Best items you found at thrift stores (Goodwill)?

[Grafil Injection]

Although I was prepared to write-off the SD900 above as a typical big-box advanced tweener hollow stick, if you put a dampener in you can do get a reasonably solid feel with a bit of a Kevlar dampening sensation. The 100sqi, 18x19 works quite nicely regarding reasonable power, spin and good control. There is weight in the head that you can feel despite the 315g static figure, so I guess the SW is around 315-20. But overall it is very whippy and there is some flex around 64 RA perhaps. I am sensing a similarity to an Aerogel 300, with a bit more solidity and a sweet-spot that is higher up due to the noticeable Gravity-esque teardrop shape. I also sense a link to Lacoste rackets in that with it's high quality case this may have been a 'lifestyle' racket in it's day. Overall, I am quite happy to hang on to it for when family and friends who don't play need something to join in with. Unfortunately, the end-cap is fixed, but if I can source a cheap leather grip, an extra 8g in the handle could also be interesting.

 

[kevin qmto]

Although I was prepared to write-off the SD900 above as a typical big-box advanced tweener hollow stick, if you put a dampener in you can do get a reasonably solid feel with a bit of a Kevlar dampening sensation. The 100sqi, 18x19 works quite nicely regarding reasonable power, spin and good control. There is weight in the head that you can feel despite the 315g static figure, so I guess the SW is around 315-20. But overall it is very whippy and there is some flex around 64 RA perhaps. I am sensing a similarity to an Aerogel 300, with a bit more solidity and a sweet-spot that is higher up due to the noticeable Gravity-esque teardrop shape. I also sense a link to Lacoste rackets in that with it's high quality case this may have been a 'lifestyle' racket in it's day. Overall, I am quite happy to hang on to it for when family and friends who don't play need something to join in with. Unfortunately, the end-cap is fixed, but if I can source a cheap leather grip, an extra 8g in the handle could also be interesting.

Sounds interesting. Was this one of the last frames from them? I don’t see too many of their frames from the 90’s.

In all my thrifting travels, I’ve yet to come across a single Snauwaert or Donnay frame at a thrift store. Maybe they’re just not popular in my area of the country. But yet I’ve seen plenty of other uncommon brands like Yamaha’s and Fox’s.

 

[michael valek]

Please buy all secret 04 you see and ship them to me in Europe

 

[PBODY99]

Found a Wimbledon "Traditional Pro" tennis racket at a thrift shop ($4.00).
Was in good condition, but the paint was beginning to fade.
Normally I tend to pick up rackets that have some sort of gimmick, but
in this case I thought the name "Wimbledon" was gimmick enough.
It was "designed and manufactured by Kunnan" and sort of resembles
a Prince-style frame.

They wer designed by fomer Prince engineers. . I still have a Boron 7 a green WB 88.

 

[michael valek]

Please buy all secret 04 you see and ship them to me in Europe

But I mean if anyone wants to help me get 2-3 frames from mebay in the us, please let me know.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Sounds interesting. Was this one of the last frames from them? I don’t see too many of their frames from the 90’s.

In all my thrifting travels, I’ve yet to come across a single Snauwaert or Donnay frame at a thrift store. Maybe they’re just not popular in my area of the country. But yet I’ve seen plenty of other uncommon brands like Yamaha’s and Fox’s.

Yeah, I don't see many of those brands either. Probably most of them in continental Europe.

I'm not sure of the precise history, but I can say this 'modern' Snauwaert hits quite nicely, for a tweener. In the sweetspot, which is reasonably generous, there is good power and solidity. Outside the sweetspot it's a bit weak and erratic, so fairly typical for 290g unstrung I suppose.

 

[kevin qmto]

Yeah, I don't see many of those brands either. Probably most of them in continental Europe.

I'm not sure of the precise history, but I can say this 'modern' Snauwaert hits quite nicely, for a tweener. In the sweetspot, which is reasonably generous, there is good power and solidity. Outside the sweetspot it's a bit weak and erratic, so fairly typical for 290g unstrung I suppose.

Oh yeah. I sometimes need to really slow things down to get used to swinging a really light frame again.

Tonight I used 4 rackets. All were Wilson Stings.

I had only ever hit with one of them before, and here’s Kevin’s official tier ranking:

1st - Sting High Beam
2nd - Sting (mid 2000’s version)
3rd - Sting Largehead
4th - Sting SC midsize

I was utterly shocked that I felt compelled to put the SC in last, as I went into the test expecting it to be either 1st or 2nd. But it has some serious painful vibration issues on out of the zone hits. I also struggled to slice as effectively than with any other sting. And headsize isn’t the only culprit, as my favorite on the slice and topspin was the High Beam. That thing is just solid in every way, and has even more power than the 2000’s Sting. For some reason, my OHBH was clicking with the HB but not as much with any other Sting.

 

[lim]

Saw another mfil200 at the local PIA. @kevinqmto if you need one to complete the set lmk haha

 

[mixtape]

I like the dampener on that Dunlop. It looks secure on there.

 

[BDAZ]

Great... now that I've seen this, I feel compelled to dig mine out and restring it. Hahaha. I used it so much back in the day.

 

[kevin qmto]

Saw another mfil200 at the local PIA. @kevinqmto if you need one to complete the set lmk haha

I still need to hit with the one I bought lol. Been too busy hitting with 80s box beams and graphite reinforced woodies to remember my early 2000’s players sticks lol.

What was this one priced at?

 

[ClayJ]

I've been striking out lately, but finally finished my play it again sports pro stock rebuild.

 

[kevin qmto]

I've been striking out lately, but finally finished my play it again sports pro stock rebuild.

Yeah I was a bit bummed when I drove 40 mins out of my way during a road trip to stop at a huge Play it Again that I’d never otherwise visit, only for them to have Jack squat.

 

[kevin qmto]

Alright, here's something you don't see everyday. Found this for 9.99 at PIAS, complete with case. One of Bancroft's late to party graphite offerings from about 1986 as I understand it. The Newport 94, the more flexible version of the more common (I think Kingston 94). Can anybody else think of a 94sq in headed frame? I'm drawing a blank. Thin beam, similar head guard to some Slazenger Panthers' I've seen in photos, though that might only be a coincidence.

Anyone ever seen/hit with a Bancroft before? And check out the extremely narrow clearence from the grommets, they barely extend past the holes in the frame.

A weird older man I met at a thrift store once said Bancroft was always his brand of choice. I've been meaning to make a thread dedicated to him for some time.

pics

 

[kevin qmto]

And yes, of course I didn't just get one thing... I've actually started recording my journeys to these stores like an episode of LGR thrifts, but instead of looking at thrift stores for neat old computers, its basically just tennis rackets. maybe I'll post them on youtube some day.

I have a very hard time leaving rackets that are 9/10 or higher condition. I have no strong feelings towards this Wilson Ceramic HB, and being white it doesn't photograph that well against another white BG, but yeah its damn near perfect. The color on the graphics is a magenta, not red. Will compare it with the Sting HB, which it looks identical minus the cross bar. Weight is 360g for the Ceramic vs 354g for the Sting HB.

 

[kevin qmto]

Played a set with the Bancroft this morning against one of my better hitting partners. Started strong with a 3/0 lead. And those were the last games I won of the set as I then lost 6 straight lol. For some reason had trouble keeping the serve in at a certain point. Probably 10 double faults, nearly all long.

 

[HBK4life]

And yes, of course I didn't just get one thing... I've actually started recording my journeys to these stores like an episode of LGR thrifts, but instead of looking at thrift stores for neat old computers, its basically just tennis rackets. maybe I'll post them on youtube some day.

I have a very hard time leaving rackets that are 9/10 or higher condition. I have no strong feelings towards this Wilson Ceramic HB, and being white it doesn't photograph that well against another white BG, but yeah its damn near perfect. The color on the graphics is a magenta, not red. Will compare it with the Sting HB, which it looks identical minus the cross bar. Weight is 360g for the Ceramic vs 354g for the Sting HB.

Wow. That was the first racket my parents bought for me.

 

[kevin qmto]

Wow. That was the first racket my parents bought for me.

What year do you suppose that was?

 

[Spin-A-Lot]

And yes, of course I didn't just get one thing... I've actually started recording my journeys to these stores like an episode of LGR thrifts, but instead of looking at thrift stores for neat old computers, its basically just tennis rackets. maybe I'll post them on youtube some day.

I have a very hard time leaving rackets that are 9/10 or higher condition. I have no strong feelings towards this Wilson Ceramic HB, and being white it doesn't photograph that well against another white BG, but yeah its damn near perfect. The color on the graphics is a magenta, not red. Will compare it with the Sting HB, which it looks identical minus the cross bar. Weight is 360g for the Ceramic vs 354g for the Sting HB.

Wow! That Bancroft looks very similar to this racquet I got...

Mystery racquet

 

[HBK4life]

What year do you suppose that was?

1990

 

[Bambooman]

Prices are going up. I found a Pro Kennex Regal Comfort in new condition for $15. Couldn't find much opinion on it but even with the old strings it played amazing when I tried it.

Just need to do the usual extension to 28" and put some new strings in.

 

[Ronaldo]

Saw another mfil200 at the local PIA. @kevinqmto if you need one to complete the set lmk haha

Found at least four cleaning my garage

 

[Henry Hub]

Until yesterday, I thought one of the few certainties in life was that a London charity shop in July would stock half a dozen copies of the Da Vinci Code and a couple of battered old rackets. As a keen collector of said rackets, this made Wimbledon a happy hunting season.

Sadly no longer. I rattled around Wimbledon and the bottom of the District Line yesterday and found not a single adult racket for sale. Now there were some wonderful window displays including some Babolats, Heads and a fantastic Silver Fox racket, but unsurprisingly I had no success in extricating these.

Undeterred, I went to plan B and hit the outer reaches of the Northern Line. A few hours and about 25 charity shop later, I still had not found a single racket and my deterrence levels were vertiginously on the rise.

Roll on another couple of hours and I was bursting wide-eyed into charity shops in post codes unbeknownst to the London tube map, frantically scouring the shelves then racing out again with a disappointed wail.

The 50th (I counted) and last place I went into had 2 rackets that I ended up buying more out of principle than anything else. But at least the Graphite Edge seems to be well liked by the cognoscenti around these parts:

https://imgur.com/a/eTTeMJw

I had heard of Atlas before but never this Saxon model. Not a remarkable racket other than it’s almost certainly a nonagenarian and it’s still got its original red string bed:

https://imgur.com/a/Ba9rl38

I did however then get home and find that I had correctly taken a punt on an online ad - turns out I bought one of the Tretorn rackets with the replaceable heads for a snip. I haven’t had the courage to take it apart yet though - there’s a screw in the butt that you loosen to take out the arms of the racket then unscrew the neck and the head pops out.

https://imgur.com/a/HbvEUmT

 

[Henry Hub]

https://imgur.com/a/K6sy4fX

This is my rifle. There are many others like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life etc etc etc

 

[Bagumbawalla]

Today I found a Mitt Wide Rocker.
I picked it up because I never heard of Mitt rackets and it
had 21 of these interesting metal gizmos around the outer frame,
And under the strings that "rock" when you strike the ball.
All I know.

It has a 110 sq in wide frame, made in China, 11.7 oz.

 

[Ronaldo]

Today I found a Mitt Wide Rocker.
I picked it up because I never heard of Mitt rackets and it
had 21 of these interesting metal gizmos around the outer frame,
And under the strings that "rock" when you strike the ball.
All I know.

It has a 110 sq in wide frame, made in China, 11.7 oz.

How is your TE now?

 

[graycrait]

This is my rifle. There are many others like it, but this one is mine.

I couldn't help myself from quoting another ditty I heard and saw performed a number of times in the Army: "This is my rifle, this is my gun, this is for fighting, this is for fun..." I digress badly, sorry..

 

[kevin qmto]

Does anyone else think I’m crazy that of the old mono shaft wood rackets I’ve tried, I usually have an easier time playing with entry level wood rackets (like Rawlings, Spalding, and the Sears racket, provided they’re still in good shape), than the higher end rackets of the day, like Kramer autographs and max ply forts. Something about the old low tension nylon strings, it’s just easier for me to get into a groove and hit decent shots.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Does anyone else think I’m crazy that of the old mono shaft wood rackets I’ve tried, I usually have an easier time playing with entry level wood rackets (like Rawlings, Spalding, and the Sears racket, provided they’re still in good shape), than the higher end rackets of the day, like Kramer autographs and max ply forts. Something about the old low tension nylon strings, it’s just easier for me to get into a groove and hit decent shots.

Not totally crazy! I do find my wooden rackets with vintage syngut/nylon usually have better tension and play more lively than my woods with the original gut.

 

[kevin qmto]

Not totally crazy! I do find my wooden rackets with vintage syngut/nylon usually have better tension and play more lively than my woods with the original gut.

I think the low tension nylon is the reason. Most of the higher end woods I’ve tried were strung tight as a drum and frankly were just uncomfortable for the most part. Also I think the lower tensions helped prevent bad string grooving or cutting into the frame on a lot of the woodies I’ve seen.

 

[kevin qmto]

So yeah speaking of those woodies, these were both goodwill finds, both in 9/10 shape. Double Spaldings, but quite different in nature. The Pancho Gonzales has this ring around the outside of the hoop of lighter colored wood. I'm sure its not a high end model (what Spaldings were?) but I'm sure it'll serve my purposes fine. Did Spalding use Pancho Gonzales like Wilson used Jack Kramer? Selling name branded frames long after the player retired? Because that's what it seems like.

The Challenge Cup is interesting, it has a fiber layer over most of the frame, and is supposedly oversize, but if I had to guess, its upped the head size from 65 to maybe 75-77sq in. Still, its a neat concept, and if anyone knows when it dates from I'd like to know, for both. Well, I'm assuming both hail from the 1970s... I'll have to bring them out this weekend.

 

[Grafil Injection]

So yeah speaking of those woodies, these were both goodwill finds, both in 9/10 shape. Double Spaldings, but quite different in nature. The Pancho Gonzales has this ring around the outside of the hoop of lighter colored wood. I'm sure its not a high end model (what Spaldings were?) but I'm sure it'll serve my purposes fine. Did Spalding use Pancho Gonzales like Wilson used Jack Kramer? Selling name branded frames long after the player retired? Because that's what it seems like.

The Challenge Cup is interesting, it has a fiber layer over most of the frame, and is supposedly oversize, but if I had to guess, its upped the head size from 65 to maybe 75-77sq in. Still, its a neat concept, and if anyone knows when it dates from I'd like to know, for both. Well, I'm assuming both hail from the 1970s... I'll have to bring them out this weekend.

I love the multi-coloured strings in the Pancho.

The external lamination does look rather bright, but on the other hand it is usually a very thin maple layer that is light in colour, so you could argue that it is the interior laminations that are unusually dark in this case. Almost like they've been oiled/waxed.

 

[JW10S]

So yeah speaking of those woodies, these were both goodwill finds, both in 9/10 shape. Double Spaldings, but quite different in nature. The Pancho Gonzales has this ring around the outside of the hoop of lighter colored wood. I'm sure its not a high end model (what Spaldings were?) but I'm sure it'll serve my purposes fine. Did Spalding use Pancho Gonzales like Wilson used Jack Kramer? Selling name branded frames long after the player retired? Because that's what it seems like.

The Challenge Cup is interesting, it has a fiber layer over most of the frame, and is supposedly oversize, but if I had to guess, its upped the head size from 65 to maybe 75-77sq in. Still, its a neat concept, and if anyone knows when it dates from I'd like to know, for both. Well, I'm assuming both hail from the 1970s... I'll have to bring them out this weekend.

Yes, the Pancho Gonzalez racquet pictured was a low end racquet sold pre-strung in big box department and sporting goods stores. You can easily tell by the vinyl grip. At the same time Wilson had the Jack Kramer Autograph, Spalding had the Pancho Gonzalez Autograph, which was a high end frame. Both racquets playing much alike. Wilson continued selling the Kramer line for a lot longer than Spalding sold the Gonzalez. Gonzalez had switched to the metal Spalding Smasher so pretty much any wood racquets sold after that bearing his name were low end models.

 

[kevin qmto]

I love the multi-coloured strings in the Pancho.

The external lamination does look rather bright, but on the other hand it is usually a very thin maple layer that is light in colour, so you could argue that it is the interior laminations that are unusually dark in this case. Almost like they've been oiled/waxed.

I too love the striped look of old nylon strings. Especially the red/white candy cane looking ones. I’d love to find a NOS set and put them in something modern just for kicks.

 

[kevin qmto]

Yes, the Pancho Gonzalez racquet pictured was a low end racquet sold pre-strung in big box department and sporting goods stores. You can easily tell by the vinyl grip. At the same time Wilson had the Jack Kramer Autograph, Spalding had the Pancho Gonzalez Autograph, which was a high end frame. Both racquets playing much alike. Wilson continued selling the Kramer line for a lot longer than Spalding sold the Gonzalez. Gonzalez had switched to the metal Spalding Smasher so pretty much any wood racquets sold after that bearing his name were low end models.

I figured. I already built up the grip and installed an overgrip, but I thought it would look nicer in photos with the original blue grip.

I just liked that the white paint had not yellowed with age, and it’s not warped. Should still play decently. We shall see.

 

[JW10S]

I just liked that the white paint had not yellowed with age, and it’s not warped. Should still play decently. We shall see.

Yeah, the racquet definitely looks cool. I just get a kick out it being named a 'Pro' AND 'Champ'.

As an aside, I see a fair amount of people on this thread posting pics of wood racquets they've picked up thinking they've found a classic gem when in reality they bought a cheap wood racquet that back in the day would have sold strung for $15-$20 bucks. The big give away is the cheap vinyl grips. They were made of inferior wood and play nothing like a top-of-the-line Dunlop Maxply, Kramer Autograph, Gonzales Autograph or Slazenger Challenge No. 1.

 

[kevin qmto]

Yeah, the racquet definitely looks cool. I just get a kick out it being named a 'Pro' AND 'Champ'.

As an aside, I see a fair amount of people on this thread posting pics of wood racquets they've picked up thinking they've found a classic gem when in reality they bought a cheap wood racquet that back in the day would have sold strung for $15-$20 bucks. The big give away is the cheap vinyl grips. They were made of inferior wood and play nothing like a top-of-the-line Dunlop Maxply, Kramer Autograph, Gonzales Autograph or Slazenger Challenge No. 1.

I won’t argue with you, and historically that might be true. But I think age and storage conditions are great equalizers. A lot of a wood rackets ability to play decently has to do with how it’s spent the last 4 or 5 decades. If it’s been garage kept or on a shelf indoors. Whether or not it’s been strung and for how long. And at what tension. Like I said, I’ve tried both the Kramer autograph and maxply fort and perhaps they were substantially better at some point, but as of 2023 I felt like I honestly preferred some of the lower end woods in my collection. (A racket collector I met locally let me borrow them from his collection of about 300 wood frames). Both were strung VERY tight and had substantial cutting from the strings.

And maybe with my more modern strokes the lower tension and weight of a lower end wood racket just feels better for my play style, coupled with good condition from proper storage over the decades.

For example, skip to 0:25 in this video.

 

[djNEiGht]

the Barricade indoor against the red shirt player was fun to watch. The lob and chase!!!

 

[lim]

I still need to hit with the one I bought lol. Been too busy hitting with 80s box beams and graphite reinforced woodies to remember my early 2000’s players sticks lol.

What was this one priced at?

$15
They are rock solid but too flexy for my taste

In other news I grabbed this pog 90..

 

[kevin qmto]

the Barricade indoor against the red shirt player was fun to watch. The lob and chase!!!

Haha, yeah I was toying with him by the end of that one. And my last lob landed smack on the line too lol. That was on indoor carpet courts, and when the ball hits the painted lines you can always hear it. That’s how I knew I’d nailed the S&V at 3:00, because I heard it smack the line. (The music covers that sound here though)

 

[Grafil Injection]

I won’t argue with you, and historically that might be true. But I think age and storage conditions are great equalizers. A lot of a wood rackets ability to play decently has to do with how it’s spent the last 4 or 5 decades. If it’s been garage kept or on a shelf indoors. Whether or not it’s been strung and for how long. And at what tension. Like I said, I’ve tried both the Kramer autograph and maxply fort and perhaps they were substantially better at some point, but as of 2023 I felt like I honestly preferred some of the lower end woods in my collection. (A racket collector I met locally let me borrow them from his collection of about 300 wood frames). Both were strung VERY tight and had substantial cutting from the strings.

And maybe with my more modern strokes the lower tension and weight of a lower end wood racket just feels better for my play style, coupled with good condition from proper storage over the decades.

For example, skip to 0:25 in this video.

I have a warped Slazenger Tournament (low range) and a bottom of the range Dunlop Matchpoint, they do both play absolutely fine because the strings still have good tension as you suggested. But I think you can notice the higher quality materials in the top woods in terms of a stiffer flex and overall nicer feel, if you get them in correct condition too.

In particular, I would recommend the Slazenger Challenge No 1. One thing I noticed from my 2 is that they are 1/4 inch longer, so they seem to have good plow-through and solid feeling even at relatively low weights. I'd be interested to hear if that's the normal spec.

 

[kevin qmto]

I have a warped Slazenger Tournament (low range) and a bottom of the range Dunlop Matchpoint, they do both play absolutely fine because the strings still have good tension as you suggested. But I think you can notice the higher quality materials in the top woods in terms of a stiffer flex and overall nicer feel, if you get them in correct condition too.

In particular, I would recommend the Slazenger Challenge No 1. One thing I noticed from my 2 is that they are 1/4 inch longer, so they seem to have good plow-through and solid feeling even at relatively low weights. I'd be interested to hear if that's the normal spec.

Are they labeled as light or medium?

Had to image search the Dunlop Matchpoint. Looks like they sold it from the 60s-70s, the last paint job looks pretty neat I think. I kinda dig it honestly! Is this what yours looks like?

https://www.bay.com/itm/134618374288?hash=item1f57e16090:g:CXEAAOSw3Q5kjzRn&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwMw955muLpoeNoK3DkXjCDNB41bkYBYlNe8QCnWPWfzIMDljkzhlcq55gkRW8Yhhi23qpebF8ohEHpbS1KDNEAdUeWY8gLkmqYm5QK8nio8HCnYWB4ft2PPePEn81Cgv9afXMq5mHpGgh%2FCurgIbEzekD7anVeqAZVinJbLvSzPvpWgWoFkn1lfWllbRlh6kf1TC8916jVPKpXi4iFxgPjNFzTcUopRP6AGVZ890yAd3dgGRZt7blgiJ3AGswExsWg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8LSoIeoYg

(Add the e back to bay to fix link)

 

[kevin qmto]

This is a new type of post, because I picked this old thing up at a Goodwill, but not for me. The same racket collector I mentioned above, asked me to pick this up for him. He's a historian if there ever was one, and has a particular interest in local tennis history and brands (St. Louis, MO). So I sent him a photo of this Markwort, and he asked if I could grab it for him. he has a Markwort collection, and wanted this as it's in fine shape. I know nothing about Markwort really, but a quick internet search shows they're still in business, and still list tennis as a sport they sell gear for, though further searching reveals the last rackets they made were early 90's widebodies. They still sell leftover racket cases for them to this day though!

The collector told me Markwort played 2nd fiddle to Rawlings in terms of popularity, but I still find it neat as I didn't even know there was another racket seller based in my city until today. Despite coming from Asia, he told me their frames were considered higher quality than average. Build quality seems fine to me, wonder how their laminated construction is Superior to everyone else? Very thick clear coat atop the wood, always feels nice to the touch. even at the top of the hoop where it'd typically get scratched off. I'd hit with it, but alas, its not mine and I don't want to break it before delivering it to its new owner's museum.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Are they labeled as light or medium?

Had to image search the Dunlop Matchpoint. Looks like they sold it from the 60s-70s, the last paint job looks pretty neat I think. I kinda dig it honestly! Is this what yours looks like?

https://www.bay.com/itm/134618374288?hash=item1f57e16090:g:CXEAAOSw3Q5kjzRn&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwMw955muLpoeNoK3DkXjCDNB41bkYBYlNe8QCnWPWfzIMDljkzhlcq55gkRW8Yhhi23qpebF8ohEHpbS1KDNEAdUeWY8gLkmqYm5QK8nio8HCnYWB4ft2PPePEn81Cgv9afXMq5mHpGgh%2FCurgIbEzekD7anVeqAZVinJbLvSzPvpWgWoFkn1lfWllbRlh6kf1TC8916jVPKpXi4iFxgPjNFzTcUopRP6AGVZ890yAd3dgGRZt7blgiJ3AGswExsWg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8LSoIeoYg

(Add the e back to bay to fix link)

I have a Challenge No1 that is 'Light Medium 4' and weighs 390g, and an 'Light 3' that is 365g. The former is a beast, with amazing plow. The latter is superbly playable, being very manoeuvrable but still solid (for a wood). I believe they have a one-piece mahogany wedge, which would explain the solidity.

The Matchpoint was at least 1960s until early 1980s, and probably longer. I've seen some mint late models with full top and bottom trebling against spiral strings that looks great. Mine is the mostly blue 70s model. Plays fine, but never feels special.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Are they labeled as light or medium?

Had to image search the Dunlop Matchpoint. Looks like they sold it from the 60s-70s, the last paint job looks pretty neat I think. I kinda dig it honestly! Is this what yours looks like?

https://www.bay.com/itm/134618374288?hash=item1f57e16090:g:CXEAAOSw3Q5kjzRn&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwMw955muLpoeNoK3DkXjCDNB41bkYBYlNe8QCnWPWfzIMDljkzhlcq55gkRW8Yhhi23qpebF8ohEHpbS1KDNEAdUeWY8gLkmqYm5QK8nio8HCnYWB4ft2PPePEn81Cgv9afXMq5mHpGgh%2FCurgIbEzekD7anVeqAZVinJbLvSzPvpWgWoFkn1lfWllbRlh6kf1TC8916jVPKpXi4iFxgPjNFzTcUopRP6AGVZ890yAd3dgGRZt7blgiJ3AGswExsWg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8LSoIeoYg

(Add the e back to bay to fix link)

If you start looking through the old Dunlop and Slazenger catalogues, some of the designs are amazing. Take a look at the Gold Wing in this insert. Ok it's a bit used, but the minimalist art deco look must be awesome in mint condition:

'Vintage Dunlop Tennis Rackets with One Racket Press'

 

[kevin qmto]

Before we move onto everyone’s next find, has anyone else here even heard of Markwort before? I’m wondering how prevalent that brand was outside of their base in St. Louis.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Before we move onto everyone’s next find, has anyone else here even heard of Markwort before? I’m wondering how prevalent that brand was outside of their base in St. Louis.

Never heard of them. The design including the generic butt-cap, spiral perforated grip and short flake looks fairly similar to various Indian / Pakistani models to me, with a lot of 'features' that may or may not be functional. The laminations look to be mostly maple as most low range sticks were, but the two fibre layers and the interior darker lamination are interesting.

 

[kevin qmto]

Never heard of them. The design including the generic butt-cap, spiral perforated grip and short flake looks fairly similar to various Indian / Pakistani models to me, with a lot of 'features' that may or may not be functional. The laminations look to be mostly maple as most low range sticks were, but the two fibre layers and the interior darker lamination are interesting.

Well it’s at least a step above that, came from Japan.

 

[kevin qmto]

Yeah, the racquet definitely looks cool. I just get a kick out it being named a 'Pro' AND 'Champ'.

It made me into a Pro and a Champ. Honestly this thing was rock solid out there. Check it out if you got a few.

@Grafil Injection i think my OHBH a looks better with old woodies than with any other stick. Why is that lol?

 

[kevin qmto]

Well, the rackets are starting to pile up under the bed now. This is fine. Everything is fine. Especially at this price. Found this early 2000's Austrian made Ti Heat at the usually tennis-barren Family resale store. I also found the Spalding Assault 95 there, but almost nothing else since. At $2 I think I'd call that a bargain. Didn't they market this frame with Guga for a bit? Lead was added by the previous owner, still feels relativly lightweight. I don't know exactly how much, because literally last night my digital scale decided to die. It went crazy like the display was possessed, I turned it off, and then it refused to boot up again... RIP.