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Comfort and Control: Technology evolves for new racquets

By Bob Patterson

As the sport of tennis continues to evolve, characteristics like control and comfort seem to suffer. In an effort to offset this, manufacturers are constantly researching and developing new materials, construction techniques and engineering methods.

Is it possible to have it all? Probably not, since one playing characteristic often counteracts another. However, it is possible to mitigate some of the less desirable side effects of a given quality, and that is what we are seeing with many of the new products coming out on the market. As new technologies are introduced, expect to see this story of comfort and control continue to evolve.

Most new products are introduced in the spring, but we have several new frames that are being introduced for the fall and holiday season.

Dunlop

dunlop.com • 800-768-4727

Dunlop’s new Precision line features a hybrid cross section designed to create the perfect combination of precision, touch and feel, says the company, allowing the player to control the game. Also new is the SRX shock reduction system in the handle. SRX features a combination of materials and construction to help filter out heavy impacts and jarring, while still allowing all the good sensations to come through. The line includes four new frames: Precision 98 Tour, Precision 98, Precision 100 and Precision Tour 100.

Tecnifibre

tecnifibre.com • 888-301-7878

Tecnifibre has revamped its entire T-Fight franchise with the introduction of the T-Fight DC line: T-Fight 280 DC, T-Fight 295 DC, T-Fight 300 DC, T-Fight 305 DC, T-Fight 315 DC and T-Fight 320 DC. The line encompasses a number of variations, from weight and swingweight to string patterns, to fit a wide variety of player types. Tecnifibre also has expanded its squash line with four new frames: Carboflex Storm, Dynergy AP 125, Dynergy AP 130 and Dynergy AP 135.

Head

head.com • 800-289-7366

Head introduces the latest generation of its Graphene technology with Graphene Touch, which was unveiled at the US Open with the new Speed line: Graphene Touch Speed Pro, Graphene Touch Speed MP and Graphene Touch Speed S. With Graphene Touch, the material has been re-engineered for improved shock absorption upon impact, says the company. Also new is the Innegra hybrid-composite structured frames, utilizing one the lightest high-performance fibers in the IG Laser MP and IG Laser OS.

Volkl

volkltennis.com • 866-554-7872

Volkl continues its tradition of having technologically advanced dampening frames with the introduction of the V-Sense line, including the V-Sense 2, V-Sense 4, V-Sense 6, V-Sense 8 (285 grams), V-Sense 8 (300 grams), V-Sense 8 (315 grams), V-Sense 9, V-Sense 10 (295 grams) and V-Sense 10 (325 grams).

Pacific

pacific.com • 941-795-1789

For junior players who have progressed beyond introductory aluminum junior racquets, Pacific introduces the X Fast Team 1.45, a 26-inch premium junior frame that is a lighter, shorter version of the company’s adult frames.

Wilson

wilson.com • 800-272-6060

Despite Roger Federer’s absence at this year’s US Open, he was still garnering attention with the new Pro Staff line he co-designed with Wilson. The line includes a variety of configurations catered to many player types: Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph, Pro Staff 97, Pro Staff 97 LS, Pro Staff 97 S and Pro Staff 97 ULS. Also new from Wilson are two game-improvement frames, the Triad Three and Triad Five.

See all articles by Bob Patterson

About the Author

Bob Patterson , the founder of the RacquetMAXX customization service, is a Master Racquet Technician with more than 20 years of experience. He was RSI's Stringer of the Year in 2005. He is Executive Director for the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association.

From the November 2016 issue
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