Will Wet Courts or Weather Affect My Racket or Strings?

It is the time of the year in Florida when playing tennis is very weather dependent. It seems to rain most days and sooner or later, you will find yourself playing on wet courts or even finishing in the rain.
We get asked if doing so will hurt their strings or rackets. For the most part, the answer is no.
The rackets will not be affected by water with the exception of the grips. They will take time to dry out and may not last as long if getting saturated often (yes, that includes perspiration).
As for strings, poly and synthetic strings are not negatively affected by rain. Natural gut strings are another story. They are very dehydrated and will absorb moisture when they can. This will cause them to lose performance and longevity.  In addition, keeping a racket strung with natural gut in a garage this time of year will hurt the overall performance and durability. Keeping them inside in the air conditioning will keep them playing better, longer.
There is one thing to consider when playing on wet courts or in the rain. The balls will absorb the moisture and will get heavier. Impact with a wet ball will feel different. This is more from the ball than the strings. It will not hurt the synthetic or poly strings to play in those conditions.

A Better Grip in Hot Weather

With hot weather on it's way, many tennis player's concern turns to making sure the racket isn't slipping from sweat. There are several things you can do to insure a good grip on your racket on even the warmest days.
The first thing that can be done is the simplest. Make sure you're changing your grip or over grip more often. Worn grips are already more likely to slip or turn in your hand. Add heat and humidity to the equation and it gets way, way worse.
Replacing over grips every match or two for those who sweat a lot is a very good idea. The base grips can go longer, but at the point they look or feel warn, get it changed.
There are several other things that you can get that will help.

• Tac Rags - these towels have a tacky substance in them that can be used to wipe your grips or a hands, making them far more sticky. If you don't like a really sticky feel, this may not be the way to go, but for players who sweat a lot, this can help keep the racket in your hand.
• Get-A-Grip Lotions - They have one that, when applied to your hands will make them more tacky. Another will give your hands a dry feel. 
• Wilson Progrip Max - This is basically anti-antiperspirant for your hands. You squirt a little in an hand and rub it in. Depending on how much you sweat, it will keep your hands dry for as long as a set or more. Those who have excessive sweat may need to re-apply often.
• Rosin Bags - For player who don't sweat to much, this can be a way of making your hands feel drier. You just toss it in your hand a few times for a better, drier grip.

Other things that can help are wristbands and having several towels available to wipe your hands off on between points. Stop by our Dale Mabry store and we can help you find the option that will work best for you.