Junior Tennis Rackets in India: Head Novak, Head Radical and Yonex 21-Inch Compared
Choosing a first tennis racket for a young child? Compare Head Novak 19 and 21, Head Radical 21 and Yonex Junior 21 rackets, priced ₹2,361 to ₹2,696, and learn how to size by age.
Junior tennis rackets in India: how to size and what to buy
A racket that is too long or heavy makes technique worse for a child, because they swing it with their whole arm and lose control. Junior tennis rackets are sized by length in inches, usually 19, 21, 23, 25 and 26, and the right choice depends on height and age more than on brand. On InstaSport the 19- and 21-inch rackets from Head and Yonex sit in a narrow ₹2,361 to ₹2,696 range, so size is the real decision.
Which racket size fits which age?
As a rough guide used by many coaches: 19-inch for around 3 to 4 years, 21-inch for around 5 to 6, 23-inch for around 7 to 8, 25-inch for around 9 to 10 and 26-inch for 10 and up. Height matters more than age. A simple test is to have the child stand with the racket by their side, with the head on the ground; the hand should be able to comfortably wrap around the grip without stretching. Our junior racket size guide covers this in more depth.
Head Novak, Head Radical and Yonex Junior compared
| Racket | Price | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Head Novak 19 (2024) | ₹2,449 | 19 inch |
| Head Radical Jr. 21 (2024) | ₹2,361 | 21 inch |
| Yonex Junior 21 | ₹2,415 | 21 inch |
| Head Novak 21 (2022) | ₹2,449 | 21 inch |
| Head Radical 21 (2025) | ₹2,696 | 21 inch |
Because the prices are so close, pick by size first and then by how the racket looks; children who like their racket play more. The Head Novak 21 listing describes a 180 gram, 21-inch frame with grip size 00 for ages 4 to 6, which is a useful reference point when comparing the others.
What else does a young player need?
Start with softer, lower-pressure balls if your coach recommends them, since a standard ball bounces too high for small children. Add a few grips or dampeners as the racket wears. For older children moving on to a bigger frame, the Babolat Carlitos Junior 25 (2026) is listed at ₹3,499, and the Yonex V Core 25 at ₹5,362.
Do not buy a racket to grow into. A 23-inch racket for a child who fits a 21 usually leads to bad habits that are hard to fix later. Replace the racket when the child is clearly reaching the top of their size range.
Shop the gear
- Head Novak 19 2024 Tennis Racket — ₹2,449
- Head Radical Jr. 21 2024 Tennis Racket — ₹2,361
- Yonex Junior 21 Tennis Racket — ₹2,415
- Head Radical 21 2025 Tennis Racket — ₹2,696
- Babolat Carlitos Junior 25 2026 Tennis Racket (Strung) — ₹3,499
Related reading
- How to Choose a Junior Tennis Racket by Age: A Buying Guide for India
- Tennis Racket Grip Size Guide for India: Find Your Perfect Fit
- Tennis Overgrips and Dampeners Explained: A Buying Guide for India
Frequently asked questions
What size tennis racket for a 5-year-old?
Most 5-year-olds use a 19- or 21-inch racket, depending on height. Check with your coach and test the fit before buying.
Are junior rackets strung?
Many are sold pre-strung, but check each listing, as some rackets are unstrung and need stringing before use.
When should a child move up a racket size?
When they can swing the current racket easily and the grip and length feel too small, usually after a growth spurt. A coach can confirm the right moment.
