IS IT WORTH IT... Dunlop 200G

NO AMOUNT of jazzy technology is going to make the average person play tennis like Martina Hingis, but you might consider raising your game with a Dunlop Revelation 200G. A price tag of pounds 149.99 seems steep, even with vibration absorbers and a braided graphite frame, but it could be a wise investment if you're turning into a serious player.

The key is physics. The "G" in 200G stands for graphite, the strong, stiff frame material which absorbs less energy when the ball is hit. This allows faster, stronger returns with relatively little effort. (That's a long way from the Bjorn Borg days of wooden rackets. The thought!)

Generally speaking, the more graphite, the stronger and lighter the racket. The Revelation clocks 100 per cent in its frame. Not unique in itself, but it markedly increases both your shot accuracy and comfort. Even if you miss the racket's "sweet spot" (the area with the best power and balance), you wouldn't embarrass yourself too much as the racket will direct a return shot with good accuracy. And tennis elbow sufferers will rejoice in the minimal vibration on the arm.

A cheaper version (such as the Dunlop Power Graphite, pounds 50) may be fine for occasional players, but isn't going to perform for aspiring intermediates. A 60 per cent graphite and 40 per cent fibreglass composition means less directional edge, and more arm vibration.

If your game is not up to it, the Revelation could be a pointless exercise in showing off. Serious Wimbledon wannabes, however, might want that extra edge.