Thrift stores and PIAS no longer fruitful?

[30T2]

I've been getting the bug to look for classic sticks again lately, and I'm running into one of the problems that made me stop in the first place: There is nothing to be found at the thrift stores, or even at PIAS. I have stopped by every goodwill within a reasonable radius of home, and as of the last few years, there is never anything there. There was at one point a goodwill where I found a Head TXP and a Jack Kramer Staff (the graphite one, not the wood), but that one has been torn down. And none of the others have yielded any results. There used to be some good stuff at PIAS, but it seems like that is no longer the case. Talking to one of the employees, they said its their policy that they no longer buy any racket that seems like its from the 20th century, due to low demand for such frames... Is it like this for your localities as well? I live in a pretty big city with good tennis weather, I really don't know why its such slim pickings.

 

[kevin qmto]

I've been getting the bug to look for classic sticks again lately, and I'm running into one of the problems that made me stop in the first place: There is nothing to be found at the thrift stores, or even at PIAS. I have stopped by every goodwill within a reasonable radius of home, and as of the last few years, there is never anything there. There was at one point a goodwill where I found a Head TXP and a Jack Kramer Staff (the graphite one, not the wood), but that one has been torn down. And none of the others have yielded any results. There used to be some good stuff at PIAS, but it seems like that is no longer the case. Talking to one of the employees, they said its their policy that they no longer buy any racket that seems like its from the 20th century, due to low demand for such frames... Is it like this for your localities as well? I live in a pretty big city with good tennis weather, I really don't know why its such slim pickings.

Meanwhile in St. Louis, MO. (sorry to be that guy)

honestly we have 3 PIAS (used to be 4) here in the STL metro area and for the most part they have been solid on prices, I've found a number of excellent finds in 2024, like this Pristige Master, in great shape.

 

[30T2]

Of course. I'm glad someone still has a good supply. I guess such issues are a more local phenomenon. Question is if anyone else has it bad, and what the reasons might be for it. That's a lovely prestige.

 

[kevin qmto]

Of course. I'm glad someone still has a good supply. I guess such issues are a more local phenomenon. Question is if anyone else has it bad, and what the reasons might be for it. That's a lovely prestige.

They must've taken all the unwanted 20th century tennis rackets and shipped them to STL lol. I do find a lot of sticks at PIAS with string info stickers from pro shops all around the country.