This Just In: Going beyond the equipment basics

Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
Price: $199
Website: hyperice.com

Hyperice is a high-performance brand specializing in percussion, vibration, thermal and other therapies to prepare for and recover from athletic exertion. The company’s latest massage gun—just out this week—takes lightweight and portable to another level. The Hypervolt Go 2 is the size of a small hammer and weighs just 1.5 lbs., storing easily in any racquet bag and gets up to three hours of use on one charge. The patented QuietGlide technology emits a low, virtually undetectable humming sound with three speeds of intensity and two attachments (flat and bullet) to deliver a personalized massage. Whether before a match or a workout, just a few minutes with the Go 2 can relieve tension, loosen up muscles and optimize performance.

Yonex EZONE 105
Price: $245
Website: yonex.com

After launching the EZONE 98 and 100 earlier this year, Yonex has followed up with four more frames in the line—98L, 100L, 105 and 110—with lighter weights and bigger head sizes. The 105 is an intriguing model as it provides a larger sweet spot and easier handling, but isn’t quite a true oversize. An attractive option for beginning to intermediate players looking for comfortable, controllable and forgiving frame.

Badger SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen
Price: $15
Website: badgerbalm.com

Warmer weather means outdoor tennis. Which also means protecting your skin. This broad spectrum, unscented mineral sunscreen is made of just four simple, 98% organic ingredients. The zinc oxide rubs on a little thick, but quickly disappears into the skin without a greasy residue. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, making it a valuable partner by the surf as well. Packaged in a portable, recyclable tin, toss it in the pocket of your tennis bag to make sure you're always covered.

RIA Reflex Sunglasses
Price: $199
Website: riaeyewear.com

More sun also means shading your eyes from harmful rays. Made in Italy in collaboration with optics specialists, ZEISS, RIA’s new Reflex sunglasses have shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that offer 100% UVA/B protection and premium coatings to lessen fogging, scratching and smudging. As opposed to the full shield of their original Model One, the Reflex sports the more classic two-piece lens design. The Cobalt Blue Mirror look covers the brown-amber coloring of the lens, which makes the ball pop against the court background. The frames have an interchangeable lens system—clear replacement lenses are also available—adjustable temples for a contoured fit, and come in three colors: carbon black, oxygen white and midnight blue.

Strutz Pro
Price: $30 (pair)
Website: lovemystrutz.com

Plantar fasciitis, heel pain and other types of foot maladies are hazards of the game for avid tennis players. Forget about playing a match, when the affliction is significant, it can be a chore just to walk. The cushioned arch support provided by the Strutz Pro is designed to alleviate some of the discomfort by off-loading pressure from the bottom of the foot and disperse shock. The one-size-fits-all, gel-foam core insert can be worn with any type of shoe or even barefoot as a recovery tool—the compression combined with the massaging effect from each step increases circulation. It’s like giving your feet a post-match rubdown.