Different types of Tennis Kitbags
Like racquets, strings and shoes, there is an ample amount of choice when it comes to kitbags. All of the big brands offer multiple bags from simple backpacks to full-on-pro level racquet bags capable of holding fifteen racquets. There are different types of tennis bags, some can only be used for tennis, others can be used for other sports or even travel, let's dive into it.
Pro Racquet Bags
This is the style of bag widely used on the Pro Tour as they come in configurations to hold anywhere between 9 and 15 racquets. They have multiple compartments, with the outermost ones being thermally insulated to keep racquets away from the elements. Other common features will be a shoe tunnel, a waterproof pouch for clothes/towels, and various accessories pockets.
Advantages
- Huge amounts of storage space for racquets
- Can be carried like a backpack
- Makes you look like a pro (at least before you hit a ball)
Disadvantages
- Cumbersome
- Hard to store as it's an odd shape that takes up so much room
- Overkill for most players
Smaller Racquet Bags
Alongside the racquet bag widely seen on the professional tour is the scaled-down version that holds either 3 or 6 racquets. This bag style is ideal for your typical club player who needs space for 2/3 racquets, shoes, clothes, and a few other bits of gear. Unlike the larger racquet bags, they don't usually have backpack-like straps so have to be carried using the carry handle or over the shoulder.
Advantages
- Almost identical in design to the flagship pro endorsed bags
- Easy access to racquets
- Fits nicely in a car boot
Disadvantages
- Not easy to carry
- The shape isn't the most efficient for storing plenty of gear
- Not freestanding so usually has to be propped up or lay flat on the ground
Backpacks
The majority of mainstream tennis brands now have tennis bags in a traditional style backpack. Most of them are designed to hold racquets but leave the handles sticking out of the top. If you bike or walk to the courts, a backpack is by far the best.
Advantages
- Easy to carry
- Can be used for non-tennis
- Many of them have chest straps so ideal for biking
Disadvantages
- Less space than a pro-style racquet bag
- Don't always cover the racquet fully
- Often lack dedicated shoe tunnels or wet pouches
Duffel Tennis Bags
While pro players tend to use only use a smaller duffel bag for storing drinks and clothes, they are also available in larger sizes as standalone tennis bags. Multidisciplinary sportsmen and women who want a bag they can use for other sports are best suited to a tennis duffel bag. Some players also prefer one big main divided compartment where they can see everything (see image below of the Tecnifibre Rackpack), so a duffel-style tennis bag works well for that type of person.
Advantages
- Divided padded sections useful for separating gear
- Can be used for several sports, not just tennis
- Many of them now have backpack straps rather than needing to be carried over the shoulder.
Disadvantages
- Quite bulky in design
- Don't tend to have the ‘Thermoguard' to protect against the elements
