I'm 16 and i've been playing tennis for a couple of months and play singles 3 in my school. I have been using a racquet thats not too good. (Wilson Hyper Hammer XP) I'm looking to buy a new racquet with a small grip and has pretty good control. What racquets are good for my needs? Preferbably, wilson, prince, or head racquets. I'm willing to spend up to 200. Thank you.
Sounds like you are a serious player! That's good. As far as your Racquet is concerned it sounds like you know what you want and that is a plus. Check out the links below for most of the information I have here. Specifically check out the last link. It has a useful chart on picking a racquet by the characteristics you want.
Here are some rules in general when choosing a racquet.
1. Smaller headsize = more control - Larger headsize=more power.
You generally want a combo of both at your level. Most men on the pro tour use between 89" to 100" headsizes.
2. Grip size. Too large a grip can be a problem. At a sports store or Racquet stringer you can get help determining your correct grip size. Some pros actually play with a grip one size smaller and use a grip overwrap.
3. Racquet weight and balance.
--There is a lot of debate on the weight of raquets.
I say if you want to be a good player look at the best players in the world! Sure there are some things we can't do but it is a place to start.
For a strong young man racquet weight should be No Less than 10oz.
Some pros play with over 14oz. Even the women pros play with weights over 10oz.
Good rule is - use the heaviest racquet you can that won't slow down your swing. This will protect your arm over time.
--Balance- if you play the baseline a lot then a racquet balanced toward head heavy is best. If you play the net..head light is best. If you are an all court player then an even balance works well.
Don't be afraid to experiment! Every player has a preference.
Before you spend a lot of money. try out a racquet "Demo" program that will let you use different racquets for a trial period. Play with one for at least a week. (in the off season so you won't mess up your game) Then try another one.
Some of these programs are available online and through the mail.
Almost all pros "Customize" their Racquets. Find a "good fit" and then play with it.
Keep in mind...
String Type and tension also affects power and control.
Again, in general, if you want more control string tighter ( check your Specific racquet's Hi/low tension range)
Your on the right track and you are asking the right questions!
The Tourna Grip Racquet grips are extremely durable and well cushioned for maximum comfort and performance. These grips are great for use with all tennis, badminton, squash and racquetball racquets.
The Prince O3 SpeedPort racquet features a square-shaped aerodynamic refinement to the O-Ports that generates a livelier response across the entire string bed. This Racquet also offers a more-controlled option and includes a Prince cover.Brand: Prince03 SpeedPort Tennis RacquetModel: Color: BlackHeadsize: 100 square inches Length: 27 inches Weight (strung): 11.4 ounces Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 66 Balance: 13-inch Head Light Cross section: 23mm/24mm/22mm Tapered Beam Swing weight: 321 kg*sq. cm String pattern: 16x19 Grip: Prince DuraPro Prince power level: 975Strung at mid tension Includes a Prince cover
Account limit of 2104 requests per hour exceeded.
Prince O3 Speedport Black MP/Team/Longbody Racquet Review
New Prince Ex03 Racquets Are Out!
Prince Tennis rackets have always had a reputation for large racket head size and were geared to the average club player and those who need the larger sweet spot. Prince is now producing mid sized rackets that measure up performance wise to the likes of Wilson K Factor rackets and the popular Head MicroGel Extreme Prestige rackets. For players at the 5.0 to 7.0 NTRP level, these rackets offer the control and shot precision that’s absolutely essential to win.
One of the most anticipated Prince Tennis racket is the 2009 Prince EXO3 Graphite 93. The smaller head size gives the player more touch, control and the ability to generate more spin. The Prince EXO3 technology racket series is giving competitive tennis players an advantage in 2009. EX O3 is prince’s racket technology that incorporates two technologies called Energy Channel and Energy Bridge.
The Prince EXO³ Graphite rackets featuring EXO³ technology for increased energy return, more ball spin and pinpoint accuracy average about $199 and are available at quality online retail tennis shops. Prince’s Energy Channel™ feature provides up to a 25% increase on spin and up to 26% more control. The Energy Bridge is a revolutionary idea behind EXO3 technology. It is an exo-skeletal structure that suspends the string bed from the frame, that increases the virtual head size for up to an 83% larger sweet spot. In addition, frame vibration is reduced by an amazing 50%. Enhancing the dynamic effects of the Energy Bridge™, is the patented Energy Channel™. It is a sculpted groove within the frame providing added stability, improving ball control, and increasing ball spin by up to 25%.
Prince’s midplus racquet and mid size are perfect for a good intermediate, advanced player, as well as the next generation tour player.
Two specific rackets to check out are the Prince EXO3 Graphite 100 Tennis Racquet and the Prince EXO3 Graphite 93 Tennis Racquet
The Prince EXO³ Graphite 93 uses the EXO³ technology to create better ball return, more spin and greater shot accuracy. Energy Channel™ provides up to a 25% increase on spin and up to 26% more control. Prince has combined the EXO³ Technology in a Graphite frame to create a racquet with more spin and a heavier ball. This racquet is for an aggressive player with long strokes.
Just like the Prince EXO3 Graphite 93 racket, the Prince EXO3 Graphite 100 Tennis Racquet utilizes EXO³ technology for increased energy return, more ball spin and pinpoint accuracy. It has the Energy ChannelTM and Energy Bridge technology yet with a slightly larger head size that puts it in the mid size category.
Buying your Prince Tennis rackets online may be a better choice. Many Tennis shops have extra free giveaways and prices discounts on other merchandise such as Tennis bags, free string, grips, and highly discounted clothing. When you purchase over a set dollar amount, shipping will either be free or under a dollar, and in the case of the Prince EXO3 rackets, they can customize your racket with tuned port inserts to get the sweet spot just the way you like it.
About the Author
Look online for a reliable, professional online tennis shop specializing in Prince Tennis Rackets, including the Prince EXO3 Graphite racquets. If you’re unsure of the racket that’s best for you, use Do IT Tennis’s helpful RacquePro racket selector.