New equipment technology

Platform tennis technology continues to evolve, making the sport more enjoyable and easier to play. The key components to determine a paddle’s playability are: weight, density and composite materials, surface area, grit, hole sharpness, rim style and grip length.

Most of today’s paddles come standard with grit and sharp holes. It is the other things that will ultimately define an end-user’s preference in equipment.

With the introduction of EVA Foam paddles and the record sales of the Viking OZ back in the 90′s, manufacturers have committed to altering foam paddle core densities for new paddles.

Eleven of the 17 paddles comprising the 2009 lines are 2008 remakes. Three more are remakes with minor alterations.

While Viking comes out with major innovations every few years, Wilson’s new [K] line is the year’s greatest innovative change in 2009. Not necessarily better or worse than Viking’s line… just technologically new. The end users will determine which product they like best. [enlarge image to read full report]