ALTERNATIVES TO THE BIG GUYS

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

We constantly hear from racquet companies like Prince, Wilson and Head, but if the “big guys” are the only frames on your radar, you are missing out on some very good racquets. Today, we’ll talk about what you might consider second tier racquet companies, but they all make very good frames, and should be tried when you are looking for a new one.

Dunlop

This is an old name in racquets that has some of the best quality racquets on the market. If you consider quality to price, they really can’t be beat. If you are an advanced player and haven’t tried Dunlop, you are missing the boat. They also have a very competitive line of recreational frames equal to, and in some cases, better than familiar brands. Although they change their frames regularly, they don’t go in for a lot of marketing hype.

Yonex

Another old name in the tennis market, Yonex has made unique frames with their isometric head design. This rectangular shape is said to create a more even tension in the area of ball contact, making shots more consistent. Yonex has used this head shape for over twenty years that I am aware of, and carries it through their line to their recreational racquets. Their specs are extremely tight compared to some of the more familiar companies. This brand is extremely popular in the Pacific including Australia, and is well known on the U.S. west coast.

Tecnifibre

If you were living in Europe, you would probably know and consider this brand as one of the big guys. The parent company, Major Sports, is one of the larger sports manufacturers in Europe. Excellent frames and excellent strings make Tecnifibre a must try for the weekend warrior as well as the advanced player. High marks for tight specs, good quality cosmetics and concern over the product line offerings (such as two choices of string patterns) make this company a solid alternative.

Power Angle

If you haven’t seen this racquet, it’s quite different. Rather than having main strings and cross strings, it has all “main” strings crossing at about a 45-degree angle. Essentially, there are no cross strings, because both diagonals are strung at the same time. The strings don’t move much, spin is enhanced, string breakage is reduced and the feel is quite good. Head sizes range from 98 to 115 sq. in.

Widen your field of vision when it comes to trying something new. You’re missing a whole world of possibilities if you don’t.