Dunlop set to launch Biomimetic rackets

 

Originally published on: 01/11/10 14:53

Dunlop is set to launch a new tennis racket range in time for Christmas, with each of the five models designed with nature in mind. The Biomimetic range has turned to evolutionary processes in the animal kingdom – biomimetic means ‘imitating life’ – drawing inspiration from sharks, bees and geckos.

Their new patented Aeroskin technology is strategically applied to the surface of Biomimetic rackets. Like the skin of a shark, it features tiny riblets that reduce aerodynamic drag by up to 25 percent, increasing racket head speed and power.

Layers of HM6 Carbon, a compound based on the super-strong hexagonal honeycomb structure found in beehives, will be placed between Dunlop’s existing AeroGel carbon composite to reduce vibration by up to 10 percent, helping the feel of the racket.

And the super-sticky gecko was the inspiration behind Gecko-Tac: Dunlop’s new grip surface treatment that, according to the manufacturers, “like the pads found on a gecko’s feet, provides up to 50 percent more grip and tack than previous Dunlop grips, giving players greater feel and precision with their racket.”

The new frames hit the US this month, but some of Dunlop’s players have already taken them out on court, so expect to see Nikolay Davydenko, Fernando Verdasco, Tommy Robredo, Jurgen Melzer and Dominika Cibulkova swinging them soon enough.

Verdasco is set to use the Biomimetic 300, Davydenko the Biomimetic 200 and Cibulkova the Biomimetic 600 Lite. The range also includes the slightly heavier Biomimetic 300 Tour and standard weight Biomimetic 600 model, with numbers linking the new range to the current 4D AeroGel series.

Look out for the new Biomimetic racket range at your local specialist tennis store ahead of the 2011 season.

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