Budget tennis racquet?

[Jajone]

my DS13 has recently discovered tennis. He has been using an old racquet we bought second hand. 2 coaches have now told him he needs a better racquet. He wants to step up his game and try to play in high school. I know nothing about buying racquets and fear talking to a store employee will just sell me the most expensive. What do I look for when buying one? What brands are in the mid range. I don't mind spending up to $100 if I know it will last him a couple years.

 

[Sandi]

If you have a tennis pro shop in your area, it is worth going there and asking to use some demo racquets so your DS can try a few different models. Some will only let you use them at their facility, others will let you take them for a day or two. Some sporting goods stores will let you do this, too. You should be able to get a decent racquet for around $90 to $100, but be aware that the grip size will be what will get you for a kid your son's age. He is growing and his hands will grow a lot over the next two years. You can't really get a racquet with a grip size he'll grow into because he needs the right size to play well and comfortably. We also became dependent on www.tenniswarehouse.com for racquets, shoes, clothing, etc. while DD played competitively. They have really nice shipping and return policies. Good luck. Tennis is a great lifelong sport.

 

[LSKN]

Most coaches also have rackets your son can borrow and try out or can recommend a racket appropriate for his skill level and playing style that will fit your budget. There are so many different size and weights, it's best to get a recommendation from someone who is familiar with your son's playing style. Once you have a recommendation, shop around online. I once picked up a really great racket for $70 online because it was last year's model and was being phased out.

Something else to keep in mind in terms of cost though is that depending on how often he plays, the racket will need to be restrung from time to time. This can cost $25+, and must be done when the strings get worn or your son will be at risk for tennis elbow, shoulder problems, etc. You can tell when the strings need to get replaced when they no longer slide easily against their perpendicular neighbor. I play a couple times/week and replace my strings every 9 months or so. I love tennis, it is a lifetime sport, but it is expensive.

 

[Purrrrfecta]

First, I must say congratulations to your son. As a mother of a competitive junior tennis player, I find tennis to be a wonderful sport. I agree with Sandi. Let him go to a pro shop because it will be important for him to demo racquets so he can get the feel of them, and then decide on the one that feels best. In addition, his grip will have to be sized.
My son has been playing with the Babolat Pure Drive since he was 10 years old. Tennis is an expensive sport, but don't worry about that. If he becomes good enough he can buy a stringer and learn to string his own racquets.
Let me know if you have any other questions like where to purchase online etc.

 

[sksjasams]

My DS16 had never played tennis either before. He took lessons from a college student for the last year. I recently asked her about a new racket for DS and here is what she said:
For the racquets, I would recommend getting a mid-plus, adult sized racquet (not juniors). Grip size probably a 4 1/2 or 4 3/8, you would have to measure. Since he's just starting out, I wouldn't recommend spending more than $100 on a racquet since he might change swing speed and stroke style down the road.
I'm not sure what your price point is, here are some ones to look at:
1. Head MicroGEL Radical Midplus $89.95
2. Head Liquidmetal 4 $74.95 (This was one of mine I had in high school, if interested I could bring mine to the next lesson if he would like to try it before buying a new one)
3. Head Liquidmetal 8 $84.95 (I also have an extra one if he would want to try it out)
4. Dunlop Fury Elite $59.99
5. Head MX Cyber Tour $49.99

Unfortunately she graduated and moved away before DS was able to try her rackets. Hoping this might help you, OP.
And if anyone has any opinions or input on these rackets, I would appreciate it!
DS is still using his $20 racket from walmart...

 

[Jajone]

We ended up with #5 I think. That was the brand and price point. He's just starting to use it.