Thick vs Thin frames
Thick vs think frames: In the traditional school of thought, the beam width of a tennis racket significantly influences performance, with thicker and thinner beams catering to different playing styles. While thin beam rackets are associated with classic precision-based play, thicker beam frames have gained popularity in the modern game due to enhanced power and stability, catering to today’s faster, more physical, baseline style of play.
Thick Beam Rackets (22mm – 30mm)
More Power – A stiffer frame doesn’t flex much, transferring more energy into the ball.
Larger Sweet Spot – More forgiveness on off-center shots.
Less Control & Feel – The stiffer frame absorbs less shock, making precision harder.
Less Manoeuvrable – Can feel bulkier, especially on touch shots & volleys.
More Stability – Helps counteract heavy topspin shots.
Who is this suited to?
Baseliners & power players (e.g., Nadal, Medvedev), beginner to intermediate players needing extra power and or modern topspin-heavy players.
Examples:
- Babolat Pure Drive (23-26mm beam)
- Wilson Ultra 100 (24-26mm beam)
- Yonex EZone 100 (23.8-26.5mm beam)
Thin Beam Rackets (17mm – 22mm)
More Control & Precision – A more flexible frame gives better touch.
Less Power – The extra flex absorbs energy, requiring more swing speed to generate pace.
Better Feel – More connection with the ball, ideal for touch shots & volleys.
Faster Manoeuvrability – A thinner beam cuts through the air more easily.
Less Stability – Off-center hits aren’t as forgiving.
Who is this suited to?
Advanced players who generate their own power, serve-and-volley & all-court players (e.g., Federer, Sampras) and or flat hitters & control-oriented players
Examples:
- Wilson Pro Staff 85/90 (17mm beam)
- Head Prestige (20mm beam)
- Prince Phantom (20.5mm / 19.5mm / 16.5mm)
How has the thinking on thick vs thin frames evolved over the years?
More and more so the lines between traditional thinking of thick vs thin frames and evolution of modern technology have allowed racket manufactories to produce rackets that have shared characteristics of both. As well as the evolving game and the changing demands placed on players facing more baseline rally’s and less of the serve and volley game style have forced played to look for more baseline friendly offerings.
Newer technology in materials and beam designs have also allowed players to have both power and precision without as much sacrifice, opening the doors to lighter frames and lower swingweights and coupled with lower string tensions (more pocketing) from pol strings have all contributed to this evolving trend away from thin beam rackets.
Traditionally thin beam rackets have been associated with control, and often favored by one-handed backhand players possessing a serve and volley game style while the double handed players prefer a sightly larger head sizes to rally from the baseline. The shift of the game since the late 1990s have seen a drastic drop in one-handed players over the last 20-30 years in the men’s ranks while one handed players in the female game have always remained extremely rare in comparison given the strength needed to produce a reliable shot in the modern game.
Notable male players with a single-handed backhand in the modern game:
- Pete Sampras
- Roger Federer
- Tommy Haas
- James Blake
- Cédric Pioline
- Feliciano López
- Richard Gasquet
- Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Dominic Thiem
- Grigor Dimitrov
- Lorenzo Musetti
- Stan Wawrinka
- Denis Shapovalov
Who do you think has the best one-handed backhand in the men’s game? Click here to see our list!
Notable female players with a single-handed backhand in the modern game:
- Steffi Graf
- Justine Henin
- Amélie Mauresmo
- Carla Suárez Navarro
Hybrid beams
As the name suggests, these rackets possess a good blend of both power, control, touch and manoeuvrability suited to the modern day all court players. Moreover, companies are experimenting with variable frame designs (thinner at the throat and tip of the head and tapering to a thicker beam at the mid-section of the racket head)
Examples:
- Head Extreme Pro (22mm / 23mm / 21mm beam)
- Prince Phantom 100P (20.5mm / 19.5mm / 16.5mm)
- Wilson Blade 98 (21mm beam)
- Yonex Percept 97 (21mm beam)
Thick vs thin frames - what is the best choice?
The choice between thick vs thin frame rackets ultimately depends on a player’s skill level, playing style, and personal preference. Thicker beams offer easy power and forgiveness, making them ideal for modern baseline players and those who rely on heavy topspin. On the other hand, thinner beams provide superior control, precision, and feel, catering to advanced players who generate their own power and prefer a more traditional, all court or serve and volley game.
With advancements in racket technology, the gap between these two categories is narrowing, offering more versatile options that blend power and control. There really isnt a right choice on paper until you have personally tested each racket type and have enough match play time with them. Always pick a frame that complements your game style and what feels right in your hands.