July 23, 2006 - 11:36am

Will the real Wilson 2006 US Open Tennis Balls please stand up?

Posted in - Balls | add new comment | 181 reads »

It seemed so easy at the time. The US Open is coming up next month, and Wilson makes a great ball for that event, and we should recommend it. But which is the actual current ball? What's with all the different packaging? Clearly, Wilson packages the ball a bit different each year. Yet, it seems every retailer is carrying a different year. To settle this raging debate, Upabreak has analyzed the current crop of balls. Plus, I don't know about you, but I want fresh balls. From left to right above: the first can is what wilson.com shows as the Official Ball of the US Open. Yet, the one in the middle is pictured on the USTA's brand new 2006 US Open Offical Shop. Surely the distinguished Tennis Warehouse will know what's current: their's is pictured at the far right. You've got to be kidding; Wilson can't print the year on the can? Or would that doom thousands of cans of perfectly good balls to the clearance rack? Oh well, if you don't care, then pick your poison and hit the court. The one thing we're sure of is that Wilson US Open Extra Duty Tennis Balls are a great choice for hard court summer play. Great rebound, good durability, true bounce. In your choice of designer packaging. For the record, I think the big can is the newest (and freshest) one.

April 30, 2006 - 10:04pm

Penn Pro Penn Extra Duty Tennis Balls

Posted in - Balls | 9 comments | 174 reads »

Buying your balls at Wal-Mart for $1.29 a can? (Audible sigh...) I thought so. I wonder if some hackers are hesitant to step up to quality balls because it's an advantage that's equally given to both players. Whatever the reason Penn Pro Penn Extra Duty Tennis Balls are generally considered to be the one that everyone is judged by. The wool felt is higher quality, and the core is real rubber. That adds up to consistency and feel, and a better game for both of you. If there's a big grudge match in your future, shell out the extra two bucks (you cheapskate).