The Sports Equipment GuideAccessories
The small things you need alongside the main item.
Affiliate links: the buttons below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra and has no effect on how we rank anything. See our affiliate disclosure.
Tennis
Tennis balls
Pressurised balls play lively but go flat within a few weeks of opening. Pressureless balls last much longer and suit casual play or a ball machine, though they feel firmer. For matches, look for balls approved by the ITF.
Racket bags
Choose by how many rackets you carry. A three-racket bag is enough for most club players, and bigger bags hold more kit. A separate shoe pocket and padded straps are worth having, and thermal lining helps protect rackets from heat.
Overgrips
A thin layer of tape over your handle. Replace it when it feels slick. Tacky overgrips feel grippier, while dry ones suit sweaty hands. Check your grip size first so you do not build the handle up too much.
Strings
Strings change feel and arm comfort. Softer multifilament or natural gut is gentler on the arm. Polyester lasts longer and gives control but feels firmer. Strings need fitting by a stringer, so take a set to a shop or club.
Vibration dampeners
A small rubber piece that sits on the strings and cuts the buzz you hear and feel. It does not change how stiff the frame is, and it is not a fix for arm pain.
Tennis shoes
Buy shoes made for tennis, not running shoes, because they handle sideways movement better. Hard-court shoes wear tougher, and clay shoes have a grippier tread.
Padel
Padel balls
Padel balls look like tennis balls but have a bit less pressure. They go dead after a few sessions, so most players buy them in tubes of three and replace them often. Look for balls approved by the sport’s governing body if you play matches.
Racket bags
A padel bag usually holds two or three rackets, with a pocket for shoes and clothes. Padded straps and a ventilated shoe pocket are worth having.
Overgrips
A thin layer of tape over the handle. Replace it when it feels slick. Tacky ones feel grippier and dry ones suit sweaty hands.
Padel shoes
Padel shoes have a grippy, herringbone-style sole made for the sand-covered courts. Tennis or running shoes slip more and wear faster.
Protector tape
Padel rackets hit walls and floors. A strip of protector tape round the frame stops the edge getting chipped and is cheap to replace.
Racket covers
A padded cover protects the frame in your bag from knocks and from heat in a car.
Golf
Golf balls
Two-piece “distance” balls are cheaper and tougher, and they suit newer golfers. Premium multi-layer balls give more spin and feel around the green, which matters more once you are consistent.
Golf gloves
You wear one on your lead hand (the left, for a right-hander). It should fit snugly with no loose fabric. Leather feels better and wears out quicker, and synthetic ones last longer in the wet.
Golf tees
Longer tees suit the driver. Tee the ball so about half of it sits above the top of the clubface. Bamboo or wood tees are cheap, and you will lose a lot of them.
Golf bags
A stand bag is lighter and easier to carry. A cart bag is bigger and better if you use a trolley. Check the strap padding and how many dividers it has.
Rangefinders
A rangefinder tells you the distance to the flag. They are usually fine in casual rounds, but many competitions only allow distance and not slope readings, so check the rules.
Golf shoes
Spikeless shoes are comfortable enough to wear all day and work for most golfers. Spiked shoes grip better on wet, hilly courses. Waterproof ones are worth it in the UK.
Driver head covers
A head cover protects the driver from knocks in the bag and keeps the paint and the crown in good shape.
Running
Running socks
Technical running socks wick sweat and cut blister risk far better than cotton. Look for a snug fit with no bunching, and a little extra padding if you run long.
Insoles
Most shoes come with a basic insole. Some runners like a replacement for comfort or fit. Insoles are not a cure for pain, so see a physio if aches keep coming back.
Running belts
A slim belt carries your phone, keys and a card without bouncing. Look for a snug fit and a sweat-resistant pocket.
GPS watches
A GPS watch tracks pace, distance and heart rate. You do not need an expensive one, since the basics are the same on most.
Lights and reflectives
If you run in the dark, a head or chest light and something reflective make you easier to see. In the UK winter, this matters.
Anti-chafe balm
A balm or stick on the usual rub spots (thighs, underarms, toes) helps on long runs, especially in warm weather.
Running caps and gloves
A cap keeps sun and rain off your face, and thin gloves make cold mornings more bearable. Pick ones made for running so they do not get soggy.
Still need the main item? Pick your sport on the home page.