HEAD Speed 21 Junior Pre-Strung Tennis Racquet, Lightweight

The Verdict

Opening: The right first racket matters more than you think

Most parents make the same mistake: they buy a cheap wooden racket from a big-box store or hand down an adult frame, then wonder why their kid quits after two lessons. The HEAD Speed 21 Junior avoids that trap entirely. It’s a purpose-built youth racket that respects the fact that a 6-year-old’s arm, grip, and swing speed are completely different from an adult’s. At 4.8/5 stars across 240 ratings, it’s clearly doing something right.

What you actually get

The box contains the racket, pre-strung, plus a small headcover (check the listing — some batches include it, some don’t, so verify before ordering). The frame is 21 inches long — the standard length for kids around 4'0" to 4'6" (ages 5-8). It weighs roughly 190 grams (about 6.7 ounces), which is critical: a full-size adult racket weighs 300+ grams and will feel like a baseball bat to a young child. The grip size is 4 inches, designed for small hands, and the head size is 95 square inches — large enough to make contact forgiving but not so oversized it becomes unwieldy.

Performance and build quality

The Speed 21 uses HEAD’s typical graphite composite construction, which gives it a bit of flex without feeling flimsy. Out of the box, the string tension sits around 50 pounds — a middle ground that works for most kids. The pre-strung synthetic gut is durable enough to survive a season of lessons and driveway sessions, though it won’t have the spin-friendly texture of higher-end polyester. What matters most is what happens on court: the lightweight frame lets young players generate racket head speed naturally, which is far more important at this age than power or spin. Kids can actually swing through the ball instead of muscling it.

What buyers consistently praise

The dominant theme in reviews is that kids transition to this racket easily. One parent put it well: “My son went from whiffing constantly to actually making contact within one practice.” Another noted, “It’s light enough that my 5-year-old doesn’t complain about his arm hurting after 20 minutes.” Multiple reviewers mention the grip size being appropriate — not too thick, which is a common issue with adult frames. Several also noted the racket holds up well to being dropped, banged on the court, and left in the car in summer heat.

Where it falls short

The main complaint is minor but worth noting: the string tension is a touch tight for complete beginners. If your child is 4 or 5 and brand new, you might want to have it restrung at a lower tension (around 45 pounds) for a more forgiving feel. That’s an extra $15-20 cost, which is annoying on a budget-friendly racket. Also, the included cover is flimsy — it’s essentially a thin drawstring bag that offers minimal protection. And there’s no vibration dampener included, so some kids feel a bit of ping on off-center hits.

Who should buy this

This racket is ideal for:

• Parents of kids aged 5-8 who are starting tennis lessons or playing recreationally
• Families who want a quality racket that will last one to two seasons without breaking the bank
• Coaches looking for a reliable club racket for beginner clinics

Skip it if your child is under 4 (they need a 19-inch frame) or over 8 (they should move to a 23-inch model). Also skip if your kid is already playing competitively — they’ll outgrow this within a year.

FAQ: Three questions shoppers actually ask

Is it really pre-strung and ready to play? Yes. It arrives with synthetic gut strings installed at factory tension. Unwrap, grip, and hit. No stringing service needed.

Will this fit a 6-year-old? Generally yes, assuming your child is around 4'0" to 4'6". The 21-inch length and 4-inch grip are sized for that range. If your kid is on the taller side, consider the 23-inch version.

How durable is it for a kid who throws their racket? The graphite composite is surprisingly tough. Reviewers report it surviving drops, scrapes, and general kid abuse. It won’t shatter like a pro-level frame, and the string lasts through heavy use.

The Verdict

The HEAD Speed 21 Junior is a smart, thoughtful piece of youth equipment that gets the fundamentals right: proper length, proper weight, proper grip. It’s not flashy and won’t make your kid the next Serena Williams, but it will give them a fair chance to learn the game without fighting their equipment.

Buy it if you want a quality starter racket that fits a 5-8 year old correctly and will survive a season or two of abuse.

Skip it if your child is under 4 or already playing tournament-level tennis — they need a different size or a more advanced frame.

Rating: 4.6/5

Note: Prices fluctuate on Amazon. Check the listing for current availability and any bundle deals that might include a cover or balls.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.