Demo Tennis Rackets in Tokyo?
- Thread starter MrBen
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ElMagoElGato
Semi-Pro
Eddy Tennis is here:
http://map.yahoo.co.jp/pl?type=scro...139.70533194&sc=3&mode=map&pointer=on&home=on
Pretty close to Windsor in Shibuya though I don't know if the shop let you demo.
http://map.yahoo.co.jp/pl?type=scro...139.70533194&sc=3&mode=map&pointer=on&home=on
Pretty close to Windsor in Shibuya though I don't know if the shop let you demo.
ElMagoElGato
Semi-Pro
I'm sorry but my shop I normally use doesn't do it. How about looking for a "tennis school" around you. They will let you take a lesson or two for free or for like 1,000 yen. They usually have some rackets you can try including new models. Then you can pick a racket if you find one there and try hitting in drills in one to two hour lessons.
goldenyama
Professional
Windsor Tennis in the Sky Building at Yokohama station is the best tennis store I have ever been to. I lived in Yokohama for a year and often visited it. Their stringing service is second to none for price, speed and quality. Their racquet selection is immense - Volkls, Fischers etc that you won't find elsewhere in Japan. When I was there in 2007 they even had brand new PS85s and Ultras along with other classic frames.
I never visited the Shibuya branch but I guess it'll be just as good.
I never visited the Shibuya branch but I guess it'll be just as good.
raygo
Semi-Pro
I've demo'd from the Yokohama store since that's where I live...I assume it's the same with the Shibuya store but I'm not 100%. That 'testing room' is indeed a joke, though.
Eddy is a very small store...will try to describe how to get there. You can actually see it from the JR and Toyoko lines coming from Yokohama.
If you exit Shibuya train station by the bus terminal (by the Moai statue), head left and use the overpass to cross the street (toward the guitar shops). Take the stairs going down to the left, there should be a ramen shop on your right at the bottom of the stairs. Go down that short little street/alleyway (there's a ping pong store on the left) and you can see Eddy on the 2nd floor of the building at the T intersection/end of the alleyway. There's also another tennis shop on that corner, but it's nothing to shout about (nice accessories, though).
Hope it helps.
Edit: Eddy is worth the trouble of finding. They have a MRT on staff and have very reasonable prices for custom racquet work. Much better than shipping stateside for ****/P1. Definitely a specialist's store.
Eddy is a very small store...will try to describe how to get there. You can actually see it from the JR and Toyoko lines coming from Yokohama.
If you exit Shibuya train station by the bus terminal (by the Moai statue), head left and use the overpass to cross the street (toward the guitar shops). Take the stairs going down to the left, there should be a ramen shop on your right at the bottom of the stairs. Go down that short little street/alleyway (there's a ping pong store on the left) and you can see Eddy on the 2nd floor of the building at the T intersection/end of the alleyway. There's also another tennis shop on that corner, but it's nothing to shout about (nice accessories, though).
Hope it helps.
Edit: Eddy is worth the trouble of finding. They have a MRT on staff and have very reasonable prices for custom racquet work. Much better than shipping stateside for ****/P1. Definitely a specialist's store.
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raygo
Semi-Pro
Yup, that store is the shiznitz in customer service AND selection. I bought a case of Dunlop St. James balls and they shipped it to my apartment for free. They have some sexy stringing equipment, but I string my own racquets. Their racquet selection is like walking into Willy Wonka's factory, though...seriously. Plus they occasionally have reps from manufacturers do promotions...Asics and Adidas guys occasionally drop by to do fittings and consult about shoes. Very hard to walk out of there without buying something.
In fact, I might want to get a couple more AK90's since Asian spec racquets have been discontinued...
ElMagoElGato
Semi-Pro
You mean asian spec from Wilson discontinued? Really?
raygo
Semi-Pro
I actually read it here first on TT...starting with the KBlade, there would be no more Asian spec Wilson racquets. It turned out true, the KBlades sold here are all US spec. The KPS88 is also US spec.
Tennis shops began selling US K90's alongside AK90's, but marked them with 'Heavy model' or 'US spec'. Not so with Kblade or KPS88.
I'm not sure if they will actually STOP producing AK90's, but it seems headed that way...don't wanna take the chance.
Tennis shops began selling US K90's alongside AK90's, but marked them with 'Heavy model' or 'US spec'. Not so with Kblade or KPS88.
I'm not sure if they will actually STOP producing AK90's, but it seems headed that way...don't wanna take the chance.
ElMagoElGato
Semi-Pro
I switched from AN90 last summer to APD and has had a hard time with it since then. Sounds like I might not be able to go back to the same old place next time.
ElMagoElGato
Semi-Pro
Thanks. I'll go with APD and try a few more things, though. Maybe not a bad idea to try US version after all.
goldenyama
Professional
Hey raygo, glad you like Windsor too
Where do you play in Yokohama? I was a member of YC&AC in Yamate for one year. In fact my doubles partner and I won the 2007 YC&AC Mens doubles cup
Where do you play in Yokohama? I was a member of YC&AC in Yamate for one year. In fact my doubles partner and I won the 2007 YC&AC Mens doubles cup
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ferocious4hand
Semi-Pro
^^who was your partner? I played in that tournament bk in 01, 02. It was a very popular tournament among the ex pats
raygo
Semi-Pro
I heard there's some stiff competition at that tournament! Congrats! I live in Kannai, so Yamate is right around the corner.
I play at the Negishi Navy base, there's a brand new court but no one ever uses it. I also hit with a small group of really good players (Around the World tennis club) around Yokosuka. Court time is so hard to come by we end up sharing courts a lot; I play on base when I'm drilling or practicing by myself. Once in a while, some friends also go hit at Shonan Kokusai village.
If you're still around Yokohama, we should hit.
I play at the Negishi Navy base, there's a brand new court but no one ever uses it. I also hit with a small group of really good players (Around the World tennis club) around Yokosuka. Court time is so hard to come by we end up sharing courts a lot; I play on base when I'm drilling or practicing by myself. Once in a while, some friends also go hit at Shonan Kokusai village.
If you're still around Yokohama, we should hit.
goldenyama
Professional
My partner was Phil Armstrong - English, mid 40s, very tall and thin, really nice guy. Do you know him? We beat the Germans Petr Vyvial and Karl Hahne in the final
You probably know Petr!How did you go in 01 and 02?
goldenyama
Professional
I heard there's some stiff competition at that tournament! Congrats! I live in Kannai, so Yamate is right around the corner.
I play at the Negishi Navy base, there's a brand new court but no one ever uses it. I also hit with a small group of really good players (Around the World tennis club) around Yokosuka. Court time is so hard to come by we end up sharing courts a lot; I play on base when I'm drilling or practicing by myself. Once in a while, some friends also go hit at Shonan Kokusai village.
If you're still around Yokohama, we should hit.
Thanks! You are lucky to live in Kannai, its a great area. Have you been to Lazer Rush or Samsara? (Two friendly bars around there) Yeah, court time in Yokohama can be tough to find.
Actually Im in Nagoya now, playing at a Japanese club in which I am the only foreigner! The level is high, the people are great and the fees are very cheap so its pretty good - almost exclusively doubles though. It is a different experience playing at a Japanese club...these guys are so polite!! Not a thrown racquet or real outburst of anger to be seen. I still let the racquet go and scream occasionally but they are very understanding about it
raygo
Semi-Pro
Haven't been to those places, but you're right, there are a TON of bars down here. One of my faves is called SeaFloor and is like a giant aquarium.
I noticed that not many of the players get emotional on the court! It's more like they get disappointed or shake their head, but that's it. I feel bad for the occasional off remark when I hit with them. :?
Yeah, the doubles thing kills me, but when in Rome...it's like you're not really part of the group until you play doubles, especially with the older guys. They're super polite and always offer snacks and drinks and stuff, though. I love it.
I think we actually posted in another thread where you said you were from Nagoya, my apologies. Maybe we can meet in the draw of the Nikkei All Japan tournament someday! :twisted:
I noticed that not many of the players get emotional on the court! It's more like they get disappointed or shake their head, but that's it. I feel bad for the occasional off remark when I hit with them. :?
Yeah, the doubles thing kills me, but when in Rome...it's like you're not really part of the group until you play doubles, especially with the older guys. They're super polite and always offer snacks and drinks and stuff, though. I love it.
I think we actually posted in another thread where you said you were from Nagoya, my apologies. Maybe we can meet in the draw of the Nikkei All Japan tournament someday! :twisted:
goldenyama
Professional
Yeah I enjoy playing here too, I just miss playing for a team in a league with a serious singles and doubles match every week.
All-Japan!!? I think that's a bit above my level:shock:
raygo
Semi-Pro
Nah. Kimiko Date won the women's tournament last year and she's 38!
And I said 'someday,' after all...
Do you like playing doubles? I could never get into it, and give a lot of props to hardcore doubles players. It's a real necessity here, though.
Weirdest experience was playing on Omni courts in the rain. Very surreal. Probably the only thing I like about Omni is that it plays dry in anything short of a downpour.
And I said 'someday,' after all...
Do you like playing doubles? I could never get into it, and give a lot of props to hardcore doubles players. It's a real necessity here, though.
Weirdest experience was playing on Omni courts in the rain. Very surreal. Probably the only thing I like about Omni is that it plays dry in anything short of a downpour.
Tennis_Freak
Rookie
gosh it's so hard to find AK90!!!
I'm in desperate need of a third... =(((
I'm in desperate need of a third... =(((
goldenyama
Professional
I assume you are joking. Kimiko Date is a pro!! I am definately not All-Japan level...maybe just about All-Moriyama-ku(suburb of Nagoya where I play)
I like playing doubles but I much prefer singles. My club plays almost exclusively on Omni! I am used to it now but still much prefer hard or clay and play far better on those surfaces. It IS a great all-weather court though.
I like playing doubles but I much prefer singles. My club plays almost exclusively on Omni! I am used to it now but still much prefer hard or clay and play far better on those surfaces. It IS a great all-weather court though.
ElMagoElGato
Semi-Pro
It's pretty normal to play on Omni in the rain over here. In one private tournament, rain started and courts and players were soak and wet but matches kept going on. It finally stopped after thunders started.
raygo
Semi-Pro
It definitely took a while to get used to the surface...I've played on hard courts my whole life! And yes, I was joking about Date winning the Nikkei...38 is still 38, but she must be a tremendous player at her age, still.
Playing with 6-8 people on the court at once definitely will improve your concentration and control, though...our group does that frequently just to get everyone playing. We don't have a club, and the local courts use that lottery system!
Never played on clay or grass, but Omni seems to have grass bounces with clay speed and movement. Worst of both worlds? Hahaha...I've finally gotten used to sweeping the courts and emptying sand out of my shoes after hitting.
Surprisingly, none of our players hit with the latest-and-greatest gear. Most use older frames, and we have a female junior prodigy-type who uses a KBlade Team. They're even less picky about strings; reminds me of me before I discovered this forum. :twisted:
Playing with 6-8 people on the court at once definitely will improve your concentration and control, though...our group does that frequently just to get everyone playing. We don't have a club, and the local courts use that lottery system!
Never played on clay or grass, but Omni seems to have grass bounces with clay speed and movement. Worst of both worlds? Hahaha...I've finally gotten used to sweeping the courts and emptying sand out of my shoes after hitting.
Surprisingly, none of our players hit with the latest-and-greatest gear. Most use older frames, and we have a female junior prodigy-type who uses a KBlade Team. They're even less picky about strings; reminds me of me before I discovered this forum. :twisted:
ferocious4hand
Semi-Pro
My partner was Phil Armstrong - English, mid 40s, very tall and thin, really nice guy. Do you know him? We beat the Germans Petr Vyvial and Karl Hahne in the final
How did you go in 01 and 02?
those names don't ring a bell, when I was in jp the tournament was won by a japanese and a teaching pro from myanmar, I think his name was Tet. They won it for a few yrs straight, don't know about now.
Were you a member of TITP?
Thanks, I'll try checking out Sports Authority,
ElMagoElGato
Semi-Pro
I saw another thread of yours about K six-one X. Are you not setteled down with it?
goldenyama
Professional
No, I was a member of the YC&AC.
Are you thinking of the IDT (International Doubles Tournament) rather than the YC&AC championships?
ferocious4hand
Semi-Pro
^^it could be, is IDT the one with one jp and one foreigner?
ferocious4hand
Semi-Pro
not sure if they're still around...it was run by Mr. Nagata, great guy. B/c of him we foreigners got to play tennis for 1000 yen or so all over tokyo
ferocious4hand
Semi-Pro
^^ ya, there were some pretty good players at TITP. I'm not sure where Yamate tennis club is
Hey tennis freak
Are you still interested in AK90's?
Just back from a week of tennis in Bali with a mate from Hong Kong. He has
2 Asian K90's that will be excess to his needs soon. As soon as his new sticks arrive, he will sell th old ones. They are 4 1/2 and at a rough guess 7/10 with a few scrapes. I can put you in contact if you are keen. stules20 at hotmail.com
Are you still interested in AK90's?
Just back from a week of tennis in Bali with a mate from Hong Kong. He has
2 Asian K90's that will be excess to his needs soon. As soon as his new sticks arrive, he will sell th old ones. They are 4 1/2 and at a rough guess 7/10 with a few scrapes. I can put you in contact if you are keen. stules20 at hotmail.com
Yeah, right now I'm kind of unsure of which racquets to use. Because of this, I'm just using a Prince O3 White (its a spare racquet). I want to demo a couple racquets because I'm going to Hong Kong in a few weeks.
tennishustler
New User
Hey guys, I'm visiting Yokohama until Feb 7 and would love to hit, almost anywhere, incl Yokosuka or Negishi bases. I'm 4.5 USTA. Please respond or email ASAP to tennishustler at gmail.
