New tennis racket for 12yo son,suggestions?

[EleanorLavish]

I haven't a clue and don't want to get a mouthful of verbal sales patter.
My son is 5'8" tall, nearly 12yo. He plays tennis for 2 hours a week, not in a club. He really enjoys it.
He needs a new really badly, current one is a junior cheap one from Decathelon.
Coach has recommended a full size babolat pure drive. It's £130 from Decathlon.
Any recommendations for a more reasonably priced one, or is that what a decent racket costs?
So as not to drip feed he does 2 other sports, the tennis is more for enjoyment/keeping fit than competitive playing.
Thanks!

I’ll have a look at what DS is using now - his coach recommended it and it was a lot less than what we were thinking of spending. It’s a really nice one. Probably a babolat. He’s tall isn’t he?

Have you a sports shop nearby that lets you try them for size?

I have a Decathelon, an independent sports shop and a David Lloyd all near me.
Yep, he is tall.
Thanks for reply!

I’ve just seen a babolat clearance on amazon - maybe have a peek there.

Request aren’t cheap - but a cheapo one can bugger up your shoulder (ouch) and elbow.

They are good racquets though. I assume you know the size and grip if he plays already?

Ehhhh, no, I’ve no idea of his size or grip.
He is my height (5’8)?

I’ll see why DS has - he’s the same size and hasn’t this got huge hands.

There are online guides to measuring your tennis grip size.

Honestly the best way to choose a racquet is to go to a really good shop where they suggest a few possibilities and let you hit balls with them. In London, Wigmore Sports is such a place. Not very helpful obviously if you are not in London, but your local independent shop may have such a facility?

Ask the coach what size & grip size, that will be standard across brands. Does the coach sell rackets? Lots of them do & it’s sometimes cheaper than a shop. It’s unusual for a coach to recommend such an expensive racket for a child that doesn’ t play tennis as their main/only sport

Coach is attached to a DL and he said go there.
Thanks for all the advice.
DH thinks we can get one for £40 but I’m arguing that decent ones cost £80 ish?
Just paid £200 today for another sport he does and unfortunately haven’t won euromillions yet...

I’d avoid a £40 - as someone who tore shoulder muscles and ended up having steroid jabs and headaches for years. You can’t skimp on some sports equipment (good shoes are important too).

Maybe suggest a price to your coach and ask his suggestion for the best? I’m sure the last racquet we got was sub £100 (a lot less than the previous one and it’s really good). Our coach brought a few racquets for DS to try first to see what felt best.