The Proof's in the Pudding!

Try before you buy!

The real way to experience 4-D and how a racquet fits your game is to take it for a road test. Try getting a demo at your local club or tennis shop. Many shops have demo programs where they will let you try the racquet out for free or for a small refundable fee (usually refundable if you purchase your new tennis racquet form them). Makes sense though, they want you to try racquets out before trying!

Once out on the court, start with short shots and work your way back to the baseline (just like the pros and top players do). Once you are warmed up, give it a whirl and see how the racquet performs. Make sure not to forget to hit some volleys, overheads and serves. Take some notes on a piece of paper or a card and note what you liked and what you didn’t like. If you want a lighter racquet, go in with that information in hand. If you want more power, note that as well. Where did the racquet perform the best, at the net or from the baseline? Any information you can provide to the shop or your pro will help them in suggesting what racquet to try next. It’s usually best to take 2 racquets out for a demo. I have found that if you take more than 2, you will either never give the racquet a fair try or they will all start to blend together and you will not have a clear sense of the individual characteristics of each racquet.

In my following posts I will list several very reputable tennis shops where you can go to test out racquets. These shops have knowledgeable staff—usually very good players themselves, have very fair pricing, and have excellent customer service. If you are in an area not covered by these referrals, drop me a note in comments and I will access my database of shops and refer you to a good shop in your area. Typically though, it’s best to go to your local club pro, as they are more likely to be familiar with your game and at least can suggest a starting point.