Tennis is an incredible sport of skill, strategy, and agility played by people of all ages around the world. But you can’t play the game without the right equipment.
Whether you like to play on occasion or many times a week, you need to consider the quality and function of your gear. The tennis industry is vast, and there are a lot of choices on the market — which begs the question, what options are best for you, and how much do you need to spend?
The Paseo Club is a social club with a comprehensive tennis department that offers drop-in and reserved play, drills, leagues, and tournaments.
People often wonder if they should buy the most affordable, costly, or middle-of-the-road equipment and what brands are most reliable. In this article, you will learn some helpful tips directly from Tennis Director Rene Heger so you can choose the best gear possible for you.
Tennis Racquets
How much should a person spend when purchasing a racquet?
Racquets are a very subjective matter. It’s all about how it feels and what kind of player you are.
The most important part of racquet shopping is to demo the racquet. You must play with it to know if it’s right for you. Take four frames and play with each one for 15 minutes. Even if you dislike the racquet, finish the 15 minutes so you have an accurate comparison.
It is difficult to produce power with a lighter racquet since you virtually get no support from the frame. A heavier racquet naturally produces more power, but it will also be more difficult to handle and tougher to swing.
Aggressive players should look for more power and benefit from a stronger frame. There is always a tradeoff. Find the balance you like the most.
If you like spin, some racquets feature spin grommets, adding an extra layer of spin to your game.
What brands are good for casual players?
Every major brand has racquets for casuals, but HEAD tends to be the best. They think of their customers when constructing racquets. They offer a multitude of frames that yield benefits to a wide spectrum of players.
The “Boom” Model is a great choice. It generates the power of a more advanced frame, yet it is quite easy to maneuver.
What should a person expect to spend?
New racquets range between $170-$269. You can always look to the used market or older models for discount pricing.
Tennis Balls
What should a person look for in tennis balls?
Much like racquets, tennis balls differ quite a bit — which is the root of many problems.
Virtually every tournament on the Pro Tour uses a different ball, which leads to wrist injuries due to the variation in ball pressure and felt material.
What brands are good for casual players?
Dunlop has a softer ball, but after 15 minutes of hitting the ball, it practically deflates, and all the power needs to be generated by the player.
As a beginner, look for longevity. Pro Penn Marathon is a great choice. They can take a beating!
What should a person expect to spend?
It is about $5 for a can of 3 balls.
Tennis Shoes
What should a person look for in tennis shoes?
Quality tennis shoes are essential. The sole is key because players need good traction. Select shoes that also have sturdy side support and are comfortable to wear.
What brands are good for casual players?
Head’s new Sprint and Revolt models are great. Lacoste is another quality option. If you are on a budget and need an affordable shoe, Wilsons will do in a pinch.
What should a person expect to spend?
Between $65-$200, depending on quality.
What additional equipment does a person need to play tennis in the Santa Clarita Valley?
A few choice pieces of tennis equipment are critical to your tennis-playing experience.
- Proper tennis shorts and shirts
- A tennis bag — even a backpack — to store your racquet, shoes, towel, and a change of clothes
- Sunglasses to protect you from the glare — make sure they are not too dark and give you good optics
Getting outfitted for tennis in the Santa Clarita Valley
The Santa Clarita Valley is a tennis player’s dream. With the dry climate and sunny weather, you can comfortably play tennis more than 300 days per year.
Getting equipped with well-made and reliable tennis gear is important for your game. It will help you play well, feel comfortable, and minimize your risk of injury. Your upfront costs to get a racquet, five cans of balls, and tennis shoes can be as little as $255 and as much as almost $500.
The Pros Shop at the Paseo Club, First Serve, is your place to get advice, demo equipment, and make custom orders. The selection of equipment is curated for an easy and enjoyable shopping experience.
If you want to play more tennis, improve your game, or see some competitive action, the Paseo Club may be the place for you. You can sign up for drills, join a league, or sign up for tournaments. There are options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players.
If you would like your child to develop a love of tennis, then check out our junior program. Kids as young as three can take lessons!
Become a member of the Paseo Club in just minutes. Simply sign up online and instantly be granted access to all of the club’s resources and amenities. Sign up today and start living your Paseo lifestyle.
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