Tennis players know that tennis balls are affected by wind, humidity, elevation and temperature. These elements alter the flight speed and bounce height, what is referred to as the liveliness of the tennis ball. Wilson is a major manufacturer of tennis balls and is the official sponsor of Davis Cup and US Open competitive play.
Double Core
Professional tennis players hit the ball much harder with much more spin than a recreational player. The beating that a ball takes under these conditions knocks the pressurize out of the ball. Wilson balls are made with a double core, a rubber coating over the internal rubber core to help keep the pressurized air in the ball. This helps the ball retain its bounce longer. Wilson maintains that these balls retain bounce twice as long as a ball with one rubber core.
Felt Layer
The felt that sits around the ball is the friction source that slows the ball down when it bounces and allows the strings to "grab" the ball and control it through the fraction of a second the racket is in contact with the ball. As a match goes on, the felt frays and breaks apart. Wilson adds a denser felt layer that takes longer to wear. This is designed to complement the double core. If the felt wore away at a normal pace, the bounce of the ball would be moot because a player would not be able to control the slicker, faster ball.
Recreation to Professional Quality
Recreational players often don't require the same durability in tennis balls. Professional matches change balls every nine games. Most recreational players will try to get anywhere from three to 10 sets of tennis out of a ball. As a result, Wilson has different lines of tennis balls, with recreational balls offering a more cost effective solution compared to the precision of professional lines. Recreational balls in the Championship line are designed to last longer, holding the pressure longer. Wilson also has a line of high altitude balls designed for play at elevations above 3,500 feet where the thinner air causes balls to fly faster. High elevation balls are heavier to give players more control.
Felt Thickness
The felt around the tennis ball is thicker in some balls compared to others. When reading a tennis ball can, the thickness of the felt is referred to as "duty." Extra duty means the felt is thicker, designed for the higher friction needs on a hard tennis court. Regular duty has the standard thickness designed for clay or indoor courts. Wilson offers balls for all court surfaces. Check the can to ensure you are purchasing a ball that meets your needs.
Member Comments