Choosing a grip size

The best ways  to determine grip size.

• The easiest way is to grab a tennis racket handle and place your index finger from your opposite hand in the space between your fingers and your palm. If your index finger fits comfortably, the grip is just right. If your finger will not fit, the grip is too small.

• The proper size can be determined by measuring the distance between the tip of the ring finger and the first palm crease (life line).
  For example:
  The distance between your first palm line and the tip of your ring finger is 11.5 cm .
  1 inch = 2.54 cm
  11.5 cm = 4.53 inch = 4 and 1/2 inch.
  Your grip size - 4 1/2 (US system) or 4 (European system).

• A general rule of thumb is to choose the largest grip you feel comfortable with, but again there are exceptions to every rule.

Grip size system

Generally, the oversize (110-115 sq. in.) or super oversize (116-135 sq. in.) rackets are best suited for baseline players or doubles players because they hit many strokes and tend to utilize the extra area to help with topspin production.   These rackets can lead to sloppy stroke production and can be too powerful for some players.  This is usually not a big problem for most players. An oversized racket means you have more area to hit the ball (larger sweet spot), and the racket is more forgiving on off-center shots.

A midsize racket is usually a little better for volleyers who play against hard hitters because it provides a bit of control.  On the other hand, the oversized racket still provides more area to hit with, and some serve and volleyers will use oversized rackets.

The midplus is a compromise - more powerful than the midsize but not as powerful as the oversized.  These rackets are becoming more popular than midsize rackets.

Some companies have introduced super-oversized models, which are a bit larger than oversize (typically about 116-120 sq. in.).  There are even a few models around 130 sq. inches, which are probably much too big for reasonable play and should be avoided.

If you are confused about headsize, the best thing to do is to try two of the same kind of racket in different headsizes and see which one you are most comfortable with.

The "widebody revolution" started in the late 80's with models such as the Wilson Profile.  Different companies have produced various rackets that vary in their widebody construction .

Generally,  Wider - More powerful, stiffer, more expensive. Widebodies are usually 18mm (very narrow) up to 30mm wide.  The general rule of thumb is that the quicker and longer a stroke motion you have, the narrower a racket you should use (not a hard-and-fast rule, though).

It should be noted that you are not going to find non-widebodies around.  Almost every racket is wide to some extent.  One problem with widebodies occurs when people try to hit the ball edge on as in extreme sliced shots or topspin shots.  You tend to hit the side of the racquet a lot more.  You can compensate through a bit of practice.

Avoid impacts with hard objects or court surfaces which may cause cracks or breakage in the frame.
Racket bumper guards or head tape can protect the racket from on-court scrapes. If the bumper shows excessive wear or exposes the frame, replace both the bumper guard and the grommet strips.
Off court, a cover or racket bag will help protect the racket.
Store racket in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat, cold, or moisture can damage your racket and strings, and sunlight may fade the racket cover.

Do not store the racket inside your car or in your trunk. Synthetic strings begin to lose tension at about 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). On a sunny, 90 degree F (32 degrees C) day, the temperature inside your car can soar to as much as 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) which is hot enough to even soften the resins in a frame and distort the racket. If you are planning a game after work, take your racket into the office; do not leave it in the car!

Synthetic cushion grips, while offering excellent absorption and feel, will wear out.

A rattle in your racket may be caused by some loose graphite, this is not normally a cause for concern. Check the butt cap for a trap door. Remove the trap door, using a small-pointed hard object, and tap lightly on a hard surface to release the loose graphite.

If you feel your racket has a manufacturing defect, return it to the store where it was purchased.