How I Would Choose a Racket

Despite so much information available online, about how to choose a tennis racket, so many are still confused how to proceed.

For example:
Selecting the Right Racquet
How To Choose The Right Racquet

Both websites above discussed in great detail about important racket features like headsize, length, swingweight, total weight, balance, string pattern, etc.

But how is it that so many people still get their picks way off? Then sell the racket, pick another, just to find the same dislike? (link)

I believe there is nothing wrong with the rackets. Nor the strings. Nor the racket specs. Maybe QC could cause some variances, but they remain completely playable.

What almost everyone overlooked, were their own "specs", such as:
- fitness levels,
- speed around the court,
- style of play,
- strength and endurance,
- tennis objectives, and
- playing partners.

When selecting a racket and string setup, for myself or others, I always prioritize these personal traits above all else. (Although price sometimes take precedence)

The root problem is, everybody over-rates their abilities. For example, when asked about their average serve speed, they state their fastest speed, then add a couple mph. Same for their ntrp levels. And backhand consistency. And amount of topspin they generate.

Ironically, when these same folks see a total beginner wielding Federer's / Nadal's / Djokovic's rackets, they could list so many reasons why that racket does not suit them. Definitely, knowledge is not lacking.

To avert this, one can:
- record and study videos of your own match play, or
- listen to feedback from your playing partners.

Everyone who first saw themselves playing on video were shocked how they actually hit the ball! It brought most back to reality, except for a few stubborn ones with huge egos who blamed the balls, strings, etc, for their dismal performance. So I left them in their rut.

When I last checked, some were still searching for their ideal stick. Some gave up due to too many rackets accumulating. The saddest ones were those who ended up with severe wrist, elbow or shoulder injuries that cut short their tennis hobby.

If all this is still too much information to sift, then start with your own on-court movement and footwork. They determine how much time you have to swing and hit the ball, which ultimately decides how much racket weight you could bear.