Sports & Recreation

Help buying a tennis racquet

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  • Jun 2nd, 2016 11:27 am
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[OP]
Sr. Member
Nov 21, 2008
762 posts
315 upvotes

Help buying a tennis racquet

I am located in Toronto and looking to buy a new tennis racquet, but despite spending about an hour researching on the internet, I am totally lost.

I have been playing tennis for the past 10 years or so, but with increasing frequency over the past 3-4 years summers. I guess 12-20 times per summer?
I never took lessons as a kid, so my game is not technically proficient, but I would guess I am a 3.0 or a 3.5 (although I really have no idea).

I have been playing for the past 8 years with an old Head TI radical that was given to me (im guessing the racquet itself is over 10 years old).

I don't have a ton of power, and use spin/control a fair bit - so I think that means I should get a racquet that adds power to my game, right? I'm about 5'7 and 150 pounds if that makes any difference.

As a frugal person, I'm looking to get the most value for purchase. I'd be willing to spend around $200, although if I can get an extremely great racquet for only $100 used, I would be happy with that.

Can anyone shed some advice on racquets they recommend (and the price range) for me, in addition to the best places in Toronto to buy a racquet?

Lastly, can someone speak to buying a used racquet. I've been told that demoing is important, which would make it seem like buying used is a bad option, but if the prices are substantially cheaper, I would be ok with that. Are there any Toronto tennis sites to buy racquets like Torontogolfnuts?

Thanks for your advice and feedback!
5 replies
Member
Oct 11, 2007
342 posts
129 upvotes
Toronto
I've owned the Titanium Radical and have bought the newer iterations of it and they have been pretty consistent in feel with good power. Love the balance and it’s my go-to racket.
I’ve spent a lot of money on rackets through the years (Wilson, Babolat, Head) and tried everything (head heavy, head light, stiffer frame). Nowadays my primary racket is the Radical. Back in university, I used to love the feel of my Wilson Pro Staff, but nowadays, after 20 minutes of hitting, my game drops significantly because it takes a toll on you.
I recommend a lighter well balanced racket if your just a recreational player.
I believe Sporting life has a program were you can try out rackets for free before you buy so definitely do that.
[OP]
Sr. Member
Nov 21, 2008
762 posts
315 upvotes
Thanks for the responses so far.
If I decide to buy a new racquet, I will likely use a demo program. My only concern is if I use a demo program, I will then have to buy the racquet from that store. Before I'm in such a position, I would want to know what store has the cheapest prices for the range of racquets I'm looking for.
Newbie
Jan 24, 2007
58 posts
19 upvotes
Markham
Check out http://www.racquetguys.com , I used to go their warehouse sales from time to time, always had good deals on all tennis related items and huge range of tennis racquets on site. They just moved from their old Scarborough location to slightly north of Victoria park and steeles in Markham and have their grand reopening sale for the month of June.
[OP]
Sr. Member
Nov 21, 2008
762 posts
315 upvotes
rickardsred wrote: Check out http://www.racquetguys.com , I used to go their warehouse sales from time to time, always had good deals on all tennis related items and huge range of tennis racquets on site. They just moved from their old Scarborough location to slightly north of Victoria park and steeles in Markham and have their grand reopening sale for the month of June.
I was told they are having a big sale this month. The only problem is that they're located in Markham - so if I wanted to demo the racquets first, that would mean a whole lot of driving. We'll see.

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