Tennis racquet technology has transformed the game, making it more exciting, competitive and pleasurable for spectators alike. Some recent innovations include sensors that measure swing speed as well as new forms of graphite material and textured strings – just to name a few!
Babolat’s Pure Aero line — popular with players such as Dominic Thiem — uses an asymmetrical frame design for stability and dynamism, while Yonex has introduced the revolutionary EZONE with a patent isommetric design to increase sweet spot by 7 percent without increasing overall headsize.
Smart racquets
Tennis racquet companies are increasingly exploring the potential of smart technology in their products, including sensors to track player performance and provide real-time feedback, as well as artificial intelligence systems designed to enhance player performance. These innovations could transform how tennis is played at all levels – from recreational players through to elite professionals.
Smart racquets contain sensors that measure shot power, ball velocity and spin. This information is then transmitted over Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet app for analysis by player technique experts to see whether techniques are improving as intended or identify areas for improvement.
Sensors may be attached to either the bottom of a racquet handle or to its end cap for accurate readings, though each location offers its own advantages and disadvantages. Placing sensors at either location has their own set of advantages and disadvantages; placing one at the bottom of a handle offers easy access and accurate readings, but may be less ideal for athletes who switch racquets regularly or who prefer having their sensor placed on their wrist.
One of the newest advancements in smart racquets is a device called Qlipp that attaches directly to racket strings through crowdfunding. With its flexible mount and twist and lock system, this sensor helps athletes achieve more power, control, and durability during matches.
Impact locators technology has also proven invaluable, providing coaches and players alike a way of measuring how their hitting techniques are evolving over time, as well as pinpointing where the ball hits the racquet head – key elements in pinpointing “sweet spots”.
Smart racquets now feature 3D printing technology, allowing for customized pieces tailored specifically to individual players. Furthermore, this innovation makes the material more comfortable by responding to movement of the body – providing greater customizability than ever.
Eco-friendly materials
Tennis racquet materials can have a significant effect on the environment. Some materials come from natural resources like wood or metal; other synthetic ones include plastic and carbon fiber. Opting for eco-friendly materials can help players reduce their environmental footprint while providing superior grip and feel on the ball – not to mention saving money when restringing their racquet!
The manufacturing of tennis rackets consumes considerable energy resources. A substantial amount is required to heat and melt materials derived from fossil fuels like petroleum and natural gas; additional energy sources include injection molding machines that create frames of the racket itself; this output of energy transformation into material products (Jenkins).
There are various ways that tennis players can be greener. From purchasing environmentally-friendly balls and disposing of old racquets to recycling old equipment responsibly. Wilson recently introduced an eco-friendly tennis ball designed to stay fresh and bouncy four times longer than conventional pressurized balls; additionally, they use an unpressurized paper sleeve and biodegradable packaging materials.
Another great way to reduce the environmental impact of your tennis racquet is selecting recycled strings and grips. Most tennis strings are composed of nylon or polyester material derived from nonrenewable resources and require intensive processing, creating high embodied energy costs. Switching over to natural gut strings reduces restringing frequency while being more durable than polyester alternatives.
Rafters tend to be discarded once damaged or no longer suitable for play, creating pollution and degrading environmental quality. Furthermore, transporting them takes considerable amounts of fossil fuels which contributes to global warming – it is therefore vital that consumers carefully consider environmental considerations when selecting their tennis racket purchase.
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber is a high-performance material used in tennis racquets to reduce vibrations and enhance player comfort, as well as being lighter and stronger than materials such as metal alloys. Carbon fiber also exhibits resistance against corrosion and abrasion; production can be done by combining various raw materials together before heating them at extremely high temperatures – it’s even considered a renewable resource!
TeXtreme Technology is one of the latest advancements in carbon fiber technology. This material uses spread tows instead of yarns to achieve high performance products while saving companies money and decreasing waste production. TeXtreme technology is now used by several major racquet manufacturers.
This technology is being applied to produce various racquets, from junior models to high-performance frames. Sometimes the material is embedded directly into the frame to increase stability and strength; other times, it wraps around the handle to reduce vibrations and enhance feel of the racquet. Players have found this technology extremely helpful as they maintain energy levels while preventing injuries.
Material also improves the torsional stability of racquets, increasing power and control while attenuating vibrations that could otherwise cause arm injuries, while simultaneously decreasing force needed to swing it racquet. Finally, this material also offers better gripping sensation for players while improving overall performance of racquets.
Numerous elements can affect the performance of a tennis racquet, including head size and beam thickness. A larger head provides greater power with a larger sweet spot; on the other hand, smaller heads may give players greater control. Finding an optimal balance between these features is key.
Tennis players are seeking ways to enhance their game and reduce fatigue and injuries through technology, with smart racquets providing one such solution utilizing sensors to detect when players hit the ball, then adjust accordingly; computer programs then analyze this data for optimal performance of the racquet.
Grommet construction
Grommets are plastic pieces inserted into a racquet frame to protect its composite frame and strings from damage and also to add to its overall feel. Their various shapes and sizes determine how it responds to ball; wider grommets permit more string movement giving more power; narrower grommets limit movement providing stiffer string beds that provide greater control.
A racquet with an alternative grommet construction uses metal plates that connect string holes to a bumper strip at the head of the racquet, helping prevent tensioned strings from hitting against its composite frame and increasing shock and vibration levels. Durable bumper strips help protect from damage while prolonging grommet lifespan.
Graphene 360 technology features a hybrid frame composed of two materials; it combines the efficiency and stability of graphene with Spiral Fibers that help it flex more optimally upon impact, creating a powerful yet comfortable racquet that gives players greater control and accuracy.
Kinetic technology is another groundbreaking innovation, consisting of thousands of micro-bearings housed within multiple chambers atop the racquet head. When struck, these micro-bearings move backward along their bearing tracks to charge up energy which then transfers through to the ball for power delivery without frame shock and vibration issues.
Wilson’s TRIAD technology features a proprietary tri-component design that (according to Wilson) maximizes power, control and comfort simultaneously without compromising any one element for another. The hoop and handle components are separate components which never come in contact; this reduces overall weight while improving feel, stability and power.
Volkl’s VCELL dampening technology provides an advanced dampening solution designed to enhance feel, stability and power. Utilizing an advanced form of black carbon cellulose derived from space age materials used in satellites and high-tech airplanes.