Which Tennis Racket is right for you?

which tennis racquet is right for you?

To all you tennis players players out there, you know your racquet makes a big difference of your game play.  Each person has there different likes and dislikes based on feel, power, weights, etc. There are many factors you should consider before buying a new racquet to make sure its the right one for you.  What level player are you?  The first step in deciding on what racquet you should buy is based on your skill level.   If your a beginner and only play for fun a couple of days a year, I suggest a lighter racquet (around 9-10 ounces) with an oversized head.  This means the head of the racquet is slightly bigger (100 sq. inches or over) which makes it easier for contact and gives you a bit more power (larger sweetspot.)  Some racquets I suggest for beginners are the Wilson K Factor KZero, Head MicroGEL 12 (new), and the Babolat Drive Z 110.  
If your an intermediate player (around a 3.5) you should try to use average weight racquet  (a little over 10 ounces).  Also you should consider getting a midplus head (around 100 sq. inches.) You should try to find a racquet that has an average amount of control and power at the same time. "For most levels of play, you need a racquet that isn't too powerful and yet isn't all about control," says TENNIS Magazine writer Bruce Levine.  Here are some racquets I suggest for intermediate players, The Babolat Aeropro drive (Rafael Nadal, Multiple grand slam winner racquet), Prince speedport black, Yonex RDS 001, and the Head MircroGEL Extreme.  
Finally, if your an advanced player you should consider a heavier racquet (over 10.5 ounces.) You should also try a smaller head size because you can already create you own power, and this will give you more control.  You should try to use a midplus or midsize head (85-100 sq. inches).  Some racquets I suggest you try, the Prince 03 tour, Wilson K Factor KSix (Roger Federer, number one player in the world racquet),  and the Babolat Pure drive (Andy Roddick, World record for fastest serve.)  Also when trying racquets there are a few things you should remember.  If you like the racquet you are demoing check what strings are on it, this can make a big difference in your game.  Try different strings, my personal favorite strings are Luxilon Big Banger (more advanced strings, expensive and break fast.) On many racquets on the inside beam it gives specs of the racquet and string recommendations.  Some racquets take a while to get use to.  Try the racquet with and without a vibration dampener this makes a big difference on the feel of the racquet.  Helpful hint: if you find a racquet you like the feel of, but its a little bit lighter than you would like it to be, you can always buy lead tape which would make the head a heavier weight that you can customize.  Lead tape is cheap and sold at most local tennis county clubs.