Tennis racket question -- repair

[Anonymous]

So, I just pulled the old racket out after about 12-15 yrs!! (probably haven't used it since before the kids). The kids are actually at an age of taking their first tennis lesson. I noticed that the tape that is wrapped around the handle is literally disintegrating... can I buy something to replace this or is it just going to unwrap all the time and I need to buy a new racket.

For the kids' tennis lesson or my own infrequent use, this racket is fine...but it can't be used as is... my hand was black from the disintegrating tape.

[Anonymous]

Yes, just buy new grip tape.

[Anonymous]

"Tournagrip"

[Anonymous]

Thanks!!

As a secondary question -- have rackets really changed all that much in the last 10-15 yrs? Is there any reason NOT to use an older racket?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!!

As a secondary question -- have rackets really changed all that much in the last 10-15 yrs? Is there any reason NOT to use an older racket?[/quote

Sure it's fine, but might want to check weight of an older racket, especially with kids learning.

[Anonymous]

Target has decent kid ones at a good price point.

[Anonymous]

How old are your kids? If they are 7-12, chances are our racquet will be too big for them (size wise, besides weight).

[Anonymous]

*your*, not our.

[Anonymous]

9 and 11.5 -- so they shouldn't use a regular racquet?

[Anonymous]

Changing the grip is not really "repair," it's basic maintenance.

An adult racket is probably fine for your kids, though if your 9yo is small you may want to consider a longer youth racket. Also, make sure the grip is the right size; distance from fingertips to base of palm when gripping racket should be about the width of the user's index finger.

I suspect the old racket will be fine. You might want to change the strings.