Talk Tennis Podcast 2025 Gear Awards: The Good, The Bad & The Overhyped 🏆

The Pure Aero has defined modern spin tennis and in 2026, Babolat updated it to be faster and even better! In this podcast episode, Olivier joins us all the way from Babolat Headquarters in Lyon, France and we go inside the new design and performance changes behind the NEW 2026 Pure Aero line of racquets, translating technical updates into real-world on-court results. If you want more confidence before your next demo, this conversation gives you a clear roadmap. Take a closer look at the specs: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Aero_Racquets/catpage-BABAERORACS.html Watch our Reviews:  Pure Aero 98: https://youtu.be/24Ui_MoiefM  Pure Aero: https://youtu.be/LCGRWjQCVTQ  Pure Aero Plus: https://youtu.be/zfZ_gO4j4oY  Happy Hitting!   

Want more than just a Yonex VCORE playtest? In this podcast episode, we go beyond on-court impressions and fully break down the new Yonex VCORE racquet lineup — from specs and technology to who each frame actually fits. If you’ve hit with the VCORE and still have questions, you’re not alone. Choosing the right racquet isn’t just about feel — it’s about understanding how swingweight, beam design, and Yonex’s updated tech translate to your game over time. In this episode, we deep dive into: What’s new in the latest Yonex VCORE generation How each VCORE model differs in feel, power, and spin potential Who each racquet is best suited for (and who should look elsewhere) How the VCORE compares to other modern spin-focused racquets As long-time Yonex specialists and competitive players, we break it down clearly so you can make a confident decision—without overthinking your next racquet switch. Watch the Reviews: 👉VCORE 100: https://youtu.be/CM6k87mv9fw 👉VCORE 98: https://youtu.be/_e3Im4NEYbI Shop with us all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au  Happy Hitting!   

Looking for honest tennis gear opinions?! In this Talk Tennis podcast episode, we hand out our unofficial Tennis Gear Awards for 2025 and cover some of the most overhyped racquets, surprise standouts, budget steals, and the gear guaranteed to start arguments at your local club...possibly! If you’ve ever bought a racquet that felt amazing in your hand… until the first ball, or wondered whether certain “must-have” gear is actually worth it, this episode is for you. We break down what really matters so you can make smarter gear decisions and play with more confidence. As tennis gear testers and industry insiders, we’ve hit, worn, and argued about more equipment than we can count. In this episode, we give you real-world takes, no marketing fluff, so you can avoid regret purchases and find gear that actually fits your game. 🏆 Awards We Hand Out: The racquet that makes you feel like a pro (until reality hits) Most Overhyped Tennis Gear of 2025 Biggest Surprise Gear Pick of the Year Gear that will absolutely start a fight at your club Best Budget Tennis Gear That Plays Premium The Petty Award: buying it purely because it looks cool 😏 Shop with us all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au  Happy Hitting! 

What were the best tennis racquets, shoes, and strings of 2025—according to players who actually tested them? In this podcast episode, our playtest team sits down to break down the tennis gear that truly stood out after months of on-court testing. With so many new racquets, shoes, and string setups released every year, it’s easy to waste money on gear that doesn’t match your game. This episode is designed to help competitive and passionate players cut through the noise and confidently choose equipment that delivers real performance—not just hype. Our playtesters share honest opinions on what worked, what surprised us, and what didn’t live up to expectations. You’ll hear: The best tennis racquets of 2025 for spin, control, and all-court play The most comfortable and durable tennis shoes of 2025 The top tennis strings and setups our testers trusted in matches Sleeper picks that flew under the radar Which gear is worth upgrading to—and what you can skip If you’re planning your next gear upgrade or just want expert insight before you buy, this episode gives you a clear plan to avoid costly mistakes and play with more confidence in 2026. 🎧 Get involved: Do you agree with our picks? What was your favorite tennis gear of 2025? Drop your thoughts, string setups, or questions in the comments—we’ll respond and may feature your take in a future episode.

If you’ve ever hit a low point or felt like starting over is impossible, this conversation is for you. In today’s episode, we sit down with WTA pro, Jamie Loeb, as she opens up about one of the toughest years of her life—including losing her father, stepping away from the sport, and rebuilding herself mentally and physically for a 2026 comeback. Tennis players and fans alike know how overwhelming it can feel when life derails your goals. That’s why this episode focuses on the human side of the journey: how she’s healing, how she’s training, and how she’s preparing to grind her way from the bottom of the rankings back into competing with the world’s best. We’ve covered pro tennis for years, and this is one of the most honest, grounded, and inspiring conversations we’ve ever hosted. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or someone simply trying to bounce back from a hard season, her story offers perspective—and a reminder that a comeback isn’t a moment…it’s a process. What you’ll hear in this episode: How she processed grief and burnout while stepping away from the WTA Tour Why 2026 represents more than a comeback — it's a fresh start The mindset shift that helped her rebuild confidence What training looks like when you’re starting from the bottom Her plan to climb back into the top ranks The pressure, the hope, the grind… and the excitement for what’s next If you’re looking for motivation or simply want to understand what life on tour really looks like beyond the match results, this conversation brings clarity and encouragement. Happy Hitting 

In this episode, Catherine Harrison opens up about the toughest stretch of her career -- multiple injuries, months off tour, and the honest conversations that pushed her to rethink what longevity and success really mean. Now, with 2026 on the horizon, she’s committing fully to doubles to chase the Grand Slam she knows she’s capable of. Tennis fans get an inside look at the mindset shift, the rehab grind, the challenge of rebuilding confidence, and what goes into choosing the right partner. Catherine breaks down how doubles offers a clearer path to winning at the biggest stages, and why this next chapter feels more intentional, more strategic, and more exciting than anything she’s done before. Whether you’ve followed her since UCLA or discovered her on tour, this is Catherine’s open and detailed account and a powerful reminder of why comebacks in tennis matter.

You sent in your tennis gear questions — and we’re answering all of them 🎾 In this Ask Us Anything episode, we dive into the questions you’ve been sending about racquets, strings, shoes, and everything in between. From finding the right setup for your game to understanding the gear the pros use, this episode is all about your curiosity. At Tennis Warehouse, we get that tennis gear can be overwhelming — so think of us as your friendly on-court guides. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a gear geek, or just getting started, you’ll walk away with practical answers, insider insights, and a few laughs along the way. Here’s what we cover: 🎾 Racquet updates 🧵 String setups  👟 Our current gear & playlists  💡 Listener-submitted questions — answered live! 0:00:34 Football is here (bye Micah)! 🏈 & GO DODGERS! 💙 0:03:30 RESTRING Zero String Question 0:06:38 Tecnifibre TFight Question (new ones coming?) 0:08:26 Michelle & her RF97 / Pure Drive & her commitment issues & Dreddy Toroline Hybrid 0:11:00 Dustin Brown shout out 0:12:40 Ugly Strokes & backhands 0:18:00 Dead Strings Discussed 0:22:46 Gravity MP XL vs EZONE 98+ 0:25:15 Playtesters Playlist 🎶 🎧 0:27:54 Favorite mobility & warmup before tennis or on non-tennis days 0:30:27 What do we think about Danielle Collins?! 0:33:26 What strings are in that Pure Drive?! 0:34:47 What are our favorite tennis courts in SLO?! 0:38:26 Quality control: yonex vs everyone else 0:40:10 What's the most comfortable racquet that you love playing with? 0:43:00 Can you evaluate me hitting and what I should try or use?! We will match you to the best gear 0:44:44 Prince Legacy - should I get it? 0:45:08 What's the best Toroline string to try coming from BiPhase 0:46:50 Troy's gear RIGHT now! 0:49:55 Should Michelle buy this?! & her love for Quicksilver/Roxy Tennis back in the 90s!

In this Talk Tennis episode, host Michelle sits down with Carolyn and teammate Erin from the Second Serve Pod to share how tennis built resilience, hope, and community all while battling Breast Cancer. Life changes after a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode, we hear how these tennis players found strength in the sport and how it related to their cancer treatments. In this inspiring conversation, Michelle, Carolyn, and Erin open up about how tennis became more than a game — it became a lifeline. You’ll hear how the lessons learned on the court — perseverance, teamwork, and focus — helped them face cancer head-on and discover new ways to stay connected, even when they couldn’t play. At Talk Tennis, we believe the power of sport extends far beyond competition. This episode celebrates the way tennis teaches resilience, builds friendships, and unites a community through every challenge — on and off the court. 🎧 Listen or Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/L_LJkyqto8w  💬 Join the Conversation: Share your story of resilience or tag a teammate who inspires you in the comments. 👉 Connect with Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/and.she.sparkles/  👉 Connect with Carolyn & Erin at Second Serve Pod: https://www.instagram.com/secondservepodcast/  👉 If you feel compelled to donate to Breast Cancer Research: https://give.bcrf.org/fundraiser/6747806  If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at [email protected]   Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com   🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au   Happy Hitting!

Hot takes. Bold opinions. Playtesters have no filter talking all things tennis gear. In this podcast, we serve up hot takes and controversial opinions on tennis gear. From racquets and strings to shoes and bags, nothing is off-limits. If it’s overrated, we’ll say it. If it’s a hidden gem, we’ll shout it out. We’ve tested it all, and we’re here to help you cut through the hype so you don’t waste time or money on gear that won’t improve your game. Think of us as your gear guides—with just enough spice to keep things interesting.   If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at [email protected]   Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com   🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au   Happy Hitting!

Looking for the next breakthrough in tennis strings? 🎾 In this Talk Tennis podcast, we dive deep into Grapplesnake, one of the newest and most talked-about string brands now available at Tennis Warehouse. If you’ve been wondering whether Grapplesnake can compete with big names like Luxilon or Solinco, this episode breaks it all down. We’ll share insights on how the strings feel, who they’re designed for, and whether they could take your game to the next level. At Tennis Warehouse, we’ve tested thousands of strings — and Grapplesnake is making a bold entrance. Join us as we discuss performance, durability, and playability so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your game. 👉 Check out Grapplesnake & try it today: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Grapplesnake_Tennis_Strings/catpage-GRAPPLESTR.html Happy Hitting!  Shop with us all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au