Modern day tennis players tend to play with more spin and as a result, hit the ball out of the top of the racket rather than the center. The disadvantage of this is players swing with more force to generate more power and spin. This puts extra load on the player's arm and can result in injury.The Dunlop research team observed this trend and employed a new innovation to resolve this aspect - the Sonic Core made with BASF's Infinergy.
Designed for the tennis player looking for strong cushioning, high rebound, speed, and lightweight performance, the Sonic Core is built with intuitive design and technology principles unmatched in the industry.
Infinergy is the world's first E-TPU that sets the standards in cushioning, rebound and performance. Located at the two and ten o’clock areas of the racket, Sonic Core made with Infinergy creates a high performing yet comfortable material. Dunlop's material testing shows the main highlight is its 46% increase in rebound height vs. Dunlop's original Sonic Core material resulting in 2% faster ball speed off the racket. In addition to superior rebound properties, the Infinergy material also has impressive damping properties and reduces vibrations up to 37% vs. a standard carbon fiber racket.
The Sonic Core technology can be found in Dunlop's next generation CX racket series. The new range of tennis rackets combines unrivaled technical innovations and advantages with Infinergy. The revolutionary material is also used in Power Flex technology for Dunlop's padel bats.
"The CX Series is our flagship racket launch for 2019 and has been designed solely with the players' needs in mind," said Kiyoshi Ikawa, Head of Product Planning & Promotion of Sumitomo Rubber Group, owner of the Dunlop brand. "We are dedicated to providing the highest quality products available and the CX Series features the latest technology. The new range has options for players of all ages and abilities, providing them with increased power, control, and spin, as well as a larger sweet spot, to help players nurture their ability and fuel their love and passion for tennis."
"Infinergy is designed not only for footwear but also for sports equipment like the Dunlop tennis racket that gives players an advantage on the court," said Dr. Jens Peter Dierssen, Head of Global Business Management Infinergy at BASF. "When working with Dunlop to design the new CX rackets, our goal was to maximize durability, cushioning and speed with an aggressive advancement in performance that sets a new benchmark for the industry."
The CX Series is endorsed by Dunlop's Tour Team players including multiple Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson who will use the rackets during the 2019 season.
Source: BASF
