In 2025, racquet sports will continue to surge in popularity across the United States, driven by a blend of fitness trends and accessible recreation. From tennis and badminton to the rapidly growing pickleball scene, consumers invest in equipment that promises durability, playability, and value. To uncover what truly matters to buyers, we conducted an in-depth analysis of verified customer reviews for five of Amazon’s top-selling racquet products. This report highlights the features users rave about, the common complaints retailers should note, and what sets these products apart in a competitive marketplace.
Table of Contents
● Individual analysis of top sellers
○ Kids Tennis Racket, 17 Inch Plastic Tennis Racket
○ HIRALIY Badminton Rackets for Outdoor Backyard Games
○ Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Tennis Racket
○ MTEN Pickleball Paddles, USAPA Approved Fiberglass Surface Set
○ Franklin Sports Badminton Racket + Birdie Set
● Comprehensive analysis of top sellers
○ What do customers like the most?
○ What do customers dislike the most?
○ Insights for manufacturers and retailers
● Conclusion
Individual analysis of top sellers
1. Kids Tennis Racket, 17 Inch Plastic Tennis Racket
Introduction to the item
This lightweight 17-inch plastic tennis racket is designed specifically for children, providing an introductory tool for tennis that emphasizes fun and ease of use. Ideal for beginners, the product is aimed at preschool and elementary school age groups.
Overall analysis of the comments
With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5, this racket earns consistent praise for its portability and child-friendliness. Many reviews highlight it as a great first racket for young children, with several noting that their kids picked up the game quickly due to the racket’s manageable weight and size.
What aspects of this product do users like the most?
Parents frequently mention how well the racket fits into their child’s hand. It’s applauded for its lightweight design, bright colors, and sturdy build for non-professional use. Users also appreciate its affordability, making it a low-risk option for testing a child’s interest in tennis.
What flaws did users point out?
Some concerns were raised about durability, particularly the string tension and the plastic frame not withstanding rough play. Others noted that the included ball was of low quality. A few reviews also suggested the racket is more of a toy than a sports-grade product.
2. HIRALIY Badminton Rackets for Outdoor Backyard Games
Introduction to the item
This all-in-one badminton set includes four steel rackets, twelve nylon shuttlecocks, grip tapes, and a carrying bag. It is a recreational kit for families and beginners seeking casual outdoor fun.
Overall analysis of the comments
Scoring an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, the HIRALIY set is widely endorsed for backyard activities. Buyers consistently commend the bundle’s completeness and value, with many using it for family gatherings or summer games.
What aspects of this product do users like the most?
The sturdy steel frame, lightweight feel, and included accessories are praised extensively. Users highlight the added grip tapes and the carrying case as thoughtful touches. Many enjoy the versatility, noting that the rackets are appropriate for adults and older children.
What flaws did users point out?
Durability concerns appear in some reviews, especially regarding the birdies, which a few users said broke after repeated use. Some commented on the grip tapes peeling off or not adhering well. Several reviews suggested quality control could be improved, especially with packaging and stitching.
3. Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Tennis Racket
Introduction to the item
Endorsed with Roger Federer’s branding, this aluminum-frame adult recreational racket is designed for beginner to intermediate players. It features a 4 3/8″ grip size and an AirLite alloy construction that balances power and control.
Overall analysis of the comments
With a strong average rating of 4.7 out of 5, this Wilson racket is a fan favorite among casual players and returning athletes. Many buyers cite it as an excellent value for its performance, build, and feel during play.
What aspects of this product do users like the most?
Users consistently mention its comfortable grip, solid frame, and smooth power transfer. The racket is light enough for long matches yet durable enough to absorb impact well. Inspired by professional gear, its aesthetic design is also a plus for many.
What flaws did users point out?
A few users noted that the racket is slightly heavier than premium alternatives, which might affect quick reflex shots. Some were disappointed that no case was included, especially since this is a mid-tier product. Minor complaints about the grip being too thick for smaller hands were also reported.
4. MTEN Pickleball Paddles, USAPA Approved Fiberglass Surface Set
Introduction to the item
This MTEN pickleball paddle set includes two USAPA-approved fiberglass paddles, four outdoor balls, grip tape, and a carry bag. It targets players of all ages and skill levels looking to enjoy a full starter kit at a competitive price.
Overall analysis of the comments
With an outstanding average rating of 4.8 out of 5, this set stands out as a best-seller in its category. Many reviews emphasize its impressive performance-to-price ratio and comprehensive packaging, making it a go-to gift or entry-level option.
What aspects of this product do users like the most?
Buyers celebrate the paddles’ lightweight yet solid feel, comfortable grip, and responsive paddle face. Users appreciate the complete bundle with a convenient bag and extra grips. Many describe the paddle as beginner-friendly but still effective for more competitive play.
What flaws did users point out?
Critical feedback is minimal, but some users found the included balls to be of lower quality, often replacing them with higher-end alternatives. A few reviews mentioned strap durability issues on the carrying case. Nonetheless, the paddles themselves are rarely criticized.
5. Franklin Sports Badminton Racket + Birdie Set
Introduction to the item
This affordable two-player set includes two rackets and shuttlecocks for casual or family backyard use. It’s positioned as an entry-level recreational option.
Overall analysis of the comments
Holding a more moderate average rating of 3.9 out of 5, this Franklin set draws mixed feedback. While many users find it suitable for informal play, consistent concerns about build quality emerge throughout the reviews.
What aspects of this product do users like the most?
Consumers enjoy its budget price and lightweight construction. It’s widely considered ideal for kids and absolute beginners. Many buyers appreciate the simplicity and portability of the set, especially for spontaneous outdoor activities.
What flaws did users point out?
Durability is a common complaint. Users report string breakage, birdies falling apart quickly, and handle tape unraveling. Others note that the overall build feels flimsy, making the product best suited for occasional rather than regular use.
Comprehensive analysis of top sellers
What do customers like the most?
Across all five racquet products analyzed, several positive themes emerged:
- Beginner-friendly design: Customers consistently praised lightweight racquets, which were easy to handle and suitable for entry-level players. Products like the Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Tennis Racket and HIRALIY Badminton Rackets received high marks for being approachable and forgiving for casual or beginner users.
- Value for money: Buyers were pleased when they felt the product delivered solid quality for a competitive price. For instance, the MTEN Pickleball Paddle Set was highlighted for its completeness—offering paddles, balls, and a carry bag at an affordable price, making it popular for families and newcomers to the sport.
- Durability in entry-level use: For products like the Wilson Federer and MTEN Pickleball, users appreciated the balance of power and control with relatively strong build quality, particularly given the low to mid-range price points. Even if these weren’t professional-grade, they withstood light to moderate recreational use.
- Comfortable grips and handling: Ergonomic and sweat-absorbing grips were repeatedly mentioned as standout features, especially in the pickleball and tennis racquets. Comfortable handling enhanced user satisfaction, especially for extended play sessions.
What do customers dislike the most?
Despite the generally positive feedback, users also pointed out recurring issues:
- Budget model durability concerns: The Franklin Sports Badminton Racket + Birdie Set drew significant criticism for its fragility. Reports of birdies breaking within minutes and racket strings loosening after limited use were frequent. This suggests a gap between buyer expectations and material longevity in ultra-low-cost sets.
- Weight imbalance or heaviness: Some products were described as heavier than expected. While the Wilson Federer racket’s weight was beneficial for developing arm strength, others found certain rackets cumbersome, which could affect ease of play for children or seniors.
- Packaging and incomplete kits: With sets like HIRALIY Badminton, users noted occasional packaging inconsistencies or the absence of expected accessories like shuttlecock holders or storage bags. For multi-item kits, completeness and clarity in product descriptions are critical.
- Lack of professional features: Advanced players sometimes critiqued beginner sets for lacking technical refinements such as string tension consistency, grip customizability, or head balance. However, these critiques were often tempered by the acknowledgment that the products were not intended for high-performance play.
Insights for manufacturers and retailers
The review data reveals critical opportunities for manufacturers and sellers targeting racquet sports enthusiasts in the U.S. market:
- Invest in entry-level durability: Even casual users expect a baseline of resilience. Reinforcing shuttlecock tips, using tighter pre-strung frames, or upgrading low-cost handles with better adhesion or grip wraps can significantly boost customer satisfaction and reduce negative feedback.
- Emphasize full starter kits with quality accessories: Products like MTEN Pickleball Paddles, including extra grips, balls, and a travel case, gained a strong competitive edge. Retailers should consider bundling well-matched accessories and advertising what’s included to appeal to families and new players.
- Optimize weight distribution for versatile use: Balancing racket weight to satisfy both strength training and ease of maneuverability can broaden the appeal across age groups. Using modern lightweight composite materials can address this without increasing costs substantially.
- Highlight ergonomic and safety features: Sweat-absorbing grips, vibration-reducing shock pads, and impact-resistant frames were highly valued. Calling out these technical specifications in product listings can influence purchase decisions, especially for health-conscious or senior buyers.
- Design for visual appeal and packaging impact: Especially for giftable or kid-oriented sets, the appearance and unboxing experience matter. Bright colors, modern graphics, and reusable packaging (e.g., mesh or fabric bags) add perceived value.
- Customer education can reduce returns: For products prone to beginner misuse (like tight string tension leading to quick damage), including quick-start guides, care tips, or QR codes linking to tutorial videos may help reduce frustration and extend product life.
Conclusion
The racquet sports market on Amazon USA reflects a strong demand for affordable, beginner-friendly products that don’t compromise on comfort and basic performance. While each top-selling item in this analysis offers unique strengths—ranging from durability to value-packed bundles—common consumer priorities include ergonomic design, lightweight handling, and decent build quality for recreational play. On the other hand, the most frequent drawbacks cited by buyers revolve around durability in lower-end models and occasional dissatisfaction with packaging or weight. For manufacturers and retailers aiming to stand out, aligning product design and presentation with these insights will be key to sustaining high ratings and consumer trust in a competitive and fast-growing market.
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