Sport Science

   Tennis Racquets

In collaboration with our partner Division, LLC., we have designed a new type of tennis racquet, the “equalizer”, that represents the first fundamental innovation in tennis since the large-head racket was introduced in 1976.

 Conventional rackets

• a. All current rackets look and play essentially the same.
• b. All current racket faces have nearly identical oval shapes. These provide strong and light frames, but convey very limited power and control, and have a relatively small sweet spot (about the size of a man’s fist).
• c. All current rackets require a choice between power (low string tension) and control (high tension).  They cannot provide both; and whatever choice is made, the result is far from optimal.
• d. Conventional stringing is slow, cumbersome, and highly inaccurate  -- string tensions on all current rackets are very different from those requested, initially, and even more so after play.
• f. The Equalizer® will change all this.

EQUALIZER® CHARACTERISTICS

1.  Approximately rectangular racket face

• a. All main strings have approximately the same length and can be independently tensioned to vibrate with the same frequency.
• b. All  cross strings also have the same (shorter) length, and with suitable string material can be tensioned to vibrate with the same frequency as the mains. 
• c. Equalized vibration frequency of all strings produces greater power and a sweet spot (SS) at least four times larger (about the size of a man’s face). 
• d. With this new source of power, and immense SS you can have both power and control.
• e. The Equalizer®’s large axial moment of inertia reduces the error from off-axis hits.
• e. Equalized string vibrations reduce the error from hits on adjacent strings.
• f. The Equalizer®, which provides the first new face look in 150 years, is made possible by the use of innovative new materials, grommets, and stringing protocols.
• g. Our dramatic new metallic look incorporates improved aerodynamics.

2.  Integrated lockable grommets

• a. Enable independent stringing and exact tensioning of each string.
• b. Enable equal frequencies without equal string lengths.
• c. Enable rounded corners and a shorter outer side for increased strength and playability.
• d. Enable lower tensions on (shorter) cross and outer strings, to create an even larger SS.
• e. Enable rapid stringing with pre-cut strings using a smart-phone “app”.
• f. Enable easy re-tensioning or replacement of individual strings -- courtside.
• h. Enable playability even with broken strings.

3.  Stringing protocols and devices

• a. New stringing protocol maintains face shape at each step so there are no tension changes.
• b. Protocol eliminates release shock on frame.
• c. Protocol enables strong quasi-rectangular face with light weight.
• d. New stringing device enables fast, automated in-shop stringing, allowing all strings to be tensioned simultaneously.
• e. Hand-held tensioning device with smartphone “app” enables stringing anywhere – even courtside.

4. Vibration control

• a. Aerodynamic lightening holes, insulated grommets, and wedge-shape profile all reduce vibrations.
• b. Patented “Sting Stopper” in handle absorbs and dissipates remaining vibrations, dramatically reducing incidence of  “tennis elbow”.

5. Prototypes