TennisCompanion

Tennis Net Buyer’s Guide: 12 Best Full Size, Portable, & Rebound Nets

TennisCompanion — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 18:59:44 +0000

Tennis Net Buyer’s Guide

12 Best Full Size, Portable, & Rebound Nets

We hope you love this article. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more.

A tennis net is an essential piece of court equipment required to play the game. On the surface, all nets appear to be virtually identical. However, dig a little deeper, and there’s a surprising variety to consider.

From full size to portable and rebound, the type of net you choose depends on your specific needs, and it pays to understand the nuances that distinguish one from the next in each category.

In this guide, we’ll cover all of the vital details about tennis nets, including the different types, parts of a net, brands to consider, and key features you should understand so you can make an informed purchase.

Tennis Net	Type
Edwards 40LS Double Center	Full-size
Har-Tru Revolution	Full-size
Douglas TN-45	Full-size
Gamma Super Tuff Premium	Full-size
MacGregor SuperPro 5000	Full-size
Wilson	Portable
Boulder	Portable
AMA SPORT	Portable
Aoneky	Portable
VIVOHOME	Portable
Tourna Delux	Rebound
RapidFire	Rebound

Article Contents

Rules & Regulations

Types of Tennis Nets

Parts of a Net

Tennis Net Accessories

Reputable Brands

Durability Features

Warranties

Nets the Pros Use

12 Best Tennis Nets

New to TennisCompanion?

Explore and get to know us

Become a Member Browse Courses Five Point Friday

Join our community of tennis players and participate in the conversation.

Create a Free Account

Improve your game with premium instruction that provides you with step-by-step video training.

View Courses

Receive our brief weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in the world of tennis.

Get it Now

Rules & Regulations

Tennis nets are fundamental to the game, so it likely won’t come as a surprise that the governing body of tennis has specific rules and regulations for this piece of court equipment.

To that end, it’s helpful to gain a high-level understanding of these guidelines to ensure the net you purchase meets the necessary criteria.

Full-Size Nets

The International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) Rules of Tennis outlines the following details that manufacturers must meet for a tennis net’s use in competition. As a result, these apply to any full-size tennis court.

A cord or metal cable should suspend the net between two posts
The max diameter of the cord or metal cable should be 1/3 in (.85 mm)
A band should cover the cord or metal cable at the top of the net
The band should be between 2 and 2.5 in deep on each side (5.08 – 6.35 mm)
The net posts should be 3.5 ft (1.07 m) tall
The net should completely fill the space between net posts
The mesh should be small enough so the ball can’t pass through
The net should be 3 ft (.91 m) at the center and held down by a strap
The maximum width of the strap should be 2 in (5.08 cm)
The strap and band should be completely white
For doubles, the center of each net post should be 3 ft (.91 m) outside the doubles court on both sides
For singles, the center of each net post should be 3 ft (.91 m) outside the singles court on both sides
If using a doubles net for singles, you should support the net at the height of 3.5 ft (1.07 m) with singles sticks, which should be 3 ft (.91 m) outside the singles court on both sides
The net posts shouldn’t have a diameter of more than 6 in (15.24 cm)
The singles sticks shouldn’t have a diameter of more than 3 in (7.62 cm)
The net posts or singles sticks shouldn’t be more than 1 in. above the top of the net chord

If you have a tennis court, you’ll want to make sure your net meets these criteria when you purchase and install one. By doing so, you can ensure your court is consistent with others you might frequent.

To dive further into the rules and regulations related to tennis nets or any aspect of the game for that matter, we’d encourage you to check out the ITF’s Rules of Tennis.

Portable Kids Tennis Nets

In 2010, the USTA introduced 10 and Under Tennis to help make the sport more approachable, easier to learn, and fun for children.

In short, a four-stage color-coded program adapts the size of the court, ball, and racquet to children’s ages. As it turns out, the net is one of the modifications that change depending on the stage.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the color-coded stages:

Stage	Age
Red Stage 1	4-6
Red Stage 2	6-8
Orange Stage	7-10
Green Stage	11-12

For the red stages, the net is shorter at only 2 ft 9 in (83 cm), and the width of the court is only 18 ft (5.49 cm), so the net is significantly smaller.

Once children progress to the orange stage, the court remains smaller than a regular court, but kids use a traditional full-size net.

Children graduate to a full-size court and net during the green stage, but the balls have a lower compression and the racquets remain smaller.

If you’re buying a portable tennis net for your child, it’s beneficial to have the size of the net match up with their age range.

Types of Tennis Nets

There are three main categories of tennis nets, which include full-size, portable, and rebound. Depending on your needs, you’ll likely find one type of net more practical, so let’s review what you can expect from each.

Full-Size Singles & Doubles Nets

If you have a standard tennis court, then you’ll want to purchase a full-size net. However, depending on your court’s design, you’ll need to decide on a doubles or singles net. Here’s the difference in size:

Type	Typical Length	Height
Singles Net	33 ft (10.06 m)	3.5 in (8.89 cm)
Doubles Net	42 ft (12.80 m)	3.5 in (8.89 cm)

The vast majority of tennis courts have doubles alleys with a single set of net posts that sit three feet outside the doubles court. If that’s the design of yours, you’ll need to purchase a doubles net.

Although less common, some courts with doubles alleys will also have sleeves for net posts three feet outside of the singles net so that you can move the net posts and use a smaller singles net. If that’s you, you can opt for a singles or a doubles net, depending on your preference.

Alternatively, you may only have a singles court without doubles alleys. If that’s you, you’ll want to purchase a singles net.

Overall, the use of singles nets is rare, so most people shopping for a tennis net will want to double-check they don’t buy a singles net accidentally.

Helpful Tip
Although rare, freestanding full-size tennis nets are available for purchase. Typically, these nets can wheel around a court, and you can break them down if necessary, but they’re not easily portable. These nets are sometimes used on grass courts to prevent installing net post sleeves into the ground or on multiuse facilities, including turf where equipment is swapped out depending on the sport.

Portable Nets

Although typically reserved for children, portable tennis nets offer players of all ages the opportunity to play tennis on the go.

Red Stages 1 & 2 in 10 and Under Tennis use portable nets placed strategically on full-size tennis courts. However, adults can also enjoy them with children, for a casual volley back and forth with friends, or a more competitive mini-tennis game.

They’re convenient in that they pack tightly and can be used in various locations, including your driveway, backyard, parking lot, park, or lawn if it’s flat enough for a relatively consistent bounce.

Some people will even bring portable tennis nets to the beach and avoid letting the ball bounce, much like badminton.

If you’re in the market, here are a few qualities we look for in a portable tennis net that are worth considering:

Freestanding
Lightweight
Durable
Stable
Easy to pack
Height adjustable
Included bag for travel

Regardless of your use case, portable tennis nets are a fun option to consider, especially if you have kids in the house.

Rebound Nets

Instead of splitting the court, a rebound net is a large freestanding net with a durable and stable frame.

When a player hits a ball at the net, it bounces back so they can repeatedly strike the ball and practice their groundstrokes and volleys. You can also serve at a rebound net to practice without having to chase down the ball.

Although simple in concept, rebound tennis nets are helpful training partners that are portable and fun to use.

Here are a few qualities we look for in rebound nets:

Large net
Durable
Consistent bounce back
Portable
Adjustable angle

It’s worth noting that it can take some time to get used to playing with a rebound net, but once you establish a rhythm, they can provide you with an excellent workout and opportunity to practice your strokes.

Parts of a Tennis Net

If you’re buying a tennis net, it’s helpful to understand the different parts, which often differ from one to the next, resulting in various price points.

This section will focus on full-size nets because most portable tennis nets are relatively straightforward in their design and construction.

Netting

The core construction of a tennis net is braided polyethylene, which is a common plastic material. Black in color and solid core for durability, it’s woven together and tied off in knots to form small squares measuring roughly one and three-quarters inches.

These squares are essential to prevent the ball from passing through while providing sufficient visibility for players. Of course, netting must also be durable to stand up to the pounding of tennis balls and the elements they’re exposed to indoors or outdoors.

A subtle nuance incorporated into the design of most quality tennis nets is a taper at the bottom of the net toward the middle. The sides of a net are three feet six inches, while the center is three feet, so the taper prevents excess material from draping the court and ensures a clean look.

Headband

Sewn onto the top of the net is a durable headband that’s either polyester or vinyl for added durability. A cord or cable passes through the headband to suspend the net.

Like a handful from Edwards, some nets offer added reinforcement using overlock stitching at the edges and headwire line with loop and pin tensioning system at the top.

At the edges on both sides of the headband, you’ll find one or two eyelets that are laced and secured at the side posts for stability.

Finally, the headband is always white to give players proper visibility.

Side and Bottom Tape

Like the headband, the side and bottom of the net have durable tape stitched against it for added durability and stability.

This tape is often vinyl and always black to blend in with the net and prevent unnecessary visual distraction.

Dowels

For extra rigidity, dowels, which are thin plastic or metal rods, are inserted into the net’s side tape.

Stitching

As you evaluate various tennis nets, one of the differentiators beyond the material is the number of stitches for sewing the headband, side, and bottom tape. For example, one net might offer two stitches for the headband while another four for added durability.

Similarly, some nets will have their headbands sewn with a lock-stitch, which helps keep the stitching intact even if it breaks in one spot.

Net Cable or Cord

A strong cord or metal cable threads through the headband and suspends a tennis net at the top. The vast majority of tennis nets use a metal cable, which has high tensile strength necessary to support its weight.

Most metal cables have a smooth white vinyl cover for added durability and to prevent unnecessary wear to the headband.

Center Strap

At the center of a tennis net, you’ll find a strap, which aids stability.

However, beyond that, it ensures the height at the middle of the net is exactly six inches lower than the side posts. The net is 3 feet 6 inches at the side posts, while the center’s height measures precisely three feet.

On the surface, that small change in height doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it creates a unique challenge where it’s harder to hit down the line than hit over the center of the net.

Lacing

For stability, black lacing threads through eyelets at the headband’s edges and down the side tape to secure it to the net posts and ensure the net hangs tightly without any excessive sag.

Tennis Net Accessories

If you’re buying a tennis net, it’s helpful to become familiar with some of the available accessories. A few of these items are necessities, e.g., net posts, but many of them are entirely optional.

Net Posts & Sleeves

For stability, tennis court construction teams install metal sleeves into the ground, and each post slips into the sleeve. A tennis net suspends across a court by mounting its cable or cord to the top of two net posts.

Winder

Net posts feature either an internal or external winding mechanism for tightening and raising the net’s height. After installing the net onto the posts, you rotate the winder’s handle until the net is tight.

Singles Sticks

Most tennis courts have singles and doubles boundaries for players to enjoy both games on the same court. In such cases, the net posts are set up three feet outside the doubles sideline, which is correct for doubles.

However, the net posts should be positioned three feet outside the singles sideline if you’re playing singles. Rather than installing extra sleeves in the ground and adjusting the position of the net posts, you can place singles sticks three feet outside the singles sidelines to prop up the net to its correct height for playing this version of the sport.

Center Strap Anchor

When you tighten a center strap, it will bring down the net’s height as long as it’s fixed to the ground by an anchor.

Most anchors are embedded within the court and attached to the net with a clip on the strap. However, some movable anchors or weights serve the same purpose for a less permanent fixture.

Scorecards

It’s proper tennis etiquette to call the score out at the start of each game and before every point. However, if you’ve played tennis for a long time, you’ve likely run into disagreements regarding the score.

In most cases, it’s unintentional confusion rather than malicious intent. However, scorecards are a simple way to help keep people honest and avoid those awkward discussions.

Some scorecards attach to the net post, while others sit on top of the net toward the outside edge.

Net Measurement Checker

Before each match, it’s best to check the net to ensure it’s sufficiently tensioned and the center is the correct height at three feet six inches, which you can easily accomplish with a net measurement checker.

However, most players don’t think to carry or keep a net measurement device on hand to check the height quickly. Net measuring tools come in a variety of styles, from chains to sticks.

Replacement Headbands

Often, one of the first parts of a tennis net to require replacement is the headband, which takes a lot of abuse.

If the stitching is coming undone or you end up with excessive wear of the headband, it may be time to replace it. Most replacement options are vinyl with metal eyelets and lacing rope to weave through the grommets and secure it to the net.

Reputable Net Brands

Tennis nets are a niche product, so you’re not going to find hundreds of options out there. However, with that said, there are a surprising number of vendors available to consider.

Edwards Sports

Based in the UK and with over 100 years in the business, Edwards Sports dates back to 1884. Although well-known for their tennis nets, the company also produces equipment for various sports, including cricket, football, golf, rugby, hockey, and basketball, to name a few.

Their most significant claim to fame is the production of nets for use at Wimbledon. Here are a few of the nets Edwards Sports produces in order of quality and price:

Edwards Club
Edwards Matchplay
Edwards Championship Singles
Edwards Championship Doubles

Depending on the net and its planned use, Edwards Sports offers variations in its construction methods. Here are the few areas of emphasis that they may modify from one net to the next.

Headband material, i.e., polyester vs. vinyl
Headband stitching, i.e., double vs. quad
Netting thickness, i.e., 2.5 vs. 3.5 mm
Single vs. double netting
Length, i.e., singles vs. doubles

If you’re in the market for a new tennis net, Edwards Sports is one of the top brands in the business and well worth considering.

Douglas

Founded in 1967, Douglas is located in the United States and operates its family-owned business from Eldridge, Iowa.

Like Edwards Sports, Douglas produces equipment for a wide range of activities, including tennis, basketball, baseball, hockey, pickleball, and volleyball, to name a few.

As far as tennis nets go, here are the options Douglas offers:

Professional Nets
- TN-45
- TN-40
Championship Nets
- TN-36 – Tapered
- TN-36DMT – Tapered
- TN-28DM
Tournament Nets
- TN-30
- TN-30DM – Tapered

The Professional line of tennis nets is manufactured by Doublas in the US, while they manufacture all others elsewhere. All of their nets come with a multi-year warranty for protection against wear and tear.

Har-Tru

When you hear the name HarTru, the first thing that likely comes to mind is tennis court surfaces, such as their classic Har-Tru green clay. Back in 1931, Henry Robinson developed their distinct clay surface and has thrived outfitting courts worldwide.

However, as a company, their reach extends far beyond court surfaces offering products to construct a court from start to finish, including nets.

Today, they sell the following line of tennis nets:

Har-Tru Courtmaster Pro Tour
Har-Tru Courtmaster DHS
HAr-Tru Courtmaster Deluxe
Har-Tru Regency
Har-Tru Royale
Har-Tru Revolution

Whether you’re looking for an economical option or a top-of-the-line tennis net, Har-Tru has you covered with exceptional nets and strong warranties to help protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

Gamma

Well-known in the industry for their tennis strings and stringing machines, Gamma also offers a range of court equipment, from tennis balls and nets to ball hoppers and scorekeepers.

Their current selection of tennis nets includes the following:

Gamma Pro Net
Gamma Tuff Net
Gamma Super Tuff Net
Gamma Premium Net

Although their selection is somewhat limited, the nets they offer are quality options that all come with warranties.

Tourna

In 1972, Tourna introduced a unique light blue overgrip, which has become a mainstay in the sport.

However, piggybacking off the success of their first product, Tourna has expanded their line of tennis products and branched out into multiple sports, such as baseball, basketball, golf, and lacrosse.

As far as tennis nets go, Tourna offers a handful of options to consider:

Tourna 3.0 mm Single Net
Tourna 3.0 mm Double Net
Tourna Deluxe 3.5 mm Single Net
Tourna Deluxe 3.5 mm Double Net
Tourna Deluxe 3.5 mm Double Net with Polyester Headband

Their nets offer quad stitching for the headband, a minimum of 3mm braided polyester for the netting, and fiberglass dowels. Optional features include double mesh for the first six rows and a thicker 3.5 mm polyester for the net if you’re looking for extra durability.

Although it might not be the first name that comes to mind for tennis nets, they’re a quality option worth considering.

Vermont

A newcomer to the tennis scene relative to many of the other names on our list, Vermont is a Net World Sports brand, which sells tennis, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball equipment.

Here’s a list of the tennis nets they currently offer:

Vermont 2.0 mm Doubles Net
Vermont 2.5 mm Singles Net
Vermont 2.5 mm Doubles Net
Vermont 3.0 mm Doubles Net
Vermont 3.5 mm Championship Singles Net
Vermont 3.5 mm Championship Doubles Net

It’s worth noting that the 2 mm and 2.5 mm nets do not meet ITF tournament regulations if that’s important to you. However, these are excellent options if you’re looking for competitive prices.

MacGregor

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable no-frills tennis net then, MacGregor might be right up your alley. They offer two tennis nets:

MacGregor Varsity 300
MacGregor Super Pro 5000

As you might expect, the Varsity 300 is their lower-end recreational tennis net, while the Super Pro 5000 is their premium option.

The main differences between the two nets are durability. However, the Super Pro also comes in 40 ft (12.19 m) and 42 ft (12.80 m) options, while the Varsity 300 is only available as a 42 ft (12.80 m) net.

Warranties

When buying a tennis net, you might consider narrowing your options to those that offer a warranty. Doing so helps protect your investment and ensures you have some course of action if you run into any issues.

The following brands offer warranties for their nets:

Edwards
Douglas
Gamma
Har-Tru

In some cases, the warranties will be limited and cover specific defects like workmanship vs. wear and tear, abuse, negligence, or user modifications. Additionally, some companies like Har-Tru and Gamma prorate their warranties, so it’s less valuable as time goes by but still better to have than nothing.

Either way, if you’re concerned about your net’s durability, opting for a brand that offers a warranty might save you some headache or added expense down the road.

Nets the Pros Use

We frequently receive the question regarding what tennis nets tournaments use on the ATP & WTA pro tours. Unfortunately, it’s not cut and dry because not all events showcase brands or use the same nets, and organizers periodically change manufacturers.

However, with that said, we’ll touch on some of the most prominent tennis nets in use at some of the game’s most significant tournaments.

ATP

If you’ve ever watched an ATP tour-level match outside of the Grand Slam events and noticed the nets have a different, almost plastic look to them, then you have a fantastic eye.

The ATP partnered with German company FUNTEC Sports to create specialized silicone tennis nets that are ultra-durable and allow for unique branding opportunities. For example, the ATP Tour prints ‘ATP World Tour’ along the bottom of their nets for a distinct look.

WTA

You won’t find the same branding style on WTA nets as you will on the ATP, so it’s more than likely that every tournament takes it upon themselves to source their tennis nets from wherever they see fit.

Australian Open

As the first Grand Slam of the year, there’s always a ton of excitement surrounding the Australian Open. Although it’s easy enough to track down Dunlop as the tournament’s official ball or Yonex for stringing, it’s not cut and dry who supplies their tennis nets.

On close inspection of their nets, you won’t find the typical branding or badges found on most nets available to consumers. Instead, their nets are unbranded, which means they’re likely purchasing them custom from any number of manufacturers.

Fun Fact
In 2020, the Australian Open partnered with Garnier to produce what they collectively dubbed a green tennis net, constructed from recycled plastic and showcased at the tournament. Although the net meets quality standards for competition, they weren’t in use for the event. Instead, the net was a symbol of what’s possible by recycling plastic.

We’ve reached out to the tournament to see if they can provide us with any details regarding how they source their nets, so we’ll update this section as we learn more.

Roland Garros

The French Open or Roland Garros, which takes place every year in Paris, France, works with many sponsors, including Wilson, which supplies the official balls and co-branded gear for the tournament.

However, when it comes to tennis nets, those you’ll find on the courts at Roland Garros aren’t branded, so they’re not showcasing the company or manufacture that produces them.

With that in mind, we’ve reached out to the tournament to ask what tennis nets they’re using and if they’re willing to share. We’ll update this post as soon as we receive any new details.

Wimbledon

For years, Wimbledon sourced their tennis nets from local company Edwards Sports. However, if you check Wimbledon’s website, they list that the Dunlop Slazenger Group supplies all balls, posts, nets, etc.

To our knowledge, Dunlop is supplying the nets but continues to work with Edwards Sports, who actively market themselves as the official nets for the tournament. Dunlop isn’t actively producing nets for purchase.

We’ve reached out to Wimbledon to see if they can share any additional details regarding the types of nets they use.

US Open

Like Roland Garros, Wilson is the official ball of the US Open, but the tournament doesn’t have a publicized partner regarding the nets that they use throughout the tennis courts at Flushing Meadows.

Up close, you’ll find that the nets are unbranded. As a result, it’s not particularly clear who the tournament buys them from, so we’ve reached out to them as well to learn more.

12 Best Tennis Nets

We hope our guide has provided you with all the information you need to select the best tennis net for your specific circumstances.

However, even with the correct information, we recognize that there’s still a lot of information and products to sift through to nail down a handful to consider for your upcoming purchase.

If you’re still a bit unsure and looking for some extra guidance, then this section is for you. We’ve selected the best nets in the industry to help you narrow down a few that you’ll almost certainly enjoy.

Full-Size

Full-size nets meet guidelines for competitive play and offer pro-level construction for standard doubles or singles courts.

Har-Tru Revolution

The Har-Tru Revolution tennis net is the companies self-proclaimed ‘top net,’ and we couldn’t agree more.

With an industry-leading 4 mm polyethylene net body, it’s the thickest and most durable option out there. Although some of the best nets use a double layer for the top six rows of netting, Har-Tru opts for a single layer with their Revolution net because of the body’s thickness, which we think makes for a clean look without sacrificing durability.

However, they don’t stop there. For added strength, Har-Tru uses a double-layer vinyl headband that’s heavy-duty and anti-fungal. They’re also making use of a thick thread and lock-stitching to ensure the headband will remain intact after years of abuse.

Size	42 ft (12.80 m)
Body	4 mm
Weight	43 lbs (19.50 kg)
Headband	Vinyl
Tapered Bottom	Yes
Warranty	Yes

Edwards 40LS Double Center

When you think of the gold standard for tennis nets, the first name to come to mind is likely Edwards Sports, and for a good reason. They’ve been in the business longer than any other net maker, and they continue to produce some of the best nets worldwide.

One of their top-of-the-line nets is the 40LS Double Center net, which offers a 3.5 mm body, a quad stitched vinyl headband and six rows of double netting at the top for maximum durability.

Are you looking for a custom net? Edwards Sports has you covered. Reach out to them directly to learn more about what they have to offer.

Size	42 ft (12.80 m)
Body	4.5 mm
Weight	Unknown
Headband	Vinyl
Tapered Bottom	Yes
Warranty	Yes

Douglas TN-45

Douglas makes an excellent collection of tennis nets. However, our favorite is the TN-45, which offers a 3.5 mm body and a double-thick polyester headband with four rows of lock-stitch polyester thread.

As you’d expect from a polyethylene net, the material is weather-resistant. Similarly, the vinyl bottom and side tape for the net will handle any weather they’re exposed to and won’t shrink, mildew or rot.

The net is manufactured in the USA and offers classic style and clean lines without sacrificing durability.

Size	41 ft 9 in (12.73 m)
Body	3.5 mm
Weight	20 lbs (9.07 kg)
Headband	Polyester
Tapered Bottom	Yes
Warranty	Yes

Gamma Super Tuff Premium

Another excellent option and one of our top picks for full-size tennis nets is the Gamma Super Tuff Premium net, which has all the bells and whistles and quality craftmanship we expect.

It has 3.5 mm braided polyethylene netting, which is doubled up for the top six rows to deliver exceptional durability. Add to that a vinyl headband with four rows of stitching, and you have a quality tennis net with lasting all-weather performance.

We’re also impressed by Gamma’s price point for the Super Tuff Premium, which is highly competitive compared to other top nets on the market.

Size	42 ft (12.80 m)
Body	3.5 mm
Weight	23 lbs (10.43 kg)
Headband	Vinyl
Tapered Bottom	Yes
Warranty	Yes

MacGregor SuperPro 5000

If you’re looking for a quality tennis net that won’t break the bank, then the MacGregor SuperPro 5000 might be right up your alley.

Although it doesn’t offer high-end features or carry a prestigious brand name, it does come with a respectable 3.6 mm braided polyethylene body and a durable vinyl headband with four rows of lock stitching.

Size	42 ft (12.8 m)
Body	3.6 mm
Weight	Unknown
Headband	Vinyl
Tapered Bottom	No
Warranty	No

Portable

Perfect for kids and some casual fun for adults, portable nets are the ultimate in convenience for tennis on the go.

Wilson

One of the top brands in tennis, Wilson has a long history of delivering best-in-class equipment for the sport. As you’d expect, their portable tennis net is no exception and perfect for travel.

The net’s primary audience is kids, and at 18 ft (5.49 m) in length and 33 in (83.82 cm) high, it’s suitable for red stage 10 & Under tennis. However, the net is also perfect for adults looking to teach their kids or those looking to enjoy a friendly mini tennis or pickleball game.

Our biggest complaint is that you can’t raise the net to multiple heights for different sports, but it serves its purpose well.

Boulder

One of the more popular portable tennis nets comes from Boulder, and it stands out from the pack due to its range of customization.

For starters, you can purchase the net in three widths: 10, 14, and 17 ft (3.05, 4.27, and 5.18 m), which provides plenty of options to ensure that the net fits your space. However, if you have the room, we’d highly recommend purchasing the biggest 17 ft (5.18 m)net. We find the smaller sizes ideal for anyone who has tiny yards or driveways.

However, another area where the Boulder tennis net stands out is its ability to adjust to multiple heights from 34 – 60.5 in (86.36 – 153.67 cm), which allows kids to use it for various sports, including badminton.

The net is easy to assemble, built to last, and perfect for travel.

AMA SPORT

One of our favorite portable tennis nets is from AMA SPORT, and although the net is first and foremost for pickleball, it doubles as a tennis net.

The net measures 34 in (86.36 cm) high at the middle, which is only 1 in (2.54 cm) higher than the height for red stage 10 and Under tennis and, although not regulation, perfectly sufficient for kids learning how to play.

We’re huge fans of this net’s durability and stability, which is a cut above the rest. Of course, it’s easy to assemble and packs conveniently into the included carry bag for travel.

Aoneky

Another portable option for a tennis net is from Aoneky. It comes in 10 and 18 ft (3.05 and 5.49 m) lengths, so be sure to select the option that’s best suited for your needs. Our preference is the 18 ft length unless space is limited.

Its height is 33 in (83.82 cm), which is the recommended size for 10 and Under tennis, so it’s ideal for kids. However, like most other portable tennis nets, it’s practical for adults who want to play mini tennis or pickleball.

Keep in mind that this net does not have an adjustable height, so you’ll need to opt for another net if that’s important to you.

VIVOHOME

Another pick for one of the best portable tennis nets is from VIVOHOME, which features a similar design to AMA SPORT’s offering.

Its 22 ft (6.71 m) length and 36.4 in (92.46 cm) height make it ideal for pickleball, but it’s also perfectly well-suited for kid’s tennis.

We appreciate the net’s stability, and it works well as a lightweight option that you can stash in a bag and transport easily.

Rebound

Ideal for practice, rebound nets are excellent training aids.

Tourna Delux

Our favorite tennis rebounder is from Tourna, which we’ve found delivers the best all-around hitting experience.

At 9 ft (2.74 m) wide and 7 ft (2.13 m) tall, it’s one of the largest on the market and provides players with a substantial hitting surface and a significantly larger margin for error when practicing. As a result, you’ll spend more time hitting and less time chasing down balls.

The white net has a strap through the middle providing you with a target height for hitting the ball, and it’s suspended by ten metal springs at the top and bottom and eight at the right and left for a clean and consistent rebound.

One of our favorite parts about the Tourna rebounder is its wide metal base, which helps ensure it remains stable during play.

RapidFire

Another excellent option for a tennis rebounder is the Rapid Fire jumbo rebounder, which like the Tourna Delux, spans 9 ft (2.74 m) wide by 7 ft (2.13 m) tall.

However, the Rapid Fire model differs from the Tourna Delux with its adjustable base for achieving four different net angles. Changing the angle allows players to modify the rebound.

As far as the net goes, it has a white strap for helping players practice with the net’s height in mind. Regarding setup, the net attaches to the black powder-coated metal frame with 53 elastic bungee ties that help give the net an adequate and consistent bounce for repetitive practice.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re building a tennis court and researching the purchase of a full-size net or looking for some portable fun with a product that you can use in your backyard, driveway, or on the go with kids or friends, we hope our guide has provided you with some helpful insight.

As you evaluate different options, keep in mind that the best tennis net is the one that aligns with your needs and budget. Although it might be tempting to spring for the most expensive, there’s no need to overspend, so it pays to start by taking stock of your needs before beginning a search.

If you have any questions searching for a tennis net, please don’t hesitate to post a comment in the section below. We look forward to hearing from you!

Home > Gear > Court Equipment > Tennis Net Buyer’s Guide

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now

Five Point Friday: August 6, 2021

TennisCompanion — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 17:16:52 +0000

August 6, 2021

Five Point Friday

Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.

1.) Nadal vs. Sock at Citi Open

For his first match back in nearly two months, Nadal faced former world No. 8, Jack Sock, at the Citi Open, and the match didn’t disappoint. They went three sets, with Rafa prevailing 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (1). One of the match’s highlights included a tweener from Nadal during a point he won.

Excuse me, @RafaelNadal?

: @TennisTV | @CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/8mZyRC0ovb

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 4, 2021

2.) Bencic Wins Gold & Silver

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland had an impressive showing at the Olympics and went home with a gold medal in singles and silver in women’s doubles. At 24 years old, she’s currently ranked No. 12 and achieved a career-high of No. 4 in February of last year.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Belinda Bencic (@belindabencic)

3.) Racquets Thrown Into Stands?!

Medvedev and Djokovic have let their emotions get the better of them in the past, but during the Olympics, both surprised fans when they threw racquets into the stands. There weren’t any fans present, but it was an odd display of frustration that we thankfully don’t see often.

Video of the Daniil Medvedev Racquet smash obliteration after his 2-6 6-7(5) QF loss to Pablo Carreno Busta in Tokyo Olympics. He also chucked it violently into the empty stands

Source: Eurosport Instagram pic.twitter.com/htJOx4Qg5F

— Vansh! (@vanshv2k) July 29, 2021

Djokovic just tossed his racquet into the stand. No warning. pic.twitter.com/TMCv29dCnQ

— ‎‎‎‎‎ . (@Ashish__TV) July 31, 2021

4.) New Tennis Channel Analyst

On Monday, Eugenie Bouchard made her debut appearance to cover the Citi Open as a Studio Analyst at the Tennis Channel. Since undergoing arthroscopic surgery in June, she’s been on the mend to repair a torn subscapularis from earlier this year. Genie plans to return to tennis, but she’ll appear on-air throughout the summer during her recovery.

Who’s taking meeting #7: the head-to-head leader or the former champion? @BrettHaber and @geniebouchard will be calling it tonight on Tennis Channel → https://t.co/tPoe44TDv0 @zhangshuai121 | @Madison_Keys | #MubadalaSVC pic.twitter.com/ySZfxC3WjW

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 5, 2021

5.) Casper Rudd’s Hat-Trick

Casper Rudd of Norway became the first player since Andy Murray in October 2001 to claim three titles in three weeks when he won the Generali Open in Kitzbühel, Austria, last Saturday. The previous two were in Gstaad, Switzerland, and Båstad, Sweden, and all on clay. At 22 years old, he’s now ranked No. 12.

If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now

Five Point Friday: July 30, 2021

TennisCompanion — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 20:46:17 +0000

July 30, 2021

Five Point Friday

Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.

1.) Osaka Lights Olympic Cauldron

The lighting of the Olympic cauldron is significant on many levels. However, it was made even more memorable for tennis fans, with Naomi Osaka becoming the first tennis player in Olympic history to do the honors.

2.) Bencic’s Olympic Dreams

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland will be competing for Olympic gold in singles and women’s doubles. Yesterday with partner Viktorija Golubic, they defeated Brazil in doubles, and then she proceeded to take out Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in a close three-set match. These wins send her to the finals for both events.

3.) 18-Year-Old’s ATP Title

World No. 55, Carlos Alcaraz, became the youngest player in 12 years to win an ATP Tour title, defeating Richard Gasquet at the Croatia Open. When they won an ATP title, the only younger players were Rafael Nadal in 2004, Kei Nishikori in 2008, Andrei Medvedev in 1992, and Lleyton Hewitt in 1998.

4.) Kiki Bertens Retires

On Tuesday, Kiki Bertens announced her retirement from professional tennis. Representing The Netherlands, Kiki achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 (the highest-ranking Dutchwoman of all time) and won 10 WTA singles titles from 15 finals. She’s currently ranked No. 21 and leaves tennis with a win-loss record of 443-265.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kiki Bertens (@kikibertens)

5.) King Richard Trailer

Earlier this week, Will Smith shared the first official trailer for “King Richard,” a movie based on the tennis journey of Richard Williams’ and his daughters Venus and Serena. Will stars as Richard in the film, which will hit theaters on November 19th later this year.

If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now

The last comment needs to be approved.

Five Point Friday: July 23, 2021

TennisCompanion — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 15:54:38 +0000

July 23, 2021

Five Point Friday

Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.

1.) Olympic Draws Released

The draws are out, and tennis at the Tokyo Olympics kicks off today, with the men’s and women’s singles finals set for July 31st.

2.) Thiem Playing Left Handed

Last month Dominic Thiem suffered a right wrist injury, which forced him off the court. Now he’s back, but he’s still wearing a splint and protecting his wrist, so he decided to practice left-handed to get in some reps.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dominic Thiem (@domithiem)

3.) Elina & Gaël Tie the Knot

One of the tour’s favorite couples, Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils, tied the knot this week in Geneva, Switzerland. However, they won’t get much of a break with Elina representing Ukraine in the Olympics and Gaël playing for France.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gael Monfils (@iamgaelmonfils)

4.) Wooden Racquet Challenge

At the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, RI, Jack Sock and Steve Johnson took part in a friendly wooden racquet challenge. Jack was stopped in the quarterfinals by eventual champion Kevin Anderson, but he did manage to take home a doubles title with partner William Blumberg.

Today’s @atptour stars + yesterday’s technology = endless entertainment

We pitted Olympic doubles medalists @JackSock92 and @SJohnson_89 against each other with a tennis staple: wooden racquets. The results were delightful.#ATPNewport pic.twitter.com/6g3YMqYJ6X

— Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) July 16, 2021

5.) World’s Oldest Tennis Player

Leonid Stanislavskyi from Ukraine is 97 years old and still competing in tennis. He picked up the sport when he was 30 and hits the court roughly three times per week. Last year, he earned a Guinness World Record certificate as the oldest living competitive tennis player.

If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now

Five Point Friday: July 16, 2021

TennisCompanion — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 14:15:21 +0000

July 16, 2021

Five Point Friday

Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.

1.) Nike React Vapor NXT [Review]

In my latest video, I break down everything you need to know about the Nike React Vapor NXT’s fit, construction, and technologies. I also provide a detailed analysis of the shoe’s performance and describe where the shoe excels and has room for improvement to help you decide if they’re right for you.

2.) Naomi’s Documentary

Launching today, Naomi Osaka’s three-part documentary on Netflix pulls back the curtain and follows her for two years after her first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2018.

3.) 20 GOAT Rallies

Relive some of the most entertaining rallies between Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal over the years. Every point is thoroughly impressive and an excellent watch heading into the weekend.

4.) Tennis Hall of Famer Passes

Former world No. 1, Shirley Fry Irvin, is one of only ten women in history to have won singles titles at all four majors. She’s also one of six players to win a doubles title at each major. On Tuesday, July 13th, she passed away in Naples, FL, at the age of 94.

Read Shirley’s Hall of Fame Bio

5.) The Shapovalov Backhand

Denis Shapovalov’s one-handed backhand is a fan favorite and an effective weapon. In this highlight reel, YouTuber sLlorca pulls together some thoroughly impressive points where he dominated with this shot.

If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now

The last comment needs to be approved.

Nike React Vapor NXT: In-Depth Review & Playtest + Video

TennisCompanion — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 11:14:27 +0000

Nike React Vapor NXT

In-depth Review & Playtest + Video

New for 2021, the React Vapor NXT is an entirely new offering from Nike that uses their high-performance React cushioning along with data-informed design for an intriguing release I’ve been eager to test.

Of course, despite what Nike claims, you can’t always believe the hype, so I’m doing a deep dive into the shoe’s fit, construction, and technologies in this guide so you know what to expect.

Having tested the Nike React Vapor NXT thoroughly, I’ll also share my thoughts and experience on the shoe’s performance to help you make a call on whether they’re worth considering.

Article Contents

Video Review & Playtest

Unboxing & Initial Impressions

About the React Vapor NXT

Fit, Sizing, & Colorways

Review & Playtest

Alternative Shoes

Guarantee

Summary

Wrapping Up

New to TennisCompanion?

Explore and get to know us

Become a Member Browse Courses Five Point Friday

Join our community of tennis players and participate in the conversation.

Create a Free Account

Improve your game with premium instruction that provides you with step-by-step video training.

View Courses

Receive our brief weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in the world of tennis.

Get it Now

Nike React Vapor NXT Video Review & Playtest

To help you get the most out of this review, I’ve also recorded an entire video for a more visual walkthrough. In it, you’ll get an up-close look at the shoe’s design and have the opportunity to see the shoe in action.

If you only have a few minutes, you can use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section of the video.

0:24 – Intro
- 0:37 – Weight, Sizing, & Fit
- 1:28 – Outsole
- 2:06 – Midsole
- 2:32 – Upper
3:09 – Playtest
- 3:45 – Style
- 4:29 – Lacing
- 5:03 – Comfort
- 5:46 – Stability
- 6:16 – Traction
- 6:32 – Durability
- 7:02 – Weight
- 7:34 – Ventilation
- 7:52 – Summary
8:18 – Wrapping Up

I created this article in conjunction with the video, so it pairs nicely and dives a bit deeper into some of the Nike React Vapor NXT’s nuances. Keep reading to learn more about what the shoe has to offer.

Nike React Vapor NXT Unboxing & Initial Impressions

For this review and playtest, I purchased the Nike React Vapor NXT in White, Hyper Crimson (orange), Volt (green), Black.

For your reference, I’m a US men’s size 10.5, and after trying on a few different pairs, I decided to stick with that size. Nike translates that size into the following:

UK: 9.5
BR: 42.5
CM: 28.5
EUR: 44.5

The shoes come in Nike’s standard bright orange or shoebox. On one side, you’ll find the sizing details, and then on the lid’s edge, Nike tags the box with their swoosh. You’ll also find the swoosh on the top of the box.

Immediately after opening the box, a few things stood out to me.

First, I like the colorway selection, and the shoe’s hyper crimson or bright orange panels pop as they do in the photos online. However, that rubber pannel is a bit chunkier than I would have expected. Although it’s excellent for protection, it adds quite a bit of weight.

Beyond that, I’m a fan of the Vapor NXT logo on the Flyweave upper. Nike uses the same treatment for the swoosh and “Engineered to the exact specifications of championship tennis players” statement, which you’ll find toward the back of the shoe on the inside edge toward the heel.

The Flyweave material is clean, and it’s a flexible material with some rigidity, but I thought it might pose some challenges with stability. As a result, I kept that point in mind throughout my testing.

Lastly, the shoes seem to make a point to emphasize the thick midsole that integrates React foam for cushioning along with the clear foot frame that wraps it for a somewhat aggressive style.

Overall, the shoes have a high-tech performance look, which seems fitting considering the shoe’s design considerations.

About the Nike React Vapor NXT

These days you’ll find technology weaving its way into the fabric of virtually every industry, including footwear.

Major tennis shoe brands like Nike are helping lead the charge, and the React Vapor NXT is an excellent example of how companies are using tech to optimize their products for optimal performance.

Outsole

The Nike React Vapor NXT has a thick and durable rubber outsole at the bottom, which makes use of a non-traditional herringbone tread pattern that takes advantage of data-influenced generative design for optimal performance and traction.

The outsole wraps up the front providing a reasonably protective toe guard, and continues toward the medial or inside edge for additional protection. At the heel, the outsole offers soft or gradual edges for a natural heel-to-toe transition.

Finally, there’s a rigid midfoot shank to help reduce twisting and aid stability, especially during aggressive side-to-side movement.

Midsole

At the midsole, you’ll find a generous mix of Nike’s React foam for responsive comfort, placed toward the arch of your foot, combined with a firmer foam toward the lateral or outside edge for stability and a more connected feel with the court.

You’ll also find a rigid semi-transparent plastic foot frame from the heel to the outside edge, along with some small fins upfront for added support and stability.

Upper

For the upper, you’ll find a thin and surprisingly stretchy bootie construction to provide a snug fit.

Nike constructs the outer layer with their Flyweave technology, which offers flexible support and ventilation.

A final thick plastic panel with the same pattern as the outsole wraps the front inside edge up through the toe for generous durability and abrasion resistance and a plush foam ankle collar toward the back helps keep your heel locked in place.

Insole

The React Vapor NXT comes with a no-frills insole. It’s on the thinner side and does provide a bit of extra cushion and moisture management, but players may want to consider swapping it for something more robust.

Variations of the Nike React Vapor NXT

At the time of writing this guide, the shoe has only been on the market for a few months, so there haven’t been any significant updates.

However, it is worth noting that the Nike React Vapor NXT is available for men and women, and a clay court model did release in Europe. As a result, there’s a decent chance a clay model will make its way to the US eventually, but it could be a while before that happens.

For now, players can enjoy the new colorways that Nike has released periodically over the last few months.

Fit, Sizing, & Colorways

The Nike React Vapor NXTs I purchased for my playtest weigh in at 16.2 ounces or 459 grams in a men’s size 10.5, which is on the heavier end of the spectrum for tennis shoes.

For context, here’s a table comparing the weight of some popular tennis shoes and how they compare.

Shoe in a Men’s Size 10.5	Weight
Nike React Vapor NXT	16.2 oz / 459 g
Asics Court FF 2	14.7 oz / 416 g
adidas adizero Ubersonic 4	13.5 oz / 382 g
Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro	12.9 oz / 365 g

The shoe runs true to size from a fit standpoint, and it has a medium width, which hugs your foot snugly while the arch is somewhat low, providing less than average support.

As far as break-in goes, I did find these shoes to be a bit stiff in their first few uses, so expect to give yourself a few hours on the court with them before taking them out for a heavy practice or match play.

Here’s a table outlining the fit and sizing for the React Vapor NXTs.

Specs

Size	True to Size
Width	Medium
Arch Support	Medium
Men’s Weight	16.2 oz / 459 g
Women’s Weight	13 oz / 369 g
Break-in	Some break-in required

Top Players Endorsing

The Nike React Vapor NXT is a relatively new shoe, so it’s not surprising there aren’t many players endorsing the shoe yet.

However, with that said, Nike does have one strong sponsorship in the WTA with Aryna Sabalenka. From Belarus, Aryna is currently ranked #3 in singles and #4 in doubles when writing this guide.

Nike React Vapor NXT Review & Playtest Notes

To gain a comprehensive understanding of a shoe’s performance, I’ll test them in various situations to flesh out my thoughts and opinions.

For this playtest, I took the Nike React Vapor NXTs on a two-mile offroad run to gain a sense of comfort and the weight of the shoes. I also spent plenty of time running various agility and footwork drills to flesh out traction and stability.

Finally, I put in 8-10 hours hitting on the court over two weeks to gain a feel for their overall performance. All combined, I used my experience through these different scenarios as the basis for this review.

Below you’ll find my ratings for the Nike React Vapor NXTs across a standardized set of criteria that I use for all of my shoe reviews, as well as notes providing context for each.

Style 8.7

Lacing 8.8

Comfort 8.7

Stability 7.9

Traction 9.3

Durability 9.2

Weight 8.1

Ventilation 8.7

Average 8.68

Style 8.7

When it comes to style, the React Vapor NXT is a bit of a mixed bag.

I like the portions of the Flyweave upper that give the shoe a clean performance-oriented look, but I struggle with the brightly colored, thick rubber protective material that wraps the inside up through the toe.

It’s not because of the color, but I feel Nike didn’t need to wrap so high up the forefoot, adding unnecessary weight and find it gives the shoe a slightly awkward, visually unbalanced look.

With that said, I’m not put off by the style and happily wear them without much thought, but I did feel the visual design was a bit of a miss. It’s worth noting they do offer an all-white and mostly black pair that reduces that contrast between panels for a more balanced look.

Lacing 8.8

As far as lacing goes, it’s relatively smooth and easy.

The shoe offers a bootie construction, so I didn’t experience an awkward bunching under the laces, and I felt I could achieve a locked-in fit with the non-traditional lacing loops that run along the upper’s inside.

One thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that the material below the laces is relatively thin, so if you lace too tight, you’re going to feel it.

I didn’t find this a problem because even without laces, the shoes are relatively secure with the bootie construction, so a moderately snug lacing does the trick.

Comfort 8.7

In terms of comfort, I was pleasantly surprised.

I was expecting a bit of a firmer ride, but the thick midsole and react foam do an excellent job absorbing shock at the heel, while the thinner sole at the forefoot keeps your foot closer to the ground for a responsive feel.

Regarding fit, the shoes were spot on and feel great. However, if you do have wider feet, then I’d expect that to present an issue.

It’s worth noting that early on, I did find the thick orange rubber proactive material on the inside or medial portion of the shoe to put a bit of pressure at the top of my foot as the shoe collapsed.

As they’ve broken in, it’s become less of an issue, but it’s good to be aware that may present slight discomfort early on in the first 10-20 hours of play, which is why I suggest giving them a break-in period.

Stability 7.9

As far as stability goes, the Nike React Vapor NXTs have room for improvement – primarily at the top of the foot around the ankle.

Generally, I found they offered slightly too much give for sharp lateral or side-to-side movements. They’re by no means poor, and outside of that, they were perfectly sufficient, but even when laced tighter, I found the upper’s flex to be somewhat problematic.

If stability is a high priority, then I’d encourage you to look elsewhere. Otherwise, it’s just good to be aware.

Traction 9.3

When it comes to traction, I thought the Nike React Vapor NXTs were excellent, and it seems as though the data-informed design they market for coming up with the outsole is beneficial.

The shoes offer fantastic grip and ensure solid footing for all ranges of movement. At the same time, they offer a slight give when lunging into a shot to prevent your foot from locking up, which is how I prefer my shoes.

It’s always hard to gauge how a refreshed tread design will work out, but I’m a big fan of what Nike has done with this shoe.

Durability 9.2

From a durability standpoint, the Nike React Vapor NXTs are solid.

The outsole held up well to the pounding of a hard court, but they’re by no means indestructible. I have a tendency to drag my right foot a bit, and I could see some of the tread start to fade at the front after 5-10 hours of play, but for me, that’s par for the course.

I’ve been most impressed by the durable orange rubber, which seems to hold up very well, so if that’s a high wear area for you, then I’d expect them to offer excellent protection.

Weight 8.1

As we covered earlier, the React Vapor NXTs fall on the heavier end of the weight spectrum, and while noticeable, I didn’t find they hindered my movement or slowed me down.

For the most part, I view the added weight as a tradeoff. Although heavier, you’re getting some extra durability, so the weight might be less of a concern if that’s important. If not, then a lighter shoe to help you feel as agile as possible will likely be a better fit.

I will say for their weight, I wish they offered better stability, which is typical of what you can expect with a heavier shoe, so I view that as a downside that Nike could stand to improve.

Ventilation 8.7

When it comes to ventilation, Nike’s React Vapor NXTs perform well.

You’ll get most of the breathability from the mid to front outside edge beneath the Flyweave material and at the tongue where you lace the shoes, which offers plenty of ventilation.

Generally, I found them to keep my feet plenty cool and comfortable.

Summary

Overall, I found the Nike React Vapor NXT to be a quality tennis shoe, which delivers solid all-around performance emphasizing comfort and durability.

Of course, like any shoe, they’re not perfect. I found the shoe’s weakest area of performance to be stability, and I think Nike could have traded a small bit of durability for a weight reduction.

However, with that said, I enjoyed my platest with these shoes, and I plan to keep them in my rotation.

Pros

Comfort
Durability
Traction

Cons

Stability
Weight

Alternative Shoes

If the Nike React Vapor NXTs are intriguing, but you can’t get over some of the downsides, here are a few others you might consider.

Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4

If you’re looking to stay in the Nike family, then the Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 is another worthy shoe to explore.

At 15.6 ounces for a men’s size 10.5, they’re 0.2 ounces or 6 grams lighter while offering similar performance characteristics.

The Vapor Cage 4 features an Air Zoom unit in the midsole, which I find offers a bit of a firmer ride, and overall, I think they provide better stability, so well worth checking out as an alternative.

Asics Court FF 2

The Asics Court FF 2 remains my top pick for the best tennis shoes in 2021 for their excellent all-around performance.

They’re lighter at only 14.7 ounces in a men’s size 10.5, offer better stability, more robust comfort, and are an excellent alternative. I do prefer the styling of the Nike React Vapor NXTs, but I’m more than willing to sacrifice that for optimal performance.

Asics Gel Resolution 8

The Asics Gel Resolution 8 is incredibly similar to the Court FF2, but there are some differences in their feel and style.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Nike React Vapor NXTs, but you’re not a fan of the style of the Court FF 2s, or you’d prefer a shoe without a mono sock upper, then the Gel Resolution 8 is worth a look.

It’s an excellent shoe that generally outperforms the Vapor NXT.

adidas SoleCourt Boost

The adidas SoleCourt Boost is another weightier shoe that offers excellent comfort, durability, and stability.

At 15.7 ounces, it’s only 0.1 ounces or 3 grams lighter but delivers excellent all-around performance in a stylish package.

Guarantee

Companies will often back up their tennis shoes with outsole or similar guarantees for a predefined period. Here are a few examples of shoes backed by a 6-month outsole durability guarantee.

Nike Air Zoom Cage 4
Asics Gel Resolution 8
Babolat Propulse Fury
Fila Axilus 2 Energized
KSwiss Ultrashot 3
New Balance Fresh Foam Lav

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, Nike does not offer a durability guarantee for the React Vapor NXT. However, the shoes are strong in this department, so I wouldn’t expect it’s a major issue for most players.

Wrapping Up

The React Vapor NXT is a solid new offering from Nike with a unique design and respectable all-around performance, but they have room for improvement, and I hope they’ll continue to iterate on them.

With that said, I’d encourage players to weigh their downsides rather than outright dismiss them. Every shoe has its weaknesses, and I’m inclined to make it clear what those downsides are. However, I’ve continued to enjoy playing with them and believe they’ll be an excellent fit for many players.

If you have any questions regarding the Nike React Vapor NXTs, please don’t hesitate to comment below. I’m happy to help.

Home > Gear > Shoes > Nike React Vapor NXT

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now

Five Point Friday: July 9, 2021

TennisCompanion — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:46:34 +0000

June 11, 2021

Five Point Friday

Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.

1.) Alex de Minaur’s Dive

During his first-round doubles match with partner Matt Reid, Alex dove for a forehand, hitting a winner around the net post. Everyone (including his partner) could barely believe what they just witnessed.

STOP THAT!

Alex de Minaur has pulled off one of the shots of the DECADE, let alone the tournament. @alexdeminaur

Watch #Wimbledon live on @9gem and @channel9.
Every Match. Every Court. Ad-Free. Live and On Demand on@stansportau pic.twitter.com/DBiebcd3Ny

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 2, 2021

2.) Osaka Opens Up via TIME

Naomi Osaka penned a thoughtful essay titled, “It’s O.K. to Not Be O.K.” for TIME. It’s a quick read that touches on lessons learned over the past few weeks, prioritizing mental health, and thoughts and opinions on how the press might evolve to serve athletes better.

Read Naomi’s Essay

3.) Andy’s Twitter Questions

Earlier this week, Andy Murray posed two questions to his followers. What’s the best tennis ball machine, and does a racquet strung at a looser tension give it more power? I’ve written on both these topics in the past if you’re curious to hear my thoughts. Here’s my guide to tension and ball machines.

Tennis geek question…anyone got any knowledge of the best tennis ball machine on the market or one that they would recommend? #tennisgeek

— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 4, 2021

Tennis geek question.
Does a racket strung at a looser tension give more power?@bgtennisnation
I don’t think it does.

— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 5, 2021

4.) Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon

One of my favorite stories from this year’s Wimbledon was Emma Raducanu’s breakout success as a teenage wildcard. Unfortunately, she had a surprise retirement, which left many fans wondering what happened and if she was okay. The day after her last match, she had the opportunity to reflect on what happened in an interview with BBC Sport’s Sue Barker.

5.) Nick Kyrgios on Cameo

Cameo is a website that allows fans to hire actors, athletes, celebrities, and other high-profile individuals to create personalized videos for friends and family. Nick committed to a limited run of videos and has received rave reviews for those he’s created. As of right now, he only has six Cameos left.

Check Out Nick on Cameo

If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now

Five Point Friday: July 2, 2021

TennisCompanion — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 22:42:05 +0000

July 2, 2021

Five Point Friday

Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.

1.) Djokovic’s 46s Service Game

During his first-round match against teenager Jack Draper, Novak Djokovic hit four straight aces to win his service game in 46 seconds.

A game of aces in 46 seconds

On your marks. Get set. Go, @DjokerNole…#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Pjj0wnjiL5

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2021

2.) Making the Most of a Wildcard

British wildcard and 18-year old Emma Raducanu, ranked No. 338, fought her way into round three, defeating No. 42 Markéta Vondroušová. Tomorrow, she’ll face No. 45 Sorana Cirstea for a spot in the fourth round.

3.) De Minaur Puts on Breaks

Alex De Minaur put on his usual display of speed with a twist last week when he barely managed to avoid hitting the net after tracking down a lob and somehow still won the point.

Unbelievable scenes in Eastbourne! @alexdeminaur #VikingInternational pic.twitter.com/CxBv4s3Lzl

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 25, 2021

4.) An Intriguing Doubles Duo

Nick Kyrgios will fulfill a dream this week by playing mixed doubles with Venus Williams. He spoke about the partnership in his post-match press conference and looks forward to their first-round match today.

Nick Kyrgios talked about his
doubles partnership with Venus Williams in his post-match press conference:

“I want to experience playing with one of the Williams sisters in mixed doubles… That’s like a dream come true for me.”

: #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/E6HmcUp8iQ

— Chad (@CCSMOOTH13) June 30, 2021

5.) Federer & Murray Practice

Going into Wimbledon, all eyes were on Federer and Murray when they hit the practice court. Neither of them could quite remember, but between the two, they figure their last practice was around 2005-2006.

If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now

Five Point Friday: June 25, 2021

TennisCompanion — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 16:07:01 +0000

June 25, 2021

Five Point Friday

Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.

1.) Picking the Right Tennis Ball

Have you ever wondered what players are thinking when they analyze tennis balls before serving? A recent video from Vox digs into the details and interviews players and coaches to provide insight into the ritual.

2.) Intriguing Wimby Data

Data shared from The Tennis Nerds Blog shows how wear and tear on the grass at Wimbledon impacts average rally length and ace rates. Andy Murray replied that his feeling has always been the opposite of what the data suggests and shares a theory for why the discrepancy might exist.

This is interesting data but my feeling has always the been the opposite. Courts slower at beginning of event and speeding up as grass wears out and becomes shorter. Possibly the better players at end of event are better able to extend rallies?

— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) June 23, 2021

3.) Avoid These 6 Mistakes

Former tennis pros Tracy Austin, Leif Shiras, and Paul Annacone share six mistakes players make too often with tips on fixing them.

Learn About the 6 Mistakes

4.) White Isn’t White Enough

After her Wimbledon qualifying match, Dutch world #206 Indy de Vroome was told by the ref that the inside of her visor wasn’t white enough. The tournament is well known for the strict enforcement of its dress code.

5.) Where’s Wawrinka?

Fan-favorite Stan Wawrinka last competed in March and has only played four tournaments this year due to a nagging left foot injury. This week, he had a second surgery on his foot. Despite the circumstances, he showed a bit of optimism in his latest post to fans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka85)

If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now

Five Point Friday: June 18, 2021

TennisCompanion — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 23:59:48 +0000

June 11, 2021

Five Point Friday

Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.

1.) Dissecting Tennis Journalism

One of the biggest stories from the French Open was Naomi Osaka’s unfortunate and unexpected departure. Sighting mental health and depression, Naomi felt she was better off taking time to care for herself vs. continuing to compete, which she was widely supported for doing. Wednesday, Alex Abad-Santos published an article on Vox highlighting the long-standing issues with tennis journalism – especially surrounding women of color. It’s a worthy read for anyone looking to educate themselves on the topic.

Read the Full Article

2.) Bencic’s Seated Volley

During her round of 16 match against Petra Martić, Belinda Bencic fought to stay in a point after falling backward on the ground. Her effort was rewarded when she managed to win the point to break her opponent’s serve and subsequently serve out the set.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Women’s Tennis Association (@wta)

3.) Wimbledon Wildcards

On Wednesday, Wimbledon released their initial list of wildcards for this year’s tournament, including two previous champions: Venus Williams and Andy Murray. Andy last competed at Wimbledon in 2017, while Venus’ prior appearance served as Coco Gauff’s launchpad when Coco defeated Venus during the first round.

See Current Wildcard List

4.) Rafa’s Latest Decision

Yesterday, Rafa announced he decided not to participate at Wimbledon or the Olympic Games, coming off his semi-final loss to Djokovic at the French Open. Like Federer, Nadal is choosing to protect his health and longevity by listening to his body. He’ll be taking time off to ensure that he performs at the highest level when he competes.

Hi all, I have decided not to participate at this year’s Championships at Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in Tokyo. It’s never an easy decision to take but after listening to my body and discuss it with my team I understand that it is the right decision

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 17, 2021

5.) US Open Attendance

What a difference a year makes. Yesterday, the US Open announced that they’d be welcoming back fans at 100% capacity. For those interested in attending, tickets will go on sale for the general public on July 15 at 12 pm.

Attendance on

We will operate at 100% capacity for the 2021 US Open in August! pic.twitter.com/f1dcVMDJ3d

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 17, 2021

If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Why join?

Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources
Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Join Now