Tennis Racket Advice

Been happy with my Wilson N-Code N-Tour but one has a crack and the other is coming apart so time to move on...


I am told that Babalot is the new kid on the block and that I should consider moving.


Can anyone recommend an appropriate model for an intermediate player - or better still, a tennis gear vendor who can provide advice.



Two tickets to my first centre court match at Wimbledon if you can help!

ed, tennis racket is the extension of your arm. i would suggest you demo a few rackets, including wilson, babolat, head and prince. i dont believe in following trends when choosing a tennis racket and there is no new kid on the block. just try a few rackets and buy the one that you feel comfortable and confident with. if you see professional players, they do not change racket - ever for some players - see pete sampras. also andre agassi when he won the french open he was using his old racket but head painted the outlook to make it look like a new model. remember tennis racket is like an extension of your arm you have to be very selective and follow your own instinct when choosing one - not following the trend.


hope this helps.

Ed,


There is a shop on electric road called the pro shop, I expect it is still there is serves all the tennis players playing in Victoria Park for buying tennis balls, stringing and rackets, if you take the Victoria park exit in tin hau station, it is a small shop on the lright just after the fruit stand as soon as you come out the station.


They have a good range, and when I was a kid, the person that owned it, or ran it used to give really good advice.


If anything worth having a look even if all you get is an indication of price.

Thanks both for the excellent advice... I was told I would get more power out of the Babolot but will see how it feels before I move off the Wilson... will check out that shop for sure

Finding a sport shop in Asia that can give advice. You surely jest!!


Wilsons are typically well balanced racquets with rasonably stiff frames. If you felt most comfortable with it, then buy something similar. Heads are generally quite similar, so you may wish to consider them too.


Do some internet research before you go into a shop. My recommendation is that you first choose the head size. Again, if you liked your previous head size, then stick with that. Smaller head sizes are for touch players, favouring control vs power. Large heads >100 sq inches are typically for people who are slowing down occasional players, more concerned with hitting the ball than hitting it correctly. Large heads have power, but typically have wide string patterns which means less feel (and more string wear).


Next choose the stiffness. Stiff for touch and control, "flexible" for power. If you suffer from tennis elbow and you like a stiff racquet, then you need to strong looser and put a vibration dampner in the strongs.


Next weight. If you have powerful forearms, you are OK with most racquets. Net players and touch players typically like lighter racquets which are lighter, whereas power players like heavier racquets.


Next string pattern. Closer for control. Wider for power.


Some of the Wilsons & Princes are longer (typically those from the US). If you could notice the difference, you probably wouldn't be asking this question.


Don't believe all the BS about top player X or Y playing with a specific racquet. If they're in the top 20, they get their racquets individually manufactured, with personalised weighting and balance. Nothing like the lookalikes in the sports stores.


Borrow a friend's racquet and try it out. If you like your existing racquet, stick with what you know. Price some racquets over the internet to get best value.

Classic Pro Shop

Located near the courts where most major international tournaments are held, this is the shop where both local tennis players and pros such as Roger Federer and Venus Williams get their rackets strung when they are in town. It offers a wide range of branded rackets and essential tennis gear.

38 Electric Rd., Tin Hau, 2578-2770


Mastergear

Opened by a tennis fanatic, Mastergear specializes in all kinds of tennis gear, as you would expect. Helpful and knowledgeable staff can help you pick the perfect racket. This shop also sells secondhand rackets (some which are barely used at all), which might be helpful if you don’t want to commit to a brand new racket just yet.

13/F, Richmond Plaza, 498 Jaffe Rd., Causeway Bay, 3428-5002


MRS

Smack in the middle of busy Mong Kok, MRS stocks a large selection of tennis rackets, and the prices are relatively lower, too. 1/F, 660 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, 2396-2021

Ten best tennis racquets


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/the-ten-best-tennis-racquets-2217027.html

MRS in Mongkok is definitely the best for both advices & costs.


When it comes to Babolat, I suggest the Roddick or the Nadal one depending on your game style...