Dunlop Sports Group Americas is changing the science of tennis with the introduction of the Dunlop Aerogel line of racquets. With Aerogel, the lightest solid on earth with strength 4000 times its own weight, the Dunlop engineers have designed a frame that creates strength and stability while allowing perfect touch and feel for ideal control -- what many describe as the ultimate performance racquet.
"Dunlop has a reputation for producing some of the finest racquets played by professionals," said Kai Nitsche, general manager of racquet sports. "Aerogel further enhances our position as a leader in performance technology "" technology and benefits that we are now making available to the entire tennis community."
Aerogel's "Frozen Smoke" Technology
Researchers and engineers at Dunlop's sports lab responded to player needs, studied design and materials, and tested performance when choosing Aerogel for these new frames' construction.
"Over the years players hear about the "˜newest' technology," said Tommy Robredo, ranked #6 on the ATP Tour. "You always wonder, what does it really mean? But with Aerogel, the difference is in the ability to feel that you are performing better, have more strength, more consistent touch."
[Tommy will be playing with the Dunlop Aerogel 3HUNDRED this season.]
Tomas Berdych, also ranked near the top of the ATP rankings, added, "Comfort and feel are essential in racquet selection. The Dunlop Aerogel racquets give me a balance that I have never felt in any other racquet."
[Tomas will be playing with the Dunlop Aerogel 2HUNDRED this season.]
Nicknamed "Frozen Smoke" because of its lightness and hologram-like transparency -- Aerogel is only three times the weight of air. Its unique properties have been proven by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory which uses Aerogel in its space missions.
Dunlop engineers have developed technologies that utilize these same properties for sport performance. The distribution of Aerogel throughout the racquet is engineered with Dunlop's Multi Filament technology (M-Fil) for maximum performance. The result -- the stiffening of the top of the frame for the minimizing of frame movement and the creation of more power. At the bottom of the racquet head Aerogel stabilizes, enabling superior player control and torsional stability. Aerogel combined with M-Fil creates the ultimate performance racquet.
The Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 2HUNDRED. Perfect for high performance players with a long swing, the 2HUNDRED allows for extra power and spin in precision shotmaking.
Dunlop Aerogel 3HUNDRED. A control oriented racquet ideal for high performance/club level players. With Aerogel, the 2007 3HUNDRED is slightly lighter than last year's model.
Dunlop Aerogel 5HUNDRED. Perfect for serious players looking for extra power and playability from a lightweight frame. The tapered frame stiffens the racquet for tremendous strength.
Dunlop Aerogel 5HUNDRED TOUR. Slightly heavier and stiffer than the 5HUNDRED, this racquet hits a consumer segment that continues to grow in the United States.
Availability
The Dunlop Aerogel line of racquets will be available in stores beginning February 2007. In January, Dunlop is launching a new Web site which will feature the Aerogel racquets along with other quality Dunlop products and information at www.dunlopsports.com.
About Dunlop Sports Group Americas
Dunlop Sports Group Americas, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dunlop Slazenger International, Ltd. is known worldwide by sports enthusiasts who value quality and performance in their sporting goods equipment. Headquartered in Greenville, SC, the company's product line spans tennis racquets and tennis balls; squash racquets and balls; Carlton badminton racquets and shuttles; and golf balls, golf accessories and golf clubs. International endorsers include tennis legend John McEnroe, all-time squash champion Jonathon Power and three-time world long-drive golf champion Sean Fister.