Practical starting specifications
| Feature | Starting range | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Head size | 100–107 in² | usable sweet spot and forgiveness |
| Unstrung weight | 270–295 g | manageable without feeling unstable |
| Balance | even to moderately head-heavy | easy depth without extreme inertia |
| Pattern | 16×19 | accessible spin and power |
| Strings | soft string at moderate tension | comfortable baseline setup |
Grip fit comes first
Measure your hand and compare the neighbouring grip sizes. The smaller one is often easier to adjust with an overgrip.
Do not judge by one hard shot
Demo for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Look for repeatable depth, comfortable contact and a racket you can still accelerate on serves and late defensive balls.
For children: Racket length comes first. A properly sized 25- or 26-inch junior frame is usually better than an adult frame selected only because it is light.
Start strings comfortably
An accessible multifilament at moderate tension is usually a friendlier baseline than very firm polyester. Technique and durability needs can guide later changes.
Compare beginner and all-round profiles