Badminton Racket Technology: Spiral Graphite Shaft

My very bad case of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) started when I wanted to try out all sorts of technology that can go into a badminton racket.

This has led me to purchase a hell of a lot of rackets, until the point where I've more or less experienced all of the current (and some past) gimmicks to get yourself ahead of the game.

Some of them are game changers (Bravesword), and some leave you wondering if they fired the marketing goof who thought of the idea (I've yet to scare my opponent with a Voltric 80's smashing sound).

So when the chance comes for me to use a new technology it's always worth a shot. And having a stringer who shares the same passion is a good thing.

On Friday I received a picture from him of a Pro-Kennex racket - electric blue and silver chrome finish all over with a hint of gold streaking down the sides of the head frame.

On closer inspection, he informed me that the racket's made out of a spiral graphite shaft, which makes the shaft overall more stiff than a racket made the conventional way. It's just like a piece of paper will tend to bend less if you rolled it up in a spiral.

Holding the racket, I could feel the stiffness at work. Since the racket is 4U, it might prove to be a very helpful asset to doubles players who aren't equipped to dish out hard smash after hard smash.

Unfortunately, this is as far as this commentary goes. The design of the racket didn't appeal enough for me to jump the gun and bring it home. However, if I had to put money on it, I would bet the spiral graphite shaft would give a harder bite than its bark.

Those who know my stringer in Sembawang, Singapore, are welcome to give this gem a go. Let me know how it turns out!