Adult and children's tennis rackets

Weight, head size and balance

A tennis racket is described by three numbers. The weight, unstrung, ranges from about 255 grams for lightweight models to over 300 grams for experienced players: the heavier it is, the more stable and powerful it feels upon impact, but it’s more demanding on the arm. The standard head size measures 645 square centimetres; a larger one forgives imperfect strikes. The balance, either head-heavy or handle-heavy, shifts the sensation of power or manoeuvrability.

The main categories

Tennis also includes:

• Balls.
• Shoes.
• Accessories, strings, grips and covers.
• Clothing.
• Nets and posts.

The Babolat Pure Drive, launched in 1994, remains the reference for a versatile and powerful racket. The Pure Aero is Rafael Nadal's choice, designed for topspin. The Wilson Pro Staff is associated with Roger Federer, while the Wilson Blade prioritises control and feel. At Head, the Speed targets arm speed, and the Extreme focuses on spin; at Tecnifibre, the TF-X1 emphasises power.

The string pattern and the handle

The most common string pattern, 16x19, provides spin and power; the 18x20 pattern, being tighter, offers control and better durability of the strings. The handle size is measured with the hand: one should be able to slip the index finger between the fingertips and the palm while holding the handle. A handle that's too small forces you to squeeze, which can tire the forearm, a known risk for tennis elbow.

Kids' rackets

Junior rackets are chosen based on length, measured in inches, according to the child's height: shorter models for younger ones, up to twenty-six inches around the age of ten or eleven, before moving to a lightweight adult racket. Babolat has dedicated its junior range Carlitos to Carlos Alcaraz, and Wilson offers lightweight kids' rackets. A racket that's too long or too heavy hinders learning the stroke.

Best deals

Great deals can also be found in best deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The key shopping events of the year follow a regular order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

What tennis racket is best for a beginner?

A lightweight racket, around two hundred and sixty grams, with a large head size and a slightly head-heavy balance, provides power and forgiveness. It compensates for a still developing stroke and forgives off-centre strikes.

Pure Drive or Pure Aero: what's the difference?

Both Babolat models are power rackets. The Pure Drive is versatile and suited for flat, aggressive play, while the Pure Aero, with its aerodynamic profile and open string pattern, enhances topspin.

How to know if a junior racket fits a child's size?

With the arm extended alongside the body, the racket's head should reach just above the floor without touching it. Lengths range from nineteen to twenty-six inches, and one moves up to the next length as the child grows.

What tension should I string my tennis racket at?

Stringing is done on a machine, with a stringer, at the tension range indicated on the frame. A lower tension provides more power and comfort, while a higher tension offers more control, which should be adjusted based on your playing style.

Pro Staff or Blade: which player profile is it for?

Both Wilson rackets target experienced players seeking control. The Pro Staff, heavy and compact, requires a full, precise swing; the Blade, more flexible, offers plenty of feel and touch from the baseline.