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If you play tennis or padel even casually, you know the difference gear makes — like a good pair of shoes that grip instead of slip or a racket that feels like an extension of your arm. The right equipment improves comfort, reduces injury risk, and can shave points off your game. Whether you're stepping onto a clay court, an artificial turf padel box, or a hard court, choosing the right kit is part science, part style, and 100% personal. This guide focuses on reputable brands and UK retailers where you can find rackets, shoes, strings, apparel, and bags that suit every budget and playing style.
Björn Borg is well known for marrying sport-driven design with striking aesthetics, especially in tennis-inspired apparel and accessories. While they don't make rackets, their clothing and bags are popular among players who want to look sharp on the court without compromising on functionality. If you like retro-court vibes with modern technical fabrics, Björn Borg is a brand worth trying.
The Ace Padel Bag L is an example of how modern court bags blend form and function. With a capacity of about 12.1 imperial gallons (roughly 48.4 quarts), it's big enough to haul multiple rackets, shoes, towels, and a change of clothes. Expect padded compartments for racket protection, ventilated sections for sweaty trainers, and adjustable straps for carrying comfort. For padel players who double up on tennis weekends, a roomy, well-organized bag like this keeps things tidy and ready to go.
The UK market has a strong mix of high-street names and specialist online shops. Some stores offer broad ranges across sports, while others focus strictly on racket sports. Below are reputable retailers where you can shop for rackets, shoes, strings, apparel, and bags.
Sports Direct is a go-to for budget-friendly tennis gear, footwear, and casual court clothing. You’ll find entry to mid-level rackets, basic stringing services in some locations, and a wide selection of branded shoes at discounted prices. It’s ideal if you’re outfitting beginners or looking for low-cost extras like grips and overgrips.
Decathlon has earned fans with its own-brand rackets and shoes alongside popular global brands. Their beginner to intermediate rackets tend to be very forgiving, and the in-store experience lets you feel shoes and grips first-hand. If you want a solid starter setup that won’t break the bank, Decathlon is a practical choice.
Sweatband and Pro:Direct Tennis serve players who want a wider range of mid to high-end rackets and shoes. These specialist stores stock Wilson, Babolat, Head, Yonex, and more, and often carry limited-edition models and performance apparel. They’re great for players who are upgrading from a basic racket and want expert fit guidance online or by phone.
Tennis Warehouse Europe ships across the UK and is popular with players hunting specific racket specs, string types, and niche accessories. Specialist padel shops have also grown rapidly — many stock padel-specific rackets, overgrips, and shoes designed for lateral movements typical in padel. If you want deep inventory and expert-level product descriptions, these online specialists deliver.
Amazon can be useful for fast delivery and a huge selection, from entry rackets to shoes and balls. Just be sure to check seller ratings and product specs carefully, because the marketplace mixes genuine branded items with third-party listings. For common replacements like overgrips, dampeners, and balls, Amazon’s convenience is hard to beat.
Picking a racket feels like choosing a tennis soulmate — wrong fit, and every match is a struggle; right fit, and it all clicks. Racket choice depends on your strength, swing speed, preferred playing style, and age. Here’s what to look at in plain terms.
Standard adult rackets are around 27 inches long — the sweet spot for reach and control. Extended-length rackets are available for players who want extra reach but can be harder to maneuver. Head size is measured in square inches and affects power versus control: larger heads (bigger than 100 sq in) are more powerful and forgiving, while midsize heads favor control.
Racket weight is typically given in ounces. Lightweight rackets (around 9 to 10 ounces) are easier to swing and help beginners generate racquet head speed. Heavier rackets (10.6 to 11.8 ounces or more) provide stability and plow-through. Balance—head-heavy versus head-light—affects where the mass sits and how the racket feels on swings. Try a few to see what suits your tempo and arm strength.
Strings are the closest thing to a racket’s personality. Changing string type or tension can dramatically alter feel, spin potential, and power. You’ll see tension listed in pounds, which is perfect because string shops recommend ranges in pounds.
Multifilament strings feel soft and are arm-friendly, while polyester strings are stiffer and hold spin better but can be tough on elbows. Hybrid setups mix the two for balance. Common tensions sit between 50 and 60 pounds: lower tensions give more power and a softer feel, higher tensions increase control and reduce trampoline effect. Start in the middle of a racket’s recommended range and adjust by 2 to 4 pounds based on feel.
Shoes are often underrated, but they’re critical for ankle safety and quick movement. Tennis shoes differ from running trainers because they’re built for lateral movement, toe drag, and sudden starts and stops. Look for durable outsoles, stable midsoles, and a snug fit around the midfoot. If you play on carpet or artificial turf, consider shoes with thicker tread for added grip.
Shoe sizing in the UK is familiar, but always try on shoes with the socks you’ll play in. A thumb’s width of space in front of your longest toe helps reduce blisters and black toenails. If you wear orthotics or insoles, bring them when trying shoes. If you’re between sizes, go up rather than down for footwear meant for hard courts and long sessions.
Technical fabrics wick sweat away and dry quickly, keeping you cooler and lighter as play intensifies. Look for breathable tops, shorts or skorts with pockets for balls, and layered options for cooler sessions. A good hat or sweatband can keep sun and sweat out of your eyes, which is surprisingly effective at helping you maintain focus during long rallies.
Brands like Björn Borg put emphasis on looks without sacrificing performance. If you value both, seek fabrics with stretch for unrestricted movement and reinforced seams that withstand hundreds of serves and slides. Colour and style are personal, but darker shades often hide dirt from outdoor courts better than bright whites.
Your kit’s organization can save match warm-up time and prevent broken strings or damp shoes from ruining a fresh shirt. Bags range from small racket carriers to large weekender bags like the Ace Padel Bag L that hold multiple rackets and kit. Look for ventilated shoe sections, separate dampener pockets, and padded straps for shoulder comfort.
Don’t overlook grips, overgrips, vibration dampeners, a reliable readymade stringer or service, and a couple boxes of balls. A small kit with spare strings, a multi-tool, and adhesive patches can save a session if something minor goes wrong on court.
Padel rackets are solid-faced and shorter than tennis rackets, designed for quick reflexes and wall play. Shoes for padel emphasize lateral traction on artificial turf and often have different tread patterns than tennis shoes. Bags and apparel overlap a lot with tennis gear, but buying equipment tailored to padel will improve comfort and on-court performance.
Try before you buy when possible. Many specialist shops and clubs offer demo rackets so you can feel different weights and balances on court. Splurge on shoes and a racket if you play regularly; small improvements in those two items have the biggest impact on performance and injury prevention. For strings and apparel, balance budget against how frequently you replace them — players who play several times a week will want higher-quality strings and quick-dry clothing.
For beginners or kids who rapidly outgrow equipment, second-hand gear is a solid route. Look for lightly used rackets and shoes in good condition from local clubs, online marketplaces, and specialist second-hand sports shops. Clearance sections at major retailers also often have past-season rackets and shoes at steep discounts. Buying used is a smart way to try premium brands without the premium price.
Store rackets in a dry place away from extreme heat and cold; leaving a racket in a hot car trunk can warp the frame and change string tension. Replace strings when they feel dead or after several months of play. Clean shoes and let them air-dry to avoid mildew. For bags, use the ventilated compartments for sweaty items and consider small silica packets for long-term storage to keep moisture down.
Joining a local tennis or padel club gives you an easy way to try different rackets and shoes and get advice from coaches. Many clubs host demo days where suppliers bring rackets you can test. Coaches often recommend racket specs tailored to your swing and can help you choose the right string tension and shoe type for your footwork.
Before you buy, check these basics: racket length and weight in ounces, grip size in inches, string type and tension in pounds, shoe fit for court surfaces, and bag capacity in gallons or quarts if you’re hauling multiple items. Keep receipts and note model numbers in case you want to reorder the same setup later.
Whether you’re buying your first racket or upgrading to pro-level gear, the UK offers a healthy mix of specialist retailers and big-name stores to suit every budget and need. Brands like Björn Borg bring style and functional apparel to the court, while specialist shops stock the performance rackets, strings, and shoes you’ll use match after match. Try before you buy when possible, focus your splurge on shoes and a racket, and organize your kit in a bag that fits your routine. With the right gear, practice pays off faster and the court becomes more fun.
| Tennis | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Elite 4 | £ 253,92 |
