Tennis Express Articles

Tennis Gear Tips: Choosing the Right Racquet � Type

	With so many different racquets on the market, it can often be overwhelming for tennis players to choose which racquet will suit their game the best. With many different things to consider, one of the most important things players should know is the three main types of racquets and how to determine which type is the best fit for each individual’s game..
Power racquets Characteristics: - lighter - larger head size - open string pattern - This type of racquet can provide generous amounts of power for a player who does not use a fast or full length swing. Because of the larger sweet spot, a power racquet can be a perfect racquet for someone with smaller and more relaxed sings to provide the needed power that their natural swing lacks.
	Tweener Racquets Characteristics - medium weight - medium head size- string pattern varies - medium frame width - A tweener racquet is great for players who are looking for a blend of power and control from their racquets. These racquets are made for players who have medium to long swing speeds and take medium to long cuts at the ball. This kind of racquet is especially ideal for players who are making the transition from junior to full length racquets.
Control Racquets Characteristics - heavier weight - smaller head size - string pattern vaaries - thinner frame width - The control racquet is designed for the players who have long and fast swings at the ball. Since the racquet itself provides little power, much of the pace must be generated from the player. The benefit of using such a heavy racquet lies in the stability and control that is provided. This racquet is not the best for transitioning juniors unless they can handle the weight.

Knowing what types of racquet best suits your game is the first step to choosing the perfect racquet. You can always reach out to us and have our team of friendly professionals help you out today!

Easy on the Arm: Wilson Shock Shield Kit

As racquet technology continues to advance, the general trend continues to move towards stiffer and thinner variations of graphite as well as lighter weights. While frames now supply more power, the increased stiffness, along with the unfounded popularity of polyester-based strings, has not helped to lessen the onset of tennis elbow in many players. Reports indicate that as many as half of all tennis players get some form of tennis elbow during their life.

Plenty of players know that certain steps must be taken once they believe that they have this unfortunately common problem. The first step should always be to rest, as the injury, by nature, is caused primarily by repetitive twisting and turning actions. If the problem is minor and rest clears up the pain, what happens if it flares up again the next time you go out to play? My personal advice would be to first check on your technique, as a single technical flaw can contribute to tennis elbow. What happens though when you are in the middle of your league or tournament season and you simply cannot undergo major changes like rebuilding your backhand or changing racquets?

Well, as a response to this sort of situation, as well as anyone hoping for a quick-fix cure to tennis elbow, Wilson has designed the Shock Shield Kit. The manufacturer suggests that players take advantage of all pieces of the kit, but for obvious reasons, the pieces are sold separately. The package contains three pieces: strings, a grip, and a vibration dampener. While none of these items are revolutionary (other manufacturers have produced these kinds of products before), the idea of a total package specifically sold for players with tennis elbow is new. One of the best points of the Shock Shield package is that all of the changes are easy to make.

Based on what I have seen as an MRT stringer over the years, the spike in popularity of polyester-based strings among club players really began about 10 years ago, with Luxilon ALU Power making waves on the ATP tour leading the movement. Strings have come a long way with claims of being softer with improved playability and better tension maintenance. While this is somewhat true, the fact is that a polyester-based string today is of comparable stiffness to the polyester strings in the past. The more widespread use has had at least some impact on the increasing cases of tennis elbow.

For this reason, one of the first suggestions made is to not only restring (which can have many benefits by itself), but to install a much softer feeling string. In the case of this Wilson package, that string is Shock Shield. It bears a close resemblance to Hollow Core, but a distinct blue color thanks to the IsoZorb material that has been injected into the central hollow fiber. You may remember this IsoZorb material was first mentioned years ago when the original Triad series was released. It is the same material that acts as the shock buffer between the handle and head sections of the three piece construction. Shock Shield is currently available in 16 and 17 gauges, and the central core is surrounded by layers of smaller nylon fibers that are bound using the standard polyurethane resin. The result is a comfortable string that boasts a softer feel and lessens vibration by dampening higher amplitude waves.

Another quick change is to replace the current grip with the Shock Shield Hybrid Grip, which, like the other hybrid grips, is a multi-layered product. It appears to be a much improved version of one of their former comfort grips, the TL Gel grip that was created around the time that the original Triad racquets were released. This one has a much larger IsoZorb gel layer and offers much better dampening. It is a little bit larger than many stock grips, and so might make the handle feel just a touch thicker. The standard polyurethane top layer offers good tackiness, but this grip is primarily designed with comfort in mind.

The last piece of the package is the vibration dampener, which bears a striking resemblance to the ever-popular Gamma Shockbuster. The Shock Shield dampener is intended to snake across a number of the middle mains, decreasing the amount of string deflection. The string vibration will be lessened, significantly altering the sound at impact, but also limiting the amplitude of potential hazardous vibrations.

Wilson suggests that for best results, the three pieces should be used in conjunction with one another, and some of our testers have agreed. While you can definitely tell the string plays softly with plenty of comfort, you feel the full benefit with the entire kit. If the Wilson grip does not suit you or you would like even more cushion, check out the Gamma Hi-Tech Gel Contour grip.

Please remember that none of these products, or any other, are designed to heal or treat tennis elbow in any way. They are designed as temporary aids that will allow someone to continue playing with less pain for a short time. Also remember to listen to your body and with an inflammation injury that is caused by repetitive action, there is no way that continuing to play will allow the muscles and tendons to heal.

French Open Fashion: Nike�s Matching Men

	Let’s face it—when it comes to choosing coordinating ensembles, most guys could use a little help. French Open favorites Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Juan Martin Del Potro will be hitting the clay in the hottest new color combos. Luckily, these dashing dudes had a little help from Nike.
Roger Federer: Anthracite + Black + Cyber Fed’s ultra-cool monochromatic look is highlighted with Cyber accents. The bright touches add a little spark to this understatedly stylish ensemble. The Nike Smash Clay Polo features a smooth, seamless design, allowing great range of motion with zero irritation. Also equipped with Dri-Fit UV fabric, this powerful polo wicks sweat and protects skin from harmful UV rays. He’ll pair this lightweight top with the Match Woven Shorts and the Smash Jacket. But what really ties this look together is Nike’s brand new edition of the Zoom Vapor 9 Tour SL. A synthetic leather upper replaces the mesh of the original Vapor 9—leather holds up better on clay—while still offering adaptive fit technology and a speedy running-inspired design. Add the Hybrid Cap or the Swoosh Bandana for a complete look.
	Rafael Nadal: Scarlet Fire + White + Anthracite This Spaniard is sizzling in Scarlet Fire. Embossed graphic print adds a touch of bold style to his signature Dri-Fit tee. Nike Finals Clay Crew is equipped with lightweight Dri-Fit fabric, micro-perforated side panels for ventilation, and smooth, seamless shoulders. From red hot to cool grey: add the Nike Finals Jacket, also featuring printed insets across the shoulders and sleeves. In Anthracite with Cool Grey accents, this breathable Dri-Fit jacket will keep Rafa feeling as cool as he looks. He’ll also wear the Rafa Finals Shorts in White and the Nike Air Max Courtballistec 4.3 Tennis Shoes. A combination of fused elements and durable rubber compounds placed in high-wear areas makes this tough shoe a force to be reckoned with. To top it off, expect to see Rafa rocking a matching Swoosh Bandana.
Juan Martin Del Potro: Cyber + Anthracite + White Wear your shades if you plan to watch a Delpo match. He’ll brighten up the court in a flashy shade of Cyber. The Nike Advantage Tread Crew also features embossed graphic print on the front, and innovative shoulder seam construction, designed to enhance range of motion and minimize irritation. He’ll pair this top with the Advantage Woven Shorts in Anthracite. The Nike Zoom Breathe 2K11 Tennis Shoes in a subtle shade of Neutral Grey add balance to this bold look. Equipped with Lunarlon technology and a Nike Zoom cushioning system, these shoes deliver the ultimate combination of power and speed. Delpo will sport the Swoosh Bandana in White, but the Anthracite/Cyber version—like the one Fed is wearing—would also be a great option. Watch our 2012 French Open Gear Guide videos below for a closer look at each player's gear and apparel!

Nike Zoom Courtlite 3 Offers Fashionable Comfort

One of the lightest shoes on the market, the Nike Zoom Courtlite 3 is available for women only and comes in a number of fashion friendly options for matching with outfits. Boasting improved breathability and midfoot support, the Zoom Courtlite 3 is quickly becoming a shoe for the women to look at.

As with all Nike shoes, the first thing to think about is the cushioning technology which can range anywhere from Lunarlon to Air Max and the Zoom Courtlite 3 is no different. Taking advantage of Zoom technology in the heel, this shoe provides a lightweight, low-to-the-ground feel without sacrificing comfort.

A full-length phylon midsole provides responsive feedback along the entire length of the foot for quick movements on the court. Keeping the shoe light was important in the design of this shoe, so larger mesh panels were added to give superior breathability as well as show off part of the stability system.

What looks like an odd zig-zag line is actually called a Lace Lock system that allows plenty of flexibility in fit as well as comfortably stabilizing the foot towards lateral shifting. Along the bottom of the shoe you will notice a TPU shank designed to promote midfoot stability and arch support.

The full-length XDR outsole comes in a herringbone tread pattern that offers traction on all surfaces but we found it worked best on softer courts. It is important to note that this shoe fits a half-size smaller, so be sure to order a larger size than you normally wear. The fit is medium across the width of the shoe while the arch support is a little on the low side.

Players that supinate should be cautious with the Nike Zoom Courtlite 3 due to its flexpoint being slightly further back than the ball of the foot. Our testing staff with neutral or pronating feet did not have any issues however.

Prince T24 Steps Up For Stability

It’s not easy to replace the top selling tennis shoe, but that is the situation that Prince was faced with as they upgraded the popular T22 and released their newest shoe, the Prince T24. Not wanting to mess with something that clearly is not broken, Prince made only minimal changes to the T24 to improve stability without sacrificing the comfort and breathability of its predecessor.

The Prince T22 is widely known as one of the most popular shoes, and things like a forgiving forefoot fit, excellent shock absorption, and a plethora of available colors certainly did not hurt its popularity, especially amongst teams. Never wanting to fall behind in the technology war, how is it possible to improve on what many consider perfection?

Prince’s approach was to keep the favorite features like the ShockEraser heel insert and 4FootWrap and make subtle improvements to the stability and ventilation of the shoe. While the T24 takes away a small amount of mesh on the lateral side of the forefoot, the synthetic leather that replaced it offers even greater stability.

Regardless of performance, a shoe simply has to be comfortable to wear, and so a new ventilation design was added to the side of the shoe to allow greater air flow. One thing that is a concern to many is that by implementing more synthetic leather in the forefoot, that roomy fit is sacrificed a bit. As a result, the T24 has a bit of a Nike Courtballistec 4.3 sort of feel.

The Prince 4FootWrap design serves two purposes; to act as a locking system to not only provide support and stability for side to side movements but also help to prevent the foot from sliding forward, jamming the player’s toes.

In addition to all of the forefoot stability, the wYshbone shank was replaced with a new TPU shank called the Archbridge, providing enhanced midfoot support. Durability was not forgotten in the T24, as the PRC1000 Outsole remains and is still backed by a six-month outsole durability guarantee from Prince.

The Prince T24 offers a medium width fit and a medium arch. If the T22 was a little loose in the forefoot for you, the T24 will offers a more snug fit thanks to the added synthetic leather and different cut. Whether this is a good or bad change, is entirely dependent on your foot type, so give the T24 a try if you are looking for stability, cushioning, and durability.

K-Swiss Monfils Tubes Mid Combines Past And Present

Combining old-school support and modern cushioning, the K-Swiss Tubes Monfils Mid is certainly a unique shoe, especially in today’s shoe game with extremely limited options regarding higher fits. With less than a handful of mid-top shoes still available, this is definitely the most advanced, with K-Swiss Tubes technology running the entire length of the shoe.

Named after La Monf, Gael Monfils, this shoe boasts a bit of the Frenchman’s style in its appearance, even though it is unlikely he will wear it on the courts. Originally designed for training shoes, Tubes technology offers incredible responsive cushioning using shock-absorbing cylinders.

These cylinders are implemented in a way to promote the natural gait of the foot for enhanced comfort. In addition to the cushioning, the Tubes Monfils Mid is equipped with an Aosta II high-density rubber outsole to provide grip on the court and resistance to wear.

The thing that makes the Monfils edition unique is obviously the mid-top design, a bit of a throwback to days past for players seeking ultimate stability. While shoes have advanced a lot over the years, and stability of many current models like the adidas barricade 7.0 are simply amazing, there is still a market for players that seek a higher shoe.

It is important to note that the K-Swiss Tubes Monfils Mid has a medium width fit and a low arch support. The synthetic leather upper offers plenty of support, designed especially for those that want some reinforcement around the ankle.

For the player that wants the comfort of Tubes technology without the higher support, K-Swiss offers options for both men and women with the current standard low cut. Designed primarily for comfort, the K-Swiss Tubes is still focused on the movements of tennis and features a Drag-Guard to enhance durability in high wear areas. It should be noted that while the Tubes Monfils Mid does not have it, the other variations of the Tubes shoes have Durawrap technology to protect against toe draggers.

Head Speed Pro Lite Brings Fast To Comfort

You don’t often hear much about Head’s line of tennis shoes but with all the upgrades made to the new Speed Pro Lite, don’t be surprised to see a few more at your nearby courts. Cutting the weight of the original Speed Pro by 12 percent, this Lite version comes in at a more comfortable 14 ounces (in size 10) without sacrificing much in terms of cushion and stability.

The biggest part of that cushioning comes from a carryover from the original Speed Pro, Head’s CXG Comfort Grid and Vi-Pod heel insert that acts as a shock absorber for your leg. In order to answer concerns of the player, Head overhauled the midsole and outsoles to give players what they wanted, a faster response and a low-to-the-ground feel.

The upper of the shoe features a combination of mesh and synthetic materials, keeping the shoe lightweight and breathable, while still offering impressive lateral stability. For added stability, an Energy Bridge made of lightweight plastic acts as a midfoot shank.

One thing to note with the Head Speed Pro Lite is that this shoe has a wide fit with a medium arch support. The Head Radial Contact outsole is designed to promote traction and flexibility while a HyBrasion rubber offers increased protection for toe draggers.

Head also offers a six-month outsole durability guarantee on the Speed Pro Lite, so expect plenty of durability from this shoe. Fans of the Speed Pro that enjoyed the comfort should enjoy the quicker response of this updated version.

Summer Workout-fits: Staying Stylish From Tennis to Training

	Warm weather (ahem, bikini season) is here, and it’s time to get outside and get in shape! Whether your idea of a workout is hitting the gym or hitting a tennis ball, we’ve got you covered. Brands like Nike and adidas offer tons of apparel options that can go straight from the tennis court to the gym (or the basketball court, the track, the soccer field…)
First up, the Nike Legend V-Neck Training Tee paired with the shorts that have become a legend of their own—the Nike Tempo Shorts. The Legend Tee is packed with all the performance features you expect, like Dri-Fit technology, and it’s lightweight and loose-fitting to give you plenty of room to breathe. Tempo shorts have become a go-to piece because they’re extremely versatile—and cute. Super lightweight taffeta material paired with a thin crepe liner provide comfort during athletics; and a tapered silhouette provides a flattering shape that works for just about every body type. Plus, they come in about a million—or so—fun colors and prints.
	Speaking of fun prints, check out the Nike Printed Fast Pace Tank. This breathable running tank features a racerback silhouette for a full range of motion, and mesh panels for extreme ventilation. A dropped hem provides coverage during movement, so you don’t have to keep tugging at your top and you can focus on working out. Pair this top with matching Tie Break Knit Shorts. These extra-short shorts are great for tennis—notice the “love tennis” waistband—but they’re also a great training option. Angled seams reduce irritation, which is ideal for runners and built-in shorties keep you covered while you show off some leg (these sporty shorts have a 2” inseam and the waistband folds over).
Fresh from the adidas training collection, the ClimaSpeed Training Tank is unbelievably lightweight. This super soft tank features a full mesh back and the entire top is made of ClimaLite fabric. It has a relaxed fit, so it’s just loose enough to provide plenty of room to move and it looks great when paired with a colorful bra. This tank is available in 3 colors (including neon yellow!), but this purple version matches perfectly with the adidas M10 Check It Shorts. These tempo-esque shorts are also equipped with ClimaLite fabric, and they feature an allover checkered print.

Yonex Makes Big Statement In Shoe Market With SHT-308

When you head to the courts, you always see plenty of Nike and adidas shoes around with a few others in the mix like Prince, Babolat, and New Balance. One shoe you will not see very often just might be one of the best shoes around, the Yonex SHT-308.

The shoe game is always a trade off, for the stability and comfort of an adipower barricade 7 or an Air Max Courtballistec 4.3, you have to trade away that low to the ground, light weight feel that makes you feel fast on the court. On the other hand, you move to a lighter shoe like the Asics GEL Solution Speed, and you start worrying about stability for those lateral movements and stops.

How is it that in the day and age of increasing technology, that it seems impossible to find that perfect shoe? For some, waiting for that day could be a thing of the past with the Yonex SHT-308 shoe. This is not your typical “all-around” shoe that does everything pretty well; this is a special shoe that does everything very well. It is one of the lightest shoes around, more than an ounce lighter than the Zoom Vapor 9 Tour that has been getting so much attention this year.

This shoe is about so much more than just light weight however, with an innovative comfort system that includes multiple pieces that all work together to create a harmonious experience for the foot. The 3-Layer Power Cushion in the heel provides incredible shock absorption and added repulsion to keep the player moving fast with less muscle fatigue.

So we have touched on just a few of the things that keep this shoe light weight and comfortable, but what about stability? Yonex has that covered too with more components than you would see inside your iPhone. An updated outsole design offers better contact with the court while the Round Sole promotes efficient movement and a nifty new heel shank increases lateral protection even more.

Even with all of the technology listed, that is not even half of what goes into making the Yonex SHT-308 a serious contender for shoe of the year in terms of pure performance. Ultra-light, superior cushioning, incredible breathability, and serious stability, what more can you want from a shoe?

A word of warning for the purists, these shoes do have a bit of color to them. Expect to turn heads with bright blue and bright red options in addition to a slightly more understated white and navy color that will soon be joined by an all black with silver model.

Nike Brings Leather To The Vapor 9

The 2012 clay court season is set to begin shortly, and one of our favorites, Roger Federer will be stepping onto the courts in yet another color of the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour shoe. Before he will be seen on TV in the upcoming weeks, everyone else can get the newest cosmetic which comes in a White, Blue Soar, and Neutral Grey pattern.

You may have noticed the change in the name. This Zoom Vapor 9 Tour SL version features a synthetic leather upper in the forefoot compared to mesh. This results in a more snug fit through the forefoot and extra lateral stability due to the studier material as well as the Adaptive Fit.

The side of the shoe still shows lime green insets and the six “fingers” that are for so much more than just appearance. The Adaptive Fit system was created thanks to collaboration between Roger Federer and legendary Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield in order to create a shoe with the look and feel of a running shoe but the needed stability for tennis.

With the system, each interval is independently adjustable for a truly personalized fit and feel unlike any shoe on the market. The Vapor 9 Tour is not all about feel, there is still some serious performance in the shoe, which features a full Zoom Air midsole for responsiveness and a comfortable ride.

In case you need more convincing of how cool the Adaptive Fit system is, take it from the men who designed it.

In addition to the synthetic leather upper and the Adaptive Fit, a lightweight plastic midfoot shank provides stability and separates the two piece XDR outsole. By separating the sole into a distinctive forefoot and heel section, the shoe is able to move and adjust variably to give versatility and surface adaptation.

The Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour is the most advanced Vapor tennis shoe to date, and this synthetic leather version provides a new fit for the player that likes a snug feel around their foot. Even replacing some mesh with synthetic leather did not noticeably affect the weight so you still get that low to the ground feel, impressive breathability, and incredible speed.

All For Color (Say Aye!)

Formerly known as “Room It Up,” All For Color offers a variety of bags and accessories featuring trendy prints, fun patterns and—of course—lots of color! With designs like Garden Party and Fresh Bouquet, these bags are sure to put a spring in your step all the way to summer.

Okay, I admit, there are beyond tons of super cute bags out there. That’s why All For Color’s line of tennis bags aren’t just for show. These fashionable bags are truly functional.

The Tennis Tote (shown above in Fresh Bouquet) features a large racquet-specific exterior pocket for up to 2 racquets. It keeps them secure with a zipper closure, while providing easy accessibility. A separate compartment just for your racquets means you won’t be tempted to toss them in your bag along with other items that could damage the frames.

In the large main compartment, you’ll have more space for things like shoes, clothes and gear, as well as personal items like keys or a cosmetics case. Stay organized with 4 interior pockets, and an outer velcro pouch.

Don't accessorize with dirt--a small zipper on the back reveals a hidden fence hook, so you can keep your bag off the ground.

More of a backpack gal? Check out the All For Color Tennis Backpack (shown above in Classic Daisy). The separate racquet pouch holds up to 2 racquets, and there are lots of handy little accessories pockets for keeping smaller items organized, as well a large main compartment and a fence hook. Once you find your favorite, grab an All For Color sports towel with a matching pattern! Each ultra soft terry cotton towel features a single grommet hole with a karabiner clip so you can clip it to your bag for easy access.

Babolat's Superior Fit eXperience

Created in cooperation with not only other shoe experts, but our very own Q, the Babolat SFX has finally been released to the public. Months ago the French manufacturer best known for their natural gut strings brought shoe specialists from around the world to brainstorm ideas to make an ultimate shoe, and the result is the super comfortable, super breathable SFX.

For a brand that just started making shoes a few years ago, Babolat has quickly caught up to many of their competitors, especially with the success of the Propulse line. Despite this, there are always players looking for something unique, something different from the typical tennis shoe.

If that’s what you are looking for, the Babolat SFX is definitely worth a try. It still has all those typical sport-related features like the Michelin Performance outsole, a 3D shank for stability, and a beefed up toeguard for durability against those that drag their feet on court, but there is something unique about this one.

When I say unique, I’m not just talking about the bright blue color. Named for Superior Fit eXperience, the SFX provides a feel that is unlike any other Babolat shoe around. In addition to having a medium-wide toebox, the high amount of mesh provides an incredible amount of ventilation.

The front is protected by the same Cell-Shield material as you will see in the Propulse 3, albeit in a slightly different appearance. For comfort in the heel, the Kompressor insert is used to absorb the shock of running down every ball.

What makes the SFX shoe truly unique, however, is possibly the most sophisticated, and complicated, insole of all time. This five-piece insert starts with a 3-D EVA cup pad, then a 3-D EVA cup, followed by a spring EVA, a layer of PU Ortholite, finally a layer of memory foam, all topped with an antislip coating.

So what’s not to like about a shoe with tons of ventilation and comfort designed for agility and turning heads on the court? Well, in case you were worried, the SFX does come with Babolat’s six-month outsole guarantee. You really just have to try this shoe on for yourself.

Sporty Style For Lucky Ladies

Lucky in Love athletic apparel originally started as a kids’ brand. As the story goes, a few girls got together in the hopes of creating a brand of tennis apparel that addressed every female athlete’s inner girly need for fashion.

Recently, the L in L girls extended their selection to include a line of women’s apparel. As a women’s brand, Lucky in Love joins the ranks of brands like Lija that offer fashion-forward alternatives to typical athletic attire. So, how does Lucky in Love measure up? Let’s take a look!

If you want to feel like a princess on the court—come on ladies, you know you do—pair the Draped Mesh Racerback with the Mesh Ruffle Skirt (right). Try it on once and you’ll fall in love with this combo. The top features a pink mesh overlay that runs from the front to the back, creating a flowy draping effect. Layers of pink and white tiered mesh on the tutu-inspired skirt complete the look.

For a look that’s simpler, but just as stylish, try the Solid/Mesh Racerback or the Solid/Mesh V-Neck with the Solid Pleat Skort or the Scalloped Border Skort.

(below) Solid/Mesh V-Neck with Scalloped Border Skirt

The tops are fitted, without being tight. Sheer mesh panels, along with Vaportex moisture management, ensure that you stay cool and dry. The Solid Pleat Skirt features a dropped waist and a pleated back—a great combination for a flattering fit. If you like showing a little leg, go for the Mesh Ruffle Skirt or the Solid Pleat Skirt. If you like leaving more to the imagination, the Scalloped Border Skirt offers a bit more length and the tiered layers give you a tapered silhouette. The skirts feature a thin internal waistband; so you get a fit that’s light, not binding. Lucky in Love apparel is made to mix and match, so browse the collection and get started!

Mixing and Matching With adidas: Goodbye Winter Blues; Hello Summer Hues

With sunny summer days just around the corner, it’s high time winter hues took a hiatus. Whether you’re kicking back poolside or tearing up the tennis court, it’s time to add some color to your outdoor wardrobe. From Super Green to Ultra Purple, adidas has you covered in the tennis department.

With so many coordinating separates, it’s easy to mix and match. Resist the urge to play it safe this season with exactly matching tops and bottoms. Here’s an example—pair the barricade Tank in Prime Ink Blue with the barricade Skort in Core Energy (the tank has matching Core Energy trim!)

Forget Gatorade—for those that really want to mix it up, the Response Court collection has a selection of fruity colors that will have you reaching for a tropical drink on changeovers. Try the Response Tank in Ultra Bright/Ultra Purple paired with the Response Skort in Ultra Purple/Ultra Bright. The inverted color scheme and tiny polka-dot pattern on the skirt provide a look that coordinates perfectly without looking overdone. F.Y.I., the Response Tank is available in 7 different colors and the Skort comes in 9—that’s 63 possible combinations!

For cooler days—or if you’re not into showing off your tan lines—there are also plenty of full-coverage options. Try the adizero Cap Sleeve in Super Green/Core Energy paired with the adizero Skort in Core Energy.

With so many options, why limit yourself? Just say no to blasé browns and gloomy grays, and get creative with color. From Prime Yellow to Prime Ink Blue, adidas makes it easy to expand your color repertoire—browse the entire summer collection and get inspired to brightness!

Babolat Unveils 2012 French Open Line For Presale

Last year marked the beginning of a five-year partnership between Babolat and Roland Garros which included a line of products featuring the logo of the second Grand Slam of the year as well colors inspired by La Terre Bateau. With The French Open only seven weeks away, the French manufacturer has unveiled an expanded line in 2012.

In 2011, we saw a number of the Babolat Aero players taking to the clay courts with a frame that was primarily brick red in color compared to the traditional yellow of the regular Aeropro Drive GT. Babolat wouldn’t want to simply repeat the past, so this year the French Open cosmetic takes a hint from the new Pure Drive, going to a mostly Black color pattern that is accented by Brick Red and White.

We mentioned that the line was expanded to include another racquet, this one the lightest version of the Aero technology, the Aeropro Lite French Open. Featuring a nearly identical cosmetic but significantly less weight, the Aeropro Lite is another top selling frame, especially among juniors that are moving into their first adult length racquet.

Along with the new racquets comes a new line of bags. The three bags of the line are modeled after the Pro Team line from Babolat, featuring a six-pack, twelve-pack, and a backpack. With all the same features as the Team line, these particular bags have the official Roland Garros logo as well as a few other mentions of the great clay court event that it borrows the colors from.

These items will all be available to demo, ship, and sell in our store on 5/1/2012, but you can pre-order them now to ensure that you get your hands on one or more of these limited edition products.