Benefits of USRSA regular membership
Membership gets you connected to the most up-to-date information for racquet sports professionals and enthusiasts!
Prices vary depending on shipping costs to each country.
Products and Benefits Include:
- RacquetTECH.com
- The industry’s most up-to-date and interactive source on racquet sports technology. Your own private association website covering all aspects of racquet sports equipment.
- The Stringer’s Digest
- Published annually and updated mid-year, the Stringer’s Digest is the most comprehensive technical reference manual in the racquet industry.
- Racquet Sports Industry magazine (more information | website)
- Racquet Sports Industry magazine is filled with the latest stringing news and industry information you won’t find anywhere else. Annual memberships include a free digital subscription.
- Special Discounts and Free Samples (U.S. members only)
- Free sample products and exclusive discount offers from more than a dozen leading manufacturers and suppliers. You can also participate in product testing and new product development — and gain a valuable edge on your competition.
- Marketing Tools
- A complimentary membership certificate, member card and window decal show customers your commitment to excellence. Racquet labels and racquet claim checks are all available at low membership prices.
- Consultation
- USRSA professionals are available to answer your questions about racquet service, stringing machines, purchasing, manufacturers/suppliers, and more.
- Professional Certification
- Become a Master Racquet Technician (MRT) or Certified Stringer through USRSA’s unique professional development program. These programs are recognized industry-wide and are backed by some of the biggest names in the game.
- Private Instructor Stringing Lessons
- Take a lesson from one of our MRT instructors or become an instructor yourself and earn $$.
- Automatic membership in the Grommets Network
- One of the most vexing problems facing stringers is that of finding bumperguards and grommet strips for discontinued racquets. In the “olden days,” a piece of tape was the bumperguard, and there was no grommet strip. When the racquet wore out, it had to be replaced. Today, racquets can last virtually forever if properly cared for, but the bumperguard and grommet strip will eventually wear out or fail. If the manufacturer no longer sells a bumperguard and grommet strip you need, a simple e-mail to our Grommets Network puts you in touch with thousands of other USRSA members, many of whom have bumperguards and grommet kits to sell.
- Automatic membership in the Racquets Network
- Do you have customers who think “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”? They may be correct, but what happens when the time comes to purchase another racquet like the one they’ve come to know and love, and it hasn’t been manufactured in years? All you need to do is e-mail the Racquet Network to contact thousands of USRSA members … and their collections of older racquets. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find buyers for some of your old racquets.
- Automatic membership in the Strings Network
- Even though string offerings do seem to be getting better with each passing year, the down side is that sometimes perfectly wonderful strings disappear off the market. The Strings Network helps you find your favorite discontinued strings.
RacquetTECH.com
Tools and information to help you get the right equipment for the right reasons for the right person (you). RacquetTECH.com offers awareness, understanding and skills. These translate to fun and performance. For more information, try our special Racquet Selector/Customizer Demo.
Racquet Selection Online-Software: Can you keep track of all the possible combinations of weight, balance, swingweight, length, flex, price, headsize and power of over 400 racquets and how each racquet compares to every other and how all of that compares to your desires of what you want from a racquet? This tool can. It is the only comprehensive, objective and accurate method for choosing a racquet available. Without this tool, choosing a racquet is like throwing blind at a dart board.
String Selection Online-Software: Having a space-age racquet does no good if you make a dinosaur-brain choice of strings. Strings are the most important part of the racquet, but there has never been a way to compare strings, let alone make intelligent decisions about them based on thorough knowledge of all the properties of each string. The String Selector does for strings what the Racquet Selector does for racquets. It compares every string’s material, diameter, stiffness, and tension loss with every other string and compares the results to your performance desires. It then recommends strings that meet your criteria.
Racquet Customization Online-Software: Almost every racquet can and should be customized for individual performance optimization. Customization involves adding specific amounts of weight (lead tape) to specfic locations anywhere along the entire length of the racquet in order to change a racquet’s weight, balance, swingweight, sweetspot, power, and shock absorbtion. The Customizer calculates the effect upon each of the these performance properties of adding any amount of weight to any of three simultaneous locations along the racquet. This is rocket science, and that is why, in the past, you have been stuck with whatever racquet you picked off the shelf.
Technology Articles: Can you say, “Co-polymer matrix, ” or “Graphite-titanium matrix,” or “Piezoelectricity”? If so, can you explain them or understand them? Do you know what all the adverizing gobblygook really means? Do you know what each racquet and string manufacturer is selling as a technology, how it works, why it works, and if it works? Our technical staff of experts, engineers, and scientists explain it for you. No where else can you get the story behind the story.
How-To Articles: Equipment stringing, customizing, marketing, servicing, selling, and promoting are all discussed in our Tips and Techniques articles library.
Racquet Technician Locater: Selecting the right racquet and string and customizing the racquet can all become a fruitless enterprise if the strings are not installed properly. For those who “don’t try this at home,” the Find A Stringer tool locates a technician trained to install the strings at the proper tension and with the proper technique to maximize performance.
String Pattern Digest and Encyclopedia: Every technician/stringer/do-it-yourselfer needs to know what and how to do it. The On-line Stringer’s Digest searches and finds the correct pattern for your racquet from the over 6,000 racquets in its database.
The Racquet Service Techniques: A complete step-by-step guide to stringing, servicing, and customizing racquets. This publication also includes certification study materials.
Stringing Machine Selector: Whether you’re stringing 4,000 racquets a year, or just 1, you want to do it on the best machine for your needs. The reviews, data, and Machine Selector software make this decision a painless and informative process.
Product Finder: Can’t find a product, part or service? Product Finder will find it for you.
Up-to-date Product Introductions: What’s coming? What’s new and exciting? Find out here first.
Equipment Testing, Reviews and Playtests: So you know what’s coming…who cares? Find out here.
MORE: There’s more and there’s more planned — and we are adding stuff all the time.
The Stringer’s Digest
Published annually, the Stringer’s Digest is the most comprehensive technical reference in the racquet industry. It’s an essential tool for anyone in this business.
The Stringer’s Digest is published in hard-copy form in April each year, and a Fall/Winter update is published digitally in October. Each volume includes all the stringing instructions and data necessary for retailers and stringers to service racquets.
The Racquet Patterns chapters include detailed instructions for virtually every racquet a stringer will ever see. This includes thousands of listings for Tennis, Racquetball, Squash, and Badminton.
The Company Locator chapter is the “Yellow Pages” of the racquet sports industry and contains all contact information organized alphabetically.
Racquet Sports Industry magazine*
The only magazine covering the racquet sports industry. Racquet Sports Industry magazine provides unmatched coverage of the business, equipment, apparel, and racquet service of tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton, and pickleball. Subscriptions include 10 issues per year filled with the kind of stories and information about racquet sports that can’t be found anywhere else. Regular features and columns include:
Industry News — stories and announcements about changes happening every day in the racquet sports companies
Product Introduction & Reviews — the only place to hear about all the new racquets, strings, footwear, apparel, and accessory products being introduced each year
Business & Economy — articles and stories about how to succeed in the racquet sports business
Court Coverage — coverage of court manufacturing and maintenance that can’t be found anywhere else
Racquet Sports Science — articles explaining and de-mystifying the simple and complicated subjects that make our sports work
Tips & Techniques — tips about business and racquet service techniques presented by USRSA members to make your life easier
Ask the Experts — a column designed to answer questions asked by our readers
Your Finances — a how-to business column for running a racquet sports business
By the Numbers — reporting and analysis of the industry’s financial ups and downs
Calendar — a listing of upcoming events in the racquet sports industry
Your Serve — articles with suggestions to improve your business
Playtest Reviews — reports of the results of our playtest teams’ blind testing of new strings, grips, & overgrips
Stringing Machine Reviews — reviews of new stringing machines
Pro Equipment Logs — reports of what equipment is being used by the top players at each of the grand slams
Annual membership dues include a subscription to Racquet Sports Industry magazine to match the length of the membership.
* International members will receive the digital version of Racquet Sports Industry magazine.
Free Samples (U.S. members only)
Free sample products and exclusive discount offers are available from more than a dozen leading manufacturers and suppliers. For example, in 2003 our members received free products worth more than $80 (wholesale value). The table below shows recent products and other items sent to our U.S. members:
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| April | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Sapphire 16 |
| 2023 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Velociti Catalyst 16 |
| May | Coupon for a free set of Head Hawk Power 17 |
| November | Coupon for a free set of Babolat XALT 16 |
| 2022 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Velociti Turbopoly 16L |
| May | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Verve Soft 16 |
| 2021 | |
| July | Coupon for a free set of Gamma TNT2 React Pro 16 |
| 2020 | |
| February | Coupon for a free set of Prince Diablo Prism 17 |
| May | Coupon for a free set of Head Lynx Tour 17 |
| 2019 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Tourna Grit 17 |
| February | Coupon for a free set of Signum Pro Yellow Jacket 16 |
| May | Coupon for a free sample of String Zing |
| September | Coupon for a free set of Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 17 |
| 2018 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Diadem Evolution 1.3 |
| 2017 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Babolat RPM Blast Rough 16 |
| April | Coupon for a free set of Laserfibre Vorso 1.28 |
| 2016 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Solace 16 |
| February | Buy-one-get-one-free offer for Tourna Big Red 16 |
| March | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre Multifeel 16 |
| July | Coupon for a free set of Kirschbaum Pro Line II Rough 1.25 |
| August | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre Pro Redcode Wax 1.25 |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Ytex Square-X 1.25 |
| November/December | Coupon for a free set of MSV Go Max 1.25 |
| 2015 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Babolat Origin 17 |
| February | Coupon for a free set of Head Gravity |
| March | Coupon for a free set of Yonex PolyTour Spin G 125 |
| April | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre XR3 17 |
| June | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre Black Code 4S 17 |
| November/December | Coupon for a free set of Babolat M7 17 |
| 2014 | |
| January | Buy-one-get-one-free offer for Tourna Quasi-Gut Armor 16 |
| March | Coupon for a free set of Victory Acelon Seven 16L |
| April | Buy-one-get-one-free offer for Tourna Mega Tac Overgrip |
| May | Buy-one-get-one-free offer for Ashaway Crossfire ZX |
| June | Coupon for a free set of Wilson Optimus 16 |
| July | Buy-one-get-one-free offer for Ashaway Crossfire ZX Tour |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre HDX Tour 17 |
| November/December | Coupon for a free set of Luxilon Alu Power Feel 1.20 |
| 2013 | |
| February | Sample of Head Sonic Pro Edge 16 sent in RSI magazine |
| April | Coupon for a set of Tecnifibre Razor Code 16 |
| May | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Moto 16 |
| June | Coupon for a free set of Wilson Sensation Control 16 |
| August | Coupon for a free set of Gamma RZR RX 16 |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Isospeed Black Fire 17 |
| 2012 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Wilson NXT Control |
| February | Coupon for a free set of YTex Quadro Twist |
| April | Coupon for a set of Tecnifibre Ruff Code 16 |
| June | Coupon for a free set of Ashaway Zyex Monogut |
| July | Coupon for a free set of Ytex Protour |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Gosen Sidewinder 17 |
| November/December | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Zo Dart 17 |
| 2011 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre X Code 16 |
| March | Coupon for a free set of Prince Beast XP 16 |
| April | Coupon for a free set of Yonex Poly Tour Pro 130 Sample of Wilson Hollow Core Pro 16 with Stringer’s Digest |
| May | Sample of Luxilon Savage White sent in RSI Magazine |
| June | Coupon for a free set of Wilson Red Alert |
| July | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16 |
| August | Coupon for a free set of Genesis Black Magic |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Zo Verve 17 |
| November/December | Coupon for a free set of HEAD FXP Tour |
| 2010 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Luxilon M2 Plus |
| February | Coupon for a free set of HEAD FXP Power/FXP 17 |
| May | Coupon for a free set of Wilson Hollow Core Pro 17 |
| June | Coupon for a free set of Gamma TNT2 Touch 16 |
| July | Coupon for a free set of Solinco Tour Bite or a set of Solinco Revolution |
| August | Coupon for a free set of Luxilon Adrenaline 16L |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Mantis Comfort Synthetic 16 |
| November/December | Coupon for a free set of Genesis Typhoon 16 |
| 2009 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Wilson (K) Gut Pro 16 |
| February | Coupon for a free set of HEAD ETS 16 |
| March | Coupon for a free set of Prince Premier LT 17 |
| April | Coupon for a free set of Wilson Hollow Core 16 |
| May | Coupon for a free set of Luxilon M2 Pro 16 |
| June | Coupon for a free set of Gamma TNT² Tour 16 |
| July | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre Black Code 16 |
| August | Coupon for a free set of HEAD Sonic Pro 17/Natural Gut 16 |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Prince Hybrid Power EXP 17/16 Sample of Babolat N.Vy 16 with Stringer’s Digest |
| November/December | Coupon for a free set of HEAD Sonic Pro 17/FXP Power 17 |
| 2008 | |
| February | Drawing for a free set of Wilson Champions Choice |
| March | Coupon for a free set of Wilson (K) Gut 16 |
| April | Coupon for a free set of Luxilon ALU Power Fluoro |
| May | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre Xr3 16 |
| June | Coupon for a free set of Pro Supex Matrix Hybrid |
| July | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre TGV 16 |
| August | Drawing for a free set of Prince Recoil 16 |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Zo Tour 16 |
| 2007 | |
| January | Coupon for Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 16 Poster of the 2007 String Survey/Members Choice Awards |
| March | Drawing for a free set of Wilson Ultimate Duo |
| April | Coupon for a free set of Pro Supex Big Ace 1.25 |
| May | Coupon for a free set of Wilson Super Spin |
| July | Coupon for a free set of HEAD Sonic Pro 17 |
| August | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Asterisk 16 |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of HEAD C3 Rocket 16 |
| 2006 | |
| January | Flier for the Grommet Flare-It tool Poster of the 2006 String Survey/Members Choice Awards |
| February | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre Multifeel 16 |
| March | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Zo Pro 16L |
| June | Drawing for a free set of Wilson Natural |
| July | Coupon for a free set of HEAD FXP Power 16 |
| August | Coupon for a free set of Pacific X-Force 18 |
| September | Samples of Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour 16 and 17 with Stringer’s Digest |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre Pro RedCode 16 in RSI magazine |
| 2005 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Prince Lightning Power 17 Poster for the 2005 String Survey/Members Choice Awards |
| February | Coupon for a free set of Gamma Revelation 16 Revised poster for the 2005 String Survey/Members Choice Awards. |
| March | Coupon for a free set of Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 |
| May | Coupon for a free set of Wilson Reaction 16 |
| August | Coupon for a free set of HEAD FXP 17 |
| September | 2 Samples of Babolat Attraction 16 sent in Fall Digest Sample of Babolat Attraction Power 17 sent in Fall Digest |
| September/October | Coupon for a free set of Gosen Polylon SP 17 |
| November/December | Coupon for Gamma Zo Sweet 17 |
| 2004 | |
| January | String Survey Poster |
| March | Coupon for a free set of Prince Premier 16 |
| April | Coupon for a free set of Klip Blast 17 |
| July | Coupon for a free set of Wilson NXT OS 16L |
| August | Internet coupon for a free set of Tecnifibre X-One Biphase Sample of Prince Premier 16 sent to members, but not in magazine |
| September | Sample of Wilson Enduro Tour sent with magazine |
| October | Coupon for a free set of HEAD MegaBlast 16, and HEAD PowerZone PPS synthetic gut |
| November/December | Sample of Wilson Micro Dry replacement grip sent with magazine Copy of InTenn video magazine sent with magazine |
| 2003 | |
| January/ February | Sample set of Gamma Synthetic Gut 16 with flyer & Letter Coupon for a free set of Prince Lightning XX 16 |
| April | (Spring Digest Update) Insert of Wilson Stamina Spin String & Flyer |
| May | Sample of Gamma ESP 16 sent to members, but not in Magazine |
| June | Coupon for a free set of Gosen Polylon Comfort 16 |
| July | Coupon for a free set of Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 16L Big Banger ALU was sent with a set of Forten Aramid Gear |
| August | Insert of HEAD FiberGel Power 16 Coupon for a free set of Volkl Power Fiber 18 |
| September | Flyer from Wilson Coupon for a free set of Klip Scorcher 16 |
| December | Coupon for Prince Polygut 17 |
| 2002 | |
| January | Coupon for a free set of Volkl Power Fiber |
| February | Coupon for a free set of Prince Attitude |
| March | Ad for 2 Free sets of Topspin Poly Polar |
| April | Insert of Wilson Stamina String and Wilson Pro Overgrip |
| May | Insert of Tecnifibre Pro Mix & Roland Garros Drawing Entry Form Coupon for a free set of Unique Tournafiber Irradiated |
| August | Insert of Wilson’s Frequent Stringers Program |
| September | Entry Form for Prince Stringing Machine Drawing Coupon for a free set of HEAD FiberGel |
Special Discounts (U.S. members only)
Existing discounts for our members are as follows:
| Company | Contact | Discount for all members | Discount for MRTs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | 800-922-9024 | 10% discount on all Alpha strings and Alpha grips (based on first column pricing). | 3% discount on Alpha machines over $1,000. |
| Ashaway | 800-556-7260 | 5% discount off earned price on string. | |
| Golden Set | 866-865-3202 | 10% off on all strings and 5% off on all grips. | |
| Gosen | 424-999-8683 | Wholesale pricing for all USRSA members on all string sets and reels. | |
| Head | 800-289-7366 | 11% off wholesale prices on Accessories (excluding bags), Stringing Machine, and Racquet Diagnostic Center | 15% off wholesale prices on Accessories (excluding bags), Stringing Machine, and Racquet Diagnostic Center |
| Tourna | 800-554-3707 | 20% off Tourna Strings, 10% off grips, hoppers, accessories, and stringing machines. | |
| Ytex | 843-816-1440 | Wholesale pricing on all string sets and reels, no minimum order. | |
There is no need for a special code to take advantage of these discounts. You identify yourself as a USRSA member and give them your member number so they can verify your membership.
Finally, you may qualify to participate in product testing and new product development — and gain a valuable edge on your competition.