How To Choose Your Second Racket

There are a few reasons why you might want to get a second racket. Firstly, you might need a second racket to act as a spare in case the strings of your playing racket break during your game.

Secondly, your tennis game has improved and now you would like a better racket to help you generate more power and spin. Yes, your second racket can help in your game! As a recap, do see How To Choose Your First Racket.  

Here are the five things to consider when choosing your second racket:

Weight (Unstrung)

For ladies, recommended weight of 285 and 300 grams.

For men, recommended weight 300 and 315 grams. 

The weight of your second racket should be slightly heavier than your first. Since you have already acquired the basic techniques, you can now focus more on power, spin, and depth. Heavier rackets generally provide more stability and power.

String Pattern

Above: Open vs dense string pattern (Source: https://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/stringpattern.php)

We recommend the modern player’s racket string pattern of 16x19. This indicates there are 16 strings on the mains (the strings that run vertically from the throat to the tip of the racket) and 19 strings on the crosses (the strings that run horizontally across the racket). This string pattern provides a more open string bed, which enables you to hit with more topspin.

Head Size

100 square inches would be ideal as power, control and the sweet spot are nicely balanced.

Stiffness (RA rating of 62~68)

Racket stiffness is a measurement of how much it bends when it contacts the tennis ball. The more the ball distorts the frame, the more flexible a racket is; therefore, the lower the stiffness rating.

A lower number indicates a more flexible racket and a higher number a stiffer racket. For example, a racket of RA 50 will bend more than one at RA 70, assuming they are identical in all other specifications. The stiffer the racket, the more power. The softer the racket, the more control, and comfort (would recommend this if you have elbow issues).

New Technology / Trend

Above: Yonex Ezone (Source: https://www.yonex.com/tennis/06ez98tr)

Have you noticed that the shape of Yonex rackets differs from the other rackets in the market? Yonex Ezone range of rackets features a squarer isometric head shape which claims to allow for a larger sweet spot compared to the same headsize on a standard hoop-shaped racket.

Wilson put their newest FortyFive technology into Clash v1 frame which claims to create maximum comfort.

Brands usually promote their latest model of rackets as adopting a new technology. Marketing gimmick or not, it’s best to test it out for yourself.

Brand Loyalty / Professional Player Endorsement

We often have our own favourite tennis players who we adore and we may desire to use the rackets that they endorse.

For your reference, here are four very popular professional players and their endorsed rackets:

Roger Federer - Wilson Pro Staff

Rafael Nadal - Babolat Pure Aero

Iga Swiatek - Tecnifibre Tempo 298

Naomi Osaka - Yonex Ezone 98 

There is no perfect racket in the world. Choosing one that complements your playing style would certainly aid in your games and you will enjoy it even more when you feel shiok everytime you hit the ball.

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Play Tennis Better

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