The lifespan of your tennis racket depends on how you treat it, how often you use it, how you play with it and the climate in which you play. Some tennis players are particularly hard on their rackets and some racket frames crack or break and need replacement, but typically, the part of your racket that needs replacing is its strings. Usually, a tennis player will purchase a new racket model before his existing racket becomes unplayable.
Strings
Take care of your racket-strings to increase the lifespan of your racket. Your strings are very important to your game, since you hit and return a ball with the strings and not the frame. Restring your racket when its strings break or wear down. For example, it may feel necessary to replace the strings twice a year if you play tennis twice a week.
Grip
Replace your grip when it becomes uncomfortable to hold or use your racket. How you want your grip to feel really depends on you. For example, you may like a "worn in" feel, or you may want to change the grip whenever you replace the strings.
Tips
When you are not using your racket, keep it covered, and store it in a dry, temperate place. Wipe down your racket after use, particularly after playing on a damp court or in humid conditions. Decreasing the amount of time your racket is exposed to moisture will protect it from degradation and help it last longer.
Warnings
Restringing your racket weakens the grommets and shortens the life expectancy of the racket. Do not use a tennis string machine unless you manually pre-stretch the string to avoid excess pressure on your frame. A machine that does not securely hold your racket may distort your frame.
References
- "The Impact of Technology on Sport II"; Sadayuki Ujihashi; 2008
- The Life Expectancy of Your Racquet; Richard Pagliaro; 2009
- "Tennis: Steps to Success"; Jim Brown; 2004
- "Sport and Exercise Biomechanics"; Paul Grimshaw; 2006
- United States Tennis Association; Improve Your Game: Racquets/String Tensions
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