Not sure which tennis racket is right for you? Try it before you buy. Our tennis racket demo service lets you play with a racket for 7 days, at home, at your club or on court, before you commit. A new racket is a big decision. The spec sheet tells you the weight and head size; only playing tells you how it feels on your serve, your backhand and your arm.
Why demo before you buy?
Two rackets with the same weight can feel completely different. Balance, stiffness and string pattern change how the ball comes off the strings.
Seven days is long enough to play your usual hitting partners, at your usual club, and see if your game gets better.
Swap as often as you like. Try a Blade against a Speed, or a Clash against a Pure Drive, until one clearly wins.
Buy a new racket and your full demo payment goes towards it. If nothing suits you, you only pay the £20 demo fee.
How it works
- Choose your racket from our demo tennis rackets and pay the full price upfront.
- Get it delivered or collect it from our store.
- Play for 7 days. Upgrade the strings and grip if you want to test your exact setup.
- Swap as often as you like — £6 postage per swap, or free in store.
- Decide. Return it for a refund minus a £20 demo fee, or put your full payment towards a new racket.
What to test during your demo
- Weight and balance. Heavier rackets (300g+) feel more stable against big hitters; lighter rackets are quicker to swing and easier on the arm late in a match. Notice how it feels at the end of a long session, not just the first rally.
- Head size. A 97–98 sq in head gives precision and feel; a 100–105 sq in head is more forgiving on off-centre hits and gives easier depth.
- String pattern. An open 16x19 pattern helps spin and power; a dense 18x20 pattern gives more control and a flatter ball.
- Comfort. If you have any elbow or wrist niggles, pay attention to vibration and stiffness. A softer frame can make a real difference.
- Your set-up. Strings and tension change everything. Ask us to string your demo the way you'd play it. See our tennis string tension guide.
Popular rackets to demo
Our demo range covers the rackets club players ask about most, including the Wilson Blade and Clash, Head Speed and Extreme, Yonex Ezone and Percept, and the Babolat Pure Drive. See every demo racket →
Why demo with Central Sports?
- Test the latest models from Wilson, Babolat, Head, Yonex and more.
- Expert advice on weight, head size, balance and string tension from people who play.
- In-house restringing, so your demo can be set up exactly how you'll use it.
- Four stores in Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Cardiff and Hereford. Find your nearest store.
The important bits
- Return within 10 working days, or the full price is charged and non-refundable.
- £20 demo fee if you don't buy. Your full payment goes towards a new racket if you do.
- UK only.
Demo service FAQs
How does the tennis racket demo work?
Choose a demo racket, pay the full price upfront, and use it for 7 days. We can deliver it or you can collect it from our store. Return it and we refund you minus a £20 demo fee, or put the full payment towards a new racket.
Can I try more than one racket?
Yes. Swap as many times as you like during your trial. Each swap by post costs £6; swaps in store are free.
Can I change the strings or grip?
Yes. You can upgrade the strings and grip on your demo racket, so you're testing it the way you'd actually play.
What does the demo cost?
£20 if you return the racket and don't buy. If you buy a new racket, your full payment goes towards it.
How long do I have to return it?
Return the racket within 10 working days. After that the full price is charged and is non-refundable.
Is the demo service available outside the UK?
No. The demo service is UK only.
Do you demo badminton or padel rackets?
Not at the moment. The demo service is for tennis rackets. For badminton and padel, our experts can help you choose by phone, email or in store.
Questions? Contact our team.