When to replace your tennis racquet

Kristianne Bontempo | Towpath Tennis Employee | Online Shop Manager

It might be because you two have been in a long term relationship, or there's been a lot of tension between you both lately. Or maybe it's because you can't help but let your eye wander to the newest models out there. Whatever the reason, you can't help but wonder if it's time to buy a new racquet. But when do you know when it's time for a change?

Signs you need a new racquet:

•  Cracks - As much as you try to keep your racquet in pristine condition, it's going to see a lot of wear and tear over time. But what to watch out for are any signs of visible cracking on the frame, or if you hear rattling from inside. Once a crack is formed, your racquet is no longer able to perform at optimum level and the chance of it surviving another stringing is slim to none. It might just be a matter of hitting a few groundstrokes before it splits completely in half!
• Damaged grommets - When your grommets start to wear, your strings take a toll since they no longer have that added protection to keep them from easily snapping. Normally you can order new grommets to bring life back to your racquet, however, you may be stuck when you are unable to find new grommets for older models. 
• Over 10 years old - You should definitely be looking for a new racquet if you've had it for more than 10 years. This is basically because the technology is drastically different from then and now. We understand you might be attached to your old friend, but racquets today are designed to only improve your game-why not just give it a try?

There might not be any particular reason you need a new racquet other than you're ready for a change or like to keep up with the latest models. That's perfectly fine, just be smart with how you buy.

1. Always demo a racquet before purchasing--you wouldn't buy a car without driving it!
2. Keep a budget in mind but know that the average price for a quality racquet will be around $150-200. Always check our demo bin for sales since you might find a good bargain for a quality racquet that is only a couple seasons old. 
3. Finally, focus on the weight and feel of the racquet rather than the color or what professional is playing with what. 

If you follow these guidelines and find it speaks to you, this year you'll be sporting a new racquet that everyone will envy!

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