Gear of the Year

Hyperice Vyper 2.0
Price: $149
Website: www.hyperice.com

Think of the Vyper as a foam-roller on steroids. A favorite warm-up tool of Naomi Osaka, the high-intensity vibrating core inside the polypropylene roller helps loosen muscles and increase flexibility and range of motion prior to or after a workout. There are three speeds—low, medium or high intensity—although you may never need more than first gear. Work on trouble spots, or use the accompanying Hyperice app to follow guided activation routines. With two hours of battery life on a charge, and at just three pounds and 19 inches in length, the roller makes for easy transport in most racquet bags. The Vyper 3.0 (pictured above) is also now available, with an updated contour design and motor. Either one makes a great addition to your fitness regimen.

Price: $259
Website: www.yonex.com

While I had my quibbles with the original, this update to the 18x20 model in the VCORE PRO line—now dubbed “D”—jumped to the head of the family. Whereas the flex on the updated lighter 97 and the heavier 97H were lowered, it was raised on the 97D in order to match them. The beam-width was also increased slightly to provide additional stability and pop, with a little more swingweight to deliver a bigger ball. Subtle on the surface, the minor adjustments went a long way to improve the playability. It still takes chops to use effectively, but advanced players looking for a rock-solid frame with great feel and dependability—the green/purple retro cosmetic is a nice bonus—should give this one a serious look.

Price: $239
Website: www.head.com

Head gave this stalwart frame a noticeable facelift. It boasts a new mold with a rounder head shape, thicker yoke, added weight and more flexibility. The result is a warmer feel and more consistent response that harken back to the vintage Radicals of yore. In terms of playability, it’s a well-rounded frame that’s just as capable dropping aces as it is dropping shots. If more weight is required, the heavier Pro model is also an impressive performer. Both are the best of its kind in a long while. You’d just better like orange.

Price: $1595
Website: www.hydrogensports.com

Weighing less than 20 pounds and the size of a backpack, the Proton is the epitome of big things coming in small packages. We got our hands on a prototype this year and were blown away by the functionality. The machine easily holds more than a case of balls and shoots accurate, consistent feeds up to 70 mph with spins reaching 3000 rpms. The smartphone interface allows users to pick from numerous sophisticated pre-programmed practice routines or devise one of their own simply by tapping the screen. It’s practically idiot-proof. The only negative with the Proton is its availability: you can’t get one until next summer. All good things to those who wait.

Price: $125
Website: www.asics.com

The Speed Solution FF2 marks the fifth installment in the Speed Solution line, but the second with FlyteFoam cushioning. And this sequel shows real growth. The upper construction of the previous model wasn’t overly wide, but it ballooned by the forefoot. This resulted in bubbling around the toe box that would “pop” during movement. Asics acknowledged the failing and remedied the problem with a reconfigured Flexion Fit upper that is more flexible and better contours to the foot. The introduction of Dynawrap—first seen in the current GEL Resolution—also gives the SS FF2 a more locked-in, centered and quicker feel during movement. Perhaps lacking in the durability department, it still checks the critical boxes for players who want a lightweight, comfortable, supportive and responsive shoe.

Price: $135
Website: www.yonex.com

The lightweight stability, snugness of its one-piece bootie construction and impressive court feel of the REV 4 all scream speed shoe. It’s a low-rider with a minimal heel-to-toe-drop that makes you feel right on top of and dug into the court, ready to pounce in any direction. The asymmetrical lacing system allows the user to cinch them up for a locked-in fit without causing pain or pressure points. It’s responsive and quick off the jump—almost an extension of the foot—with just enough backbone to keep its integrity during intense movement. It’s cut rather narrow and shallow through the midfoot, which could be a sticking point for some players. Wider feet may require a try-on. Otherwise it brings a lot to the court on game day.

Price: $35/4-pack of strips; $40/grip
Website: www.vtadvantec.com

VT Advantec has engineered two products—strips and replacement grips—which possess a proprietary polymer that absorbs and dissipates shock to cushion ball impact for increased stability, comfort and control. After experimenting with both options—separately and in tandem—they live up to their billing by offering a warmer, friendlier response at contact. The strips are placed on the racquet face as you would with lead tape, but they are not intended to add mass. The replacement grips are either calfskin leather or high-tact cushion, weighs 22g—so it could add weight to the handle—and installs without the use of adhesive. Neither are cheap, but your elbow will thank you.

Price: $200
Website: www.dunlop.com

It shares the same striking looks as its CX brethren, but the 400 Tour has a unique playability all its own. Just as a hybrid string setup can combine the best qualities of two strings, it’s got the easy power and depth expected of the tweener category—100 square-inch head, 300g weight—combined with the some of the command and feel of a heavier control frame. Even though it owns a firm flex, it’s got above average comfort, and not nearly as jarring outside the sweetspot as many competing frames in the category; same goes for its ability to change pace and employ more subtle tactics. A highly user-friendly, sleeper of a frame.

Website: www.precisionhydration.com
Price: $12/10 tablets; $13/8 packets; $10/15 capsules

Used throughout pro locker rooms in the NFL, NBA, MLB and the English Premiere League, Precision Hydration is designed for serious competitors. Founded by a sports scientist and elite triathlete to combat his own bouts with cramping, PH comes in tiered quantities of electrolytes to deliver a more personalized level of hydration. The line of products includes low-calorie effervescent tablets; powdered drink mix with a combination of electrolytes and carbs for faster absorption; and capsules for convenience when mixing beverages isn’t practical. The drinks have a very mild citrus taste, making it easy to consume multiple servings if necessary without getting flavor fatigue. Never lose another match to cramps again.

Price: $185
Website: www.geausport.com

If your taste in bags runs more refined—no overt branding and garish coloring—then look no further than Geau Sport. The start-up produces tennis bags that put a premium on durable fabrics, smart organization and clean designs. Constructed of weather-resistant polyester dobby fabric with diamond ripstop, the Axiom 9-pack stands upright with a locker-style main compartment that allows for customizable shelving. The dividers can be moved or removed to accommodate bigger or smaller items, and hold their positioning and shape better than many of the competing models with this option. Two padded side panels—one on each side of the bag—holds up to two racquets apiece. A waterproof, ventilated external top pocket for shoes and wet clothes, plus three additional external pockets for smaller items and valuables round out the intelligent design.

Price: $17/set; $235/reel
Website: www.babolat.com

The new, more forgiving variety of famed polyester string is designed to offer a friendlier response with a greater injection of pace. It’s constructed with three layers: A flexible polyamide central core to cushion impact; aramid powder mixed in the co-polyamide middle layer for durability; and an outer layer containing silicone to enhance string movement. Almost like a hybrid-in-one string, it’s more durable and precise than a multifilament, while being softer than a polyester. As such, it doesn’t have quite the spin, control and toughness as RPM Blast, but beats it hands-down in the power and comfort departments.

Price: $229
Website: www.wilson.com

Admittedly, there’s not a huge difference in the playability between this new Blade and its predecessor. The main technology, which was derived from the Clash line, has returned intact only with a new label—going from the previous FeelFlex to the current FortyFive. So does the trademark lower-powered, all-court versatility with the comfortable, connected feel. In fact, the biggest change is arguably the new chameleon paint. The racquet can appear to have slight color changes depending on the angle and lighting—one moment it’s green, the next it’s more copper. The other tweaks are more subtle—quicker, enhanced feel and stability—meant to sharpen this already potent all-court weapon.

Price: $200
Website: www.apple.com

There’s no better workout partner than a great sounding pair of wireless in-ear buds. The Beats Fit Pro have a soft, flexible wingtip design that not only provides a stable fit during workouts, but is comfortable enough to use throughout the day. The buds have three listening modes, including Active Noise Canceling and Transparency to regulate the level of environmental sounds. The ‘b’ button on each bud offers control of the music (pause/skip/back), conducts calls and switches between listening modes. (Sadly, there’s no volume control). They last for six hours on a full charge, with the pocket-sized carrying case providing 21 additional hours of battery life. Most of all, you can’t beat the dynamic, immersive sound.

Price: $210
Website: www.tecnifibre.com

It may seem a bit premature for a 20 year-old win one major title to her credit to have her own signature frame. Nonetheless, it doesn’t make Iga Swiatek’s racquet any less impressive. More than just bearing her name, the specs match those of Swiatek’s own on-court frame. Hence the unique 298-gram unstrung weight, to go along with her preferred balance, stiffness (which is rather high) and string pattern. From a playability standpoint, the racquet is a greatest hits of Tecnifibre technologies and combines the precision and stability of the heavier T-Fight models with the quickness and ease of the T-Rebound frames. The Tempo racquets are aimed at women, but this is a solid option for any accomplished player who wants to experience a firm, accessible pro stock frame.