I feel like I’m long overdue for an equipment review so here’s a glimpse of my everyday tennis essentials. Honest thoughts from someone who kind of threw herself in at the deep end and figured it out as time went on.
Rackets: Wilson Pro Staff 97L V14
Besides genuinely being the prettiest racket I have ever seen, it was probably the most unforgiving one I could have bought after playing for 1 month. However, that does not change the fact that I still use it and even bought a second one as a backup. It has the exact weight that I feel comfortable with (290 grams unstrung) and it’s advertised as a ‘control’ racket rather than a ‘power’ one which is right up my alley considering that I lack the first and have second in abundance. Has a smaller head than most rackets which means that it genuinely feels like operating a surgical knife: if you get it right, it feels unreal and if you miss then it’s been you, God and the racket frame.
Balls: Wilson (Roland Garros Clay Court & US Open Extra Duty)
While I have played with variety of tennis balls, I myself never buy anything else than Wilson. Roland Garros has two options: all court and clay court. The first plays great in all conditions, clay court balls in my opinion works really well on clay (duh) compared to other brands. US Open Extra duty balls are truly the best ones out there for hard court practices, despite being a bit pricier. The first time I played with them I felt like it was a whole new game.
Strings: Luxilon Alu Power 125
Belgium’s greatest invention after fries and kip curry. First strings I ever bought and despite trying a few others from Luxilon, I keep coming back to these ones specifically. I have my racket strung at 23kg which means that 8 times out 10, the first two practices are a bit heavy on the wrist and after that it’s phenomenal. Combined with my ‘feel’ oriented racket, Alu power brings exactly just enough of what the name indicates.
Clothes: Nike Tennis
Let me preface this by saying that I think that in general finding good looking tennis clothes is mission impossible. There’s literally nothing that makes me go “take my money”. That aside, I have found myself wearing primarily Nike. Compared to other brands, their products just look nice to my eyes and always fit and sit well. The store bought designs tend to lean towards more athletic and less fashiony but nearly all my tank tops, shorts, skirts and socks are from them. Yet, I have to say that Wilson knocks it out of the park with their clothes as well but they don’t have brand owned store in Belgium (nor shipping here) and the prices are high at times. Hopefully that changes one day.
Tennis shoes: K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 (clay) & Receiver V Omni (hard court)
Another brand that I refuse to switch out after playing in their shoes for the past year. I have relatively wide feet, especially in the toe box area, and finding shoes where my small toe wouldn’t come out from the side (did actually happen) took some time. K-Swiss shoes are intentionally made for wider feet and they are honestly the best option I have found so far. The price point is manageable and my feet feel well supported from the sides which is important for me due to occasional instability. The shoes are built quite robust compared to many other brands so if you are looking for a sock like feel, look somewhere else. I will take the sturdy exterior over my toes playing hide and seek any day though.
~proud user of a washing machine so I don’t end up dropping a grand on clothes, S.