The most common racket-buying mistake is levelling up too soon: a beginner buys an advanced power racket because it looks the part, then spends a season fighting it. The right racket is the one that suits your game now. Here's what that means at each stage.
Beginner: comfort and forgiveness
You're learning the strokes, you mishit often, and the priority is a racket that helps rather than punishes.
Look for: round shape, low balance, lighter weight (350–365g), a soft core and a fibreglass or soft-carbon face. It'll be comfortable, forgiving on off-centre hits, and kind to your arm while your technique settles. Our first-racket guide goes deeper.
Improver: a bit more of everything
You're comfortable on most shots, you're getting to the net, and you want more power without giving up the control that got you here.
Look for: teardrop shape, medium balance, mid weight (360–370g). A teardrop adds punch while staying controllable, which is why most improving players settle on one. A medium-density EVA core gives you output without going harsh.
Advanced: power on demand
Your timing is reliable, you play an attacking game, and you can middle the ball consistently enough to use a less forgiving frame.
Look for: diamond or teardrop shape, higher balance, fuller weight (370g+), a hard EVA core and a stiff carbon face. This is where head-heavy power rackets earn their place — in hands that can control them. In the wrong hands they cost more points than they win.
A word on "growing into" a racket
It's tempting to buy a level up so you don't outgrow your racket. Resist it. A racket that's too demanding slows your progress and risks your elbow, and rackets are cheap enough relative to court time that upgrading when you're ready is the better play. Buy for today; upgrade when today changes.
Not sure where your game sits? The racket finder asks a few questions and matches you to the right level, or browse the full range and filter as you like.