Most real tennis shops (as opposed to Department Stores, outlet sports shops, etc) have loaner programs so that you can test racquets before purchasing them.
The staff at tennis shops are usually happy to recommend a racquet tailored to your particular experience level and style of play.
It is good to buy twin racquets with the same string tension so that if you break a string mid-match, you have a back up (I buy triplets in the $300 range, but that's because I m a semi-serious USTA league player, and have been so for a long time).
Personally I like Prince racquets and K-Swiss shoes, but it all comes down to personal preference.
I hear that Cory from WEGcash is a pretty good player...
ADG