Hello everybody, I'm 14 years old and new to this website. I've never really played tennis before but just started seriously playing this year. As a freshman, I recently made the varsity team at my high school. I have been using a very old, cheap, Wal-Mart racquet and I'm looking to get something better. I've been looking through Wilson, Head, and Prince racquets on tw along with the sale racquets. I'm having a real tough time choosing one to buy. I'm looking for a balanced racquet for power and control. My price range is under $100 and just because I'm new doesn't mean I'm looking for a beginner racquet. I want to use it, hopefully, for a long time. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them.
What racquet should I get?
- Thread starter DatKid
- Start date
Someone's gonna suggest the Head LiquidMetal Radical MP for $70, and I guess I'll get the ball rolling.
*EDIT* Since you're already on the varsity team, I take it you're no slouch. The LM Radical MP is an excellent racquet for you to hone your skills, and as you develop your playing style you can easily customize the racquet (with lead tape) to tailor it to your liking. At $70, you might also eventually be able to purchase a second one as a backup if you play seriously.
*EDIT* Since you're already on the varsity team, I take it you're no slouch. The LM Radical MP is an excellent racquet for you to hone your skills, and as you develop your playing style you can easily customize the racquet (with lead tape) to tailor it to your liking. At $70, you might also eventually be able to purchase a second one as a backup if you play seriously.
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fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Great call on the LM Radical. One of the best values around these days and I used to own a pair myself.
You could like Yonex VCore 100 S. Light and solid stick
Sorr, its late where I live and did not read thoroughly. Yonex RDIS 100 is at 99 dollars, great stick also.
@DatKid If it's important to you where the racquet is made, particularly good quality, then I'll echo Boricua. Yonex racquets are made in Japan.
More importantly, in case you aren't familiar with what all the racquet specs mean, do take a look at the TW learning center, especially: measuring grip size, racquet & string terms, and string & frame facts.
Considering that you'll be playing against healthy teenagers who will hit with lots of pace (power) and spin, you definitely want a racquet that has a static weight of ~11 oz and higher. Choosing a light racquet will result in getting pushed around.
Also, consider the balance and swingweight of the racquet. Just because a racquet is heavy, like close to 12 oz, doesn't mean it'll feel that way. If it's headlight, most of the weight is near the handle, so swinging it around doesn't feel heavy. Usually this is ideal and forces you to develop good stroke mechanics.
It's better to stay away from light racquets that are head heavy. Those are usually the Walmart kinds... you won't really be improving your game that much.
More importantly, in case you aren't familiar with what all the racquet specs mean, do take a look at the TW learning center, especially: measuring grip size, racquet & string terms, and string & frame facts.
Considering that you'll be playing against healthy teenagers who will hit with lots of pace (power) and spin, you definitely want a racquet that has a static weight of ~11 oz and higher. Choosing a light racquet will result in getting pushed around.
Also, consider the balance and swingweight of the racquet. Just because a racquet is heavy, like close to 12 oz, doesn't mean it'll feel that way. If it's headlight, most of the weight is near the handle, so swinging it around doesn't feel heavy. Usually this is ideal and forces you to develop good stroke mechanics.
It's better to stay away from light racquets that are head heavy. Those are usually the Walmart kinds... you won't really be improving your game that much.
Doubles
Legend
Well, I use the MicroGel Radical, but the LiquidMetal is a great racket, too. I would stay away from the LiquidMetal 8, you'll grow out of it too quickly...
tennisgame09
New User
Microgel. I thought LM stuff was a bit cheapily made. I might get my head taken off by Head fans.
