It started with a racket I almost gave back after 10 minutes.

Tennis & sports has always been a big part of my life and I recently fell in love (like most of the world) with padel — the speed, the rhythm, the addictive rallies. Like anyone getting into a new sport, I went searching for the right gear. I must’ve read a hundred reviews, watched YouTube breakdowns and scrolled through endless product pages.

Then I borrowed one.

And after just 10 minutes on court, I was ready to hand it back. It felt too stiff, not quite right. But something told me to give it more time. And by the end of that hour, it clicked. I loved the racquet!

So I started, Try Sports Gear.

A place where you can scratch, mark, and play hard. Just as you would if it was yours. Don’t hold back. Scuff it. Test it. Win with it.

That's the only way to know if it's right for you. I hope you find something that clicks!

Max Mason - Founder

FAQ

How does the Try Before You Buy service work?

With our Try Before You Buy service, you receive second-hand demo equipment to test in real conditions — at home, on the court, or wherever you play. You’re free to scuff it, mark it, and really put it through its paces. After you’ve tried it, you can decide whether to keep it:

  • purchase a brand-new version directly after returning the demo.
  • discount code for selected retailers so you can buy it there.

This way, you can truly test the product without worrying about damaging it, and still get a new one if you love it.

Can I keep the racket?

Normally, no. You need to return the demo racket, as it’s purely for testing.The only exception is if we’ve sent you a brand new demo racket. In that case, we’ll notify you that the racket is available to purchase if you’d like to keep it.

Do I have to pay to try the products?

Yes, there is a £15 service fee to try each product. This fee is part of the Try Before You Buy service, and you can use it toward:

  • brand-new item if you decide to purchase it from our website, or
  • discount code for selected retailers if the product isn’t available on our site.

This fee ensures you’re covered for the demo product and still have the option to buy the gear you love.

How long can I try the products for?

You have 7 days to test each product. After this period, a £5 per day fee applies for each additional day until the product is returned.

  • your 7-day trial starts the day you receive the demo product.
  • on the seventh day, no extra fee is charged.
  • eighth day onward.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

Yes, a deposit is required, but it’s not money you are spending. Here’s how it works:

  • £150, you pay £15 upfront for the Try Before You Buy service.
  • £135 is held as a deposit on your card. This is a hold/authorisation, not an actual charge.
  • isn’t taken from your account.

This ensures you can try the gear with peace of mind — you’re not losing money, and you’re only paying for the service if you decide to keep the product.

What if the product is damaged during my trial?

Minor scuffs or marks are expected — you’re free to really test the product. However, it’s very important to upload an image of the product when you return it. This protects you in case anything happens during shipping: This protects you in case anything happens during shipping:

  • We can verify that you returned the product safely.
  • The image serves as proof of its condition before it left your possession.
  • This way, if there’s any issue in transit, you are fully protected.

Who pays for return shipping?

Return shipping is free for 2+ demo products. Returns are handled through Try Sports Gear. You are responsible for shipping the demo product back to us using the instructions provided. Uploading the image (see Q5) ensures you’re protected in case of any issues during shipping.

Can I try multiple products at once?

Yes, you can try up to three items at the same time. Any product with an orange “Try for £15” button is available for trial, depending on stock availability.