Head Tennis Racket Technologies
Head Graphene
Changing the weight distribution of the rackets
Without a doubt there have been some of the biggest advances in racket technology in recent times and HEAD have led the way with Graphene. It is ultra light and to give you an idea of its properties when compared to Steel graphene is 200 times stronger. In terms of its use in tennis rackets HEAD have used it in the throat of the frame which has allowed for ‘excess’ weight to be redistributed to both the handle and head of the frame. Meaning that players get more power from less effort – this is due to the increase in swing weight. Just to be clear, as Graphene is stronger than graphite, less is needed to attain the same level of strength in the throat of the frame so the graphite that would have previously been in the throat can be placed in the handle and head of the racket. The second generation of rackets to feature Graphene were given an update, known as Graphene XT the distribution of excess weight was further improved due to better bonding of bigger platelets. Meaning that rackets can be lighter but still stronger than previous versions and with more weight towards the head of the racket players will find it much easier to generate more power. The newest evolution of Graphene is Graphene Touch, the feature of this is to reduce the level of vibration that players experience, giving a much more dampened feel which is designed to be more comfortable. It is becoming clearer that players in the modern game are hitting the ball harder and for longer so it is important to try and minimise some of the effects that this can have on their bodies. Reducing the level of vibration running through the racket was something that HEAD identified and have set about to give players the best feel possible.
MxG Technology
Improving frame stability
One of HEAD’s latest technology developments is MxG, by rackets featuring a bridge made from magnesium frame stability is vastly improved. When combining this with Graphene Touch you create a racket that offers extreme levels of both comfort and power. The science behind the magnesium bridge fundamentally allows for longer free-moving main strings which gives a much larger sweetspot. Meaning that when compared to a racket of the same headsize you generate more power. As well as this the magnesium bridge also ensures that the upper hoop of the racket doesn’t show any signs of deformation. In short, you as the player has not only more power but improved control on every shot.
360 Grommets and Adaptive String Pattern
Improving string performance in the racket
HEAD have also developed an innovative grommet system (known as 360 grommets) that give main strings much greater movement both when the ball contacts the strings (offering more snapback and spin) but also when the ball is leaving the strings (giving you more power). It is these developments that allow you to get more from today’s rackets than ever before. Another string development is the use of the Adaptive String Pattern (ASP) that gives players the option of being able to change their stringing pattern when they have their racket restrung. You are able to change from a conventional 16 x 19 pattern to a much more open 16 x 16 pattern. By removing 3 cross strings players are able to generate much greater levels of spin due to the increase in movement across the string bed.
With technology now at the forefront of the game there are bound to be more developments in the not too distant future but for now this is a brief round up of some of HEAD’s most talked about technologies.
Written by: James @ Withers Sports
