Buying a used tennis racket: what to check
TenisRaketi Editör Ekibi · Updated November 2026
Short answer
Are there cracks or bends in the frame, how worn are the grommets and the bumper, does the grip size fit you, and which year is the model? Check these before you buy, and if in doubt show the racket to a stringer.
In this guide
A used racket can be a way to get a good frame for less than a new one. But you do not know its history. This guide goes through what to check, in order. We do not cover prices; used prices depend on the racket's condition and the seller.
Checking for cracks
Look at the frame first. Check the hoop, the throat (where the handle meets the head) and the area under the bumper for cracks or bends. The bumper protects the part of the frame that scrapes the ground and wears most, so ask the seller for a photo of the area under it.
Paint scratches are common on used rackets. What matters is whether the frame itself is cracked or out of shape. Stringers check the frame for damage before they string it. If you are not sure, show the racket to a stringer before you buy.
Grommets and bumper
Grommets are the plastic sleeves in the string holes. They stop the strings rubbing directly on the frame. Worn grommets and a worn bumper are normal wear, and both can be replaced as spare parts. Keep that in mind when you think about the price.
If the strings touch the frame directly somewhere, with no grommet, look closely there. The frame itself may be damaged.
Grip size
The grip size is printed on the cap at the end of the handle (where is it printed?). Check that it matches yours. If the handle has been rewrapped, or has several layers of overgrip, it may be thicker than the number says. Do not trust the number alone; hold the racket.
Which model, which year?
A racket name can cover several generations. Sometimes the maker changes only the paint, sometimes the mould and the layup too. So ask the seller for the exact model name and year, then find the model in the racket pages and compare its specs. The site shows the model year next to the racket's name; for some models the year has not been entered yet.
Strings
Plan to restring a used racket. Strings lose tension and go dead even when they do not break. With strings of unknown age you cannot tell how the racket really plays. When to restring is in the when to restring guide.
Quick checklist
- No cracks or bends in the hoop, the throat or under the bumper.
- The strings do not touch the frame directly anywhere.
- If the grommets and bumper are worn, you have counted on replacing them.
- The grip size fits you and the handle is not wrapped too thick.
- You know the exact model name and year.
- You will restring it.
To see whether the racket suits you, try the Racket Finder.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth buying a used tennis racket?
Yes, if the frame is sound and the grip size fits you. Check for cracks and bends before you buy, show the racket to a stringer if in doubt, and plan to restring it.
Can I use a cracked racket?
If you see a crack or a bend in the frame, show the racket to a stringer before you buy it. Stringers check the frame for damage before they string it.
Should I restring a used racket?
Yes. Strings lose tension and go dead even when they do not break. With strings of unknown age you cannot tell how the racket really plays.
How do I find out which year a used racket is from?
Ask the seller for the exact model name and compare the generations of that model on the site. The paint can change while the mould stays the same, so check the name and the specs together.
More guides on this topic
- How to choose a tennis racketIf you are new to tennis, pick a 100–105 in² head, 270–295 g weight and a flexible frame (below 65 RA). Measure your grip size and size down if unsure. As your game improves you move to heavier rackets with smaller heads.
- How to find your tennis racket grip sizeMeasure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. About 10.8 cm means L2 and 11.1 cm means L3. If you fall between two sizes, choose the smaller one and add an overgrip if needed.
- Tennis racket head size: 98, 100 and 102 sq in comparedA bigger head gives a larger sweet spot and more power; a smaller head gives more control but less room for error. For most players 98–102 sq in (632–658 cm²) is the right range, and beginners should look at 100–105 sq in.
- Tennis racket weight and balance explainedA racket's weight is more than one number: balance and swingweight decide how heavy it feels in the head. For most adults 285–305 g unstrung with an even or slightly head-light balance is a good range.
- Replacement grip and overgrip: the difference and how to wrap themA racket handle has two kinds of tape: the replacement grip it comes with and the thin overgrip wrapped over it. An overgrip makes the handle about half a size thicker, is changed more often and takes a few minutes to wrap. The guide also covers fitting a vibration dampener.
- Decathlon tennis rackets: Artengo and KuikmaDecathlon sells its own tennis rackets under the Artengo and Kuikma names. This guide covers which models to look at as a beginner or a regular player, junior rackets, and why the site shows no Decathlon prices.