope.”

Coaches and players of the ITEC gather on the tennis court during exhibition play at the Boca Raton Racquet Club. Courtesy/ Gina Fontana - Photographic Services, Inc.

The ITEC developed into a community center where the kids spend six to eight hours a day there while receiving hot meals. They learn about respect and embrace the opportunity to have fun and create friendships.

“Today, we have 24 locations in Israel, and we bring some of the children to the United States three times a year,” Yair said. “We call them our ambassadors and we do 13 events throughout Florida. Our message goes way beyond tennis as we are preparing the children for life, while giving them the necessary skills to be good human beings and good citizens. Through tennis we build bridges.”

From left, IETC event sponsors Harvey Rothenberg, Bob Adler, Deanna Adler, Mindy Swift with granddaughter and Alan Swift. (Emmett Hall/Contributor)

Boca Raton resident and tennis aficionado Bob Adler got started with the ITEC program more than 20 years ago and has witnessed remarkable growth.

“All these players participating today are very good tennis players and our goal is to get them college scholarships,” he said. “We have helped over 500 kids get scholarships the past 10 years to top Division 1 schools. Today, we have over 20,000 children of all nationalities playing the great game of tennis.”

Visit itecenters.org .

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NCAA.com | March 17, 2024

2024 big ten tournament: bracket, schedule, scores for men's basketball.

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The 2024 Big Ten men's basketball tournament concluded, Sunday, March 17 with Illinois beating Wisconsin for the championship. Follow along here all tournament for the bracket, scores and updates.

You can  track all conferences and 2024 auto-bids here.

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The bracket, schedule and scores for the 2024 Big Ten men's basketball tournament, March 13-17.

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2024 Big Ten tournament schedule, scores

Here is the schedule and TV info for the Big Ten tournament. All times Eastern.

Sunday, March 17 | Championship

  • Game 13: No. 2 Illinois 93 , No. 5 Wisconsin 87

Wednesday, March 13 | First round

  • Game 1: No. 12 Maryland 65, No. 13 Rutgers 51
  • Game 2: No. 11 Penn State 66 , No. 14 Michigan 57  

Thursday, March 14 | Second round

  • Game 3: No. 8 Michigan State 77,  No. 9 Minnesota 67
  • Game 4: No. 5 Wisconsin 87, No. 12 Maryland 56
  • Game 5: No. 10 Ohio State 90, No. 7 Iowa 78
  • Game 6: No. 6 Indiana 61,  No. 11 Penn State 59

Friday, March 15 | Quarterfinals

  • Game 7: No. 1 Purdue 67, No. 8 Michigan State 62
  • Game 8:   No. 5 Wisconsin 70 , No. 4 Northwestern 61
  • Game 9: No. 2 Illinois 77 , No. 10 Ohio State 74
  • Game 10: No. 3 Nebraska 93 , No. 6 Indiana 66

Saturday, March 16 | Semifinals

  • Game 11:   No. 5 Wisconsin  76 , No. 1 Purdue 75 (OT)
  • Game 12: No. 2 Illinois 98,  No. 3 Nebraska 87

Big Ten tournament champions, history

Purdue is the defending conference champion, seeking its third Big Ten tournament title all-time.

Michigan State has won the most titles, with six. The Spartans last won the Big Ten tournament in 2019.

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Twenty One Pilots Announce 'Clancy' World Tour, Share New Single 'Next Semester'

The tour will kick off Aug. 15, 2024 in Denver and is set to wrap May 14, 2025 in London

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Twenty One Pilots are going on a "ride."

On Wednesday, the alternative duo — comprised of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun — announced they'll be hitting the road for the Clancy World Tour in support of their forthcoming album Clancy .

Produced by Live Nation, Twenty One Pilots' global headlining tour will kick off Aug. 15, 2024 in Denver at the Ball Arena, making stops across North America through the fall followed by dates in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the U.K. The tour is set to wrap on May 14, 2025 in London at The O2.

Ashley Osborn

Official artist presales for tickets will begin April 2 in the U.S. and Canada and April 3 for the U.K., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. All remaining tickets will be available during the general on sale at 10 a.m. local time on Friday, April 5. More information about ticket sales is available on the band's website.

Alongside news that the rockers are hitting the road, they shared their latest single from Clancy with "Next Semester," a rollicking anthem about anxiety.

"It's a taste test (Ooh) / Of what I hate less (Ooh) / Can you die of anxiousness? (Ooh) / I don't wanna be here, I don't wanna be here / What's about to happen? What's about to happen?" Joseph, 35, sings on the track.

Suzan Moore/PA Images/Getty

Twenty One Pilots also shared the music video for "Next Semester" — directed by Andrew Donoho — which features the band performing to a crowd before panning to shots of the singer-songwriter apprehensively dashing across the middle of the road.

The "Stressed Out" group is set to release their new album, Clancy , which will be released May 17 via Fueled By Ramen.

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See the full list of tour dates below.

Aug. 15, 2024 Denver, CO Ball Arena

Aug. 18, 2024 Salt Lake City, UT Delta Center

Aug. 21, 2024 Portland, OR Moda Center

Aug. 22, 2024 Seattle, WA Climate Pledge Arena

Aug. 24, 2024 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena

Aug. 25, 2024 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center

Aug. 27, 2024 Los Angeles, CA Intuit Dome

Aug. 28, 2024 Los Angeles, CA Intuit Dome

Aug. 30, 2024 Phoenix, AZ Footprint Center

Aug. 31, 2024 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

Sept. 3, 2024 Austin, TX Moody Center

Sept. 4, 2024 Houston, TX Toyota Center

Sept. 6, 2024 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

Sept. 10, 2024 Duluth, GA Gas South Arena

Sept. 11, 2024 Orlando, FL Kia Center

Sept. 13, 2024 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena

Sept. 14, 2024 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

Sept. 15, 2024 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena

Sept. 17, 2024 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Sept. 18, 2024 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center

Sept. 20, 2024 Boston, MA TD Garden

Sept. 25, 2024 Montreal, QC Bell Centre

Sept. 27, 2024 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena

Sept. 28, 2024 Cleveland, OH Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse

Sept. 29, 2024 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena

Oct. 1, 2024 Chicago, IL United Center

Oct. 2, 2024 Chicago, IL United Center

Oct. 4, 2024 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena

Oct. 5, 2024 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena

Oct. 8, 2024 Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Oct. 9, 2024 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

Oct. 10, 2024 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center

Oct. 12, 2024 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

Nov. 17, 2024 Auckland, NZ Spark Arena

Nov. 19, 2024 Melbourne, AU Rod Laver Arena

Nov. 21, 2024 Brisbane, AU Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Nov. 24, 2024 Sydney, AU Qudos Bank Arena

April 7, 2025 Hamburg, DE Barclays Arena

April 8, 2025 Berlin, DE Uber Arena

April 9, 2025 Lodz, PL Atlas Arena

April 12, 2025 Prague, CZ O2 Arena

April 13, 2025 Vienna, AT Wiener Stadthalle

April 16, 2025 Zurich, CH Hallenstadion

April 17, 2025 Bologna, IT Unipol Arena

April 21, 2025 Madrid, ES WiZink Center

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COMMENTS

  1. What's the difference between a Tour racket with others?

    G.O.A.T. Aug 9, 2004. #7. The Tour version of the same racket usually has a tighter string pattern. Such as the Wilson HPS 6.1 Tour. But if a single racket has the word "Tour" in it then it is just a a name for it. -Liam.

  2. Standard vs tour version

    Jan 29, 2021. #15. If everything is held constant except for weight/balance, I would probably say the more "standard" or lighter version. Unfortunately for a racquet like the Head Gravity, the Pro, MP (kinda the standard), and the Tour all have things different other than weight and balance. They have different beam thicknesses, string patterns ...

  3. Types of Tennis Racquets

    Types of Racquets. Generally, tennis racquets fall into one of four categories: Power Racquets. Control or Player's Racquets. Tweener Racquets. Modern Player's Racquets. The categorization is based on a player's swing type, which is either slow and compact, fast and full, or moderate, i.e., somewhere between.

  4. Tennis racket specifications explained

    Most rackets are 27 inches or 69cm or 690mm: If the balance is less than 345mm (34.5cm) then the racket is head light. If the balance is more than 345mm (34.5cm) then the racket is head heavy. If the balance is 345mm (34.5cm) or very close then the racket is perfectly balanced. Tennishead suggests…. As you'd expect, a head heavy racket in ...

  5. Babolat Pure Aero VS Tour Racket Review

    The Babolat Pure Aero VS Tour is a typical aero racket in some ways and completely different to the rest of the range in other ways. It has the wonderful manoeuvrability that all Aero rackets have, and it certainly gets you plenty of spin whilst maximizing control. For people who love control, this is great news!

  6. Head Tennis Racquets Explained

    The racquet doesn't skimp on power, but it's arguably the most demanding of all Head's MPs with the heaviest weight. The Tour features a unique mix of attributes relative to Head's other frames. The head size is the smallest the company offers at 95 in² (613 cm²), requiring accurate targeting, and there's more weight for added ...

  7. How to Choose Your Perfect Tennis Racket

    The two main patterns are 16 x 19, a more open pattern and 18 x 20, a more closed pattern. In a 16 x 19 string pattern, there is much more space between the strings, which means they have more space to move. This will generally make the racket more oriented towards generating spin and will give it a little bit more pop.

  8. Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour Racket Review

    That's exactly the case with the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Tour. The Graphene 360+ technology makes this racket a little bit more arm friendly, but other than that, it's really more of the same and that's a good thing. We love the idea of a 305g racket that offers classic control, feel, and precision and that's what the Prestige Tour ...

  9. Tour Racquets

    Tour Racquets36. Enjoy explosive, exhilarating power with the upgraded BOOM PRO 2024 TENNIS RACQUET, made for tournament players seeking greater stability and a heavier weight. Supercharge your power and confidence with the BOOM MP 2024 TENNIS RACQUET, which is perfect for ambitious intermediate and advanced players.

  10. How to Choose a Tennis Racket

    Tennis Racket Construction. When choosing a racket, there are three elements which affect power and control: headsize, weight, and string pattern. Larger Headsize = More Power; Smaller Headsize = More Control. Lighter Racket = More Power; Heavier Racket = More Control. Open Stringbed = More Power; Denser Stringbed = More Control.

  11. Tennis Racquet String Patterns

    Spin: 16×19. To maximize spin, the 16×19 string pattern with a racquet head size between 98 and 100 in² (632 and 645 cm²) delivers the best all-around performance. As we've covered, more open string patterns exist than the 16×19, but they lack a consistent response and fall flat in other areas.

  12. What's the difference between Yonex's Pro/Game/Tour/Play rackets of the

    Different how? Simply put they feel like a rackets from different models as a opposite to arcsabers lineup which are sharing same main characteristics across play, game, tour and pro. Okay, thank you! Pro/Tour is stiffer, and play/game is more flex, in the shaft.

  13. Tennis Racket Stiffness Explained

    A racket's stiffness is defined by how much the frame bends when it makes contact with the ball. The number you see is correlated directly to how much the racket is distorted as the ball is struck. So, a higher rating of stiffness relates to less bend in the racket at contact. A lower rating, therefore, means that a racket will bend more at ...

  14. Tennis Racket Stiffness & Flex

    Tennis racket stiffness refers to the frame's ability to bend when it comes in contact with the ball and is measured by tension rates. A higher rating score means that the frame is stiffer and less prone to bending, while a lower stiffness score signals a more flexible frame. Stiffer rackets generate more power but less control, while ...

  15. RACKET

    RACKET definition: 1. an object used for hitting the ball in various sports, consisting of a net fixed tightly to a…. Learn more.

  16. Popular Racquets Among the Pros

    Lorenzo Musetti is a young and exciting player to watch with a spectacular one-handed backhand. He uses the HEAD Extreme Tour with the retail code PT 348.1. Stringer Pier Paolo "Jambo" Melis spoke to SuperTennis in this article (in Italian) where he gave some specs and stringing info of Musetti and Matteo Berettini.Musetti's racquet weighs 345g, has a balance of 32 cm, a stiffness of 60 ...

  17. Head Extreme MP vs Tour (2022)

    Racket Specs Comparison - Head Extreme MP vs Tour. Below is a comparison of the technical specifications of the Extreme MP (2022) and Extreme Tour (2022) tennis rackets. Main Differences: The Extreme Tour has a smaller head size ( 98in vs 100in ), a more HL balance ( 6 pts HL vs 4 pts HL ), a slightly heavier strung weight ( 320g vs 318g ), a ...

  18. 6 Best Tennis Rackets of 2024

    ‎Wilson Tour Slam Tennis Racquet An ideal racket for beginners, Wilson's Tour Slam is a forgiving option with a stiff but lightweight frame and a great feel. Its 110-square-inch head size provides a nice margin of error, while allowing players to maintain solid power and comfort—even when making less-than-perfect contact.

  19. Tennis String Tension Explained: Guide and Charts

    Key Takeaways. Tennis string tension is the measurement of how tight the strings are pulled in the frame, usually expressed in kilograms or pounds. The tension rate varies anywhere from 40 lbs (18 kg) being the lowest and 65 lbs (29.4 kg) at the highest. Different string materials have different recommended tension rates, based on power, spin ...

  20. Head Extreme Tour Racquet

    The Better Wilson Blade This new update to the Head Extreme Tour has been the best racquet I have ever tried. I am currently a Wilson Blade 98 V8 player and also currently demoing. My normal game is a fast swing with lots of spin and let me say this Head Extreme Tour ticks all those boxes. My Blade was incapable of handling my natural fast ...

  21. Yonex 'TOUR" series Racquets

    the armortec tour is a bit head heavy obviously and the nanospeed tour is a bit even balance at least to my hand. from what i have inspected they are both 3u. i personally own two muscle power tours and it's even balance 3u on the heavier side of 3u meaning it's has a bit of weight.

  22. What Does MP Mean in Tennis Racket?

    MP stands for mid-plus and it refers to the head size of the racket - and that's what MP means in tennis. Babolat Pure Strike, Babolat Pure Aero 2019Wilson Blade, Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP, Prince Textreme Warrior 100L, and Wilson Burn 100 Team. The Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 racket retails for $219.00 and the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 ...

  23. Latest bracket, schedule and scores for 2024 NCAA men's tournament

    Here is the 2024 NCAA tournament bracket for March Madness and the DI men's basketball championship. The Sweet 16 started Thursday, March 28. Take a look at the complete, updated bracket below:

  24. Tennis Racquet Grip Sizes

    How Grip Sizes Are Measured. A tennis racquet's grip size measures the circumference or distance around the handle, ranging from 4 inches to 4 3/4 inches. There are eight available grip sizes within that range, which start at 3 7/8 inches (9.8 cm) or a size double zero and increase by 1/8 inch for each size up to 4 3/4 inches (12.1 cm) for a ...

  25. Exclusive: The moment Ruud knew he needed to make a change

    Casper Ruud has been a consistent force at the top of the ATP Tour for the past few years, but that does not mean the Norwegian has stopped his pursuit of improvement.. The 25-year-old made a change to his mindset towards the end at the 2023 season and it has paid dividends to begin 2024. Ruud is into the fourth round of the Miami Open presented by Itau and is now 18-4 for the year.

  26. Alcaraz: 'He made me feel like I'm 13 years old'

    "I think I played good tennis. I mean, I left the court thinking that probably I had to change my game a little bit earlier, but anyway, I feel like I played a good tennis," Alcaraz said. "Not perfect but a good one… "Honestly, in Shanghai, I didn't play too well, I think I played better today than the second and third set in Shanghai."

  27. NCAA Women's Tournament bracket 2024: Printable bracket, games, dates

    The NCAA Women's Tournament is off and running. The first two rounds had a bit of drama, but this is when things usually kick into high gear with the top 16 teams remaining.

  28. 'Through tennis we build bridges.' Young Israeli tennis players visit

    The Boca Raton Racquet Club was the host site for one of the events. ... players and their coaching entourage representing the Israeli Education Tennis Centers enjoyed a three-week whirlwind tour ...

  29. 2024 Big Ten tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for men's basketball

    The 2024 Big Ten men's basketball tournament concluded, Sunday, March 17 with Illinois beating Wisconsin for the championship. Follow along here all tournament for the bracket, scores and updates.

  30. Twenty One Pilots Announce 'Clancy' World Tour with New Single 'Next

    Twenty One Pilots announce Clancy world tour, which will kick off Aug. 15, 2024 in Denver and is set to wrap May 14, 2025 in London. See the full list of tour dates here.