These end-of-line items bring together tennis accessories that maintain the racket and the game: strings Tecnifibre, Luxilon and Wilson in set or reel, overgrips Babolat, Head, Wilson and Tecnifibre, vibration dampeners Head, Tecnifibre and Prince, sponge wristbands Nike, Head and Tecnifibre, anti-sweat gel Prince, bags Head and Tecnifibre. The small equipment that we replace throughout the year.
The small equipment for tennis players, at reduced prices.
The monofilament made from polyester, like the Luxilon 4G or the Tecnifibre Black Code, is a single, stiff string: it provides control and spin for players who hit hard and break their strings often, but transmits more shock to the arm. The Tecnifibre Razor Soft, a softer polyester, softens this feel. The multifilament, like the Tecnifibre TGV, combines thousands of twisted microfibres: more flexible, it better returns power and is easier on the elbows of recreational players. Some competitors use a hybrid, with polyester on the vertical strings and multifilament on the horizontal ones, to combine control and comfort.
Tennis clearance also includes:
All clearance items are gathered on the tennis page.
Strings are sold in two formats. The set, of about twelve metres, contains enough to string one racket, like the Tecnifibre Black Code or the TGV in a single packet. The reel of two hundred metres, like those from Luxilon, Tecnifibre, or Wilson, can string around fifteen rackets: it is of interest to clubs, stringers, and competitive players who restring often. Stored away from light and heat, a reel lasts a long time, but a strung racket loses its tension within hours of play, even without breaking. Regular restringing maintains consistent feel from one match to the next.
The overgrip is applied over the original grip and should be replaced as soon as it becomes slick. The Babolat VS Original, very thin and absorbent, is well-known on the professional circuit; the Head Xtreme Soft and the Wilson Absorbx focus on comfort and absorption, while the Tecnifibre Lacoste rounds out the selection. The anti-slip gel Prince is applied to the palm before the match to limit sweating in hot weather. The wristbands, like the Nike Swoosh, Head, or Tecnifibre, catch the sweat running down from the forearm to the hand, and the Tecnifibre headband absorbs sweat from the forehead during long rallies.
The vibration dampener is a small rubber piece slipped between the strings near the throat of the racket. It reduces the noise of impact and some of the vibrations from the strings for a softer feel. The Head Squared, the Tecnifibre Vibra Clip, or the Prince Tour Damp can be attached in a few seconds. It does not replace a flexible string for relieving an aching elbow. For transport, the Head Tour bag and the Tecnifibre Tour Endurance backpack, featuring a thermal compartment, shield the rackets from heat, which loosens the strings. These clearance items allow for replacing an accessory before it breaks in the middle of a match.
A common rule is to restring as many times a year as you play times a week. A polyester string loses its tension faster than others and needs to be replaced more frequently, even if it doesn't break.
Each racket indicates a recommended tension range from the manufacturer. A low tension provides power and comfort, while a high tension offers control; with a polyester, you often string a bit lower than with a multifilament.
A pack of overgrips, wristbands, a vibration dampener, or a string set are popular with all players, as they wear out and need replacing often. A thermal bag makes a more significant gift for a club player.
A worn out overgrip becomes slick, shiny, or tears at the edges; the racket then twists in the hand during off-center hits. A regular player changes it every few sessions, more often in hot weather.
A child only needs the essentials: an overgrip for a secure hold, wristbands, and a bag large enough for the racket and a water bottle. The original string of junior rackets is usually sufficient for starting out.