Are your for the best cheap tennis racket which is good in quality? If yes, this guide is for you. Our expert team has sorted out 10 best budget tennis rackets available on the market. Among them, test winner is Wilson Adult Recreational Tennis Racket.
To play tennis well, many factors are needed to take all the necessary points to get a champion once on the pitch. Some experts focus on footwork, others on strategy or technique, but few discuss sports equipment.
This will be very important since it is not the same to hit the ball with a racket of poor quality as another made with suitable materials. So you can improve your game and destroy your opponent, we have compared the best budget tennis rackets that will not break your bank.
Top 10 Best Budget Tennis Rackets - Comparison
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We will start with the Wilson tour slam. This Wilson model has specifications that are perfect for beginners or who like to play their games with friends but who get bored of constantly picking up the balls.
The design is meticulous, and then we will begin to describe it so that you know a little more closely this article that you can buy.
The first thing that we are going to tell you is the design that it has, mixing colours such as red in the whole body of the racket, removing a minimum portion that will be found in the bottom of the heart of the product, along with two specks in the central area of the frame.
These darker and more intense tones will be contrasted with the white of its handle, which is somewhat smaller than the others, unlike other rackets.
This best budget tennis racket makes you go to play with it closer to the body, being the most accurate blows, although it has less power since it will cost you enough to grab it correctly with both hands.
It should also be noted that the head of the same is somewhat broader and a little more rounded so that it does not fail to hit, thus increasing the player's effectiveness.
We are going to start this analysis with a good Wilson tennis racket that has been made by the Wilson sports brand, which has a lot of experience in this type of sports equipment being used by great professionals.
On this occasion, we present their Energy XL range as a beautiful product aesthetically, but that will give you all the functions to be an ideal companion for those hours balling, whether you want to play at an amateur level as if you're going to compete with your friends.
The colours of this racket are going to be distinguished by black, which will be used for the grip area and the upper size of the same, while yellow will stand out in the area near the heart of it.
The material with which it has been manufactured gives it very little weight and, therefore, excellent workability is AirLite alloy. This compound manages to provide it with lightness but at the same time resistance to withstand all the blows, however vital they may be.
The weight of this product will be 399 grams, being perfect for giving good rights to feel the racket in your hands. It is indicated primarily for large hands since its grip is 3, something you should look at before buying this best budget tennis racket since the grip is one of the factors to consider.
Head tennis racket is one of the best budget tennis rackets as it shares many features at an affordable price.
It is not only for players who play it occasionally or as a hobby but also other points that make it worthy of being within the professional category, even in small tournaments or championships.
To start, we will talk about the product design and especially the brand that manufactures it.
Head presents this Radical 27 model. This company has been dedicated to developing sports equipment for many years, and you have undoubtedly heard about it if you have practised this sport.
Therefore you will have an excellent material to play with and a wonderful and successful style, mixed with orange and black, with a white handle.
The orange colour of this tennis racket will stand out mainly inside the frame, making the brand name even more visible in black.
It has a semi-professional weight, ensuring that it does not exceed 300 grams, remaining in just 270, and is ideal if you want to enjoy perfect play-ability. It will be included in the price.
This racket is specially designed for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 8 years, and they will feel good when they grab the grip of this tennis racket. It is considered one of the cheap tennis rackets from Babolat.
It is said that having a role model or an idol makes children to be motivated to practice a particular sport. This is what the Babolat brand has been using to sell its products, collaborating with Rafa Nadal, one of the best tennis players of the decades.
The design is simple, without many frills, being practically the entire body of the black racket while it has two lime green stripes.
The handle is white, giving a very colourful contrast to the whole, which will be greatly appreciated. It serves to play throughout the year, is made of composite materials, it is resistant and light.
So that the little ones can begin to ball without problems, this best budget tennis racket has a weight that is around 210 grams.
This tennis racket is also indicated for the junior stage. Especially for those who, despite being young, want to practice this sport and believe in the future they will compete in big tournaments, becoming the new world idols of tennis.
The brand presented to us by Pure Drive Junior 26 is Babolat, which we have to say a lot about next.
In our opinion, we find a careful, beautiful design and it shows that it has been pampered from beginning to end. This product may not have the image of Nadal, but due to its characteristics and aesthetics, it is much more striking and attractive than the previous one.
They are mixing the colours black, white and blue wisely, having a very similar price in addition to being one of the most innovative products you will find in the market today, these best budget tennis rackets.
It is recommended especially for players who have reached the age of 11 or the size necessary to make a racket that is already at another level, away from the child to gradually approaching rackets for adults.
It is a good tennis racket for beginners who seek to improve their blows, who like to play attacking since it gives more possibility to make powerful blows and even effects to the ball.
Passing the equator of the best tennis rackets, Tecnifibre has a product in this category for being the cheapest model that you will find with fundamental characteristics.
If you are an amateur who wants to have fun While you ball a little with your friends or throw some points with them, this tennis racket is ideal for you.
It has very little weight, only 275 grams, and it will be very easy to handle, giving you an experience as if it were a professional.
Its design is beautiful and elegant, but it is true that they remind us of the essential products of certain sports stores but that it meets at least the minimum.
Mix the soft colour of the grip with black and blue. The size of the product’s head is 680 square centimetres, a standard measure with which you can give the ball practically without any problem, responding very well both at the time of contact and in the movement that you go to make.
If you want to start in this sport with the best budget tennis rackets for later, if you keep getting hooked and buy other higher quality ones, we recommend you buy this model, since it will fully meet.
Head, as we have said before, it is a tennis brand that takes care of the products related to the world of tennis in detail, and this is noted in the designs that it makes for its rackets being the most beautiful.
Moreover, they offer material guarantees of the first quality, making them last longer even if players like to boost their punches and their game is more aggressive.
The mixture of colours of this semi-professional racket seems to be the correct thing that has been seen in this category.
The handle is elongated, with the base grip in white. The lengthening of this type of fist makes it possible to grab the racket with both hands to give more decisive blows.
This racket is not suitable for beginners since the ball hits are farther from the body. The weight of this product is 340 grams. For those who play more smoothly, its weight may seem excessive,
One of the most recognized brands in the racket world is Dunlop. It is next to others that we have already named and that dispute the Top of the best rackets in the market whether we talk about those made for beginners or inexperienced players and elite or professional players.
In this case, we will analyze the Nitro 23 model, which is prepared for future promises of tennis between the ages of 6 to 9 years with a height that does not exceed 137 cm but does not fall below 122 cm.
The design is beautiful and has little to do with the models that other brands sell and are more boring, having an exquisite mix of bluish colours.
In this case, unlike the vast majority of items that we have compared to you, it has a black handle that will be ideal if you want to expand it with sales grips in markets and specialty stores. It is one of the best tennis rackets for under 100 dollars.
The tiny tennis players also need to have sports equipment according to their possibilities, but that will not cut their wings when it comes to deploying all the potential they could have, either in this sport or in any other.
The Head brand knows very well, and that is why it presents Radical Jr., an ideal range for boys and girls whose age is around 8 or 10 years.
This best budget tennis racket is a beautiful racket with unmatched colours and design, but where it will stand out the most is its maneuverability and hitting the ball.
It is a product with a very soft but ergonomic grip that can be easily grasped to make any grip hit with effect or even if a throw is going to be taken.
It is important to emphasize that although it resists significant blows, it is more designed to be an ideal starting racket for tennis schools, but not to constantly give substantial impacts since the string can suffer it.
The racket's weight is standard, so it can be used for several years without any problem, including the tennis bag's price to put both the racket and the equipment.
We finish this comparison with one of the rackets for adults with a professional nature, and of course, we present the Head brand.
Just like one of the products that we have analyzed before used the figure and image of tennis player Rafa Nadal, this time Djokovic uses a player who has an impressive technique and that every player who buys this racket would like to have.
It will not be a racket that will aesthetically attract the buyer's attention since it is a practically blank design, except for some details that mix black and orange.
The total weight of this product will be 315 grams, having a head size in square centimetres of 645.
What should be noted is that this time it does not have a stringing, ideal for those players who prefer to buy the Strings of this best budget tennis rackets to give you the tension you are looking for and especially the quality for your strokes. The pattern is going to be 18/20.
How to choose the best cheap tennis racket - Step by Step Video Guide
There are many factors to consider when you buy a tennis racket, so we want to make you a small guide. When you go to buy it from your sports store or complete the order of some that we have recommended you buy, know that you are getting the best of the best and always with a reasonable price.
Of the first things you have to consider is mainly the use you will give it since it is not the same to spend money on a racket that you are only going to use some weekends. Very few hours, rather than another one that you are going to take every day to tennis school or you are an amateur who needs to play two or three times a week.
A cheap racket will be helpful for you but remember that they are usually designed for people who practice very little. So if you want it to last longer, you will also have to invest a little more in getting more benefits.
The grip is essential for this best budget tennis racket since it is the place of contact between the racket and your hand.
A minimal grip can make you uncomfortable, while a very thick one can cause you to drop the racket in one blow, which could cause an accident.
There are techniques to know your grip, but we recommend you, even to make purchases online, to ask a specialist you can find in specialized stores, and after this, and see which one can go best for you.
The best budget tennis rackets can also be an essential factor since you have to think that during the time you are going to play, you have to carry it, especially in one of your arms, so the less you weigh, the easier it will be driving. Still, indeed, it will also lose power.
Best Affordable Tennis Rackets - Buying Guide
The following discussion uses some simplifications, and the selection suggestions are recommendations and should be adjusted to the player's characteristics.
Weight
The larger mass of the tennis racket means more excellent stability during impact and greater reflection power.
Lower weight means easier maneuvering and acceleration of the racket and thus easier impact preparation.
Weight range of rackets available on the market: the lightest is around 220 - 230g - the heaviest 340 - 350g
What weight for whom?
- Beginner players: men 270 - 290g / women 250 - 270g
- Intermediate players: men 280 - 300g / women 265 - 290g
- Advanced players: men 300g and more / women 275g and more
* The weights are for non-stringed rackets (string weight is about 15-17g)
Balance
So balancing the racket - determines where the centre of gravity of the racket is - otherwise given in mm from the handle, the centre of gravity of the racket
- up to 325 mm - balancing on the handle (HL - Head Light)
- 325 - 335mm - neutral (E - Even)
- over 335mm - head balancing (HH - Head Heavy)
The balance shifted towards the head of the racket is a more significant impact force, easier maneuvering towards the handle.
For beginners with a shorter swing, neutral balance or slightly heavy rackets are suitable to accelerate the racket and add impact dynamics.
Generally, the parameters are selected so that the higher the weight of a given racket model, the more the balance is shifted towards the handle and vice versa (e.g. 320g rackets will usually have 310-320mm balance and 260g balance, e.g. 340mm).
* Balance is given for unstretched rackets - for tensioned rackets, the balance will move about 10mm towards the head
Head size
The principle is more or less simple - the larger the head - the greater the dynamics and the larger reflection field, i.e. the so-called sweet spot. The Smaller charges, the more are the real impact.
The divisions can be found very different - I would suggest something like that.
- up to 97 inches2 - small heads (mid) - usually found in demanding frames with a higher weight
- 98 - 102 inches2 - (mid plus) average most popular among both players and amateurs - optimum, which allows you to learn and play with complete control
- 103 and more - (oversize) - less often chosen by players (although the exceptions are andre again, more often ladies, e.g. Williams sisters), usually found in lightweight recreational racquets, whose task is to give as much ease and comfort of play as possible
Racket length
The standard length of the senior racket is 27 inches or 685 mm. Extendable rackets are not very popular on the market, and their size rarely exceeds 27.5 inches.
Longer rackets can be found in players' bags and the most comfortable recreational rackets. A more significant length means a longer lever, which means more difficult maneuvering, a slightly higher load, and more reflection dynamics.
Wind interlacing
The more strings, the more complex the system - the precision of the strokes increases; fewer strings means more dynamics and easier rotation.
The most common string patterns are 16 or 18 vertical, and 18-20 horizontal strings (most often 16x19 or 18x20) and deviations are rare, but there are new Wilsons Steam (16x15 strings).
Frame rigidity
It is a parameter that the manufacturer can rarely find on the racket frame. The softer it is, the better the absorption of vibrations, the longer the contact with the ball, and thus the control and precision of play.
- soft frames - about 60RA
- rigid frames - around 70RA
Frame thickness and profile
The thicker the frame, the greater the impact force and the better-damped vibrations. In turn, the thinner frame means a much better feel of the ball.
The division here is also relatively conventional, but we can consider that up to 22mm thin frames up to 25mm medium and thick above.
It should also be remembered that the thickness and the shape of the frame are essential - the different feel of the ball will be from a classic edge with a rectangular cross-section and the other from, e.g. an elliptical one.
Some tennis rackets also have variable thickness frames, which also affect the game's characteristics - e.g. a slightly thicker racket head in the middle stabilizes the racket and increases the sweet spot.
Swing weight
This is a natural feeling of the racket's weight during the attack and impact. It is a resultant of the mass and its distribution in the racket, balance and aerodynamics of the frame (which is influenced by the head's thickness, shape and size).
The higher the index, the higher the inertia and the racket will be more challenging to maneuver but will generate more power (due to higher head speeds)
Is it possible to play tennis with a low-cost racket?
If you are starting out, it is important to note that investing in an expensive tennis racquet may not necessarily enhance your performance more than opting for a more affordable model. Your money would be better spent on lessons aimed at developing proper technique. This is the area where you will witness the most significant improvements.
Can a beginner effectively utilize a Babolat Pure Drive tennis racket?
Babolat also manufactures a model with a 110-square-inch size. Although the 107-square-inch model may currently have limited availability, we have discovered that there are additional Pure Drive models in stock that feature smaller face sizes, such as the 100-square-inch version. According to Mark Mason, the Pure Drive is described as "powerful" and is considered a reliable option for beginner players.
Best Inexpensive Tennis Rackets - FAQ:
Q1 - Which is the best budget tennis racket for beginners?
With the vast range of rackets available on the market, choosing the right one that will allow you to start a "friendship" with tennis can give people who make their first steps on the court a slight headache.
The matter is fundamental, and the assertion that I sometimes come across that "at the beginning it is not so important, because I will not feel the difference anyway" is entirely wrong.
The difference between the frameworks is most noticeable even for those starting school. What's more, a poorly chosen racket can not only make learning challenging but also take away a lot of tennis fun.
The choice of the racket is not so complicated, and below we will propose frame parameters that will be suitable for novice players. In a moment, I will hear voices that it is only a theory, and in practice, the racket can be selected only by testing.
Yes, but While in the case of advanced players, I agree with 100%, for a person who starts, we are able, with a high degree of probability, to choose a frame that will provide a good start, will allow to improve the technique and give pleasure to games for the first seasons.
Q2 - What parameters of a tennis racket to consider?
First, the material from which the racket is made and the resulting price.
Aluminium rackets are the cheapest - we do not recommend them. The aluminium frame has nothing to do with stability, and the level of vibration transmission is very high.
The next level is rackets made of graphite-metal composites (usually aluminium). Such rackets are not expensive - and their quality acceptable at the beginning or if we assume that our tennis will be a weekend recreation. Examples are, e.g., the Babolat Pulsion or Head MX series.
The most expensive and best are rackets made of graphite or high-module graphite, with additions - more or less advanced materials such as Graphen in new Heads or basalt fibres in Wilson BLX series rackets. In principle, only such frames ensure adequate vibration reduction and impact behaviour.
Q3 - What tennis racket is perfect - light and heavy?
The optimum for men is, depending on the general preparation and physical construction, 270 - 300 grams, and for women, 260 - 280g
The higher weight gives more power and stabilizes the racket, lower allows easier maneuvering - but the weight rackets need to be considered only together with another parameter - the balance.
Q4 - How to Balance the racket?
It can be generalized that the lighter the racket, the more the balance moves towards the head - the more the balance shifts towards the head - the easier it is to accelerate the head and thus give the ball more strength. For beginners, we recommend 330 -340mm - around neutral.
Q5 - What is the thickness and length of the frame?
The standard length of the frame for adults is 27 inches or 685mm, and such structures are recommended to start with. Sometimes, extended frames are on the market, but greater length means more difficult maneuvering.
Q6 - What is the appropriate Head size of a tennis racket?
First, we propose rackets with a head around 100 inches (645cm2) or more oversized - depending on whether someone is looking for a racket for solid game learning or maximum ease and recreation—generally, the larger the head, the more accessible - more reflection, more power.
Q7 - What is the frame rigidity of a tennis racket?
In the beginning, we recommend medium rigid and rigid frames (above 64RA) - such structures give more dynamics and a more prominent sweet spot - i.e. a reflection field.
Q8 - How to select the right strings for the racquet?
Some say that pull is like a car to a racket. Without going too deeply into the metaphors, it must be admitted that the selection of the string is critical, and its impact on the dynamics and control of the strike and the feel of the ball and the comfort of the player is enormous.
However, it should be remembered that the selection of the string is a very individual matter, and the complete answer we get by testing a given line.
Theoretically, we'll show you how to choose the distribution of strings by construction and material. And also the general characteristics and the pros and cons of individual types of lines.
Manufacturers usually do not specify any tension parameters other than thickness. A slight hint may be the illustrative charts traditionally placed on the packaging or point assessments of dynamics, control or strength parameters.
Types of strings:
- Natural strings - natural gut strings - made of cow intestines - flexible, maintain tension well, provide excellent ball feel, high level of dynamics, and something difficult to capture and called "playability". Their disadvantages are high price, susceptibility to changes in humidity and temperature and average durability.
- Many players still use natural strings.
- Examples: Babolat VS Touch
- multifilament strings - multifilament strings - i.e. made of many fragile filaments surrounded by a thin outer coating - they have properties similar to natural lines - they are comfortable and dynamic, provide a good ball feel and maintain the tension very well - their primary disadvantage is low durability
- Examples: Babolat Xcell, Wilson NXT Tour
- Synthetic strings - synthetic gut strings - strings made of nylon/polyamide fibres - are usually based on a single core wrapped in additional fibres and covered with an outer layer or layers that increase strength. The strings are prevalent and inexpensive, with reasonable and balanced parameters - good dynamics and comfort.
- Examples: Gamma Advantage, Babolat N.VY
- Single-core strings - monofilament strings - lines made of single polyester fibre (so-called wires) - strings are providing excellent control and strength, relatively inexpensive. Classic polyesters, however, are pretty stiff and carry a lot of vibration and quickly lose tension.
- Many co-polyester strings have appeared on the market in recent years - with additions used that improve dynamics and maintain tension. The subsequent generations of polyester strings also offer more softness and comfort (Luxilon MR2 Pro, Babolat RPM Team)
Recently, strings with a textured, rough surface, e.g. Alu Power Rough or lines with a five-, six- or octagonal cross-section, e.g. Babolat RPM Blast and Luxilon Alu Power Spin are also prevalent and famous - these solutions allow the ball to hit a bit more when hitting rotation.
Competitors very often use polyester strings.
- Hybrid strings - a combination of two types of lines to take advantage of the benefits of individual types - most often the strength of polyester strings and the playability and feel of natural or multifilament strings.
Examples of ready sets are Head Intelli String, Wilson Champions Choice, Babolat VS + RPM.
Q9 - How often do you change the tension?
Of course, the genuine reason for changing the tension is to break it. However, it happens that the strings, especially polyester ones, last long, and after some time, their parameters and tension have nothing to do with the initial state - the racket is hard to play, the string seems "blunt" and unpleasant. It should also be remembered that a similar situation occurs even when the racket lies in the proverbial closet.
A specific answer to the question is how often to change the tension? - in my opinion, recreational players - who do not play regularly - at least once a season - regular players usually break or sense the changes in tension behaviour - however, I would suggest replacing at least every two / three months.
Best Budget Tennis Racquets for Beginners - selection criteria
How do you choose a tennis racket for kids or young tennis players?
Racket length
The first and most important parameter to pay attention to is the length of the racket. It is matched to the child's height - the racket is too long if the child holding it along the torso touches the ground.
The general recommendation is that the distance between the racket and the ground should be about 3-5 cm. It is essential because too long a racket makes it challenging to maneuver, so it is more difficult to start the movement and make it smooth.
- 17 '(432mm) - for the youngest
- 19 '(485mm) - up to about 100cm tall - 4-5 years old
- 21 '(535mm) - up to about 110cm tall - age 5-6 years old
- 23 '(585mm) - up to about 120 -125cm tall - age 6-8 years old
- 25 '(635mm) - up to about 130 - 140cm tall - age of 8-10 years
- 26 '(660mm) - up to about 145-150cm tall - age up to 14 years old
- 27 '(685mm) - standard senior length rackets - height above 150 - 160cm
The weight and size of the head
The parameters are appropriately selected for the length of the racket, and for each size of the racket, they are close to each other, but of course, there are differences between specific models.
So, after choosing the length of the racket, you can look at its weight and head size and make adjustments based on the age, level of physical development and status of the child's advancement.
In summary, you should choose a racket to suit your child's height, but also with physical development and tennis skills in mind.
And it is also essential to let your child participate in selecting equipment - he often plays with junior versions of his idols' rackets and adds wings.
Material
Another critical issue is the material from which the rackets are made.
Aluminium is the most popular and cheapest material - by far, the most rackets up to 23 inches long are aluminium. They are designed for the youngest to play with softballs.
We do not recommend aluminium 26-inch rackets (due to high vibration transmission and low stability). Examples: Wilson Steam 25, Head Maria 23, B Babolat Nadal Junior 21
Graphite-aluminium composites - composite rackets provide sufficient comfort, vibration damping and frame stability, especially when playing with lighter method balls (stage 1-3) - quite opulent, usually available from a length of 21 inches. Examples: Head Speed Junior 26, Babolat Pure Drive Junior 25
Graphite - the best possible material - usually graphite junior rackets are only available in 25 and 26-inch lengths (or 24 in the case of Wilson). They are shorter versions of senior-junior racquets with parameters suited for juniors. Examples: Head Graphene Speed Junior, Wilson Pro Staff Junior, Babolat Aeropro Drive Junior 25