2015 has been a big year for technology in tennis, with some
of the most ground breaking ideas coming to the forefront as actual technology. From ultra light materials to computer chips, many tennis brands
are revolutionizing the way we look to take our game to the next level. To, start let’s look
at the computer chip that everyone is talking about this year with the Babolat
PLAY series. Though this line has been out on the market for the last two
seasons, it is only this year that Babolat has expanded the chip to its entire
line up. Prior to this year PLAY was only offered on one model, the Babolat
Pure Drive. Now, what is it that PLAY actually does to improve our game? PLAY
uses sensors placed throughout the racket that transmit information to the
handle, where it is stored and is able to be brought up on either a tablet, phone
or laptop screen. This data will give you feedback on every area of your game,
from the amount of topspin you generate to the consistency you hit the sweet
spot on your racquet. All of this data is brought up in an array of colorful
graphs and pie charts. Babolat PLAY is a must try for tech lover wanting to
step up their game.
Head, the company that supplies the worlds #1 player Novak
Djokovic, hasn’t taken quite the same route when it comes to pushing the boundaries
of technology in tennis.
Still sticking with the tried and true idea that a more perfectly balanced racquet leads to higher levels of consistency, power, and spin, Head has been working with the revolutionary material Graphene. For those who haven’t heard of Graphene, it is the strongest man made material on earth, about 200 times stronger than steel, and it is as thin as a piece of human hair. Head has taken this material and inserted it into the neck of their racquets this allows them to polarize the weight towards the handle and crown of the racquet creating an unbelievably balanced feel in all of their frames. This year they took it one step farther with Graphene Next, which stronger and lighter than ever. This year’s lineup has unparalleled stability.
Still sticking with the tried and true idea that a more perfectly balanced racquet leads to higher levels of consistency, power, and spin, Head has been working with the revolutionary material Graphene. For those who haven’t heard of Graphene, it is the strongest man made material on earth, about 200 times stronger than steel, and it is as thin as a piece of human hair. Head has taken this material and inserted it into the neck of their racquets this allows them to polarize the weight towards the handle and crown of the racquet creating an unbelievably balanced feel in all of their frames. This year they took it one step farther with Graphene Next, which stronger and lighter than ever. This year’s lineup has unparalleled stability.
As for Wilson, for the first time in their history they have
altered the design of the Prostaff lineup. Not only have they dropped the iconic
90 sq’in frame but also changed the overall structure of the frame, dropping
the sharp design for something a little more forgiving. They have also
broadened the spec range on the line so that it will cater to a larger majority
of players. Not only has Wilson changed the design of their flagship racquet but
also added another model to the collection. Known as the Burn, this racquet is
designed for anyone looking to hammer out heavy hitting rallies at the
baseline. With a slightly thicker frame for added power and stability, the Burn
is going to be a must have for many Wilson lovers. Though the first quarter of this year has brought many great
technological achievements in the tennis world, the year is still very young as brands continue to push the envelope of
what is possible with a tennis racquet.
Duncan McCallum