Maybe not because of Covid. A new racquet now costs between $200 and $250 USD. Hence used also have gone up in price.I used to be able to find a decent used Yonex for less than $100 on eBuy and now I can't find anything for less than $150. I think Covid has turned everybody into a tennis player.
There is a significant inventory shortage on new equipment. Local shops have been waiting on new shipments for a while, that along with the growth in Tennis has driven prices up. If you want a racket, get it now because it could be a while before one is available again.I used to be able to find a decent used Yonex for less than $100 on eBuy and now I can't find anything for less than $150. I think Covid has turned everybody into a tennis player.
There is a significant inventory shortage on new equipment. Local shops have been waiting on new shipments for a while, that along with the growth in Tennis has driven prices up. If you want a racket, get it now because it could be a while before one is available again.
Tennis equipment has always been expensive, and people wonder why it is considered an “elite” sport. Shoes are in the 150 range, and new racquets in the 250 range? I think 200 per new racquet was the standard, but now companies take advantage and make a “pro” line and bump up the most popular racquet’s price by 20-50 bucks. The standard pure aero is the most expensive solely because of its popularity
A good ping pong paddle can cost $200 too. When I played competitively, a sheet of rubber could cost $30/sheet, and that was 30 years ago. Plus, you need 2 sheets and a good paddle too.Pickleball paddles go for $200. Tell me how that makes any sense? It's a glorified ping pong paddle used to hit a whiffle ball. What R&D needs to go into that?
When tennis racquets were $200 and under, I used to buy two racquets a year and paid full price for them. Now I buy two racquets every three years and wait until they are heavily discounted.
I hit with a friend of mine's 20-25 years old racquet, it does not play any different(to me) than the newer models. We all like to play with the latest, the latest is not necessarily better.
I read a long time ago that Pete Sampras used to play with 15 year old model? Please correct me if I am wrong, I am only repeating what I have read.
The new rackets are better. Sampras has said that he should've changed rackets sooner. It's true that pros play with old rackets under paint jobs but that's just what they're comfortable with, not what's the best racket.
I think most of the Head racquets recently went up $10 in price. So the Microgel Radical is now $99.Maybe not because of Covid. A new racquet now costs between $200 and $250 USD. Hence used also have gone up in price.
Surprisingly the one that hasn't changed is the Head Microgel Radical; still $89 for the new ones!
A good ping pong paddle can cost $200 too. When I played competitively, a sheet of rubber could cost $30/sheet, and that was 30 years ago. Plus, you need 2 sheets and a good paddle too.
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Of course new rackets are better. I have five different Yonex's and the new Yonex obviously play better than the old Yonex. It's ridiculous to think that you could play just as well with a 25 year old racket. I've play tested scores of rackets and there is no comparison. It's true that old rackets can feel more comfortable but they're not going to be as consistent or have as large a sweet spot.
I can play just as well with POG 107 as i can with any of my modern rackets. That's 25 year old technology. With a consistent response and large sweet spot.
Of course new rackets are better. I have five different Yonex's and the new Yonex obviously play better than the old Yonex. It's ridiculous to think that you could play just as well with a 25 year old racket. I've play tested scores of rackets and there is no comparison. It's true that old rackets can feel more comfortable but they're not going to be as consistent or have as large a sweet spot.
I totally agree with you.
I remember getting a look of astonishment when I beat a couple guys in doubles who always beat me and I was using the POG 107. They noticed the unusual frame and I told them it was a 25 year old POG. They were shocked that I took them down with a racket with that old technology.
It's the player, not the racket.
I think that would be a little harder with my 40-year-old racquets.
Graphite made the biggest difference to tennis followed by polyester strings. Everything else has largely been window dressing and shifting weight around.
That being said I was in a "woodies" tournament and went from being the worst player there with modern frames to the best player there with a wooden racket. I was also the only person there that started playing tennis with wood so my brain adapted faster to the old technology.
It still takes me some time adjusting. The hardest thing is the volleys. The sweet spot on my Head Pros is the size of a dime.
Try a softer string and lower the tension, it will enlarge the sweet spot.
A softer string will enlarge the sweet spot.
Lower tension will enlarge the sweet spot.
You can try either or both.
Graphite made the biggest difference to tennis followed by polyester strings. Everything else has largely been window dressing and shifting weight around.
That being said I was in a "woodies" tournament and went from being the worst player there with modern frames to the best player there with a wooden racket. I was also the only person there that started playing tennis with wood so my brain adapted faster to the old technology.
Do you (now) have a “windshield wiper” FH?
And.... Xer or Boomer? Just trying to see if I’m addressing a contemporary or senior.
The POG 107 was a sweet stick in its day. Still is!
FOR shipmentS to EU, price for container is 5.000 $ and will remain the same in 2021. In 2020 was 900 $.everything will be jumping in price. Serious inflation.
a container on the ocean was $600 in 2019-2020
its $1800-$3000 now.
I used to be able to find a decent used Yonex for less than $100 on eBuy and now I can't find anything for less than $150. I think Covid has turned everybody into a tennis player.
Pickleball paddles go for $200. Tell me how that makes any sense? It's a glorified ping pong paddle used to hit a whiffle ball. What R&D needs to go into that?
Oh...ok. Head top ones are now $249 in US! Gone up!!I think most of the Head racquets recently went up $10 in price. So the Microgel Radical is now $99.
But yes, racquets are getting more expensive. The price increases are worse for bicycles.
Used?I guess you haven't seen the dozens of racquets that go up weekly at 1/2 to 3/4 of new prices here in our classifieds.
“Rackets have gone up in price”
Is there anything that hasn’t gone up in price?
Check out platform tennis paddles. Wilson sells a platform Blade complete with green stripe for $210. These are the paddles with a beer bottle opener as a buttcap, so they're obviously highly engineered.Pickleball paddles go for $200. Tell me how that makes any sense? It's a glorified ping pong paddle used to hit a whiffle ball. What R&D needs to go into that?
Hmmm, I don’t buy gold, so I wouldn’t know that, but thanks.Gold has dropped from $2,080 to $1,678.