I have recently been looking for a new tennis racket and have been trying out a few that are currently on the market. I have yet to decide on the one for me, but will review a few of the top contenders so far. I would just like to say that I am an intermediate club player, playing twice a week.
This one is the Head Ti S5 racket. When you first set eyes on this beast, the size really hits you. You then pick it up, it is so light for its size – amazingly so. The design is nice and modern, dark and light grey, and it comes in its own protective case.
I have had Head rackets before and I like the quality and design of their selections.
So what’s it like to play with? ---------------------------------------
Well very easy – its lightness means its easy to swing and its large head size means it has a large “sweet spot” making ideal if you are going to hit the ball off centre, which, if you a beginner is always useful. You can generate plenty of power with this bat, even if you have a short swing. Serves also go with a zing. It is also manoeuvrable at the net so pretty good for volleys, although the volleys can fly if you are not careful. It has nice vibration dampening – not too much jarring on the arm. The downside is probably lack of precise control – this would mean it is not for the more expert player. It’s a nice racket for the price and would ideally suit beginner to intermediate player with a small back swing who would like to generate more power.
The RRP on this bat is £89.99, although you can get it online for £72 including postage.
More technical stuff ----------------------------
The Titanium Ti.S5 is constructed from ultra-strong Titanium woven with ultra-light Graphite making it an extremely manoeuvrable racquet. Shockstop TM reduces vibrations 90% faster.
Head: 107 sq in Weight: 235g Beam: 27mm Length: 27.5in
Advice on grip sizes ---------------------------
When you buy a racket they come in different grip sizes ranging from 1 – 5 usually, 1 being the smallest. If you don’t get the correct size for you may be trying to grip the racket too tightly, putting more pressure on you arm muscles, which can lead to problems such as tennis elbow. When you wrap your hand around the grip, if you can insert a finger between your fingers and thumb, that is about right for you. Generally the most popular sizes are 3 & 4. Ladies tend to go for 2 or 3, men 3 or 4.
Is it for me? Not sure – I think I may go for a slightly heavier racket as that is what I am more used to.
