Can you help me choose a good tennis racquet for DD. Preferably one where the price won't make me faint.

[Farahilda]

DD's coach has recommended a proper performance racquet. We know what size (25inches) and coach will be emailing some suggestions.

But I was wondering if any kind tennis players or parents of tennis players had any recommendations? Either specific models, or just on how much a performance racquet is likely to cost.

DD attends an elite squad but doesn't have one to one coaching at present. She doesn't enjoy tournaments that much right now, and probably will do no more than a couple per term. Part of me wants to enthuse her with right kit and encouragement, because she is actually quite good when she wants to be. But I don't want to spend vast amounts when she's still growing and whilst she blows hot and cold about it.

[OlyRoller]

I don't know much about tennis racquets, but how about doing some google research then searching ebay?

[Farahilda]

I have been looking on google.

I was hoping someone might help narrow it down a bit, and say if they thought the differences between a £30, £50, £70 or more racquet were actually worth it.

OlyRoller do you have any racquet recommendations for this level?

[clio51]

Mt DP as played tennis for over 30 years, and is quite knowledgeable I will ask him when he comes in.

[Farahilda]

Thanks! I need to go and actually interact with my family in RL, now, but I'll have a look later on.

[clio51]

DP says what type of player us she, aggressive or defensive.
And how old is she?

He says about £120, babolat are one of the best all round racquet.

If you have a local tennis shop, it might be worth ringing them and asking have they any demonstrator racquet to have a hit with for a few days .
And get a feel of what she likes, rather than splashing out money.

[Farahilda]

She's U9 (orange) player. I'm not sure about aggressive/defensive! I'd probably tip for aggressive as on her day she is determined and competitive.

I have seen a couple of others in her class with Babolat (and now I'm thinking abut it, they are the ones who compete lots).

[Farahilda]

A little bump, on a weekday and at a different time of day, in case there's anyone who can help.

[Merrylegs]

She really needs to try them out - often tennis clubs that sell rackets have demo rackets you can hire for a fiver and get the money back if you buy it. I don't know whereabouts in the country you are but someone like topspin tennis (east anglia) do a mail order service.

Ds's first 'proper' racket was a Head radical lite which DD (12) has inherited and likes.

Wilson are a good choice for girls because they tend to be lighter plus they gave massive heads so makes the ball easier to hit! Babolat heads tend to be smaller. Grip size is really important also.

[Merrylegs]

Have massive heads, sorry that actually sounded v wrong!

[Farahilda]

Many thanks. There's a branch of Topspin Tennis near ILs - could be good for us!

Unfortunately, they're mid-revamp of web page so can't see the range they stock.

Coach is recommending Prince or Babolat graphite (>£60, think I'm about to faint!) Will google Wilson.

[MajesticWhine]

I bought my DC Babolats - E-Sense Lite - cost about 60 I think. Seem to do the job.

[MajesticWhine]

And millet sports do free demos of tennis rackets by mail order

[Merrylegs]

If she's just playing in squads, not competing and still mini orange then £60 is fine.

If she's still enjoying it at 12 and wants to compete you will have to spend a bit more - and have at least one spare in case she breaks a string in a tournament. I think DS's first tournament racket was £120 and his most recent £180 (but he is 16 and competes all the time).

It would be lovely if she carried on playing -girls tend to stop and if she stuck at it she would find herself in demand for team events.

[Farahilda]

Thank you. This is helping me narrow it down and get used to the price tags!