• Select the Right Tennis Racquet

• Understand Tennis Racquet Features

• Get Essential Tennis Gear

• Find Tennis Equipment on eBay Singapore

• Buy Tennis with Confidence

• Need More Help?

• Legal Disclaimer

Select the Right Tennis Racquet

Select the Right Tennis Racquet

When selecting a tennis racquet, whether it is for yourself, for your children or as a gift, make sure that you find a racquet that matches the skill level of the tennis player planning on using it. Popular brand choices for tennis racquets include Wilson, Prince, Head, Dunlop and Babolat.

Buy youth tennis racquets

What better way to get your child interested in sports than to equip them with a junior tennis racquet and teaching them how to play tennis. The age of your child will generally help to determine the required racquet length. Some general guidelines for children’s ages to racquet length:

• Ages 4 - 6 years: 21-inch (53.3cm) tennis racquet

• Ages 5 - 8 years: 23 to 25-inch (58.4 – 63.5cm) tennis racquet

• Ages 8 - 11 years: 25 to 26-inch (63.5 – 66cm) tennis racquet

• Older children: 27 to 29-inch (68.6 – 73.7cm) tennis racquet

Choosing the right tennis racquet category

There are three major categories when it comes to tennis racquets:

Category 1: Power or Game Improvement - Racquets for beginner adult players

When buying a tennis racquet for an adult tennis player learning the sport, look for a tennis racquet in the "power tennis racquet," category or also called "game improvement tennis racquet". Stiff power tennis racquets, designed for people with a short swing or players who need more power, are either balanced or slightly head-heavy. These tennis racquets typically measure between:

• Head size: Oversized head of at least 100 square inches or 645 square centimetres. These heads have large sweet spots and generate power so that you can concentrate on technique. Power tennis racquets typically come pre-strung by the manufacturer.

• Head-light balance: Balanced head-heavy (or evenly balanced) to retain enough weight in the hitting zone.

• Weight: From 225g to 270g

• Length: 27 to 29 inches (68.6 - 73.7cm). These are the standard to longest regulation lengths for tennis racquets.

Category 2: Tweener – Racquets for beginners to intermediate players

These racquet models offer low-medium to medium-high power and are most appealing to beginner – intermediate players, seeking enhanced maneuverability.

• Head size: 95 - 102 sq inch midplus heads

• Head-light balance: Balanced anywhere from slightly head-light to slightly head-heavy

• Weight: 270g to 312g

• Length: 27.5 to 28 inches - usually extended length

Category 3: Control or Players - Racquets for intermediate or power players

Experienced tennis players who have a long swing and generate a lot of power on their own usually prefer more flexible "control tennis racquets" or "player's tennis racquets". The heavier weight in the handle and grip absorbs more shock than lighter-weight tennis racquets, which appeals to players who put a lot of power behind their swings. Specifications for Control tennis racquets typically include:

• Head size: 80 - 105 sq inch (516 - 677 sq cm) midsize head or midplus head

• Head-light balance: 1 - 1.5 inch (2.54 – 3.81cm)

• Weight: 326 – 369g

• Length: Standard 27 inches long (68.6cm) or come in an extended 29-inch (73.7cm) length that also qualifies for regulation play

Understand Tennis Racquet Features

Understand Tennis Racquet Features

Understanding the various tennis racquet criteria and how they been combined by manufacturers to make a complete tennis racquet, will help you to find the most appropriate type of tennis racquet for certain players.

Know which size tennis racquet head you need

Manufacturers measure tennis racquet head size in square inches / centimeters. Tennis racquets with larger heads have larger sweet spots, meaning these racquets have large hitting areas that can potentially make contact with a tennis ball. The amount of power a racquet produces is also determined by the head size. Tennis racquets with smaller heads produce less power than tennis racquets with larger heads. However, tennis racquets with smaller heads are also easier to control, especially for players who produce a lot of power on their own.

• Super oversize tennis racquet heads: Super oversize tennis racquets, with 116 to 135 sq inches (748 – 877 sq cm) heads, are more forgiving than other types of tennis racquet heads. However, they may provide too much power for most tennis players.

• Oversize tennis racquet heads: Oversize tennis racquets have heads that measure 100 to 115 sq inches (645 – 742 sq cm). Oversize head tennis racquets help beginners to get solid hits as they have large sweet spots.

• Midplus tennis racquet heads: Midplus tennis racquets, sometimes called "midover" tennis racquets, have head sizes ranging from 95 to 105 sq inches (613 to 677 sq cm). If you are looking for a control tennis racquet with more power, they are a good compromise.

• Midsize tennis racquet heads: Midsize tennis racquets have head sizes ranging from 80 to 93 sq inches (516 – 600sq cm). Compared to midplus and oversize tennis racquets, they have smaller sweet spots. Although tennis racquets with midsize heads require more precision, they also give the player more control and hence are preferred by intermediate to advanced tennis players over oversize head tennis racquets.

• Standard tennis racquet heads : Tennis racquets with heads smaller than 80 sq inches (516 sq cm) - typically 66 inches (425sq cm), fall into the vintage tennis racquets category.

Determine your tennis racquet grip size

The grip, or the area that you hold on the tennis racquet, is measured in eighths of an inch, and needs to fit your hand for the greatest comfort. To find out what size grip you need, place your palm upward and extend your fingers. With your fingers closed together, measure the distance between the top of your ring finger and the last lateral crease on your palm.

Juniors generally require a grip smaller than 4 inches. Women usually fall in the 4-1/8- to 4-3/8-inch range, and men commonly measure between 4-1/2 and 4-3/4 inches. Buy a tennis racquet with the smaller grip if you measure between sizes.

If you need to quickly increase grip size, you can always use an overgrip. However professional help is required to grind down a grip. Certain types of grips cannot be reduced.

Evaluate tennis racquet length

Tennis racquets come in a variety of lengths designed for players of different sizes.

• Youth sized tennis racquets: Youth sized tennis racquets start at 21 inches (53.3cm) and go up to 26 inches (66cm).

• Standard size tennis racquets: Standard size tennis racquets typically measure 27 inches long (68.6cm), but can be as long as 28 inches (71.1cm). There standard length tennis racquets are preferred by most beginners and smaller players.

• Long tennis racquets: You can use long tennis racquets measuring between 28.5 and 29 inches (72.4 – 73.7cm) in regulation play. These longer racquets offer a little more power as well as weigh less when compared to standard length tennis racquets with similar head size, grips and stiffness. They also allow you to reach for ground strokes.

Look at tennis racquet string patterns

Tennis racquets feature designs specific to different types of players. Pre-strung tennis racquets have string patterns that fit and enhance these designs. However, more advanced players may want to consider buying unstrung racquets and use an open string or close string pattern instead.

• Open string tennis racquet patterns: Power tennis racquets typically use an open string pattern. Strings woven in an open pattern bend more when hit with a tennis ball. This allows the tennis ball to rally further while requiring less power from the tennis player. Tennis racquets with an open string pattern can also put more spin on a tennis ball.

• Closed string tennis racquet patterns : Control tennis racquets can use a denser, or closed, string pattern. Compared to strings woven in an open pattern, strings woven in a closed pattern spin a ball less. More power is also required from the player to rally a tennis ball. However, closed string patterns often last longer than open string patterns, especially for power players.

Tennis racquet strings can be made from natural gut, a synthetic material, or a combination of the two. Natural gut strings offer a good feel but they do not last as long as synthetic tennis racquet strings and are also more expensive. Synthetic tennis racquet strings work fine for beginners and last longer than natural gut strings. There are also combination strings which provide a good feel and last longer than natural gut strings.

Choose tennis racquet materials

The latest tennis racquets have frames made of lightweight graphite or graphite composite material that includes Kevlar, titanium, or fibreglass. Composites offer more flexibility than graphite frames. While stiffer tennis racquets provide less control compared to more flexible tennis racquets, they also offer more power. Flexible tennis racquets bend more than stiffer tennis racquets and thus provide less power. They make a good choice for power players who need more control, especially preventing the tennis ball from travelling out of bounds.

Lower priced tennis racquets may be made from aluminum, a material that tends to vibrate more than other tennis racquet materials. This causes more impact on the arm of the tennis player. Vintage tennis racquets have natural gut strings and leather wrapped handles, and are made of wood.

Get Essential Tennis Gear

Get Essential Tennis Gear

The right tennis balls, tennis shoes, and practice techniques can give you the competitive edge you need to win.

• Buy new tennis balls: Most tennis players choose pressurised, medium speed tennis balls with extra duty felt. Compared to regular duty felt tennis balls, extra duty felt tennis balls take longer to fray when used on hard courts. Pressurised tennis balls with an air-filled core can lose pressure over time and lose their bounce, so play with new tennis balls for best results. Popular brands include Dunlop tennis balls and Wilson tennis balls. Although pressureless tennis balls have a stiffer feel compared to pressurised tennis balls, they gain bounce over time and hold up well to repeated use. Standard size pressureless tennis balls work well for practice and in tennis pitching machines.

• Wear tennis shoes: Tennis shoes provide the type of cushioning and support you need to move around the tennis court. You foot will slip in the shoes if it's too big so be sure to buy tennis shoes in your regular shoe size. Popular brands for tennis shoes include Adidas, Nike and Wilson.

• Dress for tennis: You will need to wear appropriate attire when playing at a club or in a competition. Although your club, or the organisation sponsoring a competition, will provide you with a list of guidelines, expect to be sporting tennis shorts or a tennis skirt, an appropriate shirt, a cap or visor, sweatbands for your head and wrists, and sunglasses.

• Beat the heat on the tennis court: Keep a sports bottle courtside and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You should also bring a towel to wipe away perspiration as well as use sunscreen to protect yourself from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

• Transport your tennis gear: Protect your tennis racquet's head with a racquet cover. Also pick up a tennis bag to transport your tennis racquet, tennis balls, and other tennis gear to and from the tennis court.

• Improve your tennis technique: Although nothing beats practice and guidance, instructional tennis books and DVDs can demonstrate proper technique.
  

Find Tennis Equipment on eBay Singapore

Find Tennis Equipment on eBay Singapore

Once you know what type of tennis equipment you want, go to the Sports portal. Click Sporting Goods, and start searching for items on eBay Singapore.

• Keyword search: Search eBay Singapore listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find a Wilson tennis racquet, type "wilson" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay Singapore's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, or saving a search on My eBay and eBay Singapore will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Tennis with Confidence

Buy Tennis with Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay Singapore and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it posts.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay Singapore (with a bid or Buy It Now). Transactions conducted outside of eBay Singapore are not covered by eBay Singapore protection programmes.

• Never pay for your eBay Singapore item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay Singapore sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay Singapore and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorised payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to US$1,000.

• eBay Singapore Security Centre: Visit the Security Centre to learn how to protect your account and use eBay Singapore's quick and efficient resolution tools.

Need More Help?

Need More Help?

Visit our help pages or start a thread on one of our Community Discussion Boards - If you have a quick question that needs answering, try posting it on our community Answer Centre - there's bound to be a seasoned eBay Singapore veteran with just the information you're looking for!        

Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Buying Guides are intended merely as a guide or review for members when considering what products or services they may be interested in bidding on or purchasing. eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the accuracy of the information or content contained in these Buying Guides. Furthermore, eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the nature or performance of the products or services appearing in the Buying Guides. Content, trademarks and brands referred to and contained in the third-party links provided are the property of their respective owners, and eBay has no control over and accepts no responsibility for their content. eBay is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the use of any particular product or service.