A racquet for a beqinner

[Alzaro]

Hi, I am new to this forum and also new to the game. I always wanted to play so I made this as a promise to play more in 2015.

I have visited sportsdirect store but I left a bit confused not knowing what to look for (other than the price ofc)
I also spent a lot of time measuring my grip, it seems that I am a 4 5/8 which is quite weird, never thought I had long fingers.

A little details about me, I am 6.25, male, about 88kg, athletic and constantly training.
I would like to not spend more than 25£ on the first racquet.
I saw the following models
1. Head Radical 27 - 102 (Andy Murray) Head radical 27

2. Babolat Reflex 105 babolat

3.Head MX Extreme team series http://www.sportsdirect.com/head-mx-extreme-team-series-tennis-racket-742002?colcode=74200246
this one it said to have a carbon and metal mixture with innegra etc etc.
Same size as the cheaper radical, I think is the last season because this season is named differently on the website.

4. Wilson Nemesis 100 Nemesis

5. Wilson Envy L or Blx, or Strike BLX or Pro Power BLX
I don't want somethin super oversized as 110, I would say 105 should be max.

Please let me know which one should be enough for me, I plan to play twice a week, If I don't have opponent I will still go on court and practice alone.

If you have other recommendations please put them here, but with a sensible price.

 

[RalphJ]

I don't know if I've ever heard of some of these racquets. What racquet do you have now? How much are the racquets where you're at? I know tennis warehouse has some good used and sale racquets which are good. Most of these are around $100. I would try something like a Head Microgel Radical MP. Then start hitting a lot.

 

[Alzaro]

I don't have a racquet yet. I played a couple of games with a borrowed one. These racquets are between 18 £ and 29£
As far as I know they might be last seasons , beginner - recreational type racquets. Yes I heard about Head microgel (many variations) but it's double my budget

 

[RalphJ]

Oh, okay, well you may have to look on the Bay for a cheaper one. I guess you will be looking for a racquet around $45-50 USD, since that would be about 29-32 pounds.

 

[RalphJ]

Just looked on TW and they have a used IG Radical Oversize for $45. Just look in Used racquets. Good racquet.

 

[RalphJ]

Double post

 

[Alzaro]

Hi, I am still lurking around here. I have gone and did buy a racket, the Metallix Head Extreme Tour (basically an aluminium racket, newest is called MX Cyber Tour now http://www.**********.com/shop/tenn...head-mx-cyber-tour-tennis-racket-1088135.html)
Like I do most of the times, I consider a purchase then after buying it I still think about it, I think I didn't buy what I should. It seems to me that I must spend just a little more and get a decen racket with graphene.

So please end my miserable quest.
My grip size is 4 5/8 or 4 1/2 (probably in between but the shop assistant said definitely size 5 because the finger fits perfect in the gap when gripping) but I guess I could buy a 4 1/2 and use overgrip right? Who knows I may even like more 4 1/2. Also can a 4 3/8 be made into a 4 5/8?

I don't have big bones structure overall on my upper body but I train bodybuilding style 4-5 times a week. Would this aspect affect my choice considering the weight of the racket? Do you think I should stay up to a 300g max?

Since I am a beginner is 100 - 102 sq in head size good enough?

To make it easier I will just put the websites here and if you could please recommend some it would be great.
The budget is £55,
I saw some good names there like
-Dunlop Biomimetic F4.0 Tour
-Dunlop Biomimetic M6.0
-Head YouTek IG Radical S
-Dunlop Biomimetic M5.0
-HEAD YouTek IG Prestige S
-Head YouTek IG Extreme MP 2.0
-Head YouTek Graphene Instinct S Tennis Racket
-Head YouTek IG Extreme Lite 2.0
-Head YouTek Graphene Instinct S

Sorry if I missed some, I really want to get off to a good start and get to use this racket as much as possible.
Here are some decent shops (too bad I didn't know about them before) from where I got those names
sweatband
millet
directtennis
So bottom line is I will return the racket I bought (use the credit in store for something else) and order this new and proper stick, I'm itching to play. Help me!

 

[Alzaro]

also I saw a Babolat Purtenis nuttse drive on gumtree (like craiglist) for around £60
Also this website

 

[TheStranger]

Get the Head YouTek IG Radical MP. It might be a little more expensive than 55 pounds, but not much. This stick is well balanced in power, control and mobility.

Even though it's 98in, you don't really need a 100+in racquet to start. Just start hitting with it, and it's a versatile stick that you'll be able to grow with. The problem with beginner racquets (i.e., oversized), is you'll probably want to upgrade soon enough and have to shell out more cash. My "beginner" racquet just sits in the closet after a few months of usage when I got a smaller head size racquet.

 

[robbo1970]

Hi, I am new to this forum and also new to the game. I always wanted to play so I made this as a promise to play more in 2015.

I have visited sportsdirect store but I left a bit confused not knowing what to look for (other than the price ofc)
I also spent a lot of time measuring my grip, it seems that I am a 4 5/8 which is quite weird, never thought I had long fingers.

A little details about me, I am 6.25, male, about 88kg, athletic and constantly training.
I would like to not spend more than 25£ on the first racquet.
I saw the following models
1. Head Radical 27 - 102 (Andy Murray) Head radical 27

2. Babolat Reflex 105 babolat

3.Head MX Extreme team series http://www.sportsdirect.com/head-mx-extreme-team-series-tennis-racket-742002?colcode=74200246
this one it said to have a carbon and metal mixture with innegra etc etc.
Same size as the cheaper radical, I think is the last season because this season is named differently on the website.

4. Wilson Nemesis 100 Nemesis

5. Wilson Envy L or Blx, or Strike BLX or Pro Power BLX
I don't want somethin super oversized as 110, I would say 105 should be max.

Please let me know which one should be enough for me, I plan to play twice a week, If I don't have opponent I will still go on court and practice alone.

If you have other recommendations please put them here, but with a sensible price.

You sound like you are in the UK and therefore have limited options to see what you are buying.

Firstly, all of those racquets you mentioned at first are ones that the store you refer to puts out for people who just want to hit a ball over a net and not really for those who want to actually get into the game and develop their skills.

In your situation I think you would get the best value from some Dunlop racquets, as I know the store you refer to very well and many can be purchased for around £50-£60. Trust me, spending £60 on a Dunlop is going to give you better value than £30 on one of the others.

You should consider a Dunlop 500 or 600. That could be the Dunlop M5.0, The M500 Classic or the Biomimetic 500 Elite, or the the corresponding versions in the 6.0 and 600 ranges. The 'Tour' versions come in a bit heavier so you may want to avoid those for now. They will be a manageable weight for you, a decent head size and decent stability for your current level of play. Plus, good value for money and they will be racquets that are suitable for you when you improve and your game develops.

 

[robbo1970]

And.......although you measure as a 4 5/8, very few places do that size these days and you may find that a slightly smaller size with an overgrip feels more comfortable and easier to control.

 

[stiggytennis]

Whatever you buy,don't get an aluminum racket!
Dunlop F300,M500,are good choices as robbo1970 says.
Try this:http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Wilson_SixOne_95_16x18_Racket/descpageRCWILSON-W6O95.html
if you can handle the weight.

 

[Fedinkum]

Being your first racket and not wanting spend too much, secondhand is a great option!! Buy a secondhand decent racket is better than buying a new less decent racket.

I agreed, Head YouTek IG Radical MP is a good choice.

Get the Head YouTek IG Radical MP. It might be a little more expensive than 55 pounds, but not much. This stick is well balanced in power, control and mobility...

 

[PaulFCB]

I see they are selling the MicroGel Radical MidPlus on TW USA but no Radical MP which is one generation newer, the one I got, when it was on sale, because the Youtek came out.

I actually see them on bay uk at prices close to how much I payed when I got it new, it was the last piece, these ones seem to go out quick everytime.

Yeah, you could try it, or maybe take some lessons and the teacher will tell you exactly? Even so, still a good bet.

 

[TheStranger]

Being your first racket and not wanting spend too much, secondhand is a great option!! Buy a secondhand decent racket is better than buying a new less decent racket.

I agreed, Head YouTek IG Radical MP is a good choice.

For sure, there's someone here in the UK selling their used Head Youtek IG Radical MP sticks for exactly your budget:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=517623

 

[beltsman]

As a beginner, the racquet won't make much of a difference. Just find one that is comfortable so that you don't mess up your arm. Make sure the grip size is correct (go a size lower if unsure - you can always overwrap it), and don't go too heavy (I wouldn't do more than 300g as beginner; you can always add more but you can't take away). 100 sq in head size would be good for you. Lots of beginners like to start with oversized racquets but I think the smaller heads result in faster learning.

Other than that, it's really up to you. Playtest a few if you can.

 

[Alzaro]

Oh boy I am confused,
Went to a shop were the seller knew about rackets but I still didn't narrow it down.

So from Head:
IG radical MP / IG Instinct MP / IG Extreme MP
All almost the same size, only radical lighter by 5 Grams strung it would be minimum 312 Grams
These all are now as we speak in order £75, £73, £59

In another store (the one I initially bought the aluminium racket which I will have to return) they have a good offer on the Dunlop M5.0 for £55 - this would cost me only £30 extra having spent £25 on the cheap racket.
Also astray and lost I found this Head MG Control Racket for a bargain price of £31 (looks like customer return) Is it any good?

Unfortunately the seller here sold the radicals. And the indecision made that the Radicals at £67 god sold out. Only Special edition left at £75 now.

I don't know what causes more risk of injury, a lighter or a heavier racket, But I sometimes fall in between being careful and being macho.

I will have to decide, Sunday is playing time.

 

[robbo1970]

Ok, first of all, dismiss the Head MG Control, its more or less the same as the first aluminium one you had.

The IG Radical and Instinct MP's would be good choices. The Radical is a more control oriented racquet and the Instinct has a bit more power. But both decent for what you are looking for.

Read the TW review on the Dunlop M5.0, I think it gets good reviews. Again, more power oriented.

If you are ok at generating your own power and want to add a bit of control to your shots, I would suggest the IG Radical MP. It's one of the most popular and versatile racquets around.

 

[Alzaro]

I am ready to pull the trigger on a head ig radical special edition (don't know what's different) but I found 3 used rackets on gumtree, could you please tell me are they any good?
ad here
Pro Staff 95
L4(16×19, 313g, 10ptsHL) control
one year old with new replacement grip and strings
RRP £180 I am selling for £45

Pro Staff 100L
L2(16×18, 285g, 7ptsHL) spin & control
barely a month old, condition as new with new over-grip (original grip as new under the over-grip).
RRP £170 I am selling for £40

Six Two 100sq.in
L2 (16×19, 284g, 5pts HL) power
played twice indoors, new over-grip (original grip as new under the over-grip).
RRP £80 I am selling for £25

 

[beltsman]

Have you demoed any of them? Honestly, as a beginner, it won't make much of a difference. If you go lighter you can always add weight. So that's one thing. The 100 sq in will be more forgiving but the 95 in will help you more in the long run.

The grip sizes though...what grip size are you? Big difference between L2 and L4.

 

[Alzaro]

I am between 4 and 5, advised 5 but only tried on Head grip which I heard runs smaller. Yeah so I guess it's only the 95 to consider which is intimidating ...
any idea why there is a radical IG called special edition?

 

[robbo1970]

I am between 4 and 5, advised 5 but only tried on Head grip which I heard runs smaller. Yeah so I guess it's only the 95 to consider which is intimidating ...
any idea why there is a radical IG called special edition?

I've not heard of a special edition. Could be a version made to look like one of the higher end models.

If I were you, and I have been in the same boat, I would stick to the range you can see on here or on other specialist tennis sites.

 

[Alzaro]

This one is the special edition, looks like everything else is the same, except for the grip which doesn't have holes and the string is only synthetic... And it's more expensive than the regular...I googled it but I didn't find anything in particular...

 

[wolfinsignia]

well you have two options.

buy any racquet you feel comfortable, get a good shock absorber and an overgrip. i would even suggest aluminum or titanium ones. a good shock absorber would be my bias opionion of Technifibre vibra clip. overgrip i suggest is yonex supergap, but you can buy any because preferences will vary.

option two is find a decent racquet on this forums as cheap as you are willing to afford so that you save money in the long run and stick with it for an extra year or two over the cheaper one.

i am assuming that the best you can do at this point is tap the ball to a tap then a slow follow through on serve and your forehand is slow and your backhand lacks confident. the typical beginning player that is athletic.

so i suggest you just buy a racquet that feels good in your hands, do a few swing test. because if you are serious you will improve within the year and by sometime next year you will know what kind of player you want to be and you can easily do a quick research into the racquet that you ought to get for your game.

i suggest a racquet strung weight to be less than 11 oz for you or 320 grams ish. it will be alot easier for you to swing, but most of all to make sure you have someone to help teach you the basics so that even if you practice alone, you don't hurt yourself.

the problem with specs is with recreational racquets the error rates can be as much as 3-5 times that of a pro stock. if you put them side by side, it is likely that the racquets vary in thickness at different areas. so spec wise it won't matter at all. whatever you choose i still suggest a good vibration dampener and overgrip.

 

[beltsman]

This one is the special edition, looks like everything else is the same, except for the grip which doesn't have holes and the string is only synthetic... And it's more expensive than the regular...I googled it but I didn't find anything in particular...

Woof that's pricy, at least for me. I like to pick out the racquet I like and then stalk **** for a while until I find a good price.

But, up to you.

 

[Alzaro]

Thanks for your advice, it's not like I want to be super frugal and take the cheapest, but there are some good offers right now for prices that others on **** are selling used.
As I said I red about rackets, and I still don't think I grasped everything. Time and my games will tell me, so I appreciate that people have recommended the Radical IG MP because is an all arounder and would save me some money in the long run, it weighs 295 unstrung+17 grams = 312 + overgrip = just there at 320, the head size would make me more wary of hitting the ball right then having confidence in a super oversized racket.
At the moment it is being sold on amazon at a super price (I have amazon vouchers as well) but as I said above, it's the special edition, I don't know what's the difference between this special version and the normal version. if there is any

And then also as a good price (having another voucher for another retailer) is the Dunlop biomimetic m5.0 which has higher scores and overal score on the TW review than the Radical MP and is also only 277 grams unstrung + overgrip = 294 , so 300 with overgrip lighter than the radical.

At the moment the difference in price between these 2 is insignificant, radical only 5£ more expensive.

3rd options are only The Insitinct MP and the Extreme MP, kinda same price bracket, though not much different.

Now an aluminium racket or titanium I refuse to buy, 1 because I already have bought and already regret the uninformed decision, 2 because they are quite expensive for what they are, seeing that with just a little more you can buy graphite or composite, so it's not good value.

I am aware that my technique is at the lower part of the chart, but I will play to learn not to pass time.
If there is one thing I am worried about, that is tennis elbow or other known injuries.

 

[Alzaro]

Woof that's pricy, at least for me. I like to pick out the racquet I like and then stalk **** for a while until I find a good price.

But, up to you.

it;s cheaper on amazon on my size, it actually dropped day by day, but not sure how long it will last...its £60 now and I have some gift card balance in my account.

Dunlop m5 is £55 and would be even a better deal since I have a credit voucher from the store from returning the aluminium racket.

Is that a legit racket? everywhere it is retailed is sold at a higher price then the regular radical mp, and it seems to look the same and have same specs.

 

[beltsman]

it;s cheaper on amazon on my size, it actually dropped day by day, but not sure how long it will last...its £60 now and I have some gift card balance in my account.

Dunlop m5 is £55 and would be even a better deal since I have a credit voucher from the store from returning the aluminium racket.

Is that a legit racket? everywhere it is retailed is sold at a higher price then the regular radical mp, and it seems to look the same and have same specs.

I'm not sure, sorry!

Good luck my friend

 

[robbo1970]

The Dunlop M5.0 is a legit racquet. The reason you are seeing it cheaper at the store where you have your voucher is because the owner of that chain owns Dunlop, so they always sell their racquets cheaper than other places. I got my 300's and 100's from there at £60 and £50 each.

 

[Alzaro]

It was the radical MP Special edition I was questioning if it's legit...
Yeah I know sports direct pretty well.

 

[robbo1970]

I've never seen that one but it looks ok. Why don't you give them a call.

 

[makinao]

One recommendation for bargain or used racquets would be to look at "classic" lines. These have gone though many incarnations over the years, and any one of them are a good buy. I've bought a number of these used in very good condition on local second-hand fora (in the Philippines) for as little as 10 euros. I'm sure you could find these in the UK too.

1) Prince Graphite - http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=324543
2) Head Radical (including the Trysis) - http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=135902

There are many others, but lets start with these.

 

[Alzaro]

I am not aware of any second hand shop selling rackets in UK I'm afraid. Even if I'd find them they would sell them for far more, here prices are different.
Like for example a POG MP 93 is sold for £50
another one, the first aluminium prince classic racket (1977) is on sale for the same price, they will say it's for collection or a "classic" and charge you a hefty sum.

 

[robbo1970]

I am not aware of any second hand shop selling rackets in UK I'm afraid. Even if I'd find them they would sell them for far more, here prices are different.
Like for example a POG MP 93 is sold for £50
another one, the first aluminium prince classic racket (1977) is on sale for the same price, they will say it's for collection or a "classic" and charge you a hefty sum.

Those are also hefty sticks, coming in at about 350g.

If you are a beginner, I still would suggest something like the Dunlop M5.0. It's a good starting racquet that you can use to develop your shots and technique and at a good price.

 

[Alzaro]

I found 2 used players sticks at a good price. - Head LM Prestige mid and Head Youtek Prestige Mid

Problem is : 1: they are heavy, well over my beginner level
2: do I need 2 rackets?

 

[robbo1970]

I think they will be a bit too demanding if you are a beginner.

I think you're going around in circles too and getting distracted with the second hand market.

Phone up about the Radical special edition and see what they say about it. Otherwise, you have your voucher to use up so consider something from the Dunlop range as they are good racquets at good prices. If you use the range of racquets on the TW site as your guide, it will tell you if they are decent or not.

 

[Alzaro]

after reading the reviews, the dunlop m5.0 scares me with it's stiffness rating of 71
Apart that I like everything on paper, the fact that it has more pop and the added spin , more forgiving and easier to swing.
Just called and found out that the radical SE is the same racket, only the grip may be different.
I know the radical is more flexible and somewhere in the low 60s stiffness rating and that's comforting.
I know,,,I am going around in circles...sorry for that, but I appreciate your input and advices

 

[robbo1970]

Go with the Radical then. Its a good racquet and one of the most popular and versatile. A good blend of control in a manoeuvrable package. Very hard to go wrong with the Radical MP hence its popularity.

 

[makinao]

Go with the Radical then. Its a good racquet and one of the most popular and versatile. A good blend of control in a manoeuvrable package. Very hard to go wrong with the Radical MP hence its popularity.

Which was my point for recommending a "classic" series. There are many incarnations over the decades which maintain some characteristics such as control, manoeuvrability, and build quality, but some which have changed such as weight. For example, I use a Radical LE OS which is at 12oz strung is considered heavy. But a regular doubles partner of mine just got a Radical Youtek OS (non-IG) which has many of the same assets of my LE, but is at least an ounce lighter because he plays a different kind of game which relies on a lighter racquet.

The same can be said for the Dunlop 500 series of which the 5.0 is the latest in that line. It's been around for about a decade, and various incarnations will have many similarities which many players feel constitute a fundamentally "good" racquet, but a few subtle differences which suit different players wants and needs.

 

[UCSF2012]

Be a man and use a racket made for men.

L4 grip with overgrip
12+ oz
100 sq in

Truth be told: light, powerful rackets don't hit as hard as heavy, low-powered rackets.

 

[Walker23]

My friend invited me to play this sport and I am looking a racquet for beginner too.

 

[UCSF2012]

My friend invited me to play this sport and I am looking a racquet for beginner too.

Be the most badass beginner on the court...

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Classic_Graphite_100_Racquets/descpageRCPRINCE-PCG100.html

If you can find the Wilson 6.1 95 Classic used, string it up with full synthetic and learn tennis a real man's way.... You'll develop the Sampras forearm for sure.

 

[robbo1970]

Be a man and use a racket made for men.

L4 grip with overgrip
12+ oz
100 sq in

Truth be told: light, powerful rackets don't hit as hard as heavy, low-powered rackets.

A 100sq racquet for a man!!!!! You mean a 90 or an 85 surely!! My dad BP would throw a fit if he saw this suggestion :wink:

 

[robbo1970]

Be the most badass beginner on the court...

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Classic_Graphite_100_Racquets/descpageRCPRINCE-PCG100.html

If you can find the Wilson 6.1 95 Classic used, string it up with full synthetic and learn tennis a real man's way.... You'll develop the Sampras forearm for sure.

The PCG100 is a great racquet, I sometimes use one myself. I actually got more development in my own game and technique when I started using my Exo3 Graphite 93, but its not for everyone.

 

[Alzaro]

I see Prince mentioned a lot. If anyone from Uk is interested check this one out pog 93
I have ordered the radical MP SE. I will play with it on Sunday. Any overgrips you would recommend? also are dampeners necessary?

 

[inzone]

I see Prince mentioned a lot. If anyone from Uk is interested check this one out pog 93
I have ordered the radical MP SE. I will play with it on Sunday. Any overgrips you would recommend? also are dampeners necessary?

Dampeners are not necessary. If you do not have sweaty hands any overgrip will generally work for you. Test out what is in you price range and look at reviews.

 

[Alzaro]

I have played last night with someone's old tennis racket. It was (I think) a cheap version of the Wilson tour samprass, aluminum, no specs on it, I felt my elbow joint hurting, I can't say it was a bad pain, and I don't feel any pain now. Is it because I am new to the game? The Radical arrived today,hopefully I won't get this pain again or it will subside once I get used to it. I think it's because I lack technic and put all the power in the arm. It's funny, when I step in the gym im a Kg warrior, up and up. Here, I am worried for any extra grams...

 

[robbo1970]

That sounds like a technique issue more than anything. Get yourself out on the court and work on that technique and you'll be fine. You have a good racquet there, so work on your technique to do it justice. Enjoy!

 

[mctennis]

Volkl V1 Classic, PERIOD! Do not buy into all the gimmicks of some of these other racquet companies. You will spend a lot more $$$ messing around with them. Demo the Volk and I think you will be happy with it and end up buying one.