Paddles old and new

Viking and Wilson provided some insights into how paddles have evolved over the years:

“Paddle technology has come a long way. When platform tennis was first played in 1928 the paddles had square, wooden faces, had no holes and were lightweight (about eight ounces). As the sport grew in popularity, the paddles changed. Stronger woods were tried, but the extra strength resulted in added weight. Holes were then added to reduce weight and created the added benefit of allowing ‘spin’ to enter the game.

Metal edges were added in the 1960s to reduce wear. But, with the introduction of the metal edge came the “paddle rattle”. In the 1970s, manufacturers experimented with Lexan and aluminum paddles. The first open throat paddle appeared and was made with an aluminum yoke. Fiberglass and acrylic skins were added to reduce warping, increase power, and reduce weight. The new surface materials allowed the paddle face to become slightly textured and the holes sharper, giving more bite on the ball.

During the 1980s, the face of the paddle grew. Oversized and multicore paddles were developed. Paddles were made with plywood-like structures featuring layers of exotic woods plastics that created variations in hitting response. The early 1990′saw the introduction of a ‘foam core’ paddle, the Rich Maier ‘Force’ signature model. The design of the Force combined three core materials: a wood frame, a foam core center, and a fiberglass skin. The paddle was an instant success and the forerunner of today’s paddles. The new core allowed for real shock absorption and more power.

Today, wood has all but disappeared as a main ingredient for a paddle. Paddles are made of state-of-the-art, high-tech, space-age materials. Titanium, Kevlar, graphite, bi-axial cross-linked polymers, and EVA (a co polymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate) foam are standard components.

EVA is a soft cushioning material that reduces shock and vibration and provides optimal comfort. This type of foam can be produced at different densities depending on the desired level of control. Additionally, EVA will create a larger sweetspot for enhanced comfort over a bigger portion of the hitting surface. Prior to 1999, paddles were constructed primarily with molded graphite, which is ideal for players who want maximum power with a firm feel. EVA now has the best of everything, with a larger, softer sweetspot.

One of the advantages of working with EVA foam, from a manufacturing standpoint, is that sharp edges can be produced around the holes. How? A fiberglass sheet is put over the EVA foam, which can be cut cleanly during production. The end result is more “bite” on the ball for greater control and increased spin, even in snowy/rainy conditions.

Paddles are still getting lighter. Six years ago, the average paddles were 15 to 18 ounces. Today, most paddles are less than 14 ounces. There is even an 11-ounce prototype being tested that has air as its core!”

Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Issue #2, November, 1999