Would you ever buy a used/pre-owned racket?

Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
prices for premium 200-300$ frames are cut in more than half when they have the used/pre-owned label on them

my main reservation is that the integrity of the frame is a big unknown

how would i know that the previous owner has not dropped the racket and caused some internal damage to it which compromises the way it plays

it's also slightly unpleasant not having the enjoyment of playing with a brand new straight out of the factory racket but this is a minor point
 
ollinger

ollinger

G.O.A.T.
Legend of Borg said:
how would i know that the previous owner has not dropped the racket and caused some internal damage to it which compromises the way it plays

it's also slightly unpleasant not having the enjoyment of playing with a brand new straight out of the factory racket but this is a minor point
Click to expand...

How do you know the "straight out of the factory" racquet wasn't dropped on the floor and damaged in the factory? You don't. A little like that omelet that gets dropped on the floor in the diner kitchen and then finds its way back on to the plate
 
Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
ollinger said:
How do you know the "straight out of the factory" racquet wasn't dropped on the floor and damaged in the factory? You don't. A little like that omelet that gets dropped on the floor in the diner kitchen and then finds its way back on to the plate
Click to expand...

i would have no way of knowing that but i have to rely on the integrity of the quality control in place

i hear some companies are better at this than others for example wilson seems to be quite bad with QC but yonex is decent
 
F

FRV

Guest
Legend of Borg said:
i'm really tempted

there's some good prices on eb@y
Click to expand...
Watch out for fakes. I bought one before. You have to do your research and make sure your racket does not have a lot of fakes produced. If there are fakes, you need to know the signs of the fake racket, especially inside the buttcap. As soon as you get the racket, open the buttcap and look inside to make sure it's not fake.

It's kind of a headache buying from there. I would just buy from this site unless you are strapped for cash.
 
TagUrIt

TagUrIt

Hall of Fame
If you know what you're looking for why not? Most racquets hold up pretty well. The most common reason people trade them in or sell them is because they've outgrown the racquet or want to upgrade. I just recently sold two of my Wilson Ultras at less than half the cost of what I paid for them. The new owner is getting some quality racquets at a fraction of the original price. Unless there is some obvious significant damage, I say go for it.
 
2nd Serve Ace

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
Never purchased one that had any structural issues, but I've had a few that were way off spec, unfortunately.

This had rendered some higher weight frames, (that were more head heavy than they should be) to be unusable for me.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk
 
Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
TagUrIt said:
If you know what you're looking for why not? Most racquets hold up pretty well. The most common reason people trade them in or sell them is because they've outgrown the racquet or want to upgrade. I just recently sold two of my Wilson Ultras at less than half the cost of what I paid for them. The new owner is getting some quality racquets at a fraction of the original price. Unless there is some obvious significant damage, I say go for it.
Click to expand...

that's what most descriptions seem to suggest

owner bought one too many rackets and they're selling the extras for half price
 
J

Jakesteroni

Semi-Pro
There’s a place on this forum called references. The only thing about older used rackets is that over time they get softer. If you’re rich and want to spend the money and that makes you happy then do that. I’ll buy used rackets and am happy with light scratches. Haven’t had any issues with board members. If anything the quality on these forums are better than ****. Board members here have integrity. At least the ones that I’ve dealt with.
 
J

JustTennis76

Hall of Fame
I never purchase brand new ones, always went for used ones and for the most part, the specs are spot on. There is only like 1 or 2% who are scammers off the bay that I have purchased and the specs were way off. I have also purchased a few used ones from fellow TW members here with great success. Just look at their feedback in the reference section or their % feedback on the bay. couple of years ago, I got 3 youtek prestige pros used ones from here and they all had an exact weight match. So, don't be afraid to buy used rackets.
 
mhkeuns

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
I think many of us sell excellent quality used rackets in the classified section on this forum. I wouldn't sell anything less than 9/10 frames that look pretty much new. I also use the fleabay if I want to sell more quickly or selling the NOS frames, but I would never sell something that is scratched up and is cosmetically damaged.

I bought many used frames, and from my experience, the sellers who represent their selling products with the most photos are reliable. I bought a few supposedly very good conditioned frames with a single picture or two, and they all turned out to be bad experiences.
 
kailash

kailash

Hall of Fame
Legend of Borg said:
prices for premium 200-300$ frames are cut in more than half when they have the used/pre-owned label on them

my main reservation is that the integrity of the frame is a big unknown

how would i know that the previous owner has not dropped the racket and caused some internal damage to it which compromises the way it plays
Click to expand...
Here is a tip: there are many racquetoholics! Find if the seller has 10 or more frames and selling a recent model; you will get almost new racquets for a good deal :)
 
Harry_Wild

Harry_Wild

G.O.A.T.
You get the manufacturer warranty on a new racquet, not on a new racquet! On a Head Prestige Mid IG Youtek, I called them and explained the problem, (upload the photos, my receipt) where I purchase it(Pro Shop) and I got a brand new one in the clear wrapper, boxed, back with 2 day shipping! Fantastic sevice! Head let me keep the defect racquet too!

Sold the Prestige on eb**! But it was a break even for me since you have to create the webpage, photos, description, etc... and answers questions and package, ship it. Took around 4-5 hours time. Never do that again! I just give it away now!
 
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teachingprotx

teachingprotx

Legend
FRV said:
That's all I buy. Has worked well for me.
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It’s all I buy too and I play . Teach for a full time living .
I used to be scared of “ used Market “ but I’ve come to realise most folks that sell their frames are nervous about the “shape / condition . So they usually are pretty fair in accessing what they have . But quality is quality new or used . I only buy from certain manufactures . Mostly used head frames from the 80’s . And they were built to LAST . No matter the user .
 
Crocodile

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
There are people out there selling racquets classified as used that haven't been used at all for half price. They have been sitting in their cupboards as some sort of collection until they realised that if they sold their collection they could pay some bills or update their car.
Buying used is OK, just don't buy fakes and well worn.
 
B

Bobs tennis

Semi-Pro
Buy at tennis warehouse and I believe u get 90 day return. I bought on bay a Yonex racket and 3 weeks later it imploded. I got nothing. I was told u ship it back and if we feel it was defective we will replace. Racket came from England. Big mistake
 
F

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
Every frame I've bought through the classifieds here has been at least as good as the seller's description. When the seller can give me a couple of snapshots of the particular gear I'm interested in - not some stock photos - that's pretty much all I need to assure me of what I'm buying.

It doesn't always happen, but more than once or twice here I've bought used frames that were in substantially better condition than what I expected. I've also picked up one or two pair of really good 2nd hand shoes, too. If you stay patient and keep an eye out, you'll probably find nice deals on things you're shopping for in the TT classifieds.
 
N

NDStrings

New User
I have purchased several used frames from Tennis Warehouse over the years. In the old days I used to carry 3-5 racquets, and usually the last 1-2 in the bag were used. I would just try to match them as close as possible to my primary 2. Saved a few bucks on frames that didn't get played a whole lot. Now a days I carry 2 frames and the second one is used. I also string, so the odds of me breaking strings is rare as I cut them out and play with fresh strings usually.
 
teachingprotx

teachingprotx

Legend
NDStrings said:
I have purchased several used frames from Tennis Warehouse over the years. In the old days I used to carry 3-5 racquets, and usually the last 1-2 in the bag were used. I would just try to match them as close as possible to my primary 2. Saved a few bucks on frames that didn't get played a whole lot. Now a days I carry 2 frames and the second one is used. I also string, so the odds of me breaking strings is rare as I cut them out and play with fresh strings usually.
Click to expand...
Same
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I've bought some old demo frames to serve as a secondary rackets. I don't trust **** but I just go to demo sales at my local tennis shops and get a look at the rackets first hand.
 
T

tennisbike

Professional
It is like life. Sometimes you get a bargain, and sometimes you get a lemon. One of my great find was a Head Speed MP from a local recycling center for $1. It looked terrible, bloody, stringless, badly worn bumper guard. I cleaned it up, installed a new the grommet set and restrung it, it became one of my favorite stick. I used to have some luck with Play It Again, Sports. But the pricing has gone up. Fleabay's rock bottom prices reached abut $40 combined with shipping. Seems it is cheaper to buy a more recent stick for $40 than an antique for $40 with questionable grommet or buttcap. More often than not, I had good luck with my purchases of used sticks.
Collecting old rackets is cheaper than racing old cars, even cheap ones like MR2.
Good luck shopping!
 
AM75

AM75

Hall of Fame
Definitely. I've stocked up my Blades 98 (2015) this way. When the CV Blade came out, I could get some Blades 2015 in excellent conditions from club players who wanted to switch immediately, for less than $ 20. It's impossible to get 2015 Blades at this price anymore.
 
Traffic

Traffic

Hall of Fame
I bought my 2nd Volkl V1Pro from TW used. It came with a leather grip on it. I played around with different iterations of grips and weighting. In the end, I have standard grips on both, but I have tungsten weight under the grip on both racquets. My used one is more evenly balanced than the new one I bought. But somehow, it grooves with me better and so that has become my main racquet.
 
StringGuruMRT

StringGuruMRT

Semi-Pro
I've had some good success finding great deals on classic frames on some newer for sale apps. In looking for classic racquets I have found that theres too many people looking on **** to find any good deals anymore. As for current/recent frames I mainly look on here
 
mpournaras

mpournaras

Hall of Fame
1HBHfanatic said:
1st change the GRIP
2nd change the grommet kit
3rd change the strings

and just like that,,,, vuala!!,, its a "new raket", 2me!! haaaa
Click to expand...
I hit so bad that my new rackets look used after 5 hours anyway... so why not skip that first step and save 50 bucks lol.

Grommets can be tough to find though for older rackets. Like my Pro Opens I had to search for similar molds and it turns out a certain store had a bunch of old BLX Envy (crappy light frame) grommets that just so happened to be the same mold as the Pro Open... most people looking to save a few bucks don't have that determination
 
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$

$$bils

New User
literally just bought a brand new racket and and slightly used racket from ****. imo, the slightly used ones are better, it is a little more worked it and has a better feel than a brand spanking new stick. Just look at the wear on the outside, if its not that bad, it should be fine.
 
jonestim

jonestim

Hall of Fame
I think I have only purchased 3 or 4 new racquets ever. I have picked up at least that many from the used section of TW, quite a few from the classifieds here, lots of craigslist bargains, a few from the bay, and more thrift store purchases than I can count.

I've had a couple bad racquets when buying used. One from the bay that was cracked - I got my money returned. One from the classifieds here that was cracked - I got my money returned. Three in one purchase elsewhere that were not the grip size stated and were also more beat up than stated - got my money returned.

As long as grommets are still available, go for it.
 
bcart1991

bcart1991

Professional
I've bought 30-40 frames from the TT listings, ****, and Craigslist over the past 20 years.

99.9% have been good transactions. *Maybe* one or two weren't fully as described, and I paid $7 for a frame that ended up being cracked. Boo hoo.

As long as you do your due diligence on the seller and frame (pics, etc.), you'll be fine.
 
movdqa

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
My current four frames were purchased new from a private party though there is no way that I would know if they were used. He's a high-volume seller and well-known so I trust that they were knew. Also, at 386 swingweight, I imagine that very few people would want to try them out. I also have three other frames that I bought used and use them when my current frames don't have decent strings. I had no problems buying them used as, again, these were from another high-volume private seller with many people to vouch for him. I suspect that he hit with them for an hour or so and then sold them.
 
NuBas

NuBas

Legend
Legend of Borg said:
prices for premium 200-300$ frames are cut in more than half when they have the used/pre-owned label on them

my main reservation is that the integrity of the frame is a big unknown

how would i know that the previous owner has not dropped the racket and caused some internal damage to it which compromises the way it plays

it's also slightly unpleasant not having the enjoyment of playing with a brand new straight out of the factory racket but this is a minor point
Click to expand...

What kind of a question is this? Its like asking would you buy a used car. This is normal.
 
L

LocNetMonster

Professional
I have six Babolat sticks I bought on da eBaeey. The play very well. Just inspect the photos closely. Look for cracks in the top half of the hoop, how chewed up is the head guard, how much graphite is missing from the upper edges of the hoop from ground brushing and look at the grommets inside the hoop to see how worn they are. I only buy from sellers who post six or more photos in their listing of the hoop area. Funny thing is racquet models that I was buying for around $60 a pop two years ago are now listed at $20-30 more. One would think that the prices would depreciate, not increase over time.
 
5sets

5sets

Hall of Fame
I just bought 3 pre-owned frames off the Bay and I will never go back to buying new racquets. As others have said just check the seller’s buyers feedback as well as the photographs. I bought old Head frames which are no longer manufactured as well. Basically getting three racquets for the price of one if you don’t mind some cosmetic blemishes which will happen anyway after a week or two of play with your brand new $250 racquet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
C

Chadalina

Guest
I dont even like my rackets coming strung. I got a good deal on the bay, he strung it... I dont let anyone string my rackets
 
L

LocNetMonster

Professional
5sets said:
if you don’t mind some cosmetic blemishes which will happen anyway
Click to expand...

Exactly. The ball doesn't really care what the racquet that smacks it looks like.

As soon as I get a new "used" stick, I put in new grommets, check the weight and balance, restring and get the courts as soon as I can.
 
5sets

5sets

Hall of Fame
Legend of Borg said:
prices for premium 200-300$ frames are cut in more than half when they have the used/pre-owned label on them

my main reservation is that the integrity of the frame is a big unknown

how would i know that the previous owner has not dropped the racket and caused some internal damage to it which compromises the way it plays

it's also slightly unpleasant not having the enjoyment of playing with a brand new straight out of the factory racket but this is a minor point
Click to expand...

Even if it was “dropped” as you say that would have virtually no effect on the way it plays. Watch one of Fabio Fognini’s matches. He routinely spikes his racquet in anger off the ground and catches it, and then goes on a hot streak and wins the next few points or match.

It’s a tennis racquet, not a newborn baby.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
5sets

5sets

Hall of Fame
LocNetMonster said:
I have six Babolat sticks I bought on da eBaeey. The play very well. Just inspect the photos closely. Look for cracks in the top half of the hoop, how chewed up is the head guard, how much graphite is missing from the upper edges of the hoop from ground brushing and look at the grommets inside the hoop to see how worn they are. I only buy from sellers who post six or more photos in their listing of the hoop area. Funny thing is racquet models that I was buying for around $60 a pop two years ago are now listed at $20-30 more. One would think that the prices would depreciate, not increase over time.
Click to expand...

I’ve noticed the price increase as well in some pre/owned models. I guess it’s because they are no longer in circulation and harder to find. Once that model is out of production, because the racquet is used it can be bought at a bargain, but a few years later it becomes a gem.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Strawbewwy

Strawbewwy

Rookie
it's a racquet, not a car, no moving mechanical parts that could be "hidden"

no cracks/structural damage/graphite exposure/grommets and you're good to go unless you care about paint chips. personally I don't care about paint chips cuz I know I myself will inflict more on it anyways

when in doubt, request lots of pictures and be the judge yourself or even can ask here in the forums for opinions if it's hard to tell, like a hairline mark if it could be a scratch or a crack
 
FedGR

FedGR

Professional
Of course. I've bought and sold probably 50 rackets without any issues. For the one that there might be something wrong with, oh well, I've bought a new racket from a store that was defective so buying used is worth it.
 
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