Best items you found at thrift stores (Goodwill)?
 

I know at my local Goodwill and some other thrift stores, you can actually find a few classic racquets.

But at my biggest shock, my friend and I were browsing Goodwill, and found a 6.0 85 in probably 9/10 condition. It just had some minimal wear on the bumper, but not a scratch on the frame itself! Bought it for a measly $5.

That's terrific find for $5.

PT280 excellent condition for $5.

My best single one probably was a Wilson JK Staff 85 in really nice condition for $2.99. Best haul was a Prince Comp Series 110, Dunlop Max 200g, and Slazenger Silhouette all for $2.99 each on the same day at the same store! I've also found Kneissl White Star Mids, Snauwaerts of various types, a perfect Adidas Haillet, lots of Yonex frames, etc. But lately the pickings have been pretty slim.

Today's ray of sunshine came in the form of a Prince Woodie with cover in really immaculate condition, but sadly warped about 1/4" from perfect, for $2.75.

I have found many rackets at the thrift. I have came across 2 Wilson Pro Staff 85, one in 9/10 bumperless SV, the other is was a 7/10 Taiwan. But the best thing I have seen come from a thrift store was a mint, brand new with tag Volkl Zebra. One of my good friends snatched it and traded it to me a while back.

My best buys were a Slazenger Phantom (the original) for NZ$2 and of course my original Prestige Pro for $5, the latter in mint, unplayed condition. The Slazenger is 9/10.

Oh and a Superform XL for $1.50.

My best deal was a Wilson Sting (8/10 condition) for $5 at Goodwill.

I got a prince original graphite 90 for $3.

I got an Ultra FPK 95 for $5.

Thrift Store Racquet Specials!!
 

I didn't have a wood racquet in my possession when I began my collection in February 1997. When I was inspired by my stringer's wall collection of old racquets I searched out 80 thrift stores over the next three years and purchased in good condition my first thousand racquets. They were mainly from the 1960-1990 period but there were many many great buys. My favorite experience was going to one of these thrift stores in a nearby city and when I was leaving with a few "treasures" I encountered a homeless person who seeing my rackets from the store indicated he had rackets to sell me. He took me to his "shelter" and he offered to sell me a dozen rackets including one like Margaret Court used to win the Grand Slam in 1970. I couldn't believe my good fortune! Naturally I accepted his offer very quickly!

I haven't been on the "thrift store circuit" much in the last ten years but those were exciting days!! I have listings of every racquet and price in my collection of 4200 racquets and it is great fun to review that initial phase of my tennis racquet collecting history. Also, I really came to a rich appreciation for the work that thrift stores do in every community!

That's a great buy! I'm a big fan of the Wilson's Sting line!

I have listings of all mine too, including the date of issue, date of purchase and where I got them (quite a number were gifts).

I decided to do this after the first dozen or so and I'm so glad I did, otherwise I wouldn't know what I had. That must apply even more to you!

Sometimes, when looking something up in my list, I come across one and think "Wow, I didn't realise I had that one!"

I wanted to do this but I realized there was no Goodwill near my house. :(

My Max 200G I got for $2 because the string was broken, and my Precision Response 660 (ok - not really a classic) was $5 - also due to a busted string. i haven't found much lately though, and was wondering if this was because more people were opting to sell things on the Bay...

I still consider your Prestige Pro as the GOAT thrift store find Virginia. Beats me why one haven't appear in Wellington stores yet after countless visits.:evil:

Just picked up a Donnay Fiberwood in 9/10 condition for $1 today.

This thing weighs a ton. Can't wait to get out and hit with it tonight.

Dunlop Black Max for $2.99, Dunlop Max Ply Fort for $0.99, same prices for Wilson Kramer Autograph, Bancoft BJK autograph and Wilson Chris Evert autograph

My best find was a mint original Max 200G for something like $2.99. The funny thing is there was a 50% sale that day. :)

Wilson T2000 at a town dump "swap shop" for free.

Head elite pro, the prestige-like one, not the wide body 5 dollars. PS85 SV bumperless 5$. Prokennex silver ace 5 dollars. Wilson ceramic also 5 dollars. Not bad. Elite pro is my pride and joy, very rare.