I'm learning how to play tennis (just for fun), and need to get a racquet. For now I'd just like to get something cheap (< $20). Any suggestions on something that is good for the dollar? Or anything in particular to avoid?

Thanks,
Justin

6/27/2007 2:26:44 PM

ask Milosh

he runs a pro shop downtown

[Edited on June 27, 2007 at 2:39 PM. Reason : x]

6/27/2007 2:38:18 PM

walmart

6/27/2007 2:43:48 PM

craigslist too. and if you're a state student you can always rent the white ones from carmichael

6/27/2007 2:46:09 PM

walmart or kmart have some for $15-20 that are at least usable.

6/27/2007 2:52:07 PM

I know where you can get them, I just don't know what particular cheap racquets are decent.

6/27/2007 3:09:06 PM

cheap or decent... pick one

6/27/2007 3:16:17 PM

Doesn't exist.

Here's one that's pretty good, and not too expensive.

http://www.cbssportsstore.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1907224

Some places you can find some racquets in the Triple Threat series on huge sales since they have a new line coming out. They are all good racquets

[Edited on June 27, 2007 at 3:18 PM. Reason : ]

6/27/2007 3:16:21 PM

if you suck at tennis you wont notice the difference between a 20 dollar racquet and a 200 dollar one

its like when golfers with a 30 handicap spend 800 dollars on a new set of irons; they still suck

6/27/2007 3:22:10 PM

I'm sure there's a decent beginner's racquet for less than $20. If you don't like my wording, then I'll ask... "what is the best racquet I can buy for $20?".

Saddamizer: I totally agree. I'd just like to get the best racquet I can for the dollar . And I don't want to buy something that is complete junk.


[Edited on June 27, 2007 at 3:24 PM. Reason : ]

6/27/2007 3:23:11 PM

I don't think you will notice much difference between the $20 ones.

Just go to wal-mart, swing them around a little, and pick the one you think feels best.

6/27/2007 3:29:29 PM

go to play it again.

they sell new rackets that are discontinued.

you can get a very nice racket there for <100 bucks

6/27/2007 3:33:29 PM

I think you would be better off going to play it again sports, but I would try to find a graphite one if you're sold on a $20 new racquet. I know they have $40 graphite racquets, but I'm not sure about $20 ones. ^But yeah, I doubt you will notice too much of a difference between them.

6/27/2007 3:34:35 PM

OK, so I've done some research. It looks like I need a heavier racquet (my elbow is easily injured). It also seems like a handle-heavy racquet would suit me better.

The problem is, ALL of the cheap racquets are super-light and most of them are head-heavy. Is it easy (or recommended) to make a racquet heavier? What is a good target weight?

Justin

6/27/2007 11:30:32 PM

you're looking way too into this, just buy one at kmart. i promise it won't keep you from learning to play tennis.

6/28/2007 6:23:39 AM

yeah its a 20 dollar investment, no need for hours of research

Just buy a couple of them and keep the one you like, then use the other one to beat your wife

[Edited on June 28, 2007 at 6:30 AM. Reason : x]

6/28/2007 6:28:39 AM

dont throw it

6/28/2007 6:48:59 AM

Quote :

"Is it easy (or recommended) to make a racquet heavier?"

A lot of pros put lead tape over the head of the frame to add weight. However, I wouldn't do this to an already head heavy frame. I'm pretty sure they sell weights you can put on the strings but I've never met someone that actually did this. But that might be an option you might want to explore. That being said, I still think you would be better off getting a used racquet from play it again sports.

6/28/2007 11:27:48 AM

lead tape is the biggest way that people change up the weight of their racquets. You can put that lead tape anywhere around the head to make it head heavy, depending on the racquet, lower head or neck for adding middle weight, or you can put it under the grip for handle heavy.

For your first racquet the only thing I would say is trying to make sure you find one that has a grip that fits you well. for the rest of it, you will figure out what you want after you start playing for a bit.

As far as the grip then they are measured in the circumference in inches. I'm above average in height and such so my grip is a 4 5/8ths. You can look somewhere on the racquet and it will tell you this grip size. If you don't know what size you need, just pick up a racquet that does say and hold it like you are shaking someones hand. see how much space there is between your ring finger and palm. You should be able to fit the width of your index finger between the two.

I agree with most people to check out play it again sports or walmart. I'm not really sure what they have but I would check there first. If you do not find anything go to one of the big sports stores and look at their racquets to just figure out what grip size you need. Then hit up ebay.

[Edited on June 28, 2007 at 12:11 PM. Reason : ,]

6/28/2007 12:10:13 PM

The purpose of my research is to reduce the chances of tennis elbow. I already have an injured elbow (it's been like this for 10 years). As I understand it, a heavy racquet and proper size grip are good ways to prevent injury.

It's tricky though, since no one seems to publish the specs of the cheap racquets. Even the more expensive cheap racquets (like at play it again) don't have any specs listed on them.

6/28/2007 1:57:27 PM

get a elbow thing that applies pressure to the muscle on the outside of your forearm

those things at Dick's work well, its like a velcro strap thing

6/28/2007 5:44:21 PM

Go to Omega Sports and Demo some of their racquets...they will let you use them for like a week for nothing...and then decide...not worth buying a crappy racquet that your gonna hate....having a good racquet is crucial...especially over time...you'll realize that the shitty racquet you might buy with slinky strings on it will be hurting your game....

6/28/2007 5:51:11 PM

www.gothefucktokmartandgeta$10racquet.com

honestly its a beginners racquet. you're not going to be good enough to tell the difference between a decent one and a shitty one. just concentrate on form and hitting the ball well, then later find a good racquet and spend the money on it.

6/28/2007 5:56:34 PM

Stop being a pansy and get a Babolat.

6/28/2007 6:48:50 PM

Quote :

"ask Milosh he runs a pro shop downtown"

Lol, I saw some one that looked just like him on the courts the other day.

Quote :

"The purpose of my research is to reduce the chances of tennis elbow. I already have an injured elbow (it's been like this for 10 years). As I understand it, a heavy racquet and proper size grip are good ways to prevent injury. "

If you want to reduce tennis elbow, learn to hit properly. I used to get it, then I took like two lessons and now I never get it at all.

6/28/2007 10:56:34 PM

Use a vibration dampener and hit properly and you will be fine. You won't have Roddick's serve so no risk to the shoulders.

6/29/2007 12:45:02 AM

amac884

6/29/2007 9:31:04 AM

Does anyone know a good place that offers beginner tennis lessons?

6/29/2007 10:50:00 AM

millbrook exchange park in north raleigh

7/2/2007 11:17:49 PM

all the cheap racquets are about the same, just get one that feels the best. When you improve your game, improve your serve, begin to play people who are also decent, etc then you can pick up a nicer high dollar racquet.

I have a bunch for sale some cheap some modestly priced

7/3/2007 4:58:20 AM