Drop The Racquet

TENNIS PLAYERS, GET READY FOR AN ABSOLUTE GAME-CHANGER! 🚀 We are thrilled to bring you our official technical spotlight on the brand new HEAD Speed 2026 tennis racquet line right here at Drop the Racquet! 🎾 Engineered with cutting-edge Auxetic technology and an optimized string bed pattern, this fresh lineup delivers phenomenal stability, explosive ball speed, and an incredible feel on every single shot. Whether you are driving deep baseline winners or executing delicate drop shots, the 2026 Speed series adapts effortlessly to your modern game! Come visit our South Burlington shop to check out the wall display, feel the balance in your hands, and chat with Tom about finding the exact specs to elevate your match! As always, we proudly carry top gear from our premier tennis brands: Wilson, HEAD, Babolat, and Dunlop. Stop by today and let us get you dialed in for the Vermont courts! Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾

PICKLEBALL PLAYERS, listen up! 🏓 Are you wondering which paddle build is right for your game?? Choosing between a modern THERMOFORMED paddle and a traditional COLD-PRESSED paddle can completely change how you play on the court! 💥

Modern THERMOFORMED paddles feature a unibody construction that delivers incredible durability, an explosive crisp pop, and massive sweet spots for aggressive players! 🔥 On the other hand, traditional cold-pressed paddles offer a softer feel, extra control, and feature a traditional edge guard for players who love touch and finesse! 🤝

Come visit our shop right here in South Burlington to feel the difference yourself! We carry all the top gear from incredible brands like JOOLA, Selkirk, and Gearbox! Let our expert team help you find your perfect match today!! 🏆✨



Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾 - T

🎾 TECHNICAL DEEP-DIVE: The Dunlop FX500 Tennis Racquet 🎾

We've been putting the new Dunlop FX500 through its paces here at Drop the Racquet, and it's time to break down what makes this frame a SERIOUS CONTENDER for aggressive baseliners across Vermont!! 💥🔥

🔬 THE TECH STACK

The FX500 is built around three key technologies that work together SEAMLESSLY:

⚡ SONIC CORE WITH INFINERGY : Located at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions, this material delivers superior rebound properties and reduces frame vibrations by up to 37%. The result? EXPLOSIVE ENERGY RETURN with a noticeably more comfortable feel on every shot.

⚡ POWER BOOST GROOVE : A refined grommet structure that enlarges the sweet spot and increases string movement, giving you more forgiveness on off-center hits without sacrificing power.

⚡ POWER BOOST FRAME GEOMETRY : An aerodynamic head shape that boosts stability and allows for faster swing speeds, making it easier to generate pace from any position on the court.

🎾 TENNIS BRANDS:
Wilson
HEAD
Babolat
Dunlop

📐 THE SPECS
• Head Size: 100 sq. in. : Generous sweet spot for confidence
• Unstrung Weight: 300g / 10.6 oz : Solid but maneuverable
• String Pattern: 16×19 : Classic spin-friendly setup
• Beam Width: 23-26-23 mm : Progressive taper for power
• Balance: 320mm (7 pts head light) : Quick through the air
• Stiffness (RA): 72 : Firm response for power players

🎯 WHO IS IT FOR?

The FX500 is IDEAL for intermediate to advanced players who want to dictate play with pace and depth. The 100 sq. in. head offers a forgiving response, while the 16×19 pattern gives you easy access to spin. If you're an aggressive baseliner who wants to take control of the point, this racquet is BUILT FOR YOU!! 🎾💪

🛠️ OUR STRINGING RECOMMENDATION

At Drop the Racquet, we recommend pairing the FX500 with a polyester/polyester hybrid setup at 52-55 lbs for MAXIMUM CONTROL and spin, or a multifilament at 55-58 lbs for added comfort. Swing by the shop and Tom (CRT, USRSA) will help dial in your PERFECT tension. 🛠️✨

✅ Already demoed it? We'd LOVE to hear your thoughts!! Stop by 142 W. Twin Oaks Terr., South Burlington, or give us a call at (802) 951-2344. 📞🏠



Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾

- T

🎾 The Wilson Blade V9 , Where PRECISION Meets FEEL 🎾

When you're an advanced player, every shot is about CONTROL. The Wilson Blade V9 is engineered for exactly that , PRECISION shot placement, EXPLOSIVE control, and an UNMATCHED responsive feel that advanced players crave. !!

Here's what makes the Blade V9 a GAME-CHANGER:

🖐️ Braid 45 Construction : Wilson's signature parallel braiding technique at a 45-degree angle delivers a more responsive, CONNECTED feel at impact. You'll feel exactly where the ball is hitting the string bed.

🔗 DirectConnect Handle : A carbon fiber handle extension that connects directly to the racquet frame, giving you ENHANCED torsional stability and better feel on every shot : especially important on off-center hits.

⚡ FortyFive Frame : The updated frame geometry amplifies STABILITY without sacrificing the Blade's signature flex. More power, more control, more CONFIDENCE.

🔧 String Pattern Options : Available in both 16×19 (for extra spin and a slightly more forgiving string bed) and 18×20 (for maximum control and precision) : so you can choose your play style.

💡 Pro Tip from Tom: "The Blade V9 truly shines when paired with a control-oriented string at mid tension. We recommend starting around 52-55 lbs with a multifilament or a soft poly like Solinco Hyper-G. The tighter string pattern rewards clean ball strikers and aggressive shot-makers."

This is the racquet for players who live for PRECISE angles, SHARP volleys, and that satisfying "thwack" of a perfectly struck ball. !!

We are proud to carry the top names in Tennis:
Wilson
HEAD
Babolat
Dunlop

📍 Come demo the Wilson Blade V9 at Drop the Racquet in South Burlington. We'll help you find the right grip size, string setup, and tension to match your game. We LOVE supporting our local players! 🎾✨



Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾

T

PRECISION PLAYERS, REJOICE!! 🎾 If you are looking to take absolute command of the court, the Babolat Pure Strike is calling your name!

This racquet isn't just a piece of equipment; it’s the "Control Master’s Weapon." Designed specifically for those versatile attacking players who love to create their own openings and counter with surgical accuracy, the Pure Strike is packed with technology that makes a REAL difference on every swing!

Check out what’s happening under the hood:

⚡️ CONTROL FRAME TECHNOLOGY: By combining the stability of a square beam with the dynamism of an elliptic structure, Babolat has created a frame that gives you incredible feedback. You’ll feel exactly where the ball is on the strings, giving you the confidence to go for those lines with total precision!

🎾 WOOFER SYSTEM: This is a game-changer! It increases the contact time between the ball and the strings, offering you much better feel and a controlled response even during the most intense rallies.

But a high-tech racquet is only as good as its setup! 🛠️ Our very own Tom is a Certified Racquet Technician (CRT) and a proud member of the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association. He’s right here in South Burlington ready to professionally string and customize your Pure Strike to match your specific game style and tension needs perfectly!

We are your premier destination in Vermont for all things racquet sports, carrying the absolute best:

Wilson
HEAD
Babolat
Dunlop

Stop by and see us at the shop to feel the Pure Strike for yourself! We love talking shop and helping you find the perfect gear to elevate your game.

Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾

- T

🎾 From a garage to a community hub : Drop the Racquet has always been about MORE than just strings and gear.

When Tom started Drop the Racquet in 2020, he was stringing by hand in his garage to keep South Burlington active. Today, we're a proud gathering place for the Vermont racquet community !!! Every time you walk through our doors at 142 W. Twin Oaks Terr, you're supporting a LOCAL business that gives back to the neighborhood we love.

💚 Supporting local athletes, schools, and tournaments
🏸 Free advice and fittings for EVERY level of play
🎾 Partnerships that bring Vermont together

We carry the top brands in Tennis:
Wilson, HEAD, Babolat, and Dunlop

And the best in Pickleball:
JOOLA, Selkirk, and Gearbox

Whether you're picking up a racquet for the first time or you're a seasoned pro, you're FAMILY here. Stop by and see why we're Vermont's home for racquet and paddle sports !!!

📍 142 W. Twin Oaks Terr, South Burlington, VT
🕐 Mon–Fri 9am–6pm | Sat 10am–2pm
📞 (802) 951-2344



Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾

- T

ATTENTION PICKLEBALL PLAYERS !!! 🏓✨

We have some IMPORTANT news regarding equipment standards! USA Pickleball has announced a NEW Spin Rate Test that goes into effect on OCTOBER 1st, 2026. This means any paddles generating over 2,100 RPM will no longer be compliant for sanctioned play. 🎾😮

Are you looking for NEW GEAR this summer? Don’t let the new rules catch you off guard! Our very own Tom is a CERTIFIED RACQUET TECHNICIAN and is here to help you find the perfect, COMPLIANT paddle that fits your game! 🕺💪

We carry the newest and best from:

Pickleball:
JOOLA
Selkirk
Gearbox

Tennis:
Wilson
HEAD
Babolat
Dunlop

Stop by the shop in South Burlington and let’s make sure you’re READY for the court this fall! We LOVE helping our local community stay ahead of the game. See you soon! ☀️✨

Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾 - T

Have you seen the new "Still in Play" documentary by Selkirk Studios? It is absolutely INSPIRING!! 🤩

It shines a spotlight on the incredible senior athletes in the pickleball community who are staying active, competitive, and most importantly, having a blast! 🥒🎾

Here in South Burlington, we are so PROUD to serve our local Vermont Senior Games community and players of ALL ages. Whether you’ve been playing for decades or just picked up a paddle yesterday, we’re here to make sure you have the perfect gear to keep you moving and grooving on the court!

We’ve got the latest and greatest in Pickleball gear from:
JOOLA, Selkirk, and Gearbox

And for our Tennis friends, we carry:
Wilson, HEAD, Babolat, and Dunlop

Stop by the shop to chat gear or just share your latest court victory! We LOVE hearing how the game keeps you going strong. 💪✨

Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾

T.

Looking for a racquet that rewards aggressive swing paths and heavy topspin? MEET the new 2025 Dunlop SX 300 : a SPIN MACHINE designed for intermediate to advanced players who want to dictate play from the baseline.

We took a close look at what makes this updated frame stand out:

🔹 Spin-Friendly Technology: The open 16×19 string pattern and aerodynamic frame cut through the air, generating wicked RPMs on kick serves and topspin groundstrokes.

🔹 Power & Control Balance: With a 300g unstrung weight and head-light balance, you get the maneuverability to whip through contact without sacrificing plow-through on bigger shots.

🔹 Feel & Comfort: Dunlop's Sonic Core technology with Infinergy absorbs harsh vibrations, giving you a crisp, connected feel without the jarring feedback.

🔹 Customization Ready: Swing weight sits around 320 strung : ideal for players who like to add a little lead tape at 3 & 9 for extra stability, which we can dial in at the shop.

🔹 Best String Pairing: We recommend a 17g polyester like Dunlop Explosive Spin at 48–52 lbs for maximum bite, or a hybrid with Explosive Spin mains + Iconic Touch crosses at 50/52 lbs for added pocketing.

COME DEMO the new SX 300 at Drop the Racquet and let us build you a CUSTOM SETUP matched to your game. We're located at 142 W. Twin Oaks Terr, South Burlington (inside The Edge) ; open Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 10–2.

Which string setup would you pair with this frame? Drop your thoughts below! 👇

Tennis:
Wilson
HEAD
Babolat
Dunlop

T

Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾

VERMONT is world-famous for its incredible natural beauty, and here at Drop the Racquet, we want to make sure we’re doing our part to keep it GREEN! 🌲💚

We know our local players care about the environment just as much as their backhand. That’s why we’re bringing the GREEN GAME to South Burlington! 🎾✨

Instead of replacing your favorite frame, why not give it a second life? Our PROFESSIONAL RESTRINGING service is the perfect way to extend the life of your equipment and keep it out of the landfill. Plus, you get that fresh-off-the-shelf feel with every hit!! 🧵💪

To help cut down on packaging waste, we also stock balls BY THE CASE. It’s a simple way to save some green while being green! 🌍♻️

We carry the latest and greatest for every player:

Tennis:
Wilson, HEAD, Babolat, and Dunlop

Pickleball:
JOOLA, Selkirk, and Gearbox

Stop by the shop, say hi, and let’s talk about how we can keep your game sustainable and your gear in top shape. We love being a part of this amazing community!

- T

Remember, it’s a game…Have fun !🕺🎾