SPORTS-MAR10-P24:SGBGolf_NEW_template 1/3/10 11:56 Page 24
Showcase: Badminton
Set for Speed
Technical creativity in racket design continues to surge ahead and this year’s
badminton ranges promise state of the art technology focusing on speed, power
and control. Yvonne Holberton takes a look at some of the latest designs
Carlton Wilson Karakal
Prototype V1.0 K Strike Tour Gel
A result of three years in Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms Karakal says the super-light
development, Carlton say this has put her name to the latest Tour Gel and Tour Lite Gel
‘state-of-the-art’ racket is the racket from Wilson. The Signature rackets have proved to be the
first of its kind on the market, Line Gail Emms K Strike comes with company’s best sellers. Both
using revolutionary technology a personally autographed full-length rackets feature the company’s
which removes grommets at key cover and a free overgrip. Weighing Superlight High Impact Dispersion
locations on the racket head to ensure 84g, technical details incorporate a Nano Titanium Gel, designed to
direct contact between the cross strings ‘(k)arophite’ black frame, ‘(k)ontour joint give smoother power delivery.
and the racket frame. Carlton claims (k)ap’ for shaft flexibility and a quad Both rackets are suitable for all
this softens the impact of the shuttle shape for manoeuvrability and improved standards of players.
for sharp control and feedback. The control and precision. RRP: £50-£60
racket is constructed in Japanese high- RRP: £100
www.karakal.com
modulus carbon and incorporates
www.wilson.com
Carlton’s Bi-Axial Dynamics, Optimetric
head shape and Ultra-lite cap.
RRP: £200
www.carltonsports.com
Head Lite Head PowerHelix 10,000
Three new rackets, the Lite 70, 80 and 82 have been added to this season’s Head has given the PowerHelix 10,000 a revamp, now available in vibrant
range. The rackets incorporate Teflon U Grommets, which Head says create red. The unique spiral structure, which runs along the entire shaft, is
an increased sweetspot, allowing for greater speed and designed to give up to 56% more flexibility for faster,
flexibility. Weighing only 79 grams, it comes in a more powerful shots, while maintaining maximum
stylish design in White and Antique Gold colour control.
ways.
RRP: £49.99-£89.99 RRP: £139.99
www.head.com www.head.com
Karakal XS 600 Prince
Designed in conjunction with Andrew
James, consultant podiatrist and
03 Speedport Hybrid
clinical director at ACE, the XS 600
White
court shoe is said to give
Incorporating STS technology, Prince says the 03
“unprecedented levels of support,
Speedport Hybrid White is the first badminton
cushioning and control”. Karakal says
racket that can be customised for racket feel and
a combination of intelligent upper
string-bed response. Speedports around the head
design together with a technical mid-
are intended to strengthen and stabilise the frame
sole creates greater foot stability to
for a 59% bigger sweetspot, and allow the racket
improve movement around the court,
head to move up to 24% faster through the air
which also has the potential to reduce
than traditional frames.
lower limb injuries.
RRP: £140
RRP: £49.99
www.princebadminton.com
www.karakal.com
24 SGB SPORT MARCH 2010
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