Why Demo a Racquet?

All tennis racquets are unisex. They are made from aluminum, graphite, and other materials, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, weights, and grip circumferences. Demo racquets offer beginner tennis players the opportunity to find the right combination of these factors to best match their skill level and play style.

Likewise, demo racquets give intermediate and advanced players a chance to play with the updated version of their current equipment or explore replacement racquets that will improve their game or help them recover from an injury.

Manufacturers are constantly tweaking products so that tennis players have the best on-court experience available. Some of the modifications we’re seeing include adjusting the string pattern, stiffness, balance, head shape, or alternating the beam. A few brands have started adding technology and are making their racquets more aerodynamic to reduce injuries such as tennis elbow.

Whether you're a new tennis player looking to buy your first racquet or a seasoned player wanting to check out the newest sticks, here are some simple tips to help you try before you buy.

1. Keep an open mind about the demo racquets. Regardless of if they were recommended by a coach or fellow player everyone’s swing speed and styles are different. Look for something that feels good, is comfortable, and gives you confidence on the court.
2. Pick demos that compliment your play level. Typically speaking, racquets with a larger head and lighter weight will give you more power. On the contrary, racquets with a smaller head and more weight offer better control. If you’re unsure which will work for your game, demo one of each.
3. Warm up well prior to playtesting the demos. Being physically and mentally ready to test-out new equipment will help you better identify the pros and cons of each racquet.
4. Hit with a trusted friend or coach who knows your game and can share feedback from the other side of the net.
5. Follow the same routine or hitting pattern for each demo. You can run drills or start by playing mini-tennis and then take some ground strokes at the baseline. When you're ready, switch out the demo and replicate the shots you were working on.
6. Make notes as you go. This will help you hone-in on what you like or dislike about a particular racquet. You can also track which racquets you’ve tried along with the date, court surface, and playing conditions (ie: singles, doubles, indoors or outside).
7. Last, when you can, record yourself hitting with the demo racquets. After you’re off the court, and showered, review your recordings and notes to determine your favorite tennis racquets.

Midwest Racquet Sports racquet demos are strung with high-quality synthetic gut or polyester string. The string tension is set to the middle of the manufacturer's suggested range. While string type and tension will play a role in how a racquet feels, and how the ball responds to the racquet, these elements can be adjusted when you purchase your own, personal racquet.

Additionally, overgrips and other tennis gear can help you customize your new racquet and bring your game to a whole new level. Ultimately, the reason why you demo a tennis racquet is to find the one that you will treasure and play with for years to come!