signed to give the player the ability to play the best game they are capable of.
Racquet manufacturers are also concerned with the amount of injury associated with the game, and strive to construct racquets that can help reduce injury. Arm injuries are the most common, and racquet manufacturers work to help eliminate racquets that result in tennis elbow or in excessive arm fatigue. A player who has to give up the game because of injury, or who does not play because of excessive pain, is a consumer who is lost. As a result, considerable research has been conducted on racquets and stringing techniques to develop products which enhance games without injuring the player.
Physical considerations can be key to a racquet's success. Players who have trouble moving about the court generally want a larger racquet head; those with arm problems are likely to purchase a racquet which dampens shock and eases vibration. Older and younger players, or players lacking a great deal of physical strength, are likely to choose a racquet made from one of the very light materials now available.
Recognizing that each player is different from any other player, some tennis racquet companies, such as Wilson and Head, now have in-store displays that help players choose the racquets that are right for them. Wilson uses a swing meter to measure the player's swing speed, then recommends a racquet based on that information. Head's Racquet Selector asks questions about the player's game, then uses that information to recommend a racquet specifically designed to meet those needs.
Tennis racquets are not inexpensive. Prices for most racquets range from $150 to $350, and many players own more than one racquet so that they can anticipate different court conditions. Some players will use one racquet for grass, another for clay and another for asphalt. Still other players will choose their racquet based on their opponent. Other players will use a spe...