Racket recommendation for a beginner
Hi everyone!
I posted here recently and I’m looking to buy a secondhand racket that I can grow into and use for the long run. I’ve been hunting around local online marketplaces, and I’ve narrowed it down to these choices (all graphite frames, mostly Grip 2).
Which of these options is the absolute best "bang for your buck," and which is the best overall racket for my transition phase?
Here are the choices from my local market:
Artengo TR500 – $40 USD (Seller says used for 1 hr, includes bag & balls)
Dunlop FX 500 (I think it is a demo racket?)– $98 USD (100 sq in, 300g, 16x19)
Babolat Pure Drive (2021) – $105 to $110 USD (100 sq in, 300g, 16x19)
Head Instinct MP Graphene 360 – $122 USD (100 sq in, 300g, 16x19)
Head Radical MP – $90 USD (98 sq in, 295g unstrung, tight 18x20 pattern)
Head T.Carbon One 1000 – ~$57 USD (98 sq in, 305g, older model)
(A bit about my situation)
- I want a racket that doesn't hold me back as my swing speed and technique improve.
- Budget-wise, the Artengo is obviously tempting, but I don't mind spending around $100 USD if a flagship frame like the Pure Drive or Dunlop FX 500 is vastly superior and will last me the next 5+ years.
- I've heard some control frames (like the Radical MP with an 18x20 pattern) might be too punishing for my level right now. Is that true?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the pricing of these options and which route you would take if you were in my shoes. Thanks in advance!
