THERE'S GOOD news for holiday shoppers. Local sporting goodstores and pro shops are having tremendous sales on tennis andracquetball rackets. High quality tennis rackets are reduced asmuch as $80. Some are priced as low as $45.
Wilson and Prince, the acknowledged leaders in the tennisfield, have reduced the prices of their best selling rackets. TheWilson Hammer, which once sold for more than $300, is now priced atless than $220. The Wilson Profile, formerly more than $200, is nowselling for under $160. The Prince Vortex, which sold for $325 ayear ago, now sells for less than $230.
Are these rackets worth the price? Absolutely! The power,control, and virtually vibration-free properties of the racketscan't help but improve your game. At the worst, they'll make youfeel that your game has improved, because the racket will feel sogood in your hand and when you hit the ball.
Ektelon is the world's largest manufacturer of racquetballrackets. Prices range from $70 for the best selling Lexus, all theway up to the Eminence, which retails for $259.
Bargains on sneakers are being offered at all local stores.Reebok and Nike lead the way in tennis sneakers, with high qualitysneakers being available for as little as $40. At the opposite endof the spectrum we have the $135 Reebok Pumps, which are well knownfor their unmatched comfort and support.
Ektelon has racquetball sneakers that range from $49.95 and up.
In addition to the rackets and sneakers that are most welcomegifts at this time of the year, there are other gifts that racketsports enthusiasts would enjoy receiving. These gifts include:
Tennis Ball Alarm Clock -- You or a tennis-playing friend orrelative will love this gift. When the alarm goes off, simply throwthe clock against the wall to turn off the alarm. FromOFF-THE-WALL, call 1-800-822-8858 for further information. Cost $20.
Tennis Jewelry -- Gold and diamond tennis related rings,pendants, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, are available atGOLDMASTERS USA, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. 1206, West Palm Beach,Fla. 33401. Or, call 1-800-343-4653. Prices range from $25 to $750.
The AG portable Stringer -- Are you tired of paying $15 to $25every time that you have your racket strung? The AG PORTABLESTRINGER, which has a five-year warranty, is a bargain at $325. Youwill quickly be able to get your investment back, by not onlystringing your own rackets, but by also stringing other people'srackets. Call 1-800-243-5033 for additional information.
Tennis Master Ball Machines -- Do you sometimes have troublefinding someone to play or practice against? The TENNIS MASTER BALLMACHINE could be your answer. Every type of shot and spinimaginable can be imparted by using different accessories that comewith the machine. Different styles of machines start at $599. Writeto Master Corporation, P.O. Box 585, Auburn, 46706. Or call,1-800-837-1002 for further information.
Net-Set -- A few years ago there was one big advantage aboutusing a wooden tennis racket. It was easy to use to measure theheight of the net. Today's larger rackets make it virtuallyimpossible to measure the net correctly. However, the Net-Set isthe answer. It's a telescoping measuring device that extends 36inches, the exact height of the net. In black or blue at $9.95 orin gold at $14.95, plus $3 for shipping and handling, the Net-Setcan be purchased by sending a check to Net-Set, 25 S. Main St.,Lambertvile, N.J. 08530.
Andrew Agassi's Attack Video -- This is the hottest video onthe market. Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi and his coach NickBolletieri detail every stroke in the game with extensive on-courtdemonstrations and interviews.
Slow motion and high speed instruction shows you how to buildan 'attacking game.'
Only $19.95, you may order Toll Free from Tennis Videos USA, bycalling 1-800-247-8273.
Silver Anniversary Edition. 25 Year History of Racquetball -- A75-minute commemorative video that features all-time greats Hogan,Brumfield, Yellen and Adams. Caryn McKinney and this writer areco-hosts. The video sells for $29.95. It may be ordered by writingto Gildon Videosports Productions, 428 Washington St., Fairhaven,Mass. 02719. Or, you may call 1-800-528-8244 for information.
Hard Courts Book -- What is John McEnroe really like? What werethe real reasons for Jimmy Arias' fall in the rankings? What'sSteffi Graf's biggest fear? How does Martina cope with the factthat her career is coming to an end? Hart Courts, a New York Timesbest seller, written by John Feinstein, answers these and manyother questions. Cost is $12.95. The book may be ordered throughTennis Videos. Call 1-800-247-8273.
