Last updated on October 1st, 2022
If you’re like most people, you probably think that tennis rackets are expensive. But why are they so pricey? Is it just because of the brand name? Have you ever wondered why tennis rackets are so expensive? You can buy a cheap one at a discount store for just a few dollars, but professional rackets can cost hundreds of dollars. What’s the difference? And is it really worth spending that much money on a racket? I will list down all the reasons why tennis rackets are so expensive.
| Basic rackets | Budget rackets | Pro stock rackets | |
| Price | $10-$50 | $50-$120 | $110-$240 |
| Quality | Low | Good | Excellent, tailored to you |
Why?
There are different factors that contribute to the price of a tennis racket, but I will list down three of the most significant ones:
1. The cost of production
2. Materials used and design
3. Brand name and reputation
Design and product testing: This is where all of the money goes. You can have a cheap racket, but if it’s not designed well or doesn’t work properly, you won’t be able to hit a ball with it. The design process is expensive, and so is making sure that each racket actually works when people use it. Quality control is key in this industry. Also, Tennis rackets are made out of different materials, and the better ones are more expensive. Materials like carbon fiber make for a sturdier, lighter racket that costs more to produce. Other materials also come into play, such as titanium or graphene, which drive up the price even further.
1. Components:
The components that go into the racket also contribute to its cost. You can’t just take a piece of metal and wire and make a tennis racket, because it won’t hold up to the rigors of the sport. There has to be some sort of protection between your hand and the strings or there will be fraying and severe breakage. It’s not uncommon to have a string snap during a match, and the quality of the strings themselves affects how they affect the ball.
The three components of a tennis racket, grip, frame and strings, make a difference in the cost. Of these three, the frame is the most significant because it is made from valuable materials like graphite, kevlar or aluminum. The strings also have an impact on price with natural gut being more expensive than nylon. Finally, the grip is made out of rubber or synthetic materials and there are differences in quality.
2. Labor
After design and materials come labor, which also contributes to price. When you add up all of the costs required for manufacturing a racket from start to finish, you will find that labor accounts for the most significant chunk of it. Labor costs are dictated by the country where the racket is made. Countries like China, which have a cheap labor market, make it possible for manufacturers to sell affordable rackets.
2. Design
Brands invest in design, so they can have a unique look.
Design is also significant when it comes to professional tennis players, who often have their own signature rackets. This is why companies invest in design, so they can have a unique look. You have probably seen rackets made by the same company but with different designs. It’s this individuality that helps manufacturers sell more rackets.
3. Manufacturing and
Shipping
Manufacturing and shipping costs also take a large chunk of the price. Shipping is much more expensive than it used to be because there are so many different countries involved. This makes rackets somewhat bulky, which adds weight and ultimately affects the price tag as well. Manufacturing costs include labor, but they also factor in transportation, marketing and anything else that goes into creating the racket.
4. Logistics
Logistics are also a factor in rackets, especially when it comes to international shipping. Transportation costs are higher for companies that have to ship products all over the world. This is why it’s so expensive to buy things online today. The price of the racket includes logistics costs, whether you are buying from a store or an online retailer.
5. Brand’s
It is also important for companies to invest in their brand. If they aren’t investing in quality, then the company will lose its reputation and not move as many products. You can have a cheap racket but it won’t do you any good if it breaks in mid-game. That’s why companies have to have a good reputation and focus on quality.
6. Marketing
Like all products, rackets need to be marketed. Marketing costs factor into the price tag and companies have many different ways of reaching consumers. They can use the internet or television advertisements, but they probably rely on word-of-mouth marketing techniques. Consumers spread the word about a company’s racket by talking about it with friends at a tennis match or when watching a professional match on TV.
7. Profit margin
Lastly, companies invest in high-quality materials and labor to make a profit. They want the consumer to think that they are getting a good deal when looking at the price tag. The racket’s material and design have an impact on its cost but it is important to remember that manufacturers have their own pricing strategy in place which ultimately dictates how much they can sell the racket for.
8. Other
There are other reasons that rackets cost so much, such as the number of models they offer and storage costs. When you think about it, there is no set price for tennis rackets because each company has its own pricing strategy in place. However, if we had to guess, we would probably say that the most expensive rackets are made by Babolat, Head and Wilson.
Does a Good Tennis Racket Make a Difference?
Absolutely. The racket is the only piece of equipment in tennis that interacts with the ball. It’s one of the most important parts of your game, so it’s worth spending a little extra money to get something high quality. You may find a cheaper racket that works well for you but do yourself a favour and don’t skimp on this purchase.
If you are a beginner, it is best to stick with a cheaper racket until your skills develop. However, if you have some experience playing tennis and want to take your game up a notch, investing in a better racket can make all the difference. Just be sure that you are taking advantage of the features offered by the more expensive rackets – after all, they didn’t become more expensive for no reason.
| Cheap Rackets | Average Priced Rackets | Stock Rackets | |
| Frequency Of Play | Recreationally | 1-4 times a week | 3-4+ times a week |
| Playing Level | Beginner | Beginner-Intermediate | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Budget | Low | Mid-Low | Mid-High |
| How serious you are about tennis | Recreational | Beginner+ | Intermediate+ |
If you still need practice with the basic skills and don’t feel like you need a better racket to improve your already good skills, then I wouldn’t worry about rackets for now. For those of you who want to get serious and really take their game up a notch or two, however, it might be worth investing in the right equipment that will help give you an edge on the court.
How Much Does Professional Tennis Rackets Cost?
if you’re a beginner or an intermediate player and are looking for a racket that will give you some good power and help your game, it’s best to stay away from the more expensive rackets. Instead, look for something in the $100 range so you can get the most out of your investment.
When it comes to buying a tennis racket, the price gap can be vast. I looked at four different manufacturers of professional rackets and found that the cheapest one was $70 while the most expensive one cost over double at $230. The difference in prices is determined by how much design work has been put into the racket as well as what materials are being used for its components.
Are They Worth It?
In short, expensive tennis rackets are worth it if you already possess good skills and know your playstyle. If you are a beginner or recreational player, an expensive racket might not be the best investment for you – though it ultimately depends on your preferences. Ultimately, when buying a tennis racket, make sure to do your research and find the one that fits both your skill level and budget.
Choosing A Good Racquet For You
It’s a tough choice to make – so many options, so much advice. But it doesn’t have to be a headache. Here are some key factors you should consider when choosing a tennis racket:
Head size
The bigger the head size of your racket, the larger area you have on the strings of the racquet to hit the ball.
| 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. |
Balance/weight of the racquet
When playing, you want a balance of weight and control such that it feels like an extension of your arm. If you feel like you’re trying to use your muscles too much, you might want to opt for something more lightweight. If it’s difficult to maneuver, it may be worth considering a heavier weight.
Grip size
The grip size is very important because it not only dictates the fit of your racquet, but it also affects the feel and power with which you hit the ball – a larger grip makes for more power while a smaller one causes more control.
| EU Grip size | US Grip size | Palm to middle finger | Suitable for: |
| L0 | 4” | 4-6 centimeters or1.5 to 2.5 inches | Small kids |
| L1 | 4 ⅛” | 5-7 centimeters or2-3 inches | Kids and women |
| L2 | 4 ¼” | 6-8 centimeters or2.4-3.1 inches | Can fit everyone – based on hand size |
| L3 | 4 ⅜” | 7-9 centimeters or2.8-3.5 inches | Mostly men |
| L4 | 4 ½”’ | 8-10 centimeters or3.1-4 inches | Quite a large size, for people with big hands |
| L5 | 4 ⅝” | 9-11 centimeters or3.5-4.3 inches | Adults with huge hands |
Strings/string type
There are basically two types of strings for tennis rackets: natural and synthetic. Natural string is made from animal gut or a similar material, while synthetic is usually composed of metal or polymers. Synthetic strings are generally better because they last longer and hold their performance much more consistently than natural strings do.
| Materials | Benefits | Durability | Price | Popularity | More: | |
| Polyester | Single strand (or coated with a few other) Polyester | Excellent for spin based game and control oriented players | Bad | $10-$30 | Very popular | Very stiff on the arm for those with arm problems |
| Multifilament | Hundreds of filaments wrapped around each other | Can be good for balancing power and control, each brand has different options | Good | $15-$30 | Popular | Many models and options are available |
| Synthetic Gut | Synthetic materials replicating the characteristics of the Natural Gut | Good power play | Good | $15-$35 | Average | Good for Natural Gut feel but not quite like it |
| Natural Gut | Cow intestines | Good power, good control, and awesome durability and tension-maintenance | Excellent | $30-$50 | Among pros and advanced players | Good value and price-performance ratio |
| Hybrid | A bland of different materials | For those who want to invest and find the best match of two strings for their best game | Excellent | $25-$60 | Advanced players | Strikes a fine balance for those who find the right combination |
Price
It’s a good idea to set yourself a budget and stick with it. Remember that you get what you pay for, so make sure to do your research beforehand. If you have already determined which rackets interest you in terms of specifications, consider going to a store and trying out different brands before settling on one.
Is Cheap Tennis Racquet A Good Idea?
Tennis racquets are expensive, but they’re an important investment if you’re serious about playing tennis regularly. If you play often enough to need a better racket than the $20 models that fit in your budget, then spending $200 or less for a good one might be a good idea.
Before you consider purchasing your first tennis racket, I suggest learning about what makes a good tennis racket and different court surfaces and weather conditions. After reading our guide on how to choose the best tennis racquet , you’ll be ready to buy.
Final Thoughts
A good tennis racket is a significant investment, but it’s definitely worth the money if you plan to play regularly. If you’re just getting started in the sport and/or aren’t sure whether or not this will be a long-term hobby for you, then I would encourage you to buy one of the cheaper rackets that we recommend.
