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A 21-inch tennis racket is a junior size designed to be easier for a young player to handle than a full-length racket. The best choice depends on your child’s height, experience, and whether you want a simple pre-strung option or extras like a carrying bag. Below, we compare five junior rackets and explain what to check before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Racket | Best for | Notable details | Availability note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson US Open Jr 21 Tennis Racket | A young beginner drawn to a colorful starter racket | Aluminum frame; 16×18 string pattern | Listed as available in the supplied product information |
| HEAD Instinct 21 Junior Tennis Racquet | Beginners who want a pre-strung racket | Head-light balance; aluminum O-beam construction; 3 5/8-inch grip | Listed as available in the supplied product information |
| HEAD Speed 21 Junior Tennis Racquet | Young players who want detailed size and weight specifications | Pre-strung; 180 g; 21.1-inch length; 81-square-inch head | Listed as available in the supplied product information |
| AMA SPORT 21-Inch Kids Tennis Racket | Beginners who would like a carrying bag | Lightweight design; shoulder-strap bag included | Listed as available in the supplied product information |
| Dunlop Nitro 21-Inch Tennis Racket | Junior lessons and recreational play | Strung junior racket; lightweight design | Marked unavailable in the supplied product information |
Our Picks: Best 21 Inch Tennis Rackets reviews
Wilson US Open Jr 21: A Colorful Starter Racket
The Wilson US Open Jr 21 is a junior starter racket with a blue, US Open-themed design. Its aluminum frame is described as combining durability with lightweight strength, making it a straightforward option for a child getting a feel for tennis.
The listed 16×18 string pattern gives you a useful specification to compare with other junior rackets. The product information does not include a weight, grip size, or suggested player height, so check the listing and consider your child’s comfort holding and swinging it before choosing.
Compared with the HEAD options below, this Wilson has fewer fit details listed, and the supplied information does not say whether it comes pre-strung. It may suit a beginner who likes its design, but parents looking for clear age and height guidance may prefer the more fully specified HEAD choices.
Pros:
- 21-inch junior size for young players
- Aluminum frame described as lightweight and durable
- 16×18 string pattern is specified
- US Open-themed blue design
Cons:
- Weight and grip size are not provided in the supplied details
- Pre-strung status is not specified
Verdict: Choose the Wilson if its design appeals to your child and you are comfortable confirming fit and setup details on the listing.
HEAD Instinct 21: A Pre-Strung Pick with Fit Guidance
The HEAD Instinct 21 is designed for young beginners and comes pre-strung, so the product description says it is ready to play without additional setup. Its aluminum O-beam frame is intended to hold up through regular practice, while the head-light balance is described as supporting maneuverability and control.
HEAD lists this 21-inch size for children ages 4 and up who are 40–44 inches tall. The specified 3 5/8-inch grip gives you another point to check against your child’s hand and comfort. HEAD also offers larger sizes in the same junior line, which may help when it is time to size up.
Compared with the HEAD Speed, the Instinct page provides age and height guidance but not the same detailed weight and head-size figures. It is a practical option if you value a pre-strung racket and clear sizing information over a longer list of specifications.
Pros:
- Pre-strung and described as ready to play
- Age and height guidance is provided for the 21-inch size
- Head-light balance is designed to support handling and control
- Aluminum O-beam construction
Cons:
- The supplied details do not list the racket’s weight or head size
- The stated age and height range may not match every child’s comfort or skill level
Verdict: The Instinct is a strong fit for a beginner who falls within the listed size range and wants a pre-strung racket with clear fit guidance.
HEAD Speed 21: A Lightweight, Pre-Strung Junior Racquet
The HEAD Speed 21 is a pre-strung junior racket for children learning coordination, technique, and control. Its aluminum O-beam construction is designed for regular practice, and the product description highlights a kid-friendly grip intended to help young players hold the racket securely.
This model has some of the clearest specifications in the group: it weighs 180 g (6.3 oz), measures 21.1 inches long, and has an 81-square-inch head. HEAD lists it for children ages 4–6 who are 40–44 inches tall. The described head size offers a forgiving contact area, a useful consideration for a beginner still learning to meet the ball consistently.
Against the Instinct, the Speed provides more detail about weight and head size, while both are pre-strung and have aluminum O-beam construction. The supplied information does not give the Speed a stated grip measurement, so compare the handle in person or check the listing if grip fit is a priority.
Pros:
- Pre-strung for play without separate stringing setup
- Weight, length, and head size are specified
- Listed for children ages 4–6 and 40–44 inches tall
- Lightweight aluminum O-beam frame
Cons:
- Grip size is not specified in the supplied details
- The listed age and height range will not suit every junior player
Verdict: Pick the HEAD Speed if you want a pre-strung 21-inch racket and value having its weight, length, and head size spelled out.
AMA SPORT 21-Inch Racket: A Starter Kit with a Shoulder Bag
The AMA SPORT 21-inch racket is part of a junior range that also includes other racket sizes. The product description presents this pink model as a starter option for young beginners and emphasizes a lightweight frame and a large sweet spot to make early practice more approachable.
A 420D nylon shoulder-strap bag is included, which is a practical extra for carrying the racket to lessons or keeping it stored between sessions. The product information also connects the line with the ITF “Play + Stay” teaching philosophy, but it does not provide a racket weight, grip size, or a specific age and height range for this 21-inch model.
Compared with the HEAD rackets, the AMA SPORT option stands out for its included bag rather than detailed fit specifications or confirmation that it is pre-strung. Check the listing carefully if those details matter to you before ordering.
Pros:
- 21-inch junior size in a pink design
- Shoulder-strap carrying bag is included
- Lightweight frame is described as easy to swing
- Part of a junior range with several racket sizes
Cons:
- Weight, grip size, and age guidance are not provided in the supplied details
- Pre-strung status is not specified
Verdict: Consider the AMA SPORT if the included shoulder bag is useful and you can confirm that the racket’s fit and setup work for your child.
Dunlop Nitro 21-Inch: A Strung Racket for Junior Practice
The Dunlop Nitro is a strung 21-inch junior racket intended for lessons, camps, and recreational play. Its product description focuses on helping young players work on swing mechanics and court fundamentals, with a lightweight design meant to make longer practice sessions more manageable.
The frame is also described as promoting a solid feel on contact and more predictable shots. These are useful goals for a junior racket, but the supplied details do not include its exact weight, grip size, or a recommended age and height range. That makes it harder to compare fit precisely with the HEAD models.
The Dunlop could be worth considering if it becomes available and its fit suits your player. However, it is marked unavailable in the supplied product information, so it is not the most practical immediate choice. The HEAD Speed offers a similar junior practice focus with more listed specifications and is marked available in the supplied information.
Pros:
- Strung junior racket
- Designed for lessons, camps, and recreational play
- Lightweight design is intended to reduce fatigue
- Product description emphasizes stability and controlled contact
Cons:
- Marked unavailable in the supplied product information
- Weight, grip size, and age guidance are not provided in the supplied details
Verdict: Keep the Dunlop Nitro on your shortlist only if it becomes available and you can confirm the fit; otherwise, the HEAD Speed is a more straightforward option to compare.
How to Choose a 21-Inch Tennis Racket
Start with your child’s height and comfort
Use age and height guidance as a starting point, not a substitute for checking how the racket feels. HEAD lists its 21-inch Instinct and Speed models for children ages 4–6 who are 40–44 inches tall. Other options here do not provide the same fit range in the supplied information. If possible, have your child hold the racket and make a few easy swings; it should feel manageable rather than awkward or difficult to control.
Consider experience and intended use
A new player often benefits from a racket that is easy to handle and ready for simple practice. The HEAD Instinct and Speed are both described as beginner-friendly and come pre-strung. The Wilson is presented as a starter racket, while the AMA SPORT and Dunlop descriptions also focus on junior or recreational play. For structured lessons, compare the racket’s fit and setup with the coach’s guidance.
Check weight, length, and head size
These details can help you compare rackets beyond color and brand. The HEAD Speed lists a weight of 180 g, a length of 21.1 inches, and an 81-square-inch head. The other product details do not provide the same set of measurements. If precise specifications matter, use the product listing to confirm any missing information before you buy.
Confirm the grip and stringing setup
A comfortable grip helps a young player hold the racket without struggling. The HEAD Instinct lists a 3 5/8-inch grip, while the HEAD Speed lists a comfortable grip design without giving a size in the supplied details. The Instinct and Speed are pre-strung, and the Dunlop is described as strung. The supplied information does not confirm stringing for the Wilson or AMA SPORT, so check the listing if you want a racket ready to use straight away.
Think about extras and availability
If your child will carry the racket to lessons, the AMA SPORT’s included shoulder-strap bag may be useful. The Dunlop’s supplied listing information marks it unavailable, so check its product page before making it your first choice. Availability can change, and it is sensible to confirm the current listing details for any racket before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a 21-inch tennis racket usually for?
A 21-inch racket is a junior size for young players who need a shorter racket than an adult model. The HEAD options here are listed for children ages 4–6 who are 40–44 inches tall, but fit can vary, so use those figures as a guide and check how the racket feels in your child’s hands.
Which racket in this list is pre-strung?
The HEAD Instinct and HEAD Speed are described as pre-strung. The Dunlop Nitro is described as strung. The supplied details do not specify whether the Wilson or AMA SPORT comes strung.
Which option includes a carrying bag?
The AMA SPORT 21-inch racket includes a 420D nylon shoulder-strap bag, according to its product description.
Which racket has the most detailed specifications?
The HEAD Speed lists its weight, length, and head size, along with an age and height range. The HEAD Instinct also provides age and height guidance and a 3 5/8-inch grip size.
Is the Dunlop Nitro available?
The supplied product information marks the Dunlop Nitro as unavailable. Check its Amazon listing for the latest availability before you decide.
Should you choose a racket based on age alone?
No. Age guidance is helpful, but height, grip comfort, and the player’s ability to swing the racket comfortably also matter. When those details are not listed, check the product page or seek guidance from a tennis instructor.
Final Recommendation
For a young beginner who wants clear size guidance and a racket that comes ready to play, the HEAD Instinct is the most straightforward choice. Choose the HEAD Speed if its detailed weight and head-size specifications are more useful to you. The AMA SPORT is worth considering if the carrying bag is a priority, while the Wilson offers a simple themed starter option. The Dunlop Nitro has a junior-practice focus, but its supplied listing information marks it unavailable.