(Photo: Hannah Whitaker/New York Magazine)

The Response, one of Adidas’ new racquets, is for the mid-level player. It has more power in the swing than a beginner model—and at $145 strung vs. $180 unstrung for comparable racquets, it’s a good value (Grand Central Racquet, 341 Madison Ave., at 44th St.; 212-292-8851).

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• Archive: “Best Bets”
• Table of Contents: Apr 6, 2009 issue of New York | Subscribe!