New racquet for a beginner

[klrinstinct]

Hi everyone! I am just starting to play tennis with my girlfriend who is also a beginner. She really likes playing tennis and I know I will enjoy it as I like all sorts of sports including badminton.

I'm 5'7'' and my gf is 5'3". We're 26 and 24 years old, respectively.

I've read up on the specs of tennis racquets and searched the forums for recommendations on what racquets to get first. My gf and I have also went to Sports Authority just to check out the racquets there and see what kind of racquets in general we would like regarding the length, weight, etc. We seem to agree that we like the racquets with a weight of between 9-10 oz. and a length of about 27-27.5 in. My gf said she prefers the 27" racquets, but I don't think another .5 in would be an issue for us.

With that being said, I've noticed that a lot of people were recommending the LM Radical OS. I noticed that the weight is a bit on the heavy side at 11.2 oz. and that in the product detail it was stated that it was "Best suited to 4.5 + level players," which definitely is not us. I'm also concerned about tennis elbow.

I want to purchase a racquet that would be great for beginners but would also have room to grow as we develop our skills (won't need to buy another racquet). Based on this information, what would your recommendations be on getting a new racquet?

Thanks a bunch! Looking forward to the recommendations!

 

[Jonny S&V]

I've read up on the specs of tennis racquets and searched the forums for recommendations on what racquets to get first. My gf and I have also went to Sports Authority just to check out the racquets there and see what kind of racquets in general we would like regarding the length, weight, etc. We seem to agree that we like the racquets with a weight of between 9-10 oz. and a length of about 27-27.5 in. My gf said she prefers the 27" racquets, but I don't think another .5 in would be an issue for us.

If I were you, especially since you want a racquet that you can grow with, I would look for racquets in the 10-11.5 oz range. You should feel that the racquet is slightly heavy, as building strength with tennis is what you're going for (just as long as it's not heavy enough to significantly slow your swing down). You're girlfriend will probably want something a little lighter, but she can make that decision for herself.

With that being said, I've noticed that a lot of people were recommending the LM Radical OS. I noticed that the weight is a bit on the heavy side at 11.2 oz. and that in the product detail it was stated that it was "Best suited to 4.5 + level players," which definitely is not us. I'm also concerned about tennis elbow.

The LM Radical OS is a perfect racquet if you want to start on it and grow with it. Don't look into the recommended NTRP, they are not entirely accurate to be honest.

I want to purchase a racquet that would be great for beginners but would also have room to grow as we develop our skills (won't need to buy another racquet). Based on this information, what would your recommendations be on getting a new racquet?

Here are all the racquets that I would suggest, all in the 10-11.5 oz range and are reputable racquets (note, these are strictly from the liquidation from Tennis Warehouse):

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Liquidmetal_4/descpageRCHEAD-LM4.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_K_Factor_KPro_TeamFX/descpageRCWILSON-KPTFX.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_K_Factor_KTour/descpageRCWILSON-KTOURM.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_nTour_Two_nCode/descpageRCWILSON-WNT2.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Liquidmetal_Radical_Oversize/descpageRCHEAD-LMRADO.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_O3_Hybrid_Hornet_Midplus/descpageRCPRINCE-PO3HH.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_O3_Speedport_White_MP/descpageRCPRINCE-PSP03W.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_K_Factor_KSurge/descpageRCWILSON-KSURGE.html

Of these, my favorites are the KSurge, the Speedport White, and the Liquidmetal Radical OS. They all seem to fit what you are looking for.

Hope this helps!

 

[BullDogTennis]

do not get a racquet over about 105 inches...your OP makes it sound like you and your girlfriend want 'matching racquets' which should not be the case, you need something a little heavier, and her lighter.

 

[klrinstinct]

Thanks for the help and suggestions. I will definitely look into those racquets Jonny S&V.

BullDogTennis, when you said 105 in., I'm assuming you were referring to the head size.