British stalwarts Dunlop possess one of the most recognisable logos in the game: the energetic “Flying D” has flashed through the air at tennis courts around the world since the 1960s. But their history goes back much further. All the way to 1888 and founder John Boyd Dunlop’s invention of the rubber pneumatic tyre for bicycles, a revolutionary development with all kinds of applications.
A few decades later, having initially entered the world of sport by producing rubber golf balls, Dunlop turned to tennis, using their expertise in vulcanisation to create some of the first “modern” tennis balls in 1923.
Then came the rackets. Or, more specifically, then came the Maxply. First introduced in 1932, the legendary wooden frame dominated the professional game for the next 50 years. Rod Laver wielded it to win both of his calendar year Grand Slams in the 60s, and it was in the hands of John McEnroe as he secured his Wimbledon and US Open double in 1981. After the Maxply came the carbon fibre Max 150G, and then the 200G – the racket Steffi Graf used to win the Golden Slam in 1988.
Dunlop’s focus extends beyond the pro game, though. In fact, their mission is to share the joy of tennis, giving every player the chance to enjoy the process of getting better, bit by bit, whatever your level.
Following that ethos, their modern range is clearly defined and easy to choose from. You’ve got the CX series for control, the FX for power, and the SX for spin, all available in a selection of weights and headsizes, of course.
Why it’s important
A poorly sized tennis racket can both increase risk of injury and impede the growth of technical skills, so it’s vital for junior tennis players to find the right racket during the key stages of development.
By age/heightThe easiest way to tell what size will fit best is to simply use this chart to find the right racket length for a certain age or height. This should give a good indication of the general sizes to look for, but keep in mind that outliers who are particularly tall, short, strong or weak for their age may need to size up or down. If the junior player in question falls below these ranges for age or height, consider a 17-inch racket.
Dunlop FX 26 Inch Junior Tennis Racket
Amplify every aspect of your game with the Dunlop FX 500 Junior 26 tennis racket in Blue/Black, a junior version of the versatile frame that combines power, spin, and control for all-round domination.
Updated for improved power and comfort, the next generation of the FX range retains the easy playability of its predecessor, while a few choice tweaks to the specs make it even more arm-friendly.
Designed for junior players aged 12 and up, the 26in edition of the FX 500 weighs in at an easily manoeuvrable 250g. Like every racket in the Force range, it features a 16/19 string pattern for easy access to spin, and a mixed-width beam provides stability where you need it.
Dunlop
Control Racket
Control rackets usually have closed string patterns – essentially, more strings per area – to increase ball contact and give you more control over your shots. They tend to have thinner beams to allow more flex and often utilise material technologies to make you feel more connected to the ball.
Features
• Headsize: 645 sq cm / 100 sq in
• Weight (Unstrung): 250g / 8.8oz
• Balance (Unstrung): 320mm
• Beam: 24-26-24mm
• Length: 660mm / 26in
• String Pattern: 16/19
• Flexibility: 66 RA
• Head cover: No
• Recommended for ages 12+
• Please note this racket will come strung unless the image displays otherwise
• Weight (Unstrung): 250g / 8.8oz
• Balance (Unstrung): 320mm
• Beam: 24-26-24mm
• Length: 660mm / 26in
• String Pattern: 16/19
• Flexibility: 66 RA
• Head cover: No
• Recommended for ages 12+
• Please note this racket will come strung unless the image displays otherwise
Additional Information
- Quick Ref: 278231
- Man. Ref: 10335963
How to choose the right tennis racket grip size? It starts right here.
Finding your perfect grip size isn't just about comfort - it's about unlocking control, confidence, and consistency on every swing. Whether you're ripping forehands with a Babolat Pure Drive or chasing control with the Wilson Blade, the right grip transforms your racket into a true extension of your arm.
This guide breaks it down step by step - from the "shake hands" test to the classic ruler trick - so you can dial in the grip that fits your game. We cover the difference between US and European grip sizes, how your playing style (spin vs control) affects your ideal fit, and why overgrips are the low-key MVPs when you're in between sizes. Plus, expert tips on injury prevention, grip maintenance, and when to switch it up.
Still unsure what tennis grip size to go for?
Start with our guide and shop confidently. Because when your racket feels right, everything else clicks into place.
👉 Read the full Tennis Grip Size Guide now at Pro:Direct Tennis
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