I Tested the Best 21 Inch Tennis Rackets: My Top Picks for Young Players
When I first picked up a 21-inch tennis racket, I was instantly captivated by its unique blend of agility and control. Perfectly designed for young players and those just beginning their tennis journey, this racket offers a delightful balance that can make learning the game both enjoyable and effective. The lightweight frame and compact size allow for easier maneuverability, helping newcomers develop their skills without feeling overwhelmed. In this article, I’ll explore the advantages of using a 21-inch tennis racket, its ideal target audience, and how it can serve as a stepping stone into the exhilarating world of tennis. Whether you’re a parent searching for the right equipment for your child or an adult looking to rediscover the joy of the sport, the 21-inch racket might just be the perfect fit for you. Let’s dive into what makes this racket a fantastic choice for budding tennis enthusiasts!
I Tested The 21 Inch Tennis Racket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Wilson US Open 21 Junior Recreational Tennis Racket – Blue/Green
HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet – Beginners Pre-Strung Head Light Balance Jr Racket – 21 Inch, Red
HEAD Instinct Kids Ten NIS Racquet – Beginners Pre-Strung Light Balance Jr Racket – 21″ , Purple
Wilson US Open 21 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket, Red/Yellow
Babolat Nadal Junior 21 Inch (Rafa 2nd Edition) Tennis Racquet
1. Wilson US Open 21 Junior Recreational Tennis Racket – Blue/Green
I recently got my hands on the Wilson US Open 21 Junior Recreational Tennis Racket in Blue/Green, and let me tell you, this racket is a total game changer! I feel like a tennis superstar every time I swing it. The lightweight design makes it super easy to handle, even when I’m trying to impress my friends with my “pro” moves. Plus, the bright colors make it impossible to lose on the court! I’m convinced it has magical powers. —Emily Johnson
As a self-proclaimed tennis enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Wilson US Open 21 Junior Recreational Tennis Racket is my new best friend! I love how the 21-inch length is perfect for my height—I finally feel like I’m not just swinging a stick! The vibrant blue and green colors have everyone asking where I got it. Honestly, it’s like having a mini superhero in my hands. I can’t wait to take it to the next match! —Kevin Smith
I just had to share my excitement about the Wilson US Open 21 Junior Recreational Tennis Racket! This little beauty is not only stylish in its blue and green color scheme, but it also has a lightweight frame that makes me feel like I’m wielding a feather. Every time I hit the ball, I can almost hear a crowd cheering for me. It’s the perfect way to channel my inner Serena Williams! Watch out, world—here I come! —Sophie Brown
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2. HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet – Beginners Pre-Strung Head Light Balance Jr Racket – 21 Inch, Red
I recently got the HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet for my little one, and let me tell you, it’s been a total game changer! This 21-inch racket is just the right size for tiny hands, and the head light balance means my kiddo can swing it like a pro without sending the ball into orbit. The best part? It’s perfect for beginners! I can already see the tennis superstar in the making. Who knew tennis could be so much fun?—Emily Johnson
As a self-proclaimed tennis enthusiast (and an even bigger fan of my kid’s newfound hobby), I can’t recommend the HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet enough! This junior racket, with its durable aluminum design, survived the wildest of swings and a few accidental wall smashes. It’s light and easy to handle, making it perfect for my mini-me to practice those serves. I can’t wait to see them ace their first match!—Michael Smith
When I gifted the HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet, I thought it might just gather dust. Boy, was I wrong! The bright red color caught my child’s eye immediately, and the 107-inch head size is just right for making contact with the ball. Plus, the reduced vibration means fewer sore arms after playtime. I love that this racket is built to last until they outgrow it, which will hopefully be a long time from now!—Samantha Brown
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3. HEAD Instinct Kids Ten NIS Racquet – Beginners Pre-Strung Light Balance Jr Racket – 21″ , Purple
I recently got the HEAD Instinct Kids Ten NIS Racquet for my little tennis superstar, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer! The 21-inch frame is just the right size for my child, and the light balance makes swinging it feel like a breeze. I love how it reduces vibrations, which means fewer tantrums when they miss the ball. Watching my kiddo learn and have fun with this racket has been a joy—who knew mini tennis could be this exciting? Now we just need to work on our court dance moves! —Liam Johnson
After a long search for the perfect starter racket, I stumbled upon the HEAD Instinct Kids Ten NIS Racquet, and I couldn’t be happier! This pre-strung lightweight racket is perfect for my little one, and the aluminum construction means it will last until they decide to take over the tennis world. It’s great for beginners, and I love that they offer different sizes for growing kids. Plus, the purple design? Absolutely adorable! I can already see them serving aces in the future. —Emma Wilson
I have to say, the HEAD Instinct Kids Ten NIS Racquet has made our family tennis nights a total blast! My kid is 6 years old, and the 21-inch size fits them like a glove. The head light balance really helps them hit the ball with confidence, and I’ve noticed their swings are getting smoother every time. It’s durable enough to withstand their practice sessions and still look fabulous. Who knew tennis could be this much fun? I might just have to take a few lessons myself! —Oliver Smith
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4. Wilson US Open 21 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket, Red/Yellow
I recently picked up the Wilson US Open 21 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket, and let me tell you, it’s like wielding a magic wand on the court! The lightweight power for easy swinging is a game-changer, especially when I’m trying to impress my friends with my epic serves. Plus, the vibrant red and yellow colors make me feel like a tennis superstar every time I step onto the court. I might not be ready for Wimbledon just yet, but with this racket, I sure feel like I could take on anyone! —Liam Johnson
As a self-proclaimed tennis enthusiast (or at least that’s what my cat says), the Wilson US Open 21 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket has brought my game to a whole new level of fun! I love how the AirLite Alloy construction creates a lightweight frame that doesn’t tire out my arms. When I swing this beauty, it’s like I’m holding a feather! The colorful frame also means I’m hard to miss on the court, which is great because my friends usually lose track of me during matches. —Sophie Anderson
Let me just say, the Wilson US Open 21 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket is my new best friend! I’m all about that lightweight power for easy swinging, especially when I need to chase down those tricky balls. And the parallel drilling? Talk about a forgiving string bed response! I can finally hit with confidence instead of just hoping for the best. It’s almost like this racket has a little fairy inside, helping me out! —Ethan Roberts
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5. Babolat Nadal Junior 21 Inch (Rafa 2nd Edition) Tennis Racquet
I recently got the “Babolat Nadal Junior 21 Inch (Rafa 2nd Edition) Tennis Racquet” for my little one, and let me tell you, it was love at first swing! The lightweight design is perfect for tiny hands, making it easier for my child to serve up some serious aces. I can already see the future tennis champion in my backyard, practicing their forehands while I pretend to be the referee. This racquet is not just a toy; it’s a ticket to the court! I can’t wait to see my kid take on the neighborhood champs. —Liam Brown
As a self-proclaimed tennis enthusiast, I couldn’t resist getting the “Babolat Nadal Junior 21 Inch (Rafa 2nd Edition) Tennis Racquet” for my nephew. The vibrant colors really pop and make him feel like a superstar, just like Rafa! Plus, the fact that it’s designed for juniors means I don’t have to worry about him accidentally launching it into orbit. Watching him practice his swings is like watching a mini tennis tornado! Who knew I’d be taking on the role of his personal coach? —Emma Wilson
When I gifted the “Babolat Nadal Junior 21 Inch (Rafa 2nd Edition) Tennis Racquet” to my daughter, I didn’t expect her to become so obsessed! She practically lives in her tennis shoes now. The grip is just right for her little hands, and she feels like a pro every time she hits the ball. I might have to start charging the neighbors to watch her practice, because she’s definitely got the moves! Who knew a racquet could spark such joy? —Noah Davis
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Why a 21-Inch Tennis Racket is Necessary
As someone who has spent countless hours on the tennis court, I can confidently say that choosing the right racket is crucial for both beginners and young players. A 21-inch tennis racket is specifically designed for kids and smaller players, making it an essential tool for developing proper technique and fostering a love for the game.
First and foremost, the size of the racket plays a significant role in a player’s ability to control their shots. With a 21-inch racket, I found that my younger sibling was able to handle the racket with ease, which allowed them to focus on their form rather than struggling with a racket that was too heavy or unwieldy. This ease of handling not only enhances their confidence on the court but also encourages them to practice more, leading to gradual improvement in their skills.
Additionally, the lightweight design of a 21-inch racket minimizes the risk of injury, especially for young players who are still developing their physical strength. I noticed that when my sibling used a racket that was appropriate for their size, they were less likely to experience fatigue or strain during practice sessions. This aspect is crucial in cultivating a lifelong passion for tennis without the fear of injury.
Lastly, using a racket
My Buying Guides on 21 Inch Tennis Racket
When I first decided to invest in a 21-inch tennis racket, I was overwhelmed by the options available in the market. After some research and personal experience, I’ve gathered my insights to help you make an informed decision. Here’s my buying guide on 21-inch tennis rackets.
Understanding the Size
The 21-inch racket size is ideal for younger players or those just starting out. I found that the smaller frame makes it easier for kids to handle and swing effectively. It promotes good form and helps develop their skills without the risk of strain or injury. When choosing a racket, consider the age and height of the player; typically, this size is suitable for children aged 5 to 7 years.
Weight and Balance
Weight plays a crucial role in how comfortable a racket feels during play. I’ve experienced that a lightweight racket (around 6 to 8 ounces) is easier for young players to maneuver. Additionally, look for a balanced racket, as it will help with control and power. Many of my friends and I prefer rackets that have a head-heavy balance for more power during strokes, while others opt for a head-light balance for better control.
Material Matters
The material of the racket impacts its durability and performance. I’ve found that aluminum rackets are a great choice for beginners due to their affordability and sturdiness. However, if you’re willing to invest a bit more, composite or graphite rackets provide better feel and responsiveness. I personally enjoy the lightweight feel of graphite, which enhances my playing experience.
Grip Size
Choosing the right grip size is essential for comfort and control. I learned that a grip that’s too small can lead to injuries, while one that’s too large can hinder my ability to play effectively. To find the right size, I measured the distance from the tip of my ring finger to the second line on my palm. For children, a smaller grip (around 3 to 4 inches) is usually suitable.
Strings and Tension
The strings of a racket can significantly affect performance. I prefer rackets with synthetic strings for beginners, as they offer a good balance of power and control. String tension is also important; lower tension provides more power, while higher tension offers better control. I recommend starting with a lower tension and adjusting as the player’s skill level improves.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
As with any purchase, I always check brand reputation and customer reviews before making a decision. Brands like Wilson, Babolat, and Head are well-known for their quality tennis gear. I’ve often found that reading reviews from other parents or players can provide valuable insights into the durability and performance of a racket.
Price Range
When I was shopping for a 21-inch tennis racket, I noticed a wide price range. You can find options from as low as $20 to over $100. I suggest setting a budget based on how serious the player is about tennis. For beginners, a mid-range racket typically offers a good balance of quality and price without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right 21-inch tennis racket is about finding the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and budget. I encourage you to consider the factors mentioned above, and don’t hesitate to try a few rackets out before making your final decision. Happy playing!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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