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“It’s not the tool, it’s the carpenter.”
- Noted philosopher, Dr. Mark Levey, circa 1985
When I was about 12, I asked my father why I was still playing with an old-school wood racquet while all my friends at summer camp had upgraded to the seemingly superior graphite models. He claimed that if a match was lost, it wasn’t the equipment (Jack Kramer Autograph), but the player (me) swinging it that determined the outcome. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps my Wilson was a helluva stick. It did the trick for Johnny Mac. Still, it looked terribly impotent next to a mighty Prince Graphite and even the most skilled carpenter will doubt his abilities if he thinks his hammer can’t crack an egg.
For whatever reason, most likely because he wanted one himself, my father eventually softened his stance. We went to Herman’s Sporting Goods and he bought me my first non-wooden racquet: the Pro Kennex Bronze Ace ($50 strung). And while I can’t say for certain that my performance improved, I am positive about one thing – I loved that tinny sounding piece of junk. You always remember your first, right?
Many have followed since. I’ve always been a bit of a flirt when it comes to my racquets. And now, as gear editor for TENNIS, I’ve become completely promiscuous. With dozens of new models passing through my office each year, I can’t help but become infatuated with the latest trends. So much so I’ve been guilty of starting and finishing the same match with two entirely different racquets. I’m not much better when it comes to my strings or shoes, either. It’s hell on your game, but a lot of fun.
Maybe you’re like me. Maybe you enjoy tinkering and experimenting with your equipment in search of the perfect complements to your game. Or perhaps you’re somebody with staunch loyalty to what’s currently in your bag but wants to know more about what’s in your opponent’s. Either way, this blog is aimed directly at you – the gear junkie.
If it has to do with tennis equipment, and it matters to you, we want to be talking about it. I’ll be posting items at least once a week discussing what’s new and noteworthy, and what’s not for consumption. There will also be guest bloggers, interviews with people in the industry, mailbags, and other forums to help spread the gospel. I may be driving this bus, but I don’t mind sharing the wheel. Most of all, it should be fun. We all share a common love of the sport and a belief in a fundamental principle:
The tool matters.
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