Bag pricing are out of control

S

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
TomTennis495 said:
First of all, who needs a 12 racquet bag. Unless you are on the pro circuit. Im curious .....
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I've always used 12 racket bags - more space. Usually have 2-4 frames in the bag. 6 cans of balls. Pair of shoes, water bottle(s). pack of overgrips, hat, sweatshirt/jacket, exercise band. Occasionally a tripod if recording for film review.

Not to mention if someone gives a racket to string while on court, I can just throw it in my bag.

And I agree: Go used, or older models on clearance. There's no new "revolutionary" technology that makes bags better. Its all just trends and fashion more than function.
 
graycrait

graycrait

Legend
I found as I got older I need a 12 racket bag: defibrillator - check, hammock (mid afternoon nap) - check, trauma kit (I play on some sketchy courts) - check, rackets covering the past 35 years - check, every manor of sun block hat - check, multiple towels - check, spare socks/Depends - check, spare net strap - check, water bottles - check, foldable cane just in case - check, tape/scissors - check, etc., etc.

Then I found I couldn't carry the bag without getting a hernia so had to get another gadget just to go play geriatric tennis:
TmV7fds.jpg
 
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Rosstour

Rosstour

G.O.A.T.
TomTennis495 said:
First of all, who needs a 12 racquet bag. Unless you are on the pro circuit. Im curious .....
Click to expand...

I have 3 bags that are 12-15 racquet capacity. I keep all my gear in the bag: shirts, shorts, socks, compression underwear, towel, 1-2 cans of balls, 3-4 bottles of water, warmup suit, and 1-2 pair of shoes. If you play tournaments, you can't afford to be rummaging through a closet before your match...just grab the bag and go

I have a white Bab for the warmer months, the black Rafa Bab for colder months/indoor, and an old Wilson Burn 15pk that doesn't leave the house and holds spare gear and any racquets that have gut strings in them (PS85 and RF97A)
 
gold325

gold325

Hall of Fame
kevin qmto said:
I’ve never paid over $45 for a used bag before. And got a 2001 Head Titanium orange/black (same racket bag Agassi used during most of the 2001 season) for $40.

just go used.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%

I only "waste" my money on rackets.. strings, bags, balls, shoes, clothes etc.. I am very very careful.


TomTennis495 said:
First of all, who needs a 12 racquet bag. Unless you are on the pro circuit. Im curious .....
Click to expand...

Holic Hoarders like me who want to hit 12 frames in one session need them for sure
 
Rayzor

Rayzor

New User
graycrait said:
I found as I got older I need a 12 racket bag: defibrillator - check, hammock (mid afternoon nap) - check, trauma kit (I play on some sketchy courts) - check, rackets covering the past 35 years - check, every manor of sun block hat - check, multiple towels - check, spare socks - check, spare net strap - check, water bottles - check, foldable cane just in case - check, tape/scissors - check, etc., etc.

Then I found I couldn't carry the bag without getting a hernia so had to get another gadget just to go play geriatric tennis:
TmV7fds.jpg
Click to expand...
Is that a rig for 3-gun?
 
D

dkmura

Professional
This past week I packed my 6-pack Yonex bag for use as a carryon for a trip to Mexico. I just bought a new blue nine-pack Yonex bag for $65 on sale, but it's too large to use easily as carryon luggage. But not to worry, Yonex bags are well built, and last for years and years.
 
S

scottydc5

New User
I am still repping a 6 pack bag from Babolat that is a few years old. I have found it to struggle holding everything for a full day at a tournament, but the price to jump up to a 9 pack now a days I will just use a cheap backpack to hold my extra clothes or snacks.
 
S

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
gold325 said:
Agree 100%

I only "waste" my money on rackets.. strings, bags, balls, shoes, clothes etc.. I am very very careful.




Holic Hoarders like me who want to hit 12 frames in one session need them for sure
Click to expand...
Not to mention the 1lb differential in string tension that we have for every possible weather sc
scottydc5 said:
I am still repping a 6 pack bag from Babolat that is a few years old. I have found it to struggle holding everything for a full day at a tournament, but the price to jump up to a 9 pack now a days I will just use a cheap backpack to hold my extra clothes or snacks.
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I used a prince 12 pack from circa 2015 up until this Christmas. Bag still looked brand new. Gave it to a buddy since it was in fantastic shape.

Gotta keep my 2 main frames, the PT2.0, usually a playtest frame or another frame for others to demo (aka usually one I'm looking to sell).
 
L

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
Say Chi Sin Lo said:
Can somebody tell me why this bag, the Tecnifibre Tour Endurance WHT 12R Bag is $130 USD?!
Click to expand...

The market has become a little too segmented as every maker made bags for every racquet line.(maybe a few player signature lines as well) I always like to buy bags on clearance. Currently I have three active bags. If I was to buy one retail without waiting for clearance... Adidas twelve racquet bag. They normally run about seventy-five dollars or so. Second choice might be to splurge on a Geau or ADV. The Adidas bag is a solid design, it would be fun if they made a premium version. Next would be any reasonable brand on clearance between model years.

The return of duffel bags with a classic duffel shape is also interesting.

Adidas bag at 58.77

adidas Tour Tennis 12 Racquet Bag Black/Red | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com www.tennis-warehouse.com
 
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D

dkmura

Professional
Lorenn said:
The market has become a little too segmented as every maker made bags for every racquet line.(maybe a few player signature lines as well) I always like to buy bags on clearance. Currently I have three active bags. If I was to buy one retail without waiting for clearance... Adidas twelve racquet bag. They normally run about seventy-five dollars or so. Second choice might be to splurge on a Geau or ADV. The Adidas bag is a solid design, it would be fun if they made a premium version. Next would be any reasonable brand on clearance between model years.

The return of duffel bags with a classic duffel shape is also interesting.
Click to expand...
Good point on buying racquet bags at a clearance or used sale. The last sale came up when a local shop had a graduated sale last fall and I purchased my Yonex bag at 50% off. Just know what you want and wait for it to go on sale. It'll happen at some point...
 
S

silentkman

Hall of Fame
Lorenn said:
The market has become a little too segmented as every maker made bags for every racquet line.(maybe a few player signature lines as well) I always like to buy bags on clearance. Currently I have three active bags. If I was to buy one retail without waiting for clearance... Adidas twelve racquet bag. They normally run about seventy-five dollars or so. Second choice might be to splurge on a Geau or ADV. The Adidas bag is a solid design, it would be fun if they made a premium version. Next would be any reasonable brand on clearance between model years.

The return of duffel bags with a classic duffel shape is also interesting.
Click to expand...

why three bags?
 
L

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
silentkman said:
why three bags?
Click to expand...

I consider it active if I use it about once a week. Unless a bag is only racquets I find it can handle about half it's rated capacity.

First bag is a mix of Gravity Pros and Speed MP(s) 360+. Sometimes a racquet I am testing.
Second bag has a mix of oversize racquets and various racquets.
Third bag is overflow of the other two and pickleball.

If I was forced to one bag. I would reduce down to...
Gravity Prosx2, Speed MP 360+, One OS and a couple racquets depending on mood. Two pickleball paddles and whatever supplies fit. If I needed more supplies I would bring a separate backpack/duffel.

Two would not be difficult, but pickleball started taking up too much space. Two of my bags are nine racquet, newest one twelve.
 
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S

silentkman

Hall of Fame
Lorenn said:
I consider it active if I use it about once a week. Unless a bag is only racquets I find it can handle about half it's rated capacity.

First bag is a mix of Gravity Pros and Speed MP(s) 360+. Sometimes a racquet I am testing.
Second bag has a mix of oversize racquets and various racquets.
Third bag is overflow of the other two and pickleball.

If I was forced to one bag. I would reduce down to...
Gravity Prosx2, Speed MP 360+, One OS and a couple racquets depending on mood. Two pickleball paddles and whatever supplies fit. If I needed more supplies I would bring a separate backpack/duffel.

Two would not be difficult, but pickleball started taking up too much space. Two of my bags are nine racquet, newest one twelve.
Click to expand...

sounds expensive. I just use one until falls apart. My favorite bag has always been the Volkl bags from back in the day.
 
V

vokazu

Hall of Fame
At my usual shop, This 12 racquets bag, Head Extreme Monstercombi, cost $98.45 (on sale). The original price was $123. (I have converted the price from AUD to USD)

284121_Extreme_Nite_12R_BK_03_1080x.jpg




284121_Xtreme_Nite_12R_5_1080x.jpg


284121_Xtreme_Nite_12R_2_1080x.jpg
 
L

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
silentkman said:
sounds expensive. I just use one until falls apart. My favorite bag has always been the Volkl bags from back in the day.
Click to expand...

Nine racquet bags can normally be found for 40-50 dollars onsale or lightly used. Twelve racquet bags are quite a bit more(80-90ish). So I tend to lean towards nine racquet. I did end up with a extra bag due to it being bundled with a clearance priced Gravity Pro. (twelve racquet bag). Basically they were clearing out both due to the new 2023 models pending release. It is becoming difficult to find quality bags. My 2003 Head/Agassi bag is holding up amazingly well. I picked up a second bag in 2020. Ending up with a Novak Djokovic Supercombi. Well designed, but not sure about it's potential longevity. It was 45 dollars. If I had to buy bags today I would likely pick up the Adidas bag at 58.77. If I was given a bag the Geau and ADV bags are nice. I don't require the bag to match my racquets, but oddly that was the way I ended up. Radical, Speed and Gravity.

There is also nothing wrong with just finding a good duffel/backpack.
 
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Bisquick

Bisquick

Rookie
I wanted a prince tour duffel but didn’t want to pay the $99ish.
Found the same design from ASICS at a warehouse sale - $20 new. It’s going on 3 years now - works great.
Has room for 2 rackets, shoe pocket, cooler pocket and large main compartment
 
D

dkmura

Professional
Say Chi Sin Lo said:
Ain't no pro going to notice you wearing a wardrobe of racquets and think you're a suitable hitting partner....
Click to expand...
Pros look at strokes, not bags. And if you can pay for a lesson, you're certainly suitable!

BTW- I like some of the new features in current racquet bags. In particular, the wet items pouch for shoes or clothing helps on trips. Yonex has hidden pockets for wallets and phones that come in handy. For the trip I'm currently on, I've got two racquets and one paddle packed in the older, smaller bag I brought along.
 
J

jimmy8

Legend
I bought my bag second hand for $20 with free shipping. It was in good condition and it holds 12 rackets.
 
chazz

chazz

Rookie
TomTennis495 said:
First of all, who needs a 12 racquet bag. Unless you are on the pro circuit. Im curious .....
Click to expand...

I downsized from Prince 9 pack to a geausport aether backpack. I play on public courts so showing up with the giant racquet bag was a bit much. lol I understand why others may need the big bag, especially those playing in leagues or on college teams.
 
L

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
jimmy8 said:
Bags cost more because the price for shipping from overseas on the cargo ships has gone way up. It cost a lot to increase shipping to help with all the bottlenecks going on when the pandemic started.
Click to expand...

www.cnbc.com

Most supply chain managers expect problems to continue at least through 2024

More than half of logistics managers surveyed by CNBC do not expect the supply chain to return to normal until 2024 or after.
www.cnbc.com www.cnbc.com

Having said that West coast shipping prices are approaching pre-pandemic pricing. Problem seems to be the disruption along the rest of the chain and stores being overstocked at pandemic pricing and not wanting to discount to market prices.
 
ichaseballs

ichaseballs

Professional
Say Chi Sin Lo said:
Can somebody tell me why this bag, the Tecnifibre Tour Endurance WHT 12R Bag is $130 USD?!

Tecnifibre Tour Endurance WHT 12R Bag | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com www.tennis-warehouse.com
Am I missing something or is this just a medium sized bag with 2 giant pockets, AND NOTHING ELSE?! Why the hell is this $130 USD?!
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the hot word these days is "inflation"
also some of these bags are insanely overpriced
www.vogue.com

28 Tennis Bags to Ace Your Style Game

From racket covers to totes to backpacks, these can hold all your essentials—and look good doing so.
www.vogue.com www.vogue.com

and so are most luxury goods, but they make big bucks still...
complaining about the price never helps.
 
L

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
ichaseballs said:
and so are most luxury goods, but they make big bucks still...
complaining about the price never helps.
Click to expand...

Part of it is fashion loves to be expensive, as it helps make it feel exclusive. Some players want to have matching shirts, shoes, socks, shorts, racquet and bag. That requires ton of space at retail locations. Others simply love to have premium high priced items to make sure everyone knows they are well off. New tennis bags start at list price and tend to drop to 50% off. Having a higher list price makes it easier to sell at XX% off and still have stores make profit. There are plenty of good options at slightly over 50% off. I mainly switched to a tennis bag because it hangs well on a fence and I feel it helps when you have more than three racquets...compared to a decent basic duffel.

Economy in general is leaning towards aiming for exclusivity. Look at Supreme, fashionable purses, sneakers and the like. Why work hard when you can make more selling less:)
 
B

Boxing

New User
That 2021 Radical 12 monstercombi bag has a shoe compartment and a weather compartment for rackets, has been on sale ( < 80usd )for a while now. Prob will snag one myself this week as im a huge Head fanatic, occasionally play with the Radical pro mp & am addicted to tennis warehouse...

That's the bag i would recommend to anyone looking at the moment
 
L

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
There is some varations of the monstercombi, but it is a lovely bag. I like where they place the handle and backpack straps. I use a similar older Djokovic version of the bag and really enjoy the ease of use. Adding a carabiner makes it easy to clip to the fence and the balance is near perfect in every situation. I don't think they are the best bags on the market, but I really do like them. Especially when you can find them for reasonably prices.
 
C

Cowboy

Rookie
In the market for a bag. Found this thread.

Prices are still ridiculous....but, if people are paying them....

The thing that also blows my mind is people on Marketplace listing bags for sale at MSRP. Why would I buy "second hand" for the same price I can order from a reputable online retailer (or purchase in a local shop)? I've made two reasonable offers to people with bags for sale on marketplace and been told to get lost each time.
 
Alcawrath

Alcawrath

Semi-Pro
TomTennis495 said:
First of all, who needs a 12 racquet bag. Unless you are on the pro circuit. Im curious .....
Click to expand...
:-D high school coach here. I've carried a 12 pack for years. 4 extra racquets for players whose strings inevitably break mid match, change of clothes to coach in, shoes, water, clipboard, jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks to keep me running till my 13 hr. day finally ends with an entirely too long JV singles match third set tiebreak where no strokes are over 15 mph.
 
smboogie

smboogie

Semi-Pro
I splurged and just got the ADV backpack and I can honestly say it's a great bag. It not only holds 3 rackets but also everything I had in my Adidas 12pk bag which includes grips, meds, hats, cans of tennis balls, warm up bands, extra clothes (socks, shorts, sweats, 1/4 zip), shoe bag all with great design for quick access and a cooler pocket to keep a drink cold. Definitely a 12 or 15 pack can cram in more for a weekend tourney but my issue is everything get's mixed up making it frustrating to find anything. Ideally for a weekend tennis trip I would have this backpack and another duffle if needed but I'm not playing weekend long tournaments.

Yes it's pricey but I gotta say it's going to simplify my needs and so far feels like it's built extremely well.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
smboogie said:
I splurged and just got the ADV backpack and I can honestly say it's a great bag. It not only holds 3 rackets but also everything I had in my Adidas 12pk bag which includes grips, meds, hats, cans of tennis balls, warm up bands, extra clothes (socks, shorts, sweats, 1/4 zip), shoe bag all with great design for quick access and a cooler pocket to keep a drink cold. Definitely a 12 or 15 pack can cram in more for a weekend tourney but my issue is everything get's mixed up making it frustrating to find anything. Ideally for a weekend tennis trip I would have this backpack and another duffle if needed but I'm not playing weekend long tournaments.

Yes it's pricey but I gotta say it's going to simplify my needs and so far feels like it's built extremely well.
Click to expand...

Precisely why I got the ADV (big) bag too. I like having numerous exterior pockets for organization.

I don't know why legacy racquet manufacturers, like that of Wilson, Head, Babolat, etc. etc. are just making a giant bag with 3-4 giant pockets.

It's like a swimming pool in there, I hate having to fish out my keys or smaller items from these other bags.
 
smboogie

smboogie

Semi-Pro
Say Chi Sin Lo said:
Precisely why I got the ADV (big) bag too. I like having numerous exterior pockets for organization.

I don't know why legacy racquet manufacturers, like that of Wilson, Head, Babolat, etc. etc. are just making a giant bag with 3-4 giant pockets.

It's like a swimming pool in there, I hate having to fish out my keys or smaller items from these other bags.
Click to expand...
I agree, the simplest cheapest solution would be for the inner pockets, use a colored material so it's not a dark pit. Every time I come across a good looking bag I'm ready to buy but when I look through the pockets and layout I can see that it's just going to be a pile of stuff to sift through.
 
onehandbh

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
jimmy8 said:
Bags cost more because the price for shipping from overseas on the cargo ships has gone way up. It cost a lot to increase shipping to help with all the bottlenecks going on when the pandemic started.
Click to expand...
The price per container has roughly doubled since Fall. Wars and global territorial conflicts are not good for import/export.
 
DropvolleysRhard

DropvolleysRhard

Rookie
smboogie said:
I agree, the simplest cheapest solution would be for the inner pockets, use a colored material so it's not a dark pit. Every time I come across a good looking bag I'm ready to buy but when I look through the pockets and layout I can see that it's just going to be a pile of stuff to sift through.
Click to expand...
I like the new Head XL pro bag, the black one. Layout is better than last years white one I have. zipper pocket for stuff in center area, fits 4-5 Speed Pros in thermal side easily, has outside pocket for phone, other side can carry 3-5 more frames and my favorite, shoe tunnel at head and not grip end! I also love my gravity duffel, it’s purple liner makes seeing inside easier than black interior.
 
mtommer

mtommer

Hall of Fame
TomTennis495 said:
First of all, who needs a 12 racquet bag. Unless you are on the pro circuit. Im curious .....
Click to expand...
I realize this is an old post but here's why....
Six to eight racquets. Two string reels. Shoes. Towel. Wet bag. Change of clothing. Socks. Package of overgrips. Four or five rolls of athletic tape, a roll of foam underwrap and other medical items. Three to four cans of balls. Jump rope. Fitness bands. Practice cones. Various little odds and ends. Room for personal items.

It really does add up.
 
C

Cowboy

Rookie
My use case is a little different. I typically have 3 racquets, a towel, can of balls, spare over grip or two, sunglasses (in case), keys, phone, wallet, sunscreen, wrist bands, and band aids.

That's a lot of stuff to cram in a 3R bag. So I started looking at 6R bags, as I don't want a huge bag. Well, the price on the 6R and 9R bags isn't that significantly different. I string for a lot of people on my team, so it isn't uncommon to head home with more racquets than I had when I went to the courts.

I've read that the Adidas bag is small for a 12R, and I hope that is the case. I'm hoping it strikes a nice balance between storage and size.
 
smboogie

smboogie

Semi-Pro
The ADV Jet Pack backpack fits pretty much everything from my Adidas 9 pack. I can get 3 rackets, shoes (size M14). Socks, spare shorts/shirt/towel, warm up bands, sunglasses, sunscreen, can of balls. There is still room for a laptop/ipad, drink in the cooler pocket and the quick access pocket for cell phone, wallet, keys etc. It has a luggage loop for airport travel and a hanging hook to use it like a locker. It's a very well designed pack. Buddy has the 9 pack and loves it.

I play mostly local so having a 9-12 pack works but I don't need it for the space really and it does get bulky as hell and having a huge pocket for everything to get lost in sucks when looking for stuff on court. I even tried buying organizational mesh bags to try to make it easier but they just get lost in the shuffle. The ADV will allow me to carry everything I need for 99% of the play I do as well as a great bag for when I do travel so 100% can't recommend it enough.
 
kevin qmto

kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
I keep on getting lucky with large bags I suppose. I got one of those red/black Adidas 12 racket bags (best bag I've ever used) from Adidas's The Bay store for 50 shipped brand new.

Then I found 2 more 12 racket bags, one Babolat, the other a ProPenn gearbag from the late 80s/early 90s for 20 each locally at Play it Again Sports.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
mtommer said:
I realize this is an old post but here's why....
Six to eight racquets. Two string reels. Shoes. Towel. Wet bag. Change of clothing. Socks. Package of overgrips. Four or five rolls of athletic tape, a roll of foam underwrap and other medical items. Three to four cans of balls. Jump rope. Fitness bands. Practice cones. Various little odds and ends. Room for personal items.

It really does add up.
Click to expand...
6 - 8 racquets?

What are you... changing racquets every 10 minutes? And for what reason?
 
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