Racquet Recommendations - Male teen 14 yr

[Mad hatter]

Would appreciate any recommendations/ guidelines for racquet choice for my Grandson . Just starting high school and will be playing high school tennis.
Is it better to start with a heavier racquet 11-12 oz or go lighter or heavier. Was thinking V1 Classic,Prokennex 5G ?

 

[The_Racketeer]

At that age, nothing lighter than 11oz is necessary. Certainly nothing heavier than 12oz. Which racquet depends on his skill level and style of play. Both of your suggestions are good sticks, but might not be for your grandson. Need more info.

 

[AHJS]

At 14 I was hitting with a leaded Blade 93. He might like that if you can find one for cheap because they're discontinued, but a great frame as soon as you beef it up.

 

[mhkeuns]

How about the current or the previous version of Babolat Pure Drive?

 

[Lukhas]

The heavier version of whatever racquet he's currently using granted it's not too heavy (12oz+) since he's still growing up. If he likes his current racquet, then just get him a spare if he's starting to play in tournaments: a spare racquet can be a life saver compared to playing with someone else's frame.

 

[BlueB]

Any Mid Plus. Rather lighter then heavier. He can always stick some lead tape to it as he gets stronger. Other way round doesn't work.

 

[n8dawg6]

agree with the lighter racquet recommendation. he will need it to be competitive. can add weight as time goes on. i wouldnt go over approx 11 oz strung.

from head, speed MP or S, instinct MP, radical MP. from babolat pure drive or aero pro, regular flavor or team (the team racquets are very good). wilson makes a pro staff 97ls and a burn 100ls. also uls. they specifically market these toward developing players.

 

[Irvin]

If he is going to play HS tennis one has to assume he is already playing. Many kids want to play but can't make the team. Assuming he is playing I would try to get something similar to what he is using now for weight and head size. He may end up playing a lot more against better players so you may want to consider a racket with a tighter pattern. If he is using a 16 main let him try an 18 main. Don't buy anything until he has demoed it first. Don't just buy him a racket as a present and give it to him. He may play with it once and throw it in the closet, or worse he may throw it in the court.

A tennis racket has to fit his game. You would not want him to go out and buy you a pair of shoes would you?

 

[Mad hatter]

Thanks to all for your comments.

 

[kingcheetah]

I'd have to see his level of play and physical abilities, but I think he should demo a variety of racquets around 97-100" and 11 to 11.5 oz or so and see what he thinks.

 

[Stanimal]

BURN 100.

 

[RalphJ]

Babolat Aero Pro Drive.

 

[Oldclassictennis]

I am going through a similar decision process for my 14 year old, although it sounds like he is more of a beginner than your grandson. He has tried a variety of racquets and really likes my Volkl C10 Pro the best. I keep trying to get him to try and go lighter, but he loves the way those swing.

It's hard for me to push the lighter stuff, since I learned on a 13.5 oz racquet at about the same age.