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.