Vanessa Roman, Pro Shop Manager at Houston Racquet Club in Houston, Texas, shares her thoughts on the types of racquets that a pro shop should stock.

by Vanessa Roman, Pro Shop Manager, Houston Racquet Club, Houston Racquet Club

You should make sure you have something to offer for all player levels.

Things to consider are the weight of the racquet, head size, and the grip size. The weight determines the speed and power of your swing, and the control you get on your shots. Ultimately you should select a weight that you can comfortably handle for extended playtime. When selecting your head size, keep in mind a mid-plus or oversized frame will give a larger sweet spot. The mid-size frames will allow more control and feel.

Grip sizes are selected based on personal preferences and hand sizes. We have seen a recent trend for players to size down on their grip size to provide more spin on their shots. If you are undecided on a grip size, it is always better to size down as it allows you to build up a grip if needed.

Most champ level or advanced players prefer a heavier racquet with a mid-size head. This will give the player more accuracy and control on their shots. For the more recreational player or intermediate levels, we would suggest stocking a mid-weight or lighter racquet with an oversized or mid-plus head. This will offer a larger sweet spot and more power on the swing. The lighter racquets and smaller grip sizes are also great for junior players making the transition to a full-size adult racquet.

All racquet brands offer a variety of weights and head sizes, and offering a wide selection of brands is also key when stocking racquets for you shop. All brands have unique technologies that set their frames apart from the competitors. That is why offering a wide variety of brands, weights, head sizes, and grip sizes is important to consider when stocking your shop.