Racket Deals - June 2024

Looking for a new racquet for 2024? Here are some of the current deals on some of the racquets that I recommend.

Buying a Racquet Online

Before you buy a racquet, I suggest you check out the top half of a similar post I made in 2021 about grip sizes, racket weights, and other factors before you buy a racket online.

What I focus on in this post are two groupings of racquets. All of them are on sale, some more discounted than others. The first category are racquets $150 and below, and the second group is $150-200. If you're willing to spend over $200 on a racquet (I'm not), then you'll have no problem finding many top-of-line racquets in the $220-300 range.

After deciding on the right grip size and the right racquet weight (Light, medium, heavy), then look for racquets below that match those criteria and check them out. Different colors, but all good quality racquets.

Group One: $150 and below

Yonex EZONE GAME (7th GEN) Tennis Racquet - $150

• Grip sizes available: 1 & 3
• Head Size: 98 sq. in 
• Weight: Strung — 10.1 oz(286 g), Unstrung — 9.5 oz(270 g) Very light
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/yonex-ezone-game-7th-gen-tennis-racquet-95561 

Dunlop SX 300 Lite 2022 Tennis Racquet - $149

• Grip sizes 0, 1, 2, 3
• Head Size: 100 sq. in
• Weight: Strung — 10.1 oz(286 g), Unstrung — 9.5 oz(270 g) Light
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/dunlop-sx-300-lite-2022-tennis-racquet-96033

Dunlop SX 300 Limited Edition Tennis Racquet - $149

• Grip sizes 1, 2, 3
• Head Size: 100 sq. in 
• Weight: Strung — 11.2 oz(318 g), Unstrung — 10.6 oz(300 g) Medium
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/dunlop-sx-300-limited-edition-tennis-racquet-105588

Dunlop SX 300 LE Tennis Racquet - $149

• Grip sizes 1, 2, 3
• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz. Medium
• https://www.tennis-point.com/dunlop-sx-300-le-white-tennis-racquet/p/1033867-WH/

Dunlop 2021 CX 200 LS Tennis Racquet - $100

• Grip sizes 1, 2, 3
• Head Size: 98 sq. in 
• Weight: Strung — 10.8 oz(305 g), Unstrung — 10.2 oz(290 g) Medium
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/dunlop-2021-cx-200-ls-tennis-racquet-87857

Dunlop 2021 CX 200 OS Tennis Racquet - $100

• Grip sizes 1 & 2 only
• Head Size: 105 sq. in 
• Weight: Strung — 11.0 oz(312 g), Unstrung — 10.4 oz(295 g) Medium
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/dunlop-2021-cx-200-os-tennis-racquet-87861

Head Graphene XT Radical S Tennis Racquet - $99

• Grip sizes 1, 2, 3
• Headsize: 102 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.5 oz. Light-ish
• https://www.tennis-point.com/head-graphene-xt-radical-s-tennis-racquet/p/230236-S/

Group Two: Above $150 but below $200

Tecnifibre TF-X1 285 Tennis Racquet - $199.99

• Grip sizes 1, 2, 3
• Head Size: 100 sq. in
• Weight: Strung — 10.5 oz(299 g), Unstrung — 9.9 oz(285 g) Light-ish
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/tecnifibre-tf-x1-285-tennis-racquet-93483

Tecnifibre TF-X1 275 Tennis Racquet - $199.99

• Grip sizes 1, 2, 3
• Head Size: 105 sq. in
• Weight: Strung — 10.2 oz(290 g), Unstrung — 9.6 oz(273 g) Light
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/tecnifibre-tf-x1-275-tennis-racquet-93482

Tecnifibre TF40 305 (18x20) Tennis Racquet - $199

• Grip sizes 2, 3, 4
• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz. Medium
• https://www.tennis-point.com/tecnifibre-tf-40-305-18x-20-tennis-racquet/p/14TF43058/

Tecnifibre TF40 315 (16x19) Tennis Racquet - $199

• Grip sizes 2, 3, 4
• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.6 oz. Medium-heavy
• https://www.tennis-point.com/tecnifibre-tf40-315-tennis-racquet-white/p/14TF43156/

Yonex ASTREL 100 Mint Tennis Racquet - $199

• Grip size 3 only
• Head Size: 100 sq. in 
• Weight: Strung — 10.4 oz(295 g), Unstrung — 9.9 oz(280 g) Light-ish
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/yonex-astrel-100-mint-tennis-racquet-84203 

Head Extreme Team 2022 Tennis Racquet - $179

• Grip sizes 0, 2, 3 & 4
• Head Size: 100 sq. in 
• Weight: Strung — 10.3 oz(292 g), Unstrung — 9.7 oz(275 g) Light 
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/head-extreme-team-2022-tennis-racquet-100348

Head Extreme Team L 2022 Tennis Racquet - $179

• Grip sizes available 0, 1, 2, 3
• Headsize: 105 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 9.9 oz. Ultra-light
• https://www.tennis-point.com/head-extreme-team-l-2022-tennis-racquet/p/235342/

Head Extreme Team 2022 Tennis Racquet - $179

• Grip sizes 1, 3, 4
• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.3 oz. Light 
• https://www.tennis-point.com/head-extreme-team-2022-tennis-racquet/p/235332/

Wilson Blade 98 18X20 v8 Tennis Racquet - $169

• All grip sizes
• Head Size: 98 sq. in 
• Weight: Strung — 11.4 oz(323 g), Unstrung — 10.8 oz(305 g) Medium-heavy
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/wilson-blade-98-18x20-v8-tennis-racquet-91492

Wilson Blade 104 v8 Tennis Racquet - $169

• Grip sizes 1,3 & 4
• Head Size: 104 sq. in 
• Weight: Strung — 10.8 oz(305 g), Unstrung — 10.2 oz(290 g) Medium
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/wilson-blade-104-v8-tennis-racquet-91495

Wilson Blade 100UL v8.0 Tennis Racquet - $169

• All grip sizes
• Head Size: 100 sq. in 
• Weight: Strung — 9.9 oz(281 g), Unstrung — 9.3 oz(265 g) Ultra-light
• https://www.tennisexpress.com/wilson-blade-100ul-v80-tennis-racquet-109337

Good Luck!

Great Racket Available - On Sale Now!

Hello Spartans tennis players! I'm writing this on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

This morning I played three sets with a brand new racket. It's a Dunlop CX200 LS. I really like the feel of this racket. Very solid and powerful, very maneuverable, and just a little light in the head.

This racket recently sold for $249. You can get it now for $85 from Tennis Express. No, I am not affiliated with them and I don't get a kickback or anything. I do get free shipping, but so will you.

They are on sale for $100, but there is an additional 15% taken off once you put it in the shopping cart. I'm guessing you need to act fast since this sale can't last too much longer.

There are two other very similar models, with same red paint job (it's a good looking racket), but just slightly different specs. All were $249, and all are currently available for $85.

CX200 LS - 290 grams (10.2 oz) unstrung. Medium flexibility. 3 pts. head light.

CX200 OS - 295 grams (10.4 oz) unstrung. Medium flexibility. 3 pts. head light.

CX400 - 285 grams (10.1 oz) unstrung. Stiffer than above. 1 pt. head light. Slightly larger head size.

If you need court shoes, they also have some good deals.

Here are lots of men's shoes priced between $50-100.

Women's shoes priced between $50-100. Also some under $50.

I strongly encourage you to wear real court shoes when playing tennis. 

January 2023 Deals on Court Shoes

 After posting the good deals on rackets, I decided that I could also provide some direction on good deals on court shoes. As always, these are my opinions, and yours may vary. My opinions are shaped from over 50 years of buying tennis equipment. So yep, I have some things that I've liked over the years (Technifibre, Volkl, Yonex and Dunlop rackets as well as Adidas, Asics, K-Swiss, and Nike court shoes) and some things that I don't personally like (such as Head and ProKennex rackets and also Head shoes and Fila shoes). 

As of January 21, 2023, here are some shoes that I recommend that are also currently at low prices.

Court Shoes

I feel the need to explain what I mean by COURT shoes. Lots of people use the term "tennis shoes," but they rarely mean shoes for wearing while playing tennis. Thus, the term COURT shoes can help identify that we want shoes for actually playing on tennis courts. Of course, there's room for confusion because basketball is also played on a court, but basketball shoes are rarely (like never) good for playing tennis. Also, they are typically called basketball shoes and not court shoes. 

Running shoes are especially bad for use on tennis courts. Running shoes are made for running straight ahead, not for juking and jiving like you do in tennis. And THAT toe! The toe on a running shoe is totally unacceptable for the tennis court. You can wear a hole in the tow in one or two sessions.

Fashion sneakers? For example, Adidas makes a long line of good looking, lightweight shoes that seem to be pretty popular. They look great, but they will NOT hold up to the wear and tear on a tennis court, and they have soles that are not very grippy.

Buying shoes in the Twin Ports? Occasionally Dick's has one type of court shoes in the store. Usually none. You can order online from Dick's and then pick up at the store, and that might work, but make sure the prices are comparable with the online stores shown below. Finish Line in the mall? Nope, not that I've seen. 

Mens Shoes

Nike

I bought a pair of these Nike shoes during Black Friday 2022. Turns out they are the most comfortable of the 5 pairs of court shoes I currently own. Not super light, but not too heavy either.

Nike Court Zoom Pro Mens Tennis Shoe (light blue) - $64.95 less 20% off = $51.96

Nike Black - $69.95 less 20% off = $55.96

Nike White - $69.95 less 20% off = $55.96

Nike White (with blue and green) - only sizes 9.5 & 11 - $69.95 less 20% off = $55.96

Nike Light Bone/Peach - $79.95 less 20% off = $63.96 

Adidas

I've been an Adidas shoe fan for decades, but lately they have been a bit of a hit and miss. I'll recommend a new type that I'm currently wearing and like very much, and also a newish style that I bought within the last year but that I cannot recommend. 

Just bought these two weeks ago. Looks great, feels good.

Adidas Defiant Speed Mens Tennis Shoe - $69.95 less 20% off = $55.96

Adidas White/Pulse Blue - $69.95 less 20% off = $55.96

I used to wear the Barricade line of shoes from Adidas (and still wear some older ones) but I cannot recommend the current styles of Barricade shoes. They totally messed them up. :( 

Here are a few more styles that are currently selling at very good prices:

K Swiss Ultrashot Team Mens Tennis Shoe (only 5 sizes avail) - $69.95 less 20% off = $55.96

K Swiss Bigshot Light 4 Mens Tennis Shoe - $74.95 less 20% off = $59.96

K Swiss Bigshot Blue & Red - $74.95 less 20% off = $59.96

Several styles of Babolat Shoes - check them out

Womens Shoes

Okay, this is hard for me. I've never worn women's shoes. I'm making the assumption that the women's versions of my favorite shoes are also good shoes. Of course I could be wrong, but here goes.

Nike

Nike Court Zoom Pro Womens Tennis Shoe (Black/bronze) - $69.95 less 20% off = $55.96

Lots of other discounts on Nike - check them out

Adidas

Too many to choose from, most at add'l 20% off

Others:

Okay, clearly this category is just a hope and a prayer for me. There seems to be many more choices in womens shoes, and the prices seem pretty reasonable, on many of them anyway. Browse at your leisure:

Womens Asics

Womens K-Swiss (some are super low prices, like this one)

Womens Babolat (up to 61% off, plus extra 20%)

All of the above are from Tennis Point, which seems to be winning the price wars with the other online tennis sites. 

Get Ready for 2023 Spring Tennis - Racket Deals

Looking for a new racket (or racquet) for 2023? Here are some of the good deals I see on rackets that I recommend.

Racquets: What I Recommend and Why

Before you buy a racket, I suggest you check out the top half of a similar post I made in 2021 about grip sizes, racket weights, and other factors before you buy a racket online.

What I focus on in this post are rackets that you can buy right now for less than $100 that were previously $180-240. They are awesome rackets, and I don't feel that it's worth the extra $100-150 that you'll pay for the latest minor tweaks in the newest models from the racket producers. Save the extra money or spend it on a good pair of court shoes (and here are some suggestions).

If you want to pay $200 and up for a new racket, you'll have no problem finding many excellent choices on your own. In the Twin Ports I believe that you'll find a bunch of not-inspiring (almost horrible) choices in the local stores. I can't recommend any of them based on my last visits to browse their selections. However, if money is no object, here are my top choices from the major manufacturers, in my order of preference (all are extremely good):

1. Tecnifibre TF40 305 16M Tennis Racquet - $259 (TOP Choice)
2. Tecnifibre TF-X1 285 Tennis Racquet - $229 (Top Choice)

3. Wilson Clash V2 100 Tennis Racquet - $269

4. Yonex VCORE 100L 6th Gen Tennis Racquet - $199 (was $259) 
5. Volkl V-Cell 3 Tennis Racquet - $239.99
6. Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Lite Tennis Racquet - $199 (was $229)

HERE'S THE LIST OF UNDER $100 RACQUETS AS OF January 14, 2023

First, a little story. After 2 hurricanes hit our Florida condo during a six week span in Fall 2022, I found myself without my tennis bag and rackets. All my gear was locked up in the condo and no one was allowed into the building for nearly ten weeks. So, my beloved Volkl rackets were sitting in there growing mold (as was everything else in the building) and I was borrowing rackets to play 4 or 5 times a week. During Amazon Prime days, Tennis Point was running the same discount on their site to match the Amazon discounts. I was able to buy a Dunlop racket for under $80, so I did. I've always liked Dunlops, but rarely actually purchased them over the years. I bought a super light one (275 grams, or 9.7 ounces unstrung, 10.2 ounces strung) and I love this racket. Now I have my Volkls back from the condo and I still use them, but every time I switch over to the Dunlop SX600 I seem to like it even more. I've listed several similar Dunlops below, and they are currently great deals.

From Tennis Point website:

Dunlop Srixon SX600 Tennis Racquet - $99.95 less 20% off = $79.96

• Headsize: 105 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.2 oz. (light)
• limited grip sizes available - make sure it will work for you

Dunlop Srixon SX300LS Tennis Racquet - $109.95 less 20% off = $87.96

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.8 oz.
• only size 1 grip available

Dunlop Srixon SX300 Tennis Racquet - $109.95 less 20% off = $87.96

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.3 oz. (heavy-ish)
• only size 1 grip available

Dunlop Srixon SX300 Tennis Racquet - $109.95 less 20% off = $87.96

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.7 oz. (heavy)
• only grip sizes 1 & 3 available

Dunlop FX 500 Lite Tennis Racquet - $119.95 less 20% off = $95.96

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.1 oz. (light)

Dunlop FX 500 LS Tennis Racquet - $119.95 less 20% off = $95.96

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.7 oz.

Dunlop FX 500 Tennis Racquet - $119.95 less 20% off = $95.96

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz. (heavy-ish)

Dunlop FX 500 Tour Tennis Racquet - $119.95 less 20% off = $95.96

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.4 oz. (heavy-ish)

Dunlop FX 700 Tennis Racquet - $119.95 less 20% off = $95.96

• Headsize: 107 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 9.9 oz. (very light)
• Limited grips available - size 1 only

Volkl V Feel V1 Pro Tennis Racquet - $119.95 less 20% off = $95.96

• Headsize: 99.5 sq. in. (smaller)
• Weight (strung): 11.4 oz. (heavy-ish)
• Only grip size 3 available

Babolat Aero 112 Tennis Racquet - $99

• Headsize: 112 sq. in. (large head!)
• Weight (strung): 9.8 oz. (light)

Babolat Drive Max 110 Tennis Racquet - $99

• Headsize: 110 sq. in. (large head)
• Weight (strung): 10.1 oz. (light)

From Tennis Express website:

Wilson Burn 100ULS v4.0 Tennis Racquet Tennis Racquet - $99 (retail $179.95)

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 9.8 oz. (light)

Wilson Burn 100LS v4.0 Tennis Racquet Tennis Racquet - $99 (retail $179.95)

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 9.9 oz. (light).

Good Deals on Racquets - July/August 2022

Looking for a new racket (or racquet) for Fall 2022? I'll post some of the good deals I see on rackets that I recommend.

About the Racquets I Recommend

Before you buy a racket, I suggest you check out the top half of a similar post I made in 2021 about grip sizes, racket weights, and other factors before you buy a racket online.

What I focus on in this post (and in my own racket purchases) are rackets below $150 that were previously $200 and up. Basically this is looking at brand new stock of last year's rackets (or even two years ago). They are awesome rackets, and I don't feel that it's worth the extra $100-150 that you'll pay for the latest minor tweaks from the racket producers. Save the extra money or spend it on a good pair of court shoes.

If you want to pay $200 and up for a new racket, you'll have no problem finding many excellent choices on your own. In the Twin Ports I believe that you'll find a bunch of not-inspiring (almost horrible) choices in the local stores. I can't recommend any of them based on my last visits to browse their selections. However, if money is no object, here are my top choices from the major manufacturers, in my order of preference (all are extremely good):

1. Tecnifibre TFight ISO 305 Tennis Racquet - $239 (TOP Choice)
2. Wilson Clash V2 100 Tennis Racquet - $269
3. Yonex VCORE 100L 6th Gen Tennis Racquet - $259
4. Volkl V-Cell 3 Tennis Racquet - $239.99
5. Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Lite Tennis Racquet - $229

HERE'S THE LIST OF UNDER $150 RACQUETS AS OF July 28, 2022

From Tennis Warehouse:

Tecnifibre TF40 305 Tennis Racquet - $149 (TOP Choice)

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10 oz. (light)

From Tennis Point website:

Tecnifibre TFlash 270 CES Tennis Racquet - $99.95

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.6 oz.

Volkl V Feel V1 Pro Tennis Racquet - $139.99

• Headsize: 99.5 sq. in. (smaller)
• Weight (strung): 11.4 oz. (heavy-ish)

Volkl V Feel 7 Tennis Racquet - $129.99

• Headsize: 104 sq. in. (larger head)
• Weight (strung): 10.8 oz.

Volkl V Feel 10 (300G) Tennis Racquet - $134.99

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz.

Yonex VCORE Game Tennis Racquet - $109

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.1 oz. (light)

 Yonex Ezone Feel Tennis Racquet - $110

• Headsize: 102 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 9.4 oz. (light)

 Yonex EZONE 108 (255G) Tennis Racquet - $149

• Headsize: 108 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 9.6 oz.

Dunlop Srixon SX300LS Tennis Racquet - $119.95 

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.8 oz

Dunlop Srixon SX300 Tour Tennis Racquet - $119.99 

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.7 oz (heavy)

Dunlop Srixon SX600 Tennis Racquet - $119.99 (TOP Choice)

• Headsize: 105 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.2 oz (light)

Babolat Aero 112 Tennis Racquet - $129

• Headsize: 112 sq. in. (large head!)
• Weight (strung): 9.8 oz. (light)

NOTE: Generally I am NOT a fan of Head rackets, but I have played with and liked the Graphene line of rackets. I avoid the Ti S5 and S6 and similar rackets at all costs. 

Head Graphene 360 Extreme MP Tennis Racquet - $129

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz.

Head Graphene 360 Radical MP Tennis Racquet - $129.95

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11 oz.

Head Graphene XT Speed MP Tennis Racquet - $99

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz.

Head Graphene XT Radical S Tennis Racquet - $99

• Headsize: 102 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.5 oz. (light)

Head Graphene XT Radical MP Tennis Racquet - $99

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11 oz.

From the Tennis Express website:

Yonex EZONE 100SL Deep Blue Tennis Racquet - $144 (TOP Choice)

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10 oz.

Head Graphene 360 Extreme MP Tennis Racquet - $129

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.1 oz.

Look around the web and you might even find a better deal on some of these rackets, although on July 28 this is what I found. Prices change. Also, you should be able to get free shipping. 

Good Deals on Racquets - Spring 2022

Looking for a new racket (or racquet)? I'll post some of the good deals I see on rackets that I recommend.

My Thoughts About Buying Racquets

NOTE: a newer post has been made on July 28, 2022

Before you buy a racket, I suggest you check out the top half of a similar post I made in 2021 about grip sizes, racket weights, and other factors before you buy a racket online.

What I focus on in this post (and in my own racket purchases) are rackets below $150 that were previously $200 and up. Basically this is looking at brand new stock of last year's rackets (or even two years ago). They are awesome rackets, and I don't feel that it's worth the extra $100-150 that you'll pay for the latest minor tweaks from the racket producers. Save the extra money or spend it on a good pair of court shoes.

If you want to pay $200 and up for a new racket, you'll have no problem finding many excellent choices on your own. In the Twin Ports I believe that you'll find a bunch of not-inspiring (almost horrible) choices in the local stores. I can't recommend any of them based on my last visits to browse their selections. However, if money is no object, here are my top choices from the major manufacturers, in my order of preference (all are extremely good):

1. Wilson Clash V2 100 Tennis Racquet - $269
2. Tecnifibre TF40 305 16M Tennis Racquet - $239
3. Yonex VCORE 100L 6th Gen Tennis Racquet - $245
4. Volkl V-Cell 3 Tennis Racquet - $229.99
5. Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Lite Tennis Racquet - $229

Here's the list of under $150 racquets as of March 22, 2022

From Tennis Warehouse:

Added 5/14: Tecnifibre TF40 305 Tennis Racquet - $149

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10 oz. (light)

From Tennis Point website:

Tecnifibre TFlash 270 CES Tennis Racquet - $119.95 (Now $99.95!)

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.6 oz.

Tecnifibre TFlash 285 CES Tennis Racquet - $115

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.6 oz.

Tecnifibre TFlash 300 CES Tennis Racquet - $119.95

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.1 oz.

Volkl V Feel V1 Pro Tennis Racquet - $129 (NOW $139, 5/17/22)

• Headsize: 99.5 sq. in. (smaller)
• Weight (strung): 11.4 oz. (heavy-ish)

Volkl V Feel 7 Tennis Racquet - $119 (NOW $129, 5/17/22)

• Headsize: 104 sq. in. (larger head)
• Weight (strung): 10.8 oz.

Volkl V Feel 10 (300G) Tennis Racquet - $134.99

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz.

Yonex VCORE Game Tennis Racquet - $109 (NOW $99, 5/17/22)

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.1 oz. (light)

Yonex VCORE 98 Lite Tennis Racquet - $149 (NOW $139.95, 5/17/22)

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.7 oz.

Dunlop Srixon SX300LS Tennis Racquet - $119.95 

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.8 oz

Dunlop Srixon SX300 Tour Tennis Racquet - $119 

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.7 oz (heavy)

ADDED 5/14: Dunlop Srixon SX600 Tennis Racquet - $99 (NOW $119, 5/17/22)

• Headsize: 105 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.2 oz (light)

Babolat Drive Max 110 Tennis Racquet - $99 (SOLD OUT!)

• Headsize: 110 sq. in. (large head!)
• Weight (strung): 10.1 oz. (light)

Babolat Aero 112 Tennis Racquet - $129

• Headsize: 112 sq. in. (large head!)
• Weight (strung): 9.8 oz. (light)

NOTE: Generally I am NOT a fan of Head rackets, but I have played with and liked the Graphene line of rackets. I avoid the Ti S5 and S6 and similar rackets at all costs. 

Head Graphene 360 Extreme MP Tennis Racquet - $129.95

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz.

Head Graphene 360 Radical MP Tennis Racquet - $129.95

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11 oz.

Head Graphene XT Speed MP Tennis Racquet - $99

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz.

Head Graphene XT Radical S Tennis Racquet - $99

• Headsize: 102 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.5 oz. (light)

Head Graphene XT Radical MP Tennis Racquet - $99

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11 oz.

From the Tennis Express website:

Babolat Pure Strike VS Tennis Racquet - $149 

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 10.9 oz.

Head Graphene 360 Extreme MP Tennis Racquet - $129

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Weight (strung): 11.1 oz.

Look around the web and you might even find a better deal on some of these rackets, although on March 22 this is what I found (then updated twice in Mid-May). Prices change. Also, you should be able to get free shipping. 

If I needed a racket right now (I don't), these would be my top three choices off this list:

1. Tecnifibre TFlash 285 CES Tennis Racquet - $115 (or the 270 which is lighter)
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Volkl V Feel 7 Tennis Racquet - $119
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Yonex VCORE Game Tennis Racquet - $109
   
   
   
   
   

Good Deals on Rackets - June 2021

 At the request of several local tennis players, I'm posting some of the best deals I've seen online lately.

Sadly, there are no local retailers that sell a decent racket. I like to shop local, but I can't recommend any local racket sellers. There are several good outlets online. Most offer free shipping. 

Today, I'm recommending several choices at Midwest Sports, now called Tennis Point.

Caveat: after you see a racket you like, I recommend that you also check other online sellers for the same racket. Sometimes you'll find a similar or better price once you know what you're looking for. Compare shipping costs/terms, and make the best choice of seller. Other places to look include Amazon, Tennis Express, and Tennis Warehouse.

What to look for: grip size and racket weight

Tennis Grip Sizes

Most high school girls will find a size 2 or 3 to be a good size. Most boys will find a 3 or 4 to be the right size. BUT, it depends on the size of your hands, not your age, gender, or any other factor.

• Size 1 is the same as 4 1/8 inches
• Size 2 = 4 1/4" (or 4 2/8")
• Size 3 = 4 3/8"
• Size 4 = 4 1/2" (or 4 4/8")
• Size 5 = 4 5/8" 

You might be able to find the grip size on the handle of your current racket. Or, ask Coach Dahl or Coach Winkle when you see them on the courts.

Heavy, light, or in between racket weight?

The weights shown below are the rated racket weight when strung (if you plan on playing without strings, let me know). Opinions vary, but I consider the light rackets to be in the 10.5 ounce and below range. Rackets between 10.5 and 11.2 ounces are midweight, and above 11.2 ounces are considered heavy.

Finally, what about strings? If you are a high school player (or younger), DON'T PAY EXTRA FOR STRINGS! NETS will string your racket for free. If the racket comes with strings at no additional cost (some are "pre-strung"), then it's probably wise to have them added by the seller. Coach Dahl strings rackets, and he'll happily string one for you too.

Racket deals (not sure how long they'll last):

Size 2:  

Each list below is ordered from lightest weight to heaviest.

Babolat Aero 112 - $129 - 9.8 oz (one of the lightest rackets)

Babolat Aero G - $105 - 10.1 oz (very light)

Volkl V Feel 6 - $130 - 10.3 oz (very light) (Volkls are awesome)

Head Graphene Extreme MP - $99 - 11.1 oz

Sizes 2 & 3 available:

Babolat Strike G - $115 - 10.1 oz (very light)

Head Graphene XT Instinct S - $99 - 10.1 oz

Head Graphene XT Radical S - $99 - 10.5 (good deal on good racket)

Wilson Blade 98L - $139 - 10.7 oz.

Head Graphene XT Speed S - $99 - 10.7 oz

Sizes 2, 3, & 4:

Wilson Ultra 100L v2 - $139 - 10.7 oz

Head Graphene XT Radical MP - $109 - 11 oz

Head Graphene 360 Radical MP - $130 - 11 oz

Head Graphene XT Instinct MP - $109 - 11.2 oz

Head Graphene XT Speed MP - $109 - 11.2 oz

Size 3:

Wilson Burn 100ULS - $109 - 9.9 oz

Volkl V Feel 9 - $120 - 11.5 oz

Volkl V Feel 8 - $120 - 11.6 oz

Size 4:

Dunlop Srixon CX 200 LS - $89 (great deal) - 10.8 oz

If you're finding that a lot of these deals are gone (expired), just let me know and I'll update the list.