The best tennis rackets

Most adults use grip size 2 (4 1/4 in) or 3 (4 3/8 in). A common check is to measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller one, because you can build it up with an overgrip but you cannot make a grip thinner.

A light, oversized racket like the Head Ti.S6 is easier to swing and more forgiving, which suits true beginners and players with slower swings. If you are fit, taking lessons and playing every week, a 100 sq in racket around 280 to 300 g usually lasts longer as your strokes improve.

Most performance rackets, including the EZONE, Pure Aero, Blade and Clash, are sold unstrung, and tennis shops will string them for a fee. Budget rackets like the Ti.S6 come pre-strung. Lower string tension gives more power and comfort, and higher tension gives more control.

A common rule of thumb is to restring as many times a year as you play each week, so twice a week means about twice a year. Polyester strings lose tension faster than synthetic gut, so regular poly users may need to restring more often.

Look for a flexible frame with a low stiffness rating, roughly under 60 RA, and string it with a soft multifilament or synthetic gut at a moderate tension. The Wilson Clash 100 v3 is one of the most flexible rackets sold. See a doctor or physio for ongoing pain, since technique often plays a part.