1. Head Shape Decides Where the Sweet Spot Sits
This is the first and most consequential decision. The shape sets where the sweet spot sits and how much it forgives an off-centre hit.
- Round — the largest sweet spot, sitting in the middle of the face. The most forgiving, the best control, the least power. The safe choice for beginners.
- Teardrop — the middle road. A medium sweet spot sitting a little higher, enough power to smash without giving up control. It suits most intermediate players.
- Diamond — a small sweet spot, high up the head. Maximum power on the smash, but you feel every off-centre hit. For advanced players with clean technique.
2. Balance Point
Balance is where the racket's weight sits. A high balance (weight in the head) adds momentum to the smash but slows your reactions at the net and loads the elbow more. A low balance (weight in the handle) makes the racket feel light and quick for fast volleys.
If you spend most of your time at the net, or you have had elbow pain, go for a low to medium balance.
3. Weight
The usual range is 350–380 grams. Heavier means more power and more stability against a hard ball, but it tires you out faster. A rough guide:
- Women & junior players: 350–360 g
- Recreational male players: 360–370 g
- Strong / competitive players: 370–380 g
Do not pick a heavy racket just because you want harder shots. A racket that is too heavy slows your swing down — and the ball comes off slower, not faster.
4. Core & Face
Core (the inner foam). EVA Soft feels cushioned, is kinder on the arm and forgives technique that is still rough. EVA Hard responds faster and hits harder, but it needs a swing with real power behind it.
Face. Fibreglass flexes more and gives free power at a friendlier price. 3K carbon is stiffer and more durable; 12K/18K carbon is the stiffest of all, giving advanced players the most precise control and feedback.
5. Match It to Your Own Level
- Beginner — Round, low balance, 350–360 g, EVA Soft, fibreglass. Put comfort first; technique now, power later.
- Intermediate — Teardrop, medium balance, 360–370 g, EVA Medium, 3K carbon.
- Advanced / professional — Diamond or Teardrop, high balance, 370–380 g, EVA Hard, 12K carbon or above.
Every racket in our store is labelled with the player level it suits — browse the catalogue and filter by your own level.
6. Reading the Condition Rating on a Used Racket
A used racket can be your way into a class of racket that would otherwise be out of budget — as long as you know what to look at. Our rating judges physical condition, not performance:
- Condition 100 — as new. The safe choice if you want a top-tier racket without paying the new price.
- Condition 95 — normal wear, light scuffs. The sweet spot between price and condition.
- Condition 92 — visible scuffs, face still intact. Good as a practice or back-up racket.
- Condition 90 — heavily used. Still playable, but buy with your eyes open.
What to check on any used racket: structural cracks in the frame (these are fatal, and we do not sell rackets like that), a creaking sound when you press it (the core has broken down), and holes that go right through the face. Scuffs on the bumper and a worn grip are normal — both are consumables and cheap to replace.
7. The Mistakes People Make Most Often
- Buying a pro racket because your idol plays with it. A 375 g Diamond in a beginner's hands slows your progress and puts your elbow at risk.
- Ignoring the grip. The right overgrip changes how a racket feels far more than people expect, and it costs very little.
- Not trying one first. Specifications on paper tell you nothing about how a racket feels. We keep a demo area in store — used rackets included.
