If you want maximum spin, get ready to put away the tennis racket you are currently using and get ready to take these new frames from Wilson for a “spin.”
Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has announced the newest in tennis racket technology for 2013 with the launch of Spin Effect Technology, its patent-pending racket technology dramatically increasing spin. It is the first racket system enabling players to add over 200 RPMs on their shots without needing to change their swing. Two rackets, the Steam 99S and Steam 105S, feature Spin Effect Technology and will debut in January 2013.
“This racket design is a significant breakthrough,” said Jon Muir, general manager for Wilson Racquet Sports. Our R&D; and Product teams spent significant time testing, analyzing technologies and developing different racket designs that enhance spin and playability. We have something really special in the Steam 99S and Steam 105S. In the end, players will see their degree of spin increase. It is essentially the same as lowering the net by two inches and extending the court by a foot. The bottom line is that more shots make it over the net and stay in play.”
At its state-of-the-art Innovation Center, Wilson investigated the correlation between string pattern, racket design and spin, and is the only tennis brand to use proprietary monitoring technology to measure spin rotation, speed and height. Wilson discovered that fewer cross strings were a key driver of maximizing string movement along with faster snapback speed to generate more spin.
John Lyons, Global Products Director for Wilson says the need for a racket like this comes from the way the game of tennis is now played.
“World class and even good club players don’t want to shorten their swing,” stated Lyons. “So swing has become so important and generating spin is something they all want.”
This has resulted in a complete racket redesign that supports this new string pattern while enhancing overall playability as well. It is the first racket that provides up to 3.3 times more string movement and 69 percent faster snap back, specifically engineered for this style of play.
Lyons said they tested many different string patterns to see which would work. Wilson even enlisted the service of a TrackMan device, which is typically used to test golf clubs.
“The TrackMan allowed us to track the ball rotations, the height and arc of the balls hit with the rackets,” added Lyons. “We were able to see where the balls were going to land.”
The Steam 99S and Steam 105S with Spin Effect Technology use Amplifeel 360,Wilson’s enhanced handle technology that provides a superior feel while dramatically increasing power.
“Today’s game has changed dramatically and is all about aggressive spin,” Muir continued.
“Wilson continues to lead this evolution. This advancement will bring increased spin potential to a wider audience and will improve their game.”
Lyons says they will recommend that players using the Spin Effect Technology also use the Luxilon 4g string to get the most out of the technology. This is the string Serena Williams switched to, at least on half her strings, earlier in 2012.
“This racket is really for any player looking for more spin,” offered up Lyons.
He said it could be for advanced players, good junior players and even women could benefit from the technology since they may not generate as much spin as the men do.
This appears to be cutting edge technology from Wilson. You can see their entire line at www.wilson.com.
Rick Limpert is an Atlanta-based sports technology writer. You can follow him on Twitter at @RickRoswell
