Last updated on October 1st, 2022
The average player is overwhelmed with the wide range of choices available when they decide to buy a new racket. The number of racket types, sizes, prices, and brands can be confusing.
Playing with a racket that isn’t right for you can be frustrating and discouraging. If you’re playing poorly, it’s likely because you’re not using the right racket.
Take action and find the perfect one for your game by reading this guide!
Find out everything you need to know before buying a new tennis racket with our 18×19 Tennis Racket Buying Guide!
| Open Pattern | Closed Pattern | |
| Examples | 18×19,16×19, 16×18 | 18×20, 18×19, 18×18 |
| Benefits | Spin friendliness, more power | Better control, more confidence in your shots |
| Popularity | Very common | Common |
| Suits For | Players looking for precision and ease in producing spin | Better focus and higher predictability of the trajectory of the ball |
| Power | High | Medium-Low |
| Control | Medium-Low | High |
| Spin | High | Medium-Low |
- Types of Rackets
There are three main types of rackets:
- Wooden rackets
The wooden racket is the cheapest and lightest option, but it has a lower power rating and durability. It is also the least responsive to shots.
- Graphite composite rackets
The graphite composite racket is more expensive and heavier than a wooden racket, but it has a higher power rating and durability. It is also more responsive to shots than a wooden racket because it has a larger sweet spot (the area where the ball will bounce back).
- Carbon fiber composite rackets
A carbon fiber composite racket is by far the most expensive type of racket, but it also has the best power rating and durability. The carbon fiber composite racket has a larger sweet spot because the carbon fibers are more densely packed than other materials.
- Racket String Patterns
If you’re considering buying an 18×19 tennis racket for your game, you may want to consider its open or closed string pattern.
Open string patterns tend to sink the ball deeper into the string, which gives it more spin. Closed string patterns, on the other hand, become stiffer and provide more control.
A more open pattern will also allow you to play the ball with precision. Some companies will design a frame with a string pattern specifically designed for topspin.
In terms of performance, you should also consider the number of cross strings. A 16×18 tennis racket has 16 main strings, while an 18×19 racket has 18 cross strings.
The mains are the first to be listed on a tennis racket’s frame size, and the cross strings are listed last. Cross strings are also necessary when comparing tennis rackets, as they can affect the performance of the player.
- Open and closed string patterns
When buying a tennis racket, you should pay close attention to the string pattern. The specifications for tennis rackets list two numbers next to the pattern.
The first number indicates the number of vertical strings or mains. These strings get the most wear during a string’s life.
Open string patterns are generally higher density than other patterns, but this is not the only factor to consider.
If you’re looking for increased spin and power, you’ll want to choose an open string pattern. There are many types of open string patterns, and they come in different combinations. Here are a few examples: 14×18, 16×16, 18×20, and 16×18.
Open string pattern tennis rackets have more power and directional control than closed string ones.
However, you’ll need more power to control your shots with this pattern, so choose a racquet with a larger head size.
In addition, a dense string pattern has higher durability and is more durable. Also, ball impact is distributed more evenly, so there’s less movement inside the string bed.
Open string pattern tennis rackets tend to generate more spin than closed patterns. The key difference between open and closed patterns is the number of cross strings.
Open pattern tennis rackets have more cross strings, but 16×19 patterns have fewer. This pattern can be a better fit for an experienced player.
The 16×19 string pattern is the most popular. It creates a softer string bed than the closed pattern, which makes it easier to control and hit with spin. However, it does have some disadvantages, including less tension control and less durability.
The open-string pattern helps the ball to sink deeper into the strings. This creates a softer string bed, which makes it easier on the arm. The close-string pattern, on the other hand, is tight.
Open-string patterns are also a good choice if you’re aiming to improve your game. These strings increase snapback by 69% and can increase power. They also produce a flatter rebound angle, which is ideal for players with flatter swings. However, they also pose a higher risk of breaking.
- In-between patterns
The In-between pattern on 18×19 tennis rackets is a good choice for players looking for more control and power. This string pattern is dense at the sweet spot and is slightly open at the outer edges.
This type of string pattern is also great for keeping opponents at bay. However, it does not produce as much spin as some of its other counterparts.
RS Section – The RS Section is an excellent choice for tennis players who want more control. Its five-sided frame geometry reduces frame twisting, which improves stiffness and power. The angled head/yoke connection also improves stability and ball contact time.
- Weight
When buying a tennis racket, it is vital to consider two key characteristics: weight and balance. A racket should be light enough to move quickly but heavy enough to control the ball.
A much heavy racket could cause injury. If it is too light, it may be too difficult to hit the ball. Most tennis rackets are classified into three categories: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Beginner rackets are lighter than advanced rackets.
A good tennis racket has an ideal balance between head weight and swing weight. A 305g head weight is a good compromise between precision and control.
The 18×19 string pattern helps manage breakage and makes it easier to maneuver. This racket will be better for those who want to control their power but also want to minimize their impact on the ball.
Swingweight is essential as it indicates a racket’s power potential. More swing weight equals more stability. A lower swing weight will be less maneuverable.
In addition, the more swing weight a racket has, the more power it will have. Using a racket that has a low swing weight can be detrimental to a player’s game, so it is vital to consider swing weight when choosing a racket.
The weight of a racket also matters. Typically, an 18×19 tennis racket will weigh around 240 grams. However, there are extremes on either side of this weight spectrum.
Lightweight rackets have more control but less power. A mid-weight racket gives a good balance between control and power. A heavy-weight racket has more power but also sends more shock to the arm and hand.
The flexible frame will absorb shock from the ball. A racquet with lower flexibility will feel more comfortable and may be better for your arm. Aim for a mid-60-flex racquet for maximum control.
- Frame size
If you’re thinking about upgrading your tennis racket, you should consider buying an 18×19 frame size model. These models are designed to be lightweight and stable.
You can customize them with additional features, such as lead tape and a butt cap extension, to suit your needs.
Head size is a critical factor in tennis racquet performance. The larger the head, the faster the ball will travel.
A larger head offers more power, and a smaller one provides more control. When comparing 18×19 tennis racket frame sizes, make sure you choose a frame size that matches the head size.
The materials used to make tennis racket frames can vary greatly. The frame of a tennis racket can be made of 100% graphite or a combination of graphite and other materials.
This type of frame is typically a better choice for power hitters, but it isn’t the only type available.
| Type | Head Size in cm2: | Head Size in sq. inches: | Features: |
| Midsized racquets | 451-580 | 70-90 | More lightweight, more maneuverable, and more precise. Meant only for advanced players. |
| Midplus (or mid-over) | 580-645 | 90-100 | Most tennis players fall in this range, it is the balance point between power, maneuverability, and control. |
| Oversize | 645-742 | 110-115 | Beginner tennis racquets. Larger head sizes, heavier, meant for higher error margins and higher levels of power. |
| Oversized+ | 748-806 | 116-125 | A lot of power, a lot of margin for error. Less control and a clumsy feel. Only made for complete novices to get a grasp on the sport. |
Spin racquets
Before you buy an 18×19 tennis racket, you should take the time to read the manufacturer’s specifications. This will make the decision much easier. It also makes you sound knowledgeable when you shop online.
There are hundreds of different specifications and variations. You should look for weight, balance, and string combinations. In addition, you should also consider the paint job. No one racquet is the best for every player.
An important thing to consider when purchasing an 18×19 tennis racket is the string pattern. A racquet with an open pattern has more space between the strings, which gives you more control.
A closed pattern, on the other hand, has less space between the strings, so the ball will not sink as deep.
A tennis racket with an 18×19 string pattern will be heavier than one with a 20×20 pattern. This type of pattern allows flat-hitting players more control on the court but doesn’t generate as much spin as other patterns.
Natural gut strings were popular in the past, but now different types of string materials can provide the control players need in an open pattern. Typically, dense string patterns generate less tension. This is so because the strings have more room to deflect the ball.
