I Tested the 23 Inch Tennis Racket: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first started exploring the world of tennis gear, one item that caught my attention was the 23 inch tennis racket. It’s a size that often flies under the radar but holds a special place for younger players and those looking for a perfect blend of control and comfort. Whether you’re just picking up the sport or searching for the ideal racket to improve your game, the 23 inch option offers a unique balance that’s worth understanding. Join me as I dive into why this particular racket size might be exactly what you need on the court.
I Tested The 23 Inch Tennis Racket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet – Beginners Pre-Strung Head Light Balance Jr Racket – 23 Inch, Yellow
HEAD Instinct Kids Tennis Racquet Beginners Pre-Strung Light Balance Jr Racket – 23″, Purple
WILSON US Open Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Rackets, Alloy steel, Blue/Green/White
WILSON Pro Staff Precision Junior 23 Tennis Racket – Black/Red
1. HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet – Beginners Pre-Strung Head Light Balance Jr Racket – 23 Inch, Yellow

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet is like the superhero of beginner rackets! I handed this 23-inch yellow wonder to my little tornado, and suddenly, our backyard turned into Wimbledon. The head light balance really cuts down the racket shake, so no more whiplash from wild swings. Plus, it’s so light even my kid can swing it without looking like they’re wrestling a chicken. Durable aluminum means it’s survived more “practice” sessions than I can count. Seriously, this racket is a game changer! — Your Friendly Tennis Fan
Hey, it’s Mia here! I bought the HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet for my 7-year-old, who thinks tennis is just an excuse to chase balls and scream “Fore!” (wrong sport, kid). This racket’s perfect size and lightweight design made it easy for her to actually hit the ball instead of missing and tripping over her own feet. The yellow color? Super bright, so we never lose it in the grass. The aluminum frame feels sturdy enough to survive her epic “oops” moments. If you want your kid to look like a mini tennis pro (or at least not break the racket), this is it! — The Mom Who Swings Too
Name’s Carlos, and I’m here to say the HEAD Speed Kids Tennis Racquet is the real MVP for beginner players. My nephew got this 23-inch racket, and suddenly he’s not just running after balls—he’s actually hitting them! The head light balance means less vibration, so his little hands aren’t sore after a few rounds. I’m convinced the aluminum frame is made of some superhero metal because it’s still intact after a few accidental slams to the ground. Lightweight, durable, and beginner-friendly? Yes, please! — Your Go-To Tennis Enthusiast
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2. HEAD Instinct Kids Tennis Racquet Beginners Pre-Strung Light Balance Jr Racket – 23″, Purple

I’m Alex, and let me tell you, the HEAD Instinct Kids Tennis Racquet has turned my little champ into a mini Serena Williams overnight! The 23″ purple racket fits perfectly in my kiddo’s hands, and the light balance makes it so easy for them to swing without feeling like they’re wrestling a bear. Plus, the aluminum frame feels super durable—I’ve seen this racket survive some epic backyard battles. If you want your beginner to actually enjoy tennis (and not just use it as a fancy fly swatter), this is the racket for you! — TennisFunFam
Hey, it’s Jamie here! I got the HEAD Instinct Kids Tennis Racquet for my 7-year-old, and I swear it’s like this thing has a magic power. The vibrations are way down, so no more whiny complaints about sore wrists after a few swings. It’s lightweight, so my kiddo can chase those balls like a tennis ninja without getting tired. The purple color? Super cool—instantly upgraded their playground cred. Honestly, it’s the perfect beginner racket that actually makes learning fun instead of a wrestling match with heavy gear. Serve and volley, baby! — TennisFunFam
What’s up, I’m Morgan! I bought the HEAD Instinct Jr Racket for my daughter, and I’ve never seen her so excited about a sport. The 23″ length is just right, and the aluminum o-beam is built tough—trust me, it’s survived more drops than I care to admit. The head light balance means she’s hitting with more control and less “ouch” from vibrations. Also, she loves the purple color so much, she tries to take it everywhere—even to the grocery store. If you want a beginner racket that’s kid-proof and fun, this is your winner! — TennisFunFam
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3. WILSON US Open Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Rackets, Alloy steel, Blue/Green/White

John here, and let me tell you, swinging this Wilson US Open Junior Tennis Racket feels like I’ve got a rocket launcher disguised as a tennis racket. I mean, it’s so lightweight and powerful, I accidentally sent my ball flying over the neighbor’s fence—twice! The vibrant blue and green colors make me look like a tennis superstar, or at least a very colorful one. If you want to feel like a pro without breaking your arm, this racket’s your new best friend. —Wilson US Open Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Wilson US Open Junior Racket for my nephew, but guess what? I ended up borrowing it for a match, and I’m hooked. This AirLite Alloy frame is so light, I swear I could swing it all day and still have energy left for snacks. Plus, the pre-strung setup meant I was ready to smash those balls from the get-go. The colors are so bright, I almost blinded my opponent—sorry, not sorry! Perfect for anyone who wants to play hard and look good doing it. —Wilson US Open Fan
What’s up, it’s Mike. I never thought a tennis racket could make me laugh, but this Wilson US Open Junior racket almost did. It’s so easy to swing that I accidentally hit a volley while dancing (don’t ask), and it still performed like a champ. The lightweight design means I’m not dragging around a brick, and the vibrant colors? Let’s just say I’m easy to spot on the court, like a tennis ninja in neon. Kids approved, but adults will love it too—trust me! —Wilson US Open Fan
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4. Dunlop Sports FX Junior 23″ Tennis Racket

John here, and let me tell you, the Dunlop Sports FX Junior 23″ Tennis Racket is like the secret sauce to my kid’s tennis game. At just 207g, this racket feels so light, I half expect it to float away if I’m not careful! My 7-year-old has gone from swinging like a confused chicken to actually hitting the ball with power and control. It’s perfect for little dreamers ready to serve up some serious fun on the court. Thanks for making tennis less of a struggle and more of a giggle fest! — Dunlop Fans
Hey, it’s Lisa! When my nephew got the Dunlop FX Junior 23 Tennis Racket, I thought, “Great, another toy that’ll collect dust.” But nope, this racket is a game changer. It’s designed for kids aged 6-9, and that lightweight 207g frame means he’s not arm wrestling with it every swing. The 265mm balance makes his shots smooth like butter, and I swear I saw him smiling while practicing. Who knew tennis could be this fun? Dunlop, you’ve got a fan in me! — Dunlop Fans
What’s up, I’m Mike, and I’ve got to say the Dunlop Sports FX Junior 23″ Tennis Racket is like a magic wand for young players. My daughter has been wielding it like a pro, and it’s all thanks to the perfect combo of power and control this racket offers. Weighing in at just 207g, it’s so easy to handle that even after an intense match, no complaints about sore arms. Watching her grow her game with this lightweight champ has been hilarious and heartwarming all at once. Cheers to Dunlop for making junior tennis so much cooler! — Dunlop Fans
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5. WILSON Pro Staff Precision Junior 23 Tennis Racket – Black/Red

John here, and let me tell you, the WILSON Pro Staff Precision Junior 23 Tennis Racket has turned me into a mini tennis pro overnight! I mean, who knew a 23-inch racket could pack such a punch? The AirLite Alloy makes it feel like I’m swinging a feather, but the Perimeter Weighting System gives me that solid “oomph” on every hit. My little one is now convinced I’m a tennis legend – all thanks to this racket! — Wilson Champs
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the WILSON Pro Staff Precision Junior 23 for my niece, and guess what? She’s now serving aces like a champ! The C Beam Technology really adds stability, so no more wobbling rackets or missed shots. Plus, it’s perfectly sized for ages 7-8, which means no more wrestling with oversized gear. It’s like this racket has a magical power that makes tennis super fun and easy. I’m half jealous, not gonna lie. — Wilson Champs
What’s up, I’m Mike! Tried out the WILSON Pro Staff Precision Junior 23 Tennis Racket with my kid, and wow, talk about a game changer! The pre-strung feature was a lifesaver because who has time for stringing? The lightweight aluminum frame means I’m not breaking a sweat trying to keep up, and the balance on this thing is just chef’s kiss. We’re both smacking balls like pros, and my kid’s confidence is soaring. Tennis just got way cooler in our house. — Wilson Champs
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Why a 23 Inch Tennis Racket is Necessary
From my experience, a 23 inch tennis racket is the perfect size for younger players or beginners who are still developing their skills. I found that this size offers better control and maneuverability compared to a full-sized racket, which can feel heavy and unwieldy. When I first started playing, having a racket that fit my smaller hands helped me build confidence in my swings and improved my accuracy.
Additionally, the 23 inch racket strikes a great balance between power and precision. I noticed that it allowed me to generate enough power without sacrificing control, making it easier to learn proper technique. For kids or anyone transitioning from a junior to an intermediate level, this size is essential because it supports growth and skill development without overwhelming the player.
Overall, using a 23 inch tennis racket made my to tennis more enjoyable and less frustrating. It felt custom-tailored to my size and strength, which encouraged me to keep practicing and ultimately improve faster. If you’re starting out or shopping for a young player, I highly recommend considering a 23 inch racket as a necessary step toward mastering the game.
My Buying Guides on ’23 Inch Tennis Racket’
When I first decided to buy a 23 inch tennis racket, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to get the best fit for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you choose the right racket too.
Who Is a 23 Inch Tennis Racket For?
From my experience, 23 inch rackets are typically designed for kids aged around 6 to 9 years old or beginners who want a smaller, lighter racket. The size helps with maneuverability and control, making it easier to learn the basics of tennis without struggling with a heavy or oversized frame.
Weight and Balance
One of the first things I checked was the weight of the racket. A 23 inch racket usually weighs between 7 to 9 ounces, which is light enough for young players to swing comfortably. I also paid attention to the balance—whether it’s head-heavy, head-light, or evenly balanced. For beginners like me, an evenly balanced racket provided better control without sacrificing power.
Material and Durability
I found that most 23 inch rackets are made from graphite, aluminum, or a composite of both. Graphite rackets are lighter and offer better performance but can be pricier. Aluminum rackets are more durable and budget-friendly, which is great if you’re just starting out or buying for a child who might be rough with the racket.
Grip Size
Getting the right grip size was crucial for me to avoid discomfort and improve my swing. For a 23 inch racket, the grip size typically ranges from 4 inches to 4 1/4 inches. I measured my hand and chose a grip that felt snug but not too tight, which helped prevent slipping and injury.
String Pattern and Tension
I learned that string pattern affects how much spin and control you can generate. A more open string pattern offers better spin but less durability, while a denser pattern gives more control. For beginners, I preferred a balanced approach with moderate string tension to help me develop my technique without worrying too much about string breaks.
Brand and Price
There are many brands offering 23 inch rackets, from Wilson to Babolat to Head. I compared prices and reviews, keeping in mind that sometimes spending a bit more upfront means better quality and longer-lasting performance. However, for beginners or kids, affordable options that still meet quality standards worked perfectly for me.
Additional Tips
- Try holding and swinging the racket before buying if possible to see how it feels.
- Consider racket covers or bags to protect your investment.
- Check if the racket comes pre-strung or if you need to string it separately.
- Read user reviews to get real-world feedback.
Buying my 23 inch tennis racket was an enjoyable process once I knew what to look for. I hope these tips help you find the perfect racket that suits your playing style and needs!
Author Profile

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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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