What Are Demo Rackets?

Choosing a suitable racket is an important part of an amateur tennis player's development. However, with hundreds of models to choose from on the Internet and in stores, making the proper selection can prove to be a difficult task. Demo rackets can help make the process easier by allowing prospective buyers to try out certain racket models before purchasing them.

  1. Benefits

    • Using demo rackets, or demonstrator rackets, is a helpful way to find a model you like. Trying out rackets with different lengths and weights will allow you to determine what you are most comfortable with on the court. Grip size and string tension are also factors worth paying attention to when trying out rackets.

    Demo Programs

    • Many tennis shops and retailers offer demo programs to prospective customers. In addition, some tennis-oriented websites allow customers to test up to four different rackets per week. The only cost to do so is the shipping charge. With multiple rackets to choose from, you can get a good feeling for each, and determine which suits your skill level best.

    How to Demo

    • Most walk-in tennis shops have demo rackets available upon request. Online retailers usually show demo options when you click on a racket model type. Websites like MidwestSports.com, TennisExpress.com and TennisWarehouse.com allow customers to choose different grip and head sizes when trying out rackets.

    Returning Demo Rackets

    • Demo racket return policies vary from store to store. Walk-in stores will take a credit card number and issue a due date for product return. Online stores will usually only charge your credit card for shipping and provide a prepaid UPS or Fed-Ex return label inside the box the rackets arrived in. Once the return label is placed over the existing label, the box is ready to be dropped off at a UPS or Fed-Ex return station.

    Penalties for Late Returns

    • Due dates are important to remember when testing tennis rackets. If late, retailers may impose a small fee for each day that passes. If more than seven days pass and you still have not returned the demo racket(s), your credit card will be charged the full price for the number of rackets you requested.