Melbourne's Best Tennis Racquet Demo Program | Try Before You Buy | Sturdy Racquets

Not sure which racquet is right for you? You shouldn't have to guess. Melbourne's most trusted racquet sports store gives you the rare opportunity to test premium racquets on real courts before spending a cent — and it only costs $10.

Why "Try Before You Buy" Changes Everything

Choosing a tennis racquet is one of the most personal decisions a player can make. Two racquets with almost identical specifications can feel completely different when you're hitting a backhand slice at the net or driving a forehand from the baseline. Weight, balance, head size, string pattern, beam width — each variable affects how the racquet performs in your hands, with your swing.

That's why the smartest players in Melbourne don't rely on reviews or specs alone. They demo first.

At Sturdy Racquets, we've built a demo program with one goal: give every player the information they need to make the right decision — not just an educated guess. With over 100 demo racquets available across the world's leading brands, there's no better place in Melbourne to find your perfect match.

Test your demo racquet in real match conditions before committing to a purchase.

How the Demo Program Works

The process is simple, flexible, and designed around how Melbourne players actually play.

Demo Program Pricing

We've kept the pricing simple and fair. The demo fee isn't a cost — it's an investment in making the right racquet choice.

In practical terms: if you demo a racquet for two days and decide it's the one, you buy it and get $10 off the price — effectively making your demo free. There's no better value way to shop for a racquet in Melbourne.

100+ Racquets From the World's Best Brands

Our demo fleet covers the full spectrum — from power-oriented beginner frames to player's racquets built for competitive club and tournament play. We stock demo models from every major brand:

 

Some of the most popular demo models our Melbourne customers love to test include:

• Babolat Pure Aero Gen 9  — The weapon of Rafael Nadal. Exceptional topspin, arm-friendly beam, and a head-heavy feel that punishes the baseline.
• Wilson Pro Staff Classic 97  — A control-player's racquet. Precise, demanding, and deeply satisfying when you time it well.
• Dunlop FX 500 — Power and comfort combined. One of the most accessible all-round racquets on the market.
• Tecnifibre TF-40 — Exceptional feel and stability for advanced players who want precision without sacrificing comfort.

Stock changes regularly as new models are released — check the current demo collection for live availability.

Who Should Use the Demo Program?

The demo program isn't just for beginners who don't know what they want. It's for any player making a considered decision about their next racquet.

 

Junior racquets are available in the demo program — helping young Melbourne players find the right frame at the right stage of development.

Serving Melbourne and Surrounding Suburbs

Our store is located at Unit D, 535 Geelong Road, Brooklyn VIC 3012 — making us one of the most accessible racquet sports retailers for players across Melbourne's west, inner suburbs, and beyond.

We regularly see players visiting from across the greater Melbourne area:

Can't make it in person? We also offer online booking so you can reserve your preferred demo models before making the trip. Call us on (03) 9314 9365 or email hello@sturdyracquets.com.au to check availability.

Demo Program Terms & Conditions

We want your demo experience to be smooth and transparent, so here's what you need to know before booking:

• Pickup and returns are in-store only — 535 Geelong Road, Brooklyn VIC 3012.
• The rental period begins from the day of pickup. The standard rental is 2 days ($10).
• Late returns are charged at $10 per additional day beyond the agreed period.
• Non-return after 7 days will result in the full RRP of the racquet being charged to your account.
• Demo fee credit ($10 off) applies when you purchase the same racquet model within 30 days of the demo.
• Customers are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Repair or replacement charges may apply.
• Valid ID may be required at pickup. A refundable deposit may be taken at our discretion.
• Multiple demos may be booked subject to availability — ideal if you're deciding between two or three shortlisted models.

For the complete and current policy, visit our Demo Racquet Rental Policy page.

The Smarter Way to Buy a Racquet

A premium tennis racquet is a genuine investment — often $200 to $400 or more. Making that decision based on a 30-second swing in a shop, or purely on spec comparisons online, is a gamble. The demo program removes that gamble entirely.

Melbourne players who've used our demo program consistently tell us the same thing: they discovered their perfect racquet was a model they never would have considered without trying it first. A slightly heavier frame that felt like an extension of their arm. A more open string pattern that added the spin they'd been missing. A stiffer beam that gave them the feedback they didn't know they were lacking.

That's what the demo program delivers — certainty. And certainty, when you're spending $300 on a racquet, is worth a great deal more than $10.

Frequently Asked Questions