What do I need to know before buying a tennis racquet?

[WalkingThePlank]

Have just started tennis lessons and would like to have my own racquet rather than borrowing from coach. What are the important points to know about buying a racquet and how cheaply can I get one for? I'm not thinking of playing tennis on a serious basis so it doesn't need to be fancy.

[Farahilda]

Do you have a real sports shop near you?

If so, go in at a quiet time and ask for advice. Tennis rackets come in (roughly) three levels: basic/metal (£20-£50 ish), standard graphite (£70-120 ish), bloody good graphite £120+

We have both Wilson and Prince racquets in the house at the moment, Babolat being the other make we see around a lot.

[NimpyWWindowmash]

ask your coach, I always buy my rackets through her.

She gets discounts plus knows what's best.