Wimbledon Fever Sparks Surge in Tennis Participation
With Wimbledon in full swing, interest in tennis has soared across Britain. According to the latest Lawn Tennis Association figures, adult participation in Britain increased by 44 per cent between 2019 and 2023, reaching 5.6 million players. Since then, excitement around tennis and padel has likely pushed that number even higher.
Affordable Racket Does Not Mean Sacrificing Quality
Tennis rackets can range from under £50 to well over £250, with factors like frame materials, head sizes, weights, string patterns, balance points, and grip sizes to consider. Fitness writer Zoë Griffin tested rackets on the court and found that one of the best-performing buys was also one of the most affordable: the Babolat Eagle tennis racket, priced at less than £30.
Babolat Eagle Tennis Racket Review
The Babolat Eagle racket is lightweight, forgiving, and perfect for newcomers or occasional players. Griffin praised its ease of use during gentle rallies and coaching drills. The 275g aluminium frame is durable and forgiving, allowing beginners to focus on footwork and timing rather than the racket itself. While it lacks the responsiveness of graphite rackets, this is unnoticeable for new players.
Babolat has an excellent reputation in tennis, and the Eagle feels well-made despite its low price. It is not a racket for long-term competitive play, but for first-time or social players, it offers everything needed at a compelling price.
Specifications and Availability
- Weight: 275g
- Head size: 105 sq. in
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Grip options: L2, L3
- Material: Aluminium
The Babolat Eagle tennis racket is available on Amazon for £26.99. Griffin recommends it as an affordable way to get on court without feeling like you've bought a toy.
"Taking up tennis doesn't have to mean spending hundreds of pounds on your first racket," Griffin said. "At under £30, the Babolat Eagle is an affordable way to get out on court without feeling like you've bought a toy."
