Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners (2025 Guide)
Starting tennis is exciting and choosing the right racket makes all the difference. A proper beginner’s racket should be lightweight, forgiving, and easy to handle while offering enough power to build confidence. In this 2025 guide, we highlight top-rated beginner rackets based on expert advice, modern materials, and real-world testing.
What Beginners Should Look For
Before diving into the best tennis rackets available in 2025, it’s essential to understand what makes a racket ideal for beginners. A poorly matched racket can hinder your learning curve, cause physical strain, and make the game feel frustrating. On the other hand, a well-chosen racket can enhance your confidence, improve technique, and make each session more enjoyable.
When you’re just starting out, you’re not looking for the same specs a pro might need. You’re looking for something forgiving, lightweight, and easy to control. Below are the most important factors every beginner should consider when shopping for their first tennis racket.
- Weight under ~11 oz (≈312 g strung): Lighter clubs (8.9–10 oz) help new players generate power without fatigue (Wilson, Midwest Racquet Sports).
- Large head size (≥100 sq in): Offers a generous sweet spot, reducing mishits.
- Flexible modern frame: Graphite composites provide comfort and shock absorption.
- Balance of power and control—most beginners need easy power but still desire accuracy.
Read Also: 5 Common Tennis Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Top Best Tennis Rackets in 2025 For Beginners
After carefully evaluating the latest releases, user reviews, and expert recommendations, we’ve curated a list of the top best tennis rackets perfectly suited for beginners in 2025. These rackets strike the right balance between power, comfort, and control making it easier to develop technique without sacrificing fun.
Whether you’re hitting the court for the first time or returning after a long break, these beginner-friendly options will help you serve, volley, and rally with confidence.
1. Head TI S6
- Head size: ~115 sq in
- Weight: Very light, easy swing
- Why it’s great: Its oversized head and low swing weight make it one of the easiest rackets to control for new players.
The Head Ti S6 is one of the most popular tennis rackets for beginners, and for good reason. Designed with a super oversized 115 sq. in. head, it provides a generous sweet spot that makes it much easier to hit clean, powerful shots even for players still developing consistent technique. Its ultra-lightweight frame (just around 8.9 ounces strung) ensures ease of maneuverability, reducing arm fatigue during longer hitting sessions or matches.
What sets the Ti S6 apart is its titanium and graphite composite construction, offering excellent durability without sacrificing feel. This combination gives beginners a racket that feels solid on contact while still being comfortable to swing. The head-heavy balance adds extra momentum behind the ball, giving players more depth and power without needing perfect timing or advanced mechanics.
Overall, the Head Ti S6 is a well-balanced choice for anyone new to tennis or returning after a long break. It helps players gain confidence, improve control, and experience fewer mishits all while maintaining comfort and forgiveness. With its excellent value for money and long-standing reputation, the Ti S6 continues to be a go-to recommendation in 2025 for beginners who want a blend of power and ease of play.
- Best for: Beginners looking purely for comfort and maximum forgiveness.
2. Wilson Ultra / Triad (Beginner Series)
- Weight: Around 10 oz
- Benefits: Powered yet easy to swing; specially curated by Wilson for players starting out.
The Wilson Ultra / Triad series has become a favorite among beginner and intermediate players who want a tennis racket that’s not only powerful but also incredibly arm-friendly. Designed with Wilson’s innovative Triad technology, this racket separates the handle, frame, and head with a unique shock-absorbing system. The result? Dramatically reduced vibration and improved comfort ideal for beginners who are still working on clean, consistent strokes and want to avoid tennis elbow or wrist strain.
With a generous head size (typically between 103–110 sq. in.) and a slightly head-heavy balance, the Wilson Ultra / Triad rackets provide excellent power and forgiveness. Beginners often find the racket easy to swing and very stable on off-center hits. Wilson also includes Iso-Zorb grommets, which further dampen vibration and enhance the smooth feel of each shot. Whether you’re practicing your serve or learning to rally from the baseline, this racket gives you the confidence to swing freely without worrying about painful impact.
In 2025, the Wilson Ultra / Triad remains one of the top comfort-focused rackets for new players who need a blend of technology, ease of use, and quality build. While it may come at a slightly higher price point compared to entry-level rackets, its features make it a smart long-term investment especially for players who prioritize joint protection and want to build solid fundamentals.
- Best for: Those wanting a familiar brand with balanced playability.
3. Babolat Boost / Evo Lines
- Weight: About 10.2 oz (Strike Gen2, for example)
- Why pick it: Lightweight feel, budget-friendly, engineered for gentle bounce and easy spin control ( wired.com).
Babolat Boost and Evo lines are specifically engineered for beginners who want a modern, lightweight racket that delivers easy power, maneuverability, and comfort. These rackets take inspiration from Babolat’s professional models, like the Pure Drive and Pure Aero, but with a more beginner-friendly frame and accessible price point. The Boost series tends to focus on power and speed, while the Evo line emphasizes comfort and control, making both ideal for new players developing their all-around game.
With features like Woofer grommet systems for improved string interaction and vibration dampening, and a mid-plus head size around 102–105 sq. in., these rackets offer a large sweet spot and smooth response on contact. Weighing around 260–275g (unstrung), they are light enough for easy handling yet stable enough to grow with your game. Whether you’re learning to serve or mastering your first topspin shots, the Boost and Evo lines provide a forgiving, stylish, and high-quality entry into the world of tennis.
- Best for: Beginners who want a step toward more advanced spin-oriented racquets.
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4. Dunlop SX 600
- Swing: Easy and smooth
- Performance: Great power and spin for the class improvement range (tennisnerd.net).
The Dunlop SX 600 is an excellent choice for beginners who want a lightweight racket that emphasizes comfort, forgiveness, and spin potential. Designed with Dunlop’s signature Spin Boost technology, this racket features an oversized 105 sq. in. head and an open 16×18 string pattern, helping new players generate natural topspin even with slower swing speeds. At just 270g (unstrung), it’s easy to maneuver and ideal for learning baseline rallies and net play without early fatigue.
What sets the SX 600 apart is its blend of power and vibration dampening, thanks to Dunlop’s Sonic Core with Infinergy® foam. This material in the upper hoop softens impact and reduces shock, protecting beginners from strain as they build confidence. With its crisp design and user-friendly feel, the SX 600 helps new players find rhythm on the court while still leaving room to grow in technique and consistency.
- Best for: Players needing a bit more feel and responsiveness under light conditions.
Expert Insights
- Phyllis Wilunda (Wilson Select Team) recommends rackets in the 8.9–10.1 oz range, like the Wilson Blade, for ease and control. Heavier frames may suit stronger players.
- Anthony Evrard suggests Babolat’s Boost or Evo series for their light weight, affordability, and beginner‑focused design.
- Wimbledon Park Sports (Darren Powell) confirms that top beginner brands remain Wilson, Babolat, Head, and Yonex emphasizing that demo services help players find the right fit before investing.
Maintenance & Accessories
- String and tension matter: beginners benefit from softer strings or lower tension for comfort. Experts suggest restringing as frequently as you play per week to avoid elbow strain and maintain feel.
- Restring schedule: Aim to restring as often per year as your weekly playing frequency. Improves longevity and prevents injury.
Buying Tips & Summary Table
| Model | Weight (oz) | Head Size (sq in) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head TI S6 | ~9.8 | ~115 | Most forgiving for pure beginners |
| Wilson Ultra/Triad | ~10 | ~100–105 | Well-rounded feel, reputable brand |
| Babolat Boost / Evo | ~10.2 | ~100+ | Affordable, easy spin & gentle bounce |
| Dunlop SX 600 | ~10–11 | ~100 | Good spin and power in beginner class |
💡 Tip: If possible, visit a store or club that offers demo rackets test swing, feel, and comfort before buying.
FAQs
Q: Should beginners choose even lighter rackets (under 9 oz)?
A: Extremely light rackets may compromise stability and control; staying within 9–10.5 oz is usually optimal.
Q: Why avoid small head-size rackets?
A: Smaller head sizes (<100 sq in) dramatically reduce the sweet spot, making it harder to strike the ball cleanly, especially for beginners.
Q: How long do beginner rackets last?
A: With regular use and restringing, most entry-level rackets last 2–4 years. Replace when the frame feels dead or performance drops.
Conclusion
For new tennis players, the Head TI S6, Wilson Ultra/Triad, Babolat Boost/Evo, and Dunlop SX 600 stand out in 2025 for their ease of swing, forgiveness, and beginner‑friendly design. These rackets reduce the physical barrier to learning proper technique and encourage lasting play. Combined with the right strings and regular restringing, you’ll be well-equipped to build confidence and enjoy the sport.
