Wilson K Factor Racquets: Advanced Technology For Players of All Levels
Tennis racquet frames have made an impression evolution over they years, from wood to aluminum to graphite. While simple graphite alone is a strong, light material ideal for the demands of tournament play, Wilson improved on simple graphite with nCode and [K]arophite Black technologies. These technologies are available in Wilson K Factor racquets to players of any level.
A Closer Look at [K]arophite Black
To better understand the benefits of the advanced technology in the design of Wilson K Factor racquets, it’s helpful to look at how the material is produced. [K]arophite Black is a nanotechnology done at a microscopic level to improve racquet strength without sacrificing the lightness of graphite.
Take a look at a simple graphite racquet. It’s made up of a light, yet sturdy material, a great improvement over aluminum and wood racquets of previous generations. At a microscopic level you would see the graphite fibers with lots of open space between them.
Wilson improved on this by filling the spaces between the graphite fibers with silicon dioxide. If you’re wondering what silicon dioxide is, it’s one of the most plentiful substances on earth. You typically see it everyday in the form of sand, silica or glass. Wilson scientists found that adding this material to the spaces between graphite fibers on a microscopic level resulted in an even stronger racquet body. This become the nCode technology used in previous generations of Wilson racquets.
Not content to stop there, scientists found that they could take nCode technology a step further. Using carbon black fibers to connect the silicon dioxide particles to the graphite fibers added to the racquet strength even further. Thus, [K]arophite Black and the Wilson K Factor racquet was born.
Other Technologies Found In Wilson K Factor Racquets
The [K]ontour Yoke is an improvement in frame technology, limiting the twisting movement that the racquet can make while striking the ball.
The [K]onnector is one of two wing shaped fittings molded to the hoop the racquet for an increased sweet spot and greater control.
The [K]ompact Center is a rounded triangular shaped design in the area between the hoop and handle. This innovation was inspired by Roger Federer and improves the handling characteristics of the racquet.
Specific Models
If you are a beginner (NTRP 1.5+) then the K Factor Zero is ideal for you. Its 4 points, head heavy balance is best for players with a short stroke looking for power. The head is a large 118 square inches with a 16 x 19 string pattern.
The next step up is the K Factor Three, designed for a slightly better skill level (2.5+ NTRP) but an 8 points, head heavy balance for those who still have short strokes and need power from the racquet. Its 115 square inch head is slightly smaller than the K Factor Zero’s with a 16 x 19 string pattern.
Those with an NTRP skill level in the 3.5+ range should look at the K Factor Blade Team. Its 4.2 points, head light balance works well for those with a moderate swing. The head size is 104 square inches and has an 18 x 19 string pattern.
Another option for those with a moderate swing is the K Factor Four. The skill level for this racquet is in the 3.0-4.5 NTRP range, so it would likely be a good fit for those considering the Blade Team model. It has a 3 points, head heavy balance with a head size of 105 square inches and a 16 x 19 string pattern.
If your skill level has advanced to the 4.5+ range, the K Factor Blade 98 is worthy of consideration. Its 98 square inch head allows greater maneuverability and its 3 points, head light balance works well with aggressive swings and it has an 18 x 20 string pattern.
Conclusion
The Wilson K Factor series represents a big step in racquet engineering and design. Players of all skill levels can take advantage of this technology that uses common, everyday materials.
1 Comment