I just started high school tennis practice this week, and I'm not sure if I should buy a new racket. My coach lent me a Prince O3 Tour, and it has been working very well. I've got a lot of money saved up though, if I want to buy my own racket. What are some good 3.0-3.5 NTRP rating rackets? What do stiffness, swing weight, and power level all mean?
Should I buy a new racket?
- Thread starter btpayne13
- Start date
prjacobs
Hall of Fame
Talk to your coach.
If you do buy a racquet maybe don't buy the newest and most expensive one yet. You might spend $180 on racquet then once the newness of tennis wears off you might end up moving to another sport. I would look into buying a clearance racquet on TW. Also if you buy a racquet don't make the same mistake I did. I bought a beginner stick and out grew that withing the first 2 months. Don't be afraid of asking your team mates or people you meet if you can try there racquet out for a few mins. Most tennis players I know don't mind.
Steve Huff
G.O.A.T.
I'd say the most important thing to start with is getting the right grip size. Then, like sobo said, look at the clearance rackets. Dunlops are usually a good buy too. Maybe something like the MFils 300. I think they're pretty cheap now.
new_tennis_player
Banned
That's not a mistake. You invested next to nothing in a racquet. Plus you can give it away to another newbie when you're done or donate it to a good cause.
blackfrido
Hall of Fame
DON'T BUY A NEW ONE, buy it used. I have two for sale 
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
None of those things mean crap-o-la!
Try some racquets out and use what you like. Those classifications are only vague guidelines and in my opinion, you've got a nice hitter for now with that Prince. If it works for you, I think you'd be smart to try and track down one or two of your own in the used market.
Try some racquets out and use what you like. Those classifications are only vague guidelines and in my opinion, you've got a nice hitter for now with that Prince. If it works for you, I think you'd be smart to try and track down one or two of your own in the used market.
kimguroo
Legend
No one really can tell because we don't know your swing, playing style etc...
If you are comfortable with o3 tour, you can handle around 310-330g rackets so there will be more possibilities. Everyone might have different opinions so it's really hard to recommend. I am a big fan of prince and started playing tennis with o3 technology. I am more comfortable with string port insert than traditional rackets(Like muted feeling). Yesterday, I demoed both black and white rackets but did not like it because of stiffness. You should demo rackets before you buy. That's the best way and you are the one who will make the decision ^_^
my recommendation might be rebel 95 for prince and Yonex sales rackets rds 001, 002 tour 003 and head radical (forgot the exact model but it's $89.99).
I think those yonex sales rackets are best for $$$ in my opinion. Yonex is one of the best company for the quality control.
Good luck with your search.
