How to NEVER Pay Full Retail Price For Tennis Ever Again!

Why I Never have to buy Tennis gear at full retail price anymore.

Below, I will share with you my advice on where to look to get discounts for tennis gear, events and travel...

Why Tennis is so good for you?

Tennis can be a sport that is both fun and AFFORDABLE at any age. It keeps you fit, lean and active (just think of any tennis pro you've ever seen on TV). Tennis comes packed with lots of cardio and is a full body workout.

Think about it - you are actually getting exercise from having fun and spending time with a buddy outdoors in fresh air this summer - a great change-up from the gym!

How to Save on Tennis...

RacketsI like to get rackets that are a generation or two old that have lots of good reviews. Often times the changes from last year's model to this latest year's models are merely cosmetic. Even the physical changes they add may or may not make it better.

So do your research first on the products first and/or try some Demo rackets of different sizes and weights to see if it is right for you! Also, once a racket becomes "popular", the manufacturers will put a major discount on it...this is when I like to buy a few extra in bulk in case they stop making them next year!

Practice/Tennis Balls

For renewable tennis items like balls/shoes/string (which you need to replace regularly) - I calculate how to max them out based on time AND cost. You can buy regular duty or heavy duty felt balls. The heavy duty ones will last longer on hard courts and usually cost about the same.

For example: If I can get a $1.50 can of balls that will only play for 1-2 sets vs $3/can that will last 4-5 sets...go with the $3 can.

Your elbow and body will also thank you (avoid tennis elbow and other injuries by not hitting flat/dead balls ). This rule applies to buying cans that contain 4 balls instead of 3. I have more TennisBargain tips for more recommendation on selecting tennis balls too.

Sports Drinks

Gatorade/Powerade/Water - if you have a local Cost-co near you or grocery store that sells in bulk, I'd recommend stocking up on the flavors you like the most. By bringing your own, you can easily save 50-75% over the price at the club or vending machine.

Also consider bringing along some sport drink powder and simply mix it with water, to save even more and also reuse those plastic bottles!

Tennis Strings

It depends how often you break them. If you do not play often, then usually you are safe to go with strings in the $8-15 range for one package.

For people who need to string at least once or twice every month, I tend to buy strings I know I like in reels and string my own rackets with a classic drop-weight stringer called the Klippermate for ~$150 shipped or get a $10 for a refurbished one.

If you normally spend $30-45 per stringing job, you will instead spend just 1 hour to string (labor) and about $10-15 for the strings (parts). Also, you don't have to pick it up a week later or worry about having your rackets fresh, ready before your next important match.

Shoes

I tend to go with ones that have 6-month guarantees and good following (my favorite is the Nike Breathe Free 2 )...I get them for about $70 and almost always wear them out in 4-5 months so I can return it to Nike and 3 weeks later I get a $110 voucher for another pair (or other Nike tennis clothes) - that's basically 2x ($110) shoes for $70 (free shipping)!

*Remember - Your shoes are the Most important tennis item you own (not your racket).

Clothes

I think anything that wicks moisture and doesn't cling to you when wet works. Again, I buy Nike brand that is 1-2 years old (off season) at 50%+ off with coupons stacked that will last me many years. I still have Nike polos/shorts that are in great condition after 4-5 years of wearing them every week!

Want to get more tennis tips and coupons? Check out the Resource Box below for all the information you need to know about tennis and how to save even more!

TennisBargains Tip: try to group your orders together so that you can get free shipping - like on Sports Authority links. For other great tips on saving money check out my new website for daily deals and coupons: http://www.Tennis-Bargains.com

My next article will be on how to get cheap tickets to the US Open. Also it will cover which seat is the best value to watch tennis, which stadium offers the best view and how to get the best angles that they don't show you on TV!

Remember, if you know where to look, you'll NEVER pay full retail for tennis - every again!

Regards, Jacky Cheong

TennisBargains: Best Deals & Reviews. Simple ways to save $$ on Tennis: Gear, Events & Travel around the world! http://www.tennis-bargains.com