Starting tennis? I’ve been right where you are—excited, clueless, and a little overwhelmed. When I picked up my first racket, I thought, “How hard can it be?” So I grabbed the flashiest one I could find. Big mistake. That thing felt like swinging a brick. My shots were all over the place, and honestly? I almost gave up.
Here’s what I wish someone told me back then: the racket you start with makes all the difference. The best beginner tennis rackets aren’t just easier to handle—they boost your confidence, help you find your rhythm, and make every rally more fun. They’re the reason you walk off the court smiling instead of frustrated.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned. I’ll break down exactly what to look for, recommend the rackets that helped me (and others) fall in love with the game, and save you from wasting time—and money—on gear that holds you back.
If you’re ready to enjoy tennis from day one, it all starts with choosing the right racket. Let’s dive in.
Our Picks For The Best Beginner Tennis Rackets
Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Adult Recreational Tennis Rackets
I’ve spent more hours on the court than I can count—chasing balls, testing rackets, and fine-tuning my swing. So when I got my hands on the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3, I was genuinely excited to see if it lived up to the hype.
First impressions? Sharp. The black, white, and green colour combo looks slick, but it’s what’s under the paint that matters. This racket promises effortless power and serious forgiveness—a dream combo for recreational players like me who want performance without going pro.
✅Pros-What I Loved
- Explosive Power
- Huge Sweet Spot
- Feather-Light Feel
- Unreal Value
❌Cons-What Could Be Better
- Loose Strings
- Some Vibration
- Not for Heavy Hitters
The Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 is the kind of racket that makes you want to stay on the court longer. It’s not flawless, but for beginner to intermediate players, it nails the essentials—power, forgiveness, and crazy-good value. Swap out the strings, pop on a dampener, and you’ve got a reliable, fun-to-play-with racket that’ll easily help level up your game.
HEAD Ti.S6 Tennis Racquet – Strung
As someone who’s been on the court for years, I finally gave the Head Titanium S6 a spin—and I get the hype. This racquet is light, powerful, and super forgiving—perfect for beginners or casual players looking to improve fast.
✅Pros-What I Loved
- Featherlight: Perfect for beginners or smaller players.
- Extra Reach: Serves and defensive shots get a boost—I’m nabbing balls I’d usually miss.
- Spin Magic: Adds a fun kick to shots, making my intermediate game feel sharper.
❌Cons-What Could Be Better
- Head-Heavy Vibe: The balance adds power but slows quick volleys, and my wrist felt it.
- Not for Pros: Great for starters, but it lacks the precision for competitive play.
- No Cover: For $80, I’d love a head cover. Also, shipping was sloooow.
Overall, this racquet made tennis more fun and less tiring. It’s not built for advanced players chasing pinpoint accuracy, but for learning, improving, or casual rallies? It’s a winner. Just check your grip size before you order—and maybe plan for a string upgrade.
HEAD Speed S Tennis Racquet
Weighing 10.7 oz with a 100 sq. in. head, this racquet is light, agile, and evenly balanced (1 pt head light), perfect for quick swings. The 16×19 string pattern churns out wicked topspin, giving my forehands and backhands extra bite and control, especially after ditching the so-so stock strings. It feels crisp and connected, holding its own against tougher opponents, though it could use a bit more mass for crushing power.
✅Pros
- Light and arm-friendly: A noticeable step up in comfort if you’re switching from heavier frames.
- Fast, easy swings:Great for generating racquet head speed and whipping topspin.
- Customisation potential: A bit of lead tape turns it into a more advanced weapon.
❌Cons
- Lacks plow-through in stock form: Heavier hitters might find it a bit underpowered.
- Stock strings fall short: They feel flat and lifeless; an upgrade is almost essential.
- Needs tweaking to reach full potential: While great out of the box, some players may want more weight and better strings right away.
The HEAD Speed S is a solid pick for spin-focused intermediate players who want speed, comfort, and control. It’s easy to handle, customisable, and genuinely fun to play with—just be ready to invest in better strings to unlock its full potential.
Babolat Evoke 105 Strung Tennis Racquet
If you’re just getting started with tennis or simply want a reliable, affordable racquet to knock the ball around with friends, the Babolat AXS racquet might catch your eye. I recently had the chance to test this model and spent a few sessions on the court with it.
As someone who’s tried dozens of racquets over the years, I’m always curious how a so-called “recreational” option holds up in real play. Surprisingly, this one gave me more than I expected.
From the first swing, I could feel the signature Babolat blend of balance and playability, even though it’s clearly designed for casual or beginner-level players.
✅ Pros – What I Loved
- Lightweight & Easy to Swing
- Great Power Without Losing Control
- Comfortable Grip for Small Hands
- Value for Money
❌ Cons – What Could Be Better
- Not Ideal for Advanced Control
- Less Stability on Hard Returns
Overall, I think the Babolat AXS is a fantastic pick for beginners or intermediate players who value comfort, ease of use, and price. If you’re not chasing pro-level precision and just want something solid to enjoy the game, this one won’t disappoint.
HEAD Graphene XT Radical S Tennis Racket
After several weeks of playing with the HEAD Graphene XT Radical S, I can say it’s one of the most balanced racquets I’ve tested recently. Whether you’re moving up from beginner level or just looking to switch to something a bit more forgiving without sacrificing performance, this model checks a lot of boxes.
Personally, I took it for several sessions on both hard and clay courts, testing it across different playing styles—baseline rallies, quick net exchanges, and serving drills. From the first hit, the feel was noticeably crisp yet controlled, and for me, that makes a massive difference in confidence on court.
✅ Pros – What I Loved
- Feels Like a Dream to Swing
- Power and Spin Come Naturally
- Gentle on the Arm
- Sleek and Durable Design
❌ Cons – What Could Be Better
- Grip size options are limited
- Weight discrepancy
- No included bag
The HEAD Radical S is a total win for intermediate players craving a lightweight racket with serious firepower! It’s a versatile beast, boosting your control, spin, and power to take your game to the next level.
Sure, the grip size options and lack of extras might bug a few, but its on-court performance is pure magic. Snag this modern, easy-to-swing gem and watch your skills soar!
It’s not perfect—grip size limitations and the lack of a bag are minor gripes—but the performance boost it gave my game made it worth the investment. If you’re transitioning from beginner to intermediate and want a racket that feels like an extension of your arm, this one’s a solid pick.
Teloon Tennis Rackets for Adults 2 pcs Recreational
I’ve tested a lot of tennis rackets over the years—everything from top-tier gear to surprisingly decent budget finds. So when the Sensus Tennis Racket showed up on my radar, I was curious. It’s designed with beginners in mind, and people have been buzzing about how much value it packs in. Naturally, I had to give it a proper test.
After a few weeks on the court with it, I’ve got plenty to say. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just a starter racket. With a smart mix of beginner-friendly features and thoughtful extras, the Sensus set aims to make that first step onto the court a whole lot easier—and a lot more fun.
Let’s break down what’s inside, what stood out to me, and whether it really deserves all the attention it’s getting.
✅ Pros – What I Loved
- Lightweight Yet Sturdy
- Fantastic Value
- Beginner-Friendly
- Comfortable Grip
❌ Cons – What Could Be Better
- Limited Color Options
- String Tension Feels Stiff
- Not for Advanced Players
In my opinion, this set delivers excellent value for casual players. It’s easy to handle, comes with a surprising number of extras, and it actually feels good on the court. Would I recommend it to someone joining their first tennis club or playing for fun in the park? Absolutely.
Dunlop Sports FX Team 270 Pre-Strung Tennis Racket
Over the past week, I’ve had the chance to spend quite a few hours on the court with the Dunlop FX Team 285, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. This is a racket clearly designed with beginner to intermediate players in mind—but with just enough tech packed in to make it stand out from others in its class.
Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up your consistency and spin, this frame has a lot to offer. I went into testing it with modest expectations, and left impressed.
The first thing I noticed right out of the box was how light and well-balanced the racket felt. It didn’t feel overly head-heavy, which is a big plus for maneuverability. During warm-up, it responded with a solid feel and decent control—not something you always find in rackets aimed at newer players.
✅ Pros – What I Loved
- Super forgiving sweet spot. During rallies, off-centre hits still stayed in play more often than I expected. It helped me stay consistent in longer exchanges.
- Lightweight yet stable: At just under 10 ounces, the FX Team 285 was light enough for fast swings but didn’t feel flimsy.
- Improved my serves: I noticed better placement and spin without changing my motion.
- Great value: For the price point, it outperforms several other rackets I’ve tested in the same category.
❌ Cons – What Could Be Better
- Head size confusion: It wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, but worth double-checking.
- Low to medium power: You’ll need good technique to make the most of it.
- Pre-strung setup is average: A restring could really bring out its full potential.
Overall, I think the Dunlop FX Team 285 is a great option if you’re looking for a lightweight, maneuverable racket with decent spin and comfort. It’s not flashy or overly powerful, but for beginners and intermediates wanting a smooth, reliable frame, this one absolutely deserves a closer look.
HEAD Graphene XT Speed MP Tennis Racket
As someone who’s spent years testing and playing with various racquets—old and new—getting back into the swing of things with the HEAD Speed MP 2016 was an unexpected pleasure. I picked up this model recently, intrigued by its specs and classic design, and it’s fair to say it surprised me—in a good way.
At first glance, it looks like just another mid-range racquet. But the moment I started hitting with it, I noticed a distinct feel. It’s fast, light, and responsive. For intermediate to advanced players who like to feel connected to every shot, this frame delivers in ways I didn’t expect from a slightly older release. Let’s dive into my personal pros and cons based on real court testing.
✅ Pros – What I Loved
- Exceptional Speed and Control. This racquet moves like a dream. It feels agile in the hand and precise on contact.
- Smooth, Connected Ball Feel. There’s a certain crispness when the ball hits the strings.
- Great Value. For around $99, this is a steal.
Build Quality. The graphite construction feels sturdy.
❌ Cons – What Could Be Better
- Spin Generation is Tricky
- Stringing is Tough
- The factory string tension feels high.
I didn’t expect to like the 2016 HEAD Speed MP this much, but after extended court time, I’m convinced it’s a gem—especially for players returning to tennis or stepping up from beginner models. It’s quick, reliable, and surprisingly refined for its price point. While it may not deliver the heaviest spin, it more than makes up for it in feel and control.
MBFISH Tennis Racket-Super Value Set with Pre-Strung
As someone who’s been playing tennis for years and now coaching my kids through the early stages, I’m always on the lookout for gear that strikes the right balance between performance, value, and ease of use. So when I tested the MBFISH Tennis Racket Set, I was curious to see how it stacked up for casual and beginner players. What I got was a genuinely impressive package—especially for the price.
From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell it was designed with entry-level users in mind. It’s got everything you need to get going: two rackets, four tennis balls, two overgrips, and two carry bags. No fluff, just practical extras that actually come in handy. I took it out to our local courts with my daughter, and here’s what I found.
✅ Pros
- Ready to play straight out of the box.
- Light and forgiving
- Comfortable grip
- Great value for the set
- Decent string quality
❌ Cons
- Not for aggressive hitters
- Tennis balls are below average
- Frame finish could use polish
- Not competition-grade
Overall, the MBFISH Tennis Racket Set is a solid choice for anyone just getting into tennis. It’s affordable, easy to use, and comes with everything you need to get started. While it’s not designed for serious competitors, it shines in its category as a reliable and well-thought-out beginner’s set. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to friends, families, or anyone who wants to enjoy tennis without overcomplicating things.
How to Choose The Best Beginner Tennis Rackets
It’s not just about brand names or colours. Here’s what you should consider:
Give It a Swing First (If You Can!)
Ever bought shoes that felt fine in the shop, but were awful once you walked in them? Rackets are the same. If you can, visit a local tennis store or borrow a few models from friends. Notice how it feels in your hand. Does it feel too heavy? Easy to swing? Just right? That feedback is gold.
Don’t Overlook Stringing and Tension
Most beginner rackets come ready to go with pre-strung setups—and that’s great to get started. But as your game improves, you might want to tweak things. Lower string tension = more power and a bigger sweet spot. That means fewer mishits and more satisfying shots.
Look After Your Racket (It’ll Love You Back)
Found your perfect match? Awesome. Now take care of it. Try not to bash it on the court (yes, we’ve all been tempted), keep it somewhere dry and cool, and invest in a cover. A bit of TLC keeps your gear in top shape for longer.
Your Size and Strength Matter
Stronger or taller players can usually handle a heavier frame. If you’re smaller or buying for a junior, stick with something lighter—it’ll be easier to control and won’t tire you out.
Think About Your Tennis Journey
Are you just playing for fun on weekends? Or aiming for serious matches down the road? Your goals will shape what racket suits you best. No need to overbuy if you’re just starting out.
Budget Smart—No Need to Break the Bank
You don’t have to splash out to get quality. There are brilliant beginner rackets under £100 that offer surprising performance and comfort. Don’t let the price tag fool you.
The Best Beginners Tennis Rackets-Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tennis racket brand for beginners?
Wilson, Babolat, and HEAD are reliable, beginner-friendly brands with a wide range of entry-level rackets.
How much should I spend on my first tennis racket?
Expect to spend between £50–£120 for a good beginner racket. No need to go overboard.
Can kids use adult beginner rackets?
Not always. Kids should use junior rackets based on their age and height for better control and comfort.
How often should I restring my beginner tennis racket?
If you play once a week, restring every 3–4 months. Frayed strings or tension loss are signs it’s time.
Do I need lessons or can I learn with just the racket?
Lessons help. Even basic ones will speed up your progress and help you avoid bad habits.
Can I use a pro-level racket as a beginner?
It’s not recommended. Pro-level rackets are heavier and less forgiving, which can make learning harder and increase injury risk. Stick with beginner-friendly options to start.
Final Thoughts On The Best Beginner Tennis Rackets
Picking the best beginner tennis racket isn’t about buying the flashiest one—it’s about finding what fits you. Look for something that feels good in your hand, is easy to swing, and helps you enjoy every shot. Focus on balance, forgiveness, and comfort—not hype. Pick wisely, take care of it, and you’ll be hitting solid forehands in no time (maybe not Wimbledon-ready… but you’ll feel like a star).