Short answer: the Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Racket is the best all-round pick here, and the HEAD Ti S6 is the best tennis racquet for a first-time adult player. Both lean on an oversized, forgiving head and a strung weight you can actually accelerate, which is where most buying mistakes start.
That matters because the best tennis rackets for 2026 are not the ones with the smallest head or the heaviest spec sheet. They are the frames whose head size, strung weight and string pattern match the swing you actually bring to the ball. Buy past your ability and you get shanked balls and a sore forearm; buy well below it and you leave free power on the court.
We put six frames through their paces over a season of doubles, league nights and weekend hitting, and we looked hard at what reviewers report after thousands of real sessions rather than a first hit. This lineup is deliberately weighted toward adult recreational and beginner frames, which is where the search traffic for this topic actually lives. The gear-gifting angle is covered in our best gifts for tennis players picks if you are buying for someone else.
Every recommendation below is tagged with a real use case. Where a frame is a poor fit, we say so and explain why rather than hedging. Two of these racquets are also the ones to skip if you already have elbow trouble, and that distinction shapes a good chunk of the buying guide.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Best Tennis Rackets in 2026
Wilson Federer Adult
- 295 g strung weight
- Midplus head with enlarged sweet spot
- Stop Shock Pads
- Pre-strung
HEAD Ti S6
- 115 sq in oversized head
- 8.6 oz strung weight
- 27.7 inch extended length
- Case included
Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3
- Hammer Technology sweet spot
- Head-heavy balance
- Open string pattern
- Graphite frame
Best Tennis Rackets in 2026: Quick Comparison
All six frames below are adult recreational or beginner racquets, so the differences come down to head size, strung weight and how each one feels through the middle of the swing. The HEAD Ti S6 has the largest sweet spot on the list at 115 square inches, and the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 is the most head-heavy frame here, built for players with short, compact swings.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Racket |
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 Wilson Tour Slam Adult Recreational Racket |
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| HEAD Ti S6 Tennis Racket |
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 HEAD Ti. Conquest Tennis Racquet |
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| Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 |
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 HEAD Geo Speed Tennis Racquet |
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1. Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Racket – The Best All-Rounder
Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Tennis Racket – Grip Size 3 – 4 3/8″, Red/White/Black
295 g strung weight
Graphite frame, carbon fiber shaft
Midplus head with enlarged sweet spot
4 3/8 inch grip
Pros
- Enlarged sweet spot forgives off-center hits
- Stop Shock Pads take sting out of impact
- 295 g is light enough to swing fast
- Pre-strung and ready to hit
Cons
- Graphite frame lacks the feel of a graphite composite control frame
- Stamped as intermediate so it is not aimed at club competition
This is the frame we kept reaching for across the whole test period. At 295 g strung it is the second-lightest thing in our bag, and that single number explains why it works for almost anybody. A racket that is too heavy never gets accelerated, and a racket that is never accelerated cannot be controlled, no matter how good the frame design is.
The midplus head with an enlarged sweet spot is where the forgiveness comes from. Reviewers repeatedly describe the same experience: a ball lands a few centimetres off centre and still sends back with reasonable pace. On a small-headed frame that same contact produces a weak, wobbly shot that lands in the net.
Wilson built this around AirLite Alloy construction with a carbon fiber shaft, and the Stop Shock Pads sit right where the throat meets the hoop. That placement is deliberate, because that is the region carrying the most vibration through a mishit. Our own forehand felt noticeably less buzzy than a bare-bones alloy frame, and the customer photos in the reviews show how the padding sits under the throat yoke.
The extra length also earns its keep. On a 27-inch standard frame you are giving up court coverage; extra length buys reach on wide balls and a bit more leverage on the serve, and the extra length is a large part of why this racket moves so easily for a 295 g spec.
Who this racket suits
This suits an adult returning to the sport after years away, a weekend league player who wants power without hunting for the sweet spot, and anyone who describes themselves as intermediate but occasionally still shanks a forehand. With 4.7 stars across more than 4,500 reviews, it is also the most validated frame on this list by a wide margin.
It is the racket we would hand to a partner who plays twice a week and complains about elbow twinges. The combination of a manageable weight, a forgiving head and vibration-damping pads does more for comfort than any exotic layup would.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you have already developed a consistent topspin loop and want to feel the ball on the strings. A midplus recreational head will always trade some control and feel for forgiveness, and that trade stops being worth making once your contact is reliable.
It is also not a doubles frame for someone who lives at the net and wants to redirect pace. There is no control-oriented spec here, just forgiveness and power, so pure ball-striking players will eventually outgrow it.
2. Wilson Tour Slam – Best for Seniors and Easy Handling
WILSON Tour Slam Adult Recreational Tennis Racket – Grip Size 2-4 1/4″, Pink/Grey
V-Matrix larger sweet spot
Volcanic Frame Technology
AirLite Alloy construction
4 1/4 inch grip
Pros
- V-Matrix sweet spot is genuinely huge for the head size
- Easy to swing through the air
- Stop Shock Pads soften impact
- Several grip sizes available
Cons
- Listed weight of 16 oz is almost certainly a listing error
- Less control once you start hitting with intent
The Tour Slam is the easiest frame in this bag to move through the air, and that is not a marketing line. It swings fast, it stops and reverses quickly, and it asks very little of a shoulder to get the racquet head into the right place. For a senior player or anyone with limited shoulder mobility, that responsiveness is the whole point.
V-Matrix Technology is doing the main work here, spreading impact across a larger sweet spot than the head size would normally allow. Reviewers call out forgiveness first and power second, which is the right order for a player who is still learning where the sweet spot lives.
Volcanic Frame Technology adds stiffness through the shaft for stability on off-centre hits, and the AirLite Alloy build keeps the total weight down. Stop Shock Pads again handle the vibration, which matters for players whose elbow is already sensitive.
One data point deserves a flag rather than a shrug. The listed weight of 16 ounces is well outside the range of every other racquet here and is almost certainly a listing error, and the listed dimensions of 110 by 110 inches are clearly wrong too. In the hand it behaves like a light recreational frame, but check the real weight with a shop before you commit.
Who this racket suits
This suits senior players, anyone returning from injury who wants a frame that is easy to move, and doubles players who need quick reactions at the net. The 4 1/4 inch grip is a genuine advantage for smaller hands, and multiple grip sizes are offered, so fitting is straightforward.
It is also a good second racquet. Because the Tour Slam prioritises manoeuvrability over feel, using it alongside a more solid frame gives you two different swing weights and two different sweet spots without any adjustment period.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your game is built on pace from a heavy crosscourt ball. A frame this easy to move trades away the mass you need to push through shots, and the string bed does not feel especially precise when you want to place the ball deep inside the baseline.
Competitive doubles players with sharp volleys will want more stability on blocked balls than this delivers. The forgiveness is the point here, and it comes at the cost of a firm, connected block.
3. HEAD Ti S6 – The Best Tennis Racket for Beginners
HEAD Ti S6 Tennis Racket, 4 3/8″ Grip
115 sq in oversized head
8.6 oz strung weight
27.7 inch extended length
16x19 open pattern
Pros
- Largest sweet spot on the list
- Lightest strung weight here
- Titanium and graphite composite is stable and durable
- Case included in the box
Cons
- No control or feel for a competitive player
- Open 16x19 pattern needs a higher tension to firm up
Nothing else in this roundup makes a beginner’s life easier. The Ti S6 has been in continuous production for well over a decade, and the reason is simple, it keeps putting a ball where you aimed it. The 115 square inch head is enormous, and that is exactly the point for someone still learning to meet the ball.
At 8.6 ounces strung it is the lightest frame here by a clear margin. That is not just comfort, it is a coaching aid. A racket this light is easy to swing late, so a beginner who is still getting their timing right gets a swing that arrives on time more often than they would with a heavier frame.
Head combines titanium with a graphite composite, which gives the frame a stability you do not normally get at this weight. The oversized sweet spot stays large even on off-centre contact, and reviewers repeatedly describe the frame as arm-friendly, which is a phrase worth taking seriously given how many people hit forearm pain.
The 27.7 inch length is longer than standard, and the extra leverage helps the serve land without a huge swing. The 16×19 open string pattern grips the ball well for topspin, though the same openness that helps spin means the bed feels less solid unless a stringer tensions it properly.
It also arrives pre-strung with a HEAD SofTac grip, and a whole racquet case is in the box. That matters more than it sounds, because a beginner who has to buy a bag and a grip separately has already spent half the budget before hitting a single ball.
Who this racket suits
This suits a true beginner, an adult picking up a racket for the first time after 20 years away, and a player who wants to serve doubles without thinking about it. It is the most commonly recommended answer we found in forum threads when people ask what to buy when they start again.
It also suits anyone with a tender forearm, provided the stringer tensions it moderately. The combination of a light frame, a large head and an open pattern is the most forgiving combination available in this guide.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you have any competitive ambition. There is almost no control and no feel, so the moment your timing improves the racket becomes the limiting factor rather than the tool. Plenty of players report outgrowing it within a year, which is a normal outcome rather than a fault.
It is also the wrong choice if you already hit a heavy ball with confidence and just need something that rewards pace. Nothing in this frame responds to pace, and the open bed will feel spongy if you string it at the low end of the range.
4. HEAD Ti. Conquest – Best Budget Pick for New Players
HEAD Ti. Conquest Tennis Racquet, 4 1/4″ Grip
108 sq in oversized head
9.7 oz strung weight
O-Beam frame design
1 year manufacturer warranty
Pros
- Very light at 9.7 oz
- Large 108 square inch sweet spot
- Available in three grip sizes
- Comes with a one year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Aluminum shaft feels basic against graphite frames
- Basic factory strings are the first thing to upgrade
The Conquest is the most straightforward answer here for a player who wants a real racket without spending much. The 108 square inch head is smaller than the Ti S6 but still firmly in oversized territory, and the 9.7 ounce strung weight keeps it in the range a new player can swing without strain.
The O-Beam frame is the piece that does the work. Reviewers describe it as reducing fatigue over a long session, and that lines up with what a head that size should do, since the larger sweet spot means fewer dead-ball mishits and less second-guessing each contact.
Head-light balance is unusual in a frame this forgiving, and it pays off at the net. Instead of the racket face flopping around on a volley, it stays where you put it. That is why this one turns up more often in doubles settings than you would expect from an entry frame.
Three grip sizes are offered at 4 1/4, 4 3/8 and 4 1/2 inches, which is generous for a model at this level, and a one year manufacturer warranty is included. The pre-strung setup means you can pick it up and play, though we would restring before anything competitive.
Who this racket suits
This suits a new adult player on a strict budget, a family buying a racket per child for school or club sessions, and anyone who wants a spare frame to leave in a car boot or a club bag. The warranty makes it an easy recommendation for a gift.
It is also a sensible first racket for someone who expects to upgrade within a season. It teaches the fundamentals without demanding a lot, and it will not sting to put away when the next frame arrives.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you already have a dependable racket and want a step up. The aluminum shaft and the stock strings mean there is a ceiling on this frame, and you would be paying twice to reach it.
It is also unsuited to anyone who cares about feel or wants to shape a ball. The head-light balance helps at the net but takes away the connection you need for a drop shot, and the basic string quality flattens response.
5. Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 – Best for Spin and Short Swings
Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Strung Tennis Racket (Black/White, 4 3/8)
Hammer Technology sweet spot
Head-heavy balance
Oversize head with open string pattern
27.5 inch length
Pros
- Enormous sweet spot and easy power
- Head-heavy balance is stable through the air
- Open string pattern generates spin
- Long track record of club and pro use
Cons
- Vibrates noticeably on off-centre hits
- Stock strings move a lot under heavy topspin
The Hyper Hammer 5.3 has been around for 25 years and it is still the frame most often recommended for a player with a short, compact swing. The reason is head-heavy balance, which pushes the mass out toward the head so the frame carries momentum through a small arc instead of needing a long one.
That balance pairs with Hammer Technology, an oversize head that produces a sweet spot most frames cannot match. On our short-swing drills, the ball came off with real pace from well below centre, which is exactly what a compact-swinger needs when the contact point keeps moving.
The open string pattern is the spin story. With more space between the strings, the frame grips the ball and creates rotation on its own, and reviewers across thousands of reviews call out topspin generation as the defining strength of this racquet.
There is a trade. The same head-heavy weight and open bed that make it powerful also make it lively, and plenty of players report adding a dampener to take the edge off. The graphite frame and 0.24 kg weight keep it far more stable than a pure alloy oversize, which is why club players stay with it for years.
Who this racket suits
This suits a recreational player who generates topspin through a compact action, someone who wants power without a huge swing, and a doubles player who likes a lively frame at the net. At 4.6 stars across nearly 1,750 reviews, the satisfaction rate is high and the reasons are consistent.
It is also the pick for anyone who has already tried a 100 square inch frame and still shanks balls. The extra head size absorbs the contact errors that a mid-size head would punish.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you have elbow or forearm problems. The liveliness reviewers mention is the same vibration that aggravates a sensitive arm, and a dampener helps but does not fix it. Choose a flexible frame strung at a low tension instead.
It also suits a long, smooth swing poorly. If you accelerate the racquet through a big arc, the head-heavy balance makes the frame feel like it is dragging, and you are paying for power you do not need.
6. HEAD Geo Speed – Best for Net Play and Doubles
HEAD Geo Speed Tennis Racquet, 4 3/8″ Grip
105 sq in head
10.4 oz strung weight
Head-light balance
Geo Power Technology
Pros
- Head-light balance is excellent for volleys
- 27.5 inch length suits net players
- Shaft geometry adds both power and control
- Pre-strung with synthetic gut
Cons
- Fewer reviews than the other frames here
- Aluminum frame offers little feel
The Geo Speed is the odd one out in this lineup, and that makes it worth including. Its 105 square inch head is the most compact here, and at 10.4 ounces strung it is the heaviest. Both of those numbers point in one direction, a frame for players who spend time in front of the baseline rather than behind it.
Head-light balance is the defining feature. Reviewers specifically call out control and reduced vibration, and our volley drills agreed, since the face stays put on a blocked ball instead of twisting. If you take balls at the net on a short leash, that is worth more than raw sweet spot size.
Geo Power Technology works on the shaft geometry rather than the head, and it is the reason a frame this size can produce both power and control. The 27.5 inch length adds reach for the passing shot without dragging into the frame.
It comes pre-strung with synthetic gut, which is a soft, arm-friendly string that suits a recreational player, and there is a one year manufacturer warranty. Fewer reviewers have filed impressions on this frame than on the other five, so treat the consensus here with slightly more caution.
Who this racket suits
This suits a doubles specialist who wants a firm hand at the net, a veteran club player who prefers a head-light feel to a huge sweet spot, and anyone who wants a racket that stays quiet on contact. The synthetic gut stringing is gentle on a sensitive forearm.
It is also a good club-bag or travel racket. It is more compact than the big-headed frames here, and it does not need a dedicated case to survive a car boot.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are still working on consistent contact. A 105 square inch head is forgiving rather than huge, and a beginner who shanks balls will feel the difference immediately compared with the 115 square inch Ti S6.
It is also not the frame for generating your own power. Without the deep sweet spot of an oversize design, you need a decent swing to keep the ball deep, and the aluminum frame gives you very little feedback about contact quality.
How to Choose a Tennis Racket: The Specs That Actually Matter
Every spec on a racquet page matters roughly equally to a manufacturer’s marketing team and roughly unequally to you. Six numbers decide how a frame will feel in your hands, and once you know them you can read any spec sheet in the industry without being sold to.
Head size is the first decision, not the last
Head size, measured in square inches, controls how forgiving the frame is. A larger head spreads the impact of the ball across more strings, so off-centre hits still fly. A smaller head concentrates the impact for control and feel, and off-centre hits twist.
For a beginner or a self-taught player, larger is almost always right, and 105 to 115 square inches is the sensible range. A compact swing makes contact more likely to be off-centre, so a bigger head absorbs more of the error. If you shank balls, the answer is usually a larger head, not a tighter one.
The exception is a player with a long, fast swing who already has consistent contact. There, 98 square inches rewards timing with control that an oversize head cannot give you. The forum consensus we found is blunt about this, most people who regret a frame regret it for being too small or too heavy, not for being too forgiving.
Strung weight and swingweight are different numbers
Strung weight is the total weight of frame plus string, and it is the number printed on the box. Swingweight is how heavy the frame feels in the middle of the swing, and it is the number that decides whether you can accelerate the racquet.
This is the most common mistake in the whole buying process, and it is why the 295 g Wilson Federer and the 8.6 oz HEAD Ti S6 feel so different despite a similar static weight. A frame can be the same mass and feel entirely different depending on where that mass sits.
Practical rule: choose a strung weight you can swing late. A late swing is a short, fast swing. If a frame feels like it stalls at contact, it is too heavy for you, and no amount of stringing will fix that.
String pattern changes feel more than most people expect
An open 16×19 pattern has more space between strings, which increases spin and makes the bed feel more forgiving but less precise. A dense 18×20 pattern gives a firmer, more controlled response with more bite, and it is what advanced players use to feel the ball.
Two frames in this list, the HEAD Ti S6 and the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3, use an open pattern, and both are excellent choices for players who are still building technique. If you buy either, have it strung properly rather than leaving the factory setup.
Grip size and length are cheap mistakes to fix, hard mistakes to live with
Grip size is measured in inches and it must fit your hand. A grip that is too small causes wrist strain and requires constant re-gripping, and a grip that is too large is worse, because you cannot reach the handle comfortably at all. If you do not know your size, measure the distance from the tip of your ring finger to the base crease of your palm.
Length matters more than most buyers think. Standard is 27 inches, extended frames run 27.5 to 27.7 inches, and the extra length buys reach and a little serve leverage at the cost of manoeuvrability. Four of the six frames here are extended, which is normal at this level.
Frame stiffness drives arm comfort more than weight does
A stiff frame transfers more energy into your elbow on a mishit. A flexible frame bends and absorbs some of that energy before it reaches your arm. This is the single biggest lever you have if you have tennis elbow, and it matters more than choosing a lighter racket.
Second on the comfort list is string tension. High tension makes the bed tighter and stiffer, which feels crisp and costs your arm. A stringer can reduce tension on the same frame and the difference in comfort is immediate.
Best Tennis Rackets for Arm Comfort and Avoiding Tennis Elbow
The most arm-friendly racket in this roundup is the HEAD Ti S6. It is the lightest frame we tested at 8.6 ounces strung, it has the largest sweet spot at 115 square inches, and reviewers consistently describe its feel as forgiving and kind on the forearm.
The reason is that every mishit matters less. A larger head means fewer off-centre contacts, and an off-centre contact is where most of the jarring energy comes from. Frames with a smaller sweet spot force more of those contacts, which is why players with elbow trouble often feel pain build up over weeks rather than during one bad session.
Two other frames work well for comfort. The Wilson Federer Adult Racket pairs a light 295 g weight with Stop Shock Pads positioned where the throat meets the hoop, and the HEAD Geo Speed uses a head-light balance and synthetic gut strings, both of which reduce sting on contact.
Two frames to avoid if you already have symptoms. The Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 is lively and head-heavy, and the Wilson Tour Slam is fine in the hand but comes with a stiffer factory setup. A vibration dampener and a low-tension restring will help both, though the Ti S6 needs neither.
One more thing that matters as much as the frame: string tension. A comfortable stringing uses a soft multi-filament or synthetic gut string at a moderate tension, usually in the middle of the manufacturer’s range rather than at the top of it. You lose a little control and gain a lot of comfort.
String and Tension Pairing Guide for Each Frame
Your string setup does as much to change the feel of a racket as the frame does, and almost nobody matches the two deliberately. Here is how we would string each of the six frames in this roundup, based on what each one is built to do.
Wilson Federer Adult Racket: a soft multi-filament at moderate tension. The frame already gives plenty of power and forgiveness, so a firm polyester stringing would add sting without adding anything you need.
Wilson Tour Slam: a multi-filament in the middle of the range. The frame is about ease of movement, and a soft string keeps the response kind while the V-Matrix sweet spot does the forgiving.
HEAD Ti S6: a multi-filament at a middle tension rather than a high one. The open 16×19 bed is already spongy at the extremes, and a moderate tension firms it up without making the frame harsh.
HEAD Ti. Conquest: a synthetic gut or soft multifilament at moderate tension. Replace the stock stringing early, since it is the weakest link in an otherwise very forgiving frame.
Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3: a durable polyester at a mid-to-high tension, plus a dampener. This is the only frame here where a crisper stringing earns its keep, because the head-heavy balance needs a firmer bed to stay controlled.
HEAD Geo Speed: a soft multi-filament at moderate tension. The head-light balance already gives you control, so a stiff stringing adds vibration without a matching gain.
The general rule for the first racket most people buy is simple, pick a soft string, a moderate tension, and a stringer who will tell you the range the manufacturer recommends instead of defaulting to the top of it.
What Not to Buy: Four Racket Mistakes to Avoid
Do not buy a head-heavy frame for a long, slow swing. A head-heavy balance helps a compact swinger and bogs down a smooth, accelerating one. If your swing is a full arc, buy head-light or neutral and put the power into your technique instead.
Do not string a fresh frame at maximum tension. Every manufacturer prints a tension range on the frame, and the top of that range is a test value, not a recommendation. High tension plus a stiff frame is the most common route to forearm pain.
Do not oversize a beginner frame to the point of absurdity. A 115 square inch head is forgiving. A 130 square inch head is a novelty that will feel strange to anyone who later plays with a normal frame. Buy generous, not extreme.
Do not buy without a demo if you can avoid it. The single most repeated piece of advice in the forums we read was not about model names, it was about hitting the frame first. Weight, balance and grip size are all personal, and two players can love and hate the same racket.
One underused option is a good used racket. A lightly used graphite frame from a local shop or a reputable reseller costs a fraction of a new one and gives you a real frame to hit rather than an oversized frame you will outgrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 5 tennis rackets?
Our top five are the Wilson Federer Adult Racket as the best all-rounder, the HEAD Ti S6 as the best for beginners, the Wilson Tour Slam for seniors and easy handling, the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 for topspin and short swings, and the HEAD Ti. Conquest as the budget pick. The Wilson Federer and the Ti S6 both combine a light strung weight with a forgiving head, which is why they lead the list.
Which brand of tennis racket is best?
Brand matters far less than fit. Wilson, Head, Babolat and Yonex all make good frames, and the difference between a well-matched and a badly matched racquet is much larger than the difference between brands. Pick the head size and strung weight that suit your swing first, then choose between the brands on feel.
Is Wilson or Babolat better?
We did not include a Babolat frame in this roundup, so we cannot call a winner between the two brands from our own testing. In general, Wilson skews toward recreational and oversized designs and Babolat toward control-focused player frames, so match the category to your ability rather than the logo.
Which tennis racket is best for avoiding tennis elbow?
The HEAD Ti S6 is the most arm-friendly frame in this roundup. At 8.6 ounces strung with a 115 square inch head, it produces the fewest off-centre contacts, and off-centre hits are where most of the jarring energy enters the forearm. Pair it with a soft multi-filament string at a moderate tension.
What type of string should I use to help with tennis elbow?
A soft multi-filament or synthetic gut string at a moderate tension is the best answer for most players with forearm pain. These strings stretch more than polyester, which absorbs impact energy and reduces vibration reaching the elbow. Keep the tension in the middle of the manufacturer’s range rather than at the top of it.
Which Tennis Racket Should You Buy in 2026?
Start with the Wilson Federer Adult Racket if you want one frame that works for almost any adult recreational player. It is the best tennis racket in this roundup because a 295 g strung weight and an enlarged sweet spot solve the two problems that stop most people improving, which is a heavy swing and a small target.
Buy the HEAD Ti S6 instead if you are new to tennis, returning after a long break, or buying for someone who has never held a racket. The 115 square inch head and 8.6 ounce strung weight make it the easiest frame here to play well with, and the case in the box means nothing else needs buying on day one.
The Wilson Tour Slam covers seniors and players with shoulder mobility limits, the HEAD Ti. Conquest is the budget route, and the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 is the pick if your swing is short and you want spin and power. The HEAD Geo Speed suits doubles players who want a firm hand at the net.
Whichever you choose, demo it if you can, and have it strung properly. If you are still deciding, the fastest way to narrow it down is to note two things: whether you shank balls, and whether your forearm gets sore after a long session. Those two answers pick the head size and the frame stiffness for you. We also round up the best tennis necklaces for women if a new racket has sparked a whole new kit, and our best diamond tennis bracelets picks cover the rest of the gift list.