Gear · 7 min
Best beginner tennis rackets in the UK
Bigger heads, lighter frames, more forgiving strings. The beginner tennis rackets I'd put in your hand - and why specs matter more than brand.
Last updated: 12 June 2026
Key takeaways
- Beginners want a 100+ sq in head, 270–290g unstrung weight, and a more open string pattern.
- Pre-strung 'package' frames at £80–£150 are fine for the first year.
- Avoid pro player frames - they're designed for technique you don't have yet.
- Restring annually even if the strings haven't broken.
Walk into a tennis shop and you'll see a hundred rackets, a wall of jargon and a price range from £40 to £300. Here's what actually matters for someone starting out - written by someone who's hand-strung rackets and run beginner clinics for a decade.
The four specs that matter
Head size: 100–110 sq in
Bigger head = bigger sweet spot. 100 sq in is the modern all-court standard; 105–110 sq in is the 'super-forgiving' beginner / senior zone. Anything under 98 sq in is for advanced players with grooved swings.
Weight: 270–290g unstrung
Light enough to swing freely, heavy enough that you don't get pushed around on returns. Under 270g and the racket flutters on heavy balls; over 300g and you'll be exhausted by the end of a set.
String pattern: 16×19
Open string pattern (16 mains × 19 crosses) gives easier topspin and a more forgiving feel. 18×20 patterns are stiffer and more controlled - save for later.
Stiffness (RA rating): 62–66
Lower RA = softer, more arm-friendly. Most beginner frames sit at 64–68. Avoid anything 70+.
Beginner tennis racket picks for 2026
Four frames covering pure beginner through to confident first-year players.
- Head Ti.S6 / Ti.Conquest £60–£90
Oversized head (115 sq in), super light. The most forgiving frame in tennis. Almost cheating.
- Wilson Clash 100L £170–£220
Unusually flexible (low RA) frame - incredibly arm-friendly. Worth the price if you have any history of elbow trouble.
- Babolat Pure Drive Lite £150–£200
Powerful, easy to swing, the frame most coaches put improving juniors on. Will see you through to intermediate.
- Head MX Attitude Elite £70–£100
Honest budget pick. Pre-strung, decent specs, fine for your first 12 months while you figure out if tennis sticks.
What about strings?
Beginner rackets come pre-strung. Don't worry about restringing in your first 6 months unless you break a string. When you do restring:
- Multifilament strings (e.g. Wilson NXT, Head Velocity) - soft, arm-friendly, ideal for beginners.
- Tension: 22–25 kg (50–55 lbs). Lower = more power, higher = more control.
- Avoid polyester strings until you're hitting with real topspin - they're stiffer and harder on the arm.
Mistakes I see in beginner classes
- Buying the racket their favourite pro uses (it's almost certainly a 305g, 98 sq in, 18×20 control frame - wrong for you).
- Going too heavy 'for stability' - you can't swing it through a full session.
- Ignoring grip size. UK adult men usually need a 3 (4 3/8); women a 2 (4 1/4). Wrong grip = sore wrist.
How much to spend
| Budget | What you get | Honest take |
|---|---|---|
| Under £60 | Department-store rackets | Avoid - bad balance, dead string beds |
| £70–£120 | Real beginner frames | Sweet spot for first racket |
| £130–£200 | Beginner-to-intermediate | Buy if you know you'll stick with the sport |
| £200+ | Intermediate / advanced | Wait - your technique will outgrow it the wrong way round |
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy a pre-strung racket or custom-string one?
Pre-strung is fine for beginners. Once you're playing weekly, get a custom string job - it's the cheapest upgrade in tennis.
What grip size do I need?
Hold the racket; the gap between your fingertips and palm should fit your other index finger. UK adult men typically grip 3 (4 3/8), women grip 2 (4 1/4).
How long does a beginner racket last?
Frame: 3–5 years. Strings: replace at least annually even if unbroken - they go dead and cause mishits.
Do I need a vibration dampener?
Personal preference - it changes the feel and sound but has no real effect on arm comfort. Try with and without.