Cheaper, older rackets (2) or newer, more pricey racket (1)

[Tikiman53]

Hey guys

In a bit of a dilemma. Title says it all. Two rackets that are scratched up and have been used for 2 years or so, or 1 racket that is pretty much brand new, just used a couple times, but for the price of the two older rackets combined?

I guess I'm asking because I'm worried about the whole debate about whether rackets "die" after a few years. I mean, I've personally never experienced a racket "dying" on me, but I've searched around and a lot of people are saying that rackets do eventually run out of juice. And this is an older racket that they stopped making, so I can't just hop on over to the store. In all the threads I've read, it seems like the debate's never been settled.

So what do you guys think?

 

[Bud]

Hey guys

In a bit of a dilemma. Title says it all. Two rackets that are scratched up and have been used for 2 years or so, or 1 racket that is pretty much brand new, just used a couple times, but for the price of the two older rackets combined?

I guess I'm asking because I'm worried about the whole debate about whether rackets "die" after a few years. I mean, I've personally never experienced a racket "dying" on me, but I've searched around and a lot of people are saying that rackets do eventually run out of juice. And this is an older racket that they stopped making, so I can't just hop on over to the store. In all the threads I've read, it seems like the debate's never been settled.

So what do you guys think?

Which used racquets are you referring to? What brand/model, etc. and how old are they? What racquet brand is the nearly new racquet?

Unless you're a real pro who hits with a racquet for 8 hours a day for a couple years... you'll never wear out your racquet.

 

[Tikiman53]

nCode n6.1 95 16x18. I'm choosing between a pretty much brand new one and a pair of 2 year old ones that are scratched up but they aren't split in half or anything lol.

And thanks for the fast response

 

[Bud]

nCode n6.1 95 16x18. I'm choosing between a pretty much brand new one and a pair of 2 year old ones that are scratched up but they aren't split in half or anything lol.

And thanks for the fast response

Definitely go for the two used ones as long as they are in pretty good condition (7.5/10 or higher).

 

[ManuGinobili]

2 years is ok especially if the previous owner had multiple rackets...

For a racket to really die (super vibration, crack, just offff) it takes extensive play for 5,6 years
It might start losing playing characteristics after 2,3 years is used heavily. But changes are really subtle and because you play with it often you wont notice, and will adapt to the change without knowing. The only way to really know is compare with a new racket.

So yea I just got into the debate again lol... but hope that gives u a peace of mind kinda

 

[Tikiman53]

Okay, so basically as long as I'm not Fernando Gonzalez and as long as I don't sword fight with my racket or something, even a 2 year old racket should last me a long time? I'm looking to play with this stick for as long as possible

 

[KenC]

Maybe the old wooden racquets had a couple good years of life, but there are many people playing the same old graphite ProStaff for more than a decade and they are still going strong.

Are the two racquets very similar in weight, like within a gram or two? Balance point is the same? You should always have a matched backup racquet. So, if you buy the single racquet, you will still have to turn around and get a second. At that point, getting two matched racquets is a good deal, assuming they are matched fairly well.

 

[max]

I'm still using some 10 year old (this year) frames. Some of this model did, however, start losing it: loss of control, more jarry feel, weird flex.

 

[python]

Yes, I have noticed some of my old frames (head competitions) losing stiffness. This took years to happen however and I blame it more on restringing that on actual play. If you restring 6x a year and you're a 4.5 or less like I am, you probably will have a similar service life with your rackets.

 

[SteveI]

Yes, I have noticed some of my old frames (head competitions) losing stiffness. This took years to happen however and I blame it more on restringing that on actual play. If you restring 6x a year and you're a 4.5 or less like I am, you probably will have a similar service life with your rackets.

The re-stringing seems to have more of am impact than playing with them.. unless as other have stated.. you are a pro.. and hitting with them 5-6 hours a day. Having said that.. I have worn out a few frames..with re-stringing and a ton of play time. I had 3 Head Twin models.. I used for 3 seasons.. very heavy use..and strung them multiple times. They lost their pop.. and I could feel it. Not the mention the fact that I could not get grommet repalcements.. so out they went.