The latest lines racquets from Wilson feature Countervail® technology which reduces racquet vibration at impact. The Blade series that was released in late 2016 and the Burn released in early 2017 both feature this new technology.
What is Countervail?
COUN·TER·VAIL pronounced /,KOUN(T)ER’VĀL/ is a patented vibration-cancelling technology that enables optimum balance of damping, stiffness and weight. Countervail® states that their technology can enable better dynamic control of equipment while also increasing personal comfort. These enhancements from a racquet composition standpoint allow for performance improvements.
Each and every material has a different molecular structure which impacts the level of vibration that is felt through the material. Countervail® tested various materials and the results were pretty straight forward, Countervail® had the least amount of vibration.
What does Wilson Say?
We had an opportunity to chat with Nathan Prince, Global Product Manager for Performance Racquets, he shared his insights about the new technology.
Q: What can you tell me about the new Countervail Technology?
Countervail is a patented carbon fiber layer that maximizes a players energy, recovery and control by minimizing vibration without sacrificing performance and feel.
The incredible, one-of-a-kind carbon fiber layer is strategically placed within the racquet’s frame to dramatically minimize vibration caused by a shot’s impact. On contact, Countervail disperses the ball’s energy within the frame instead of directing it to the athlete's body, so athletes expend less energy during every swing without compromising feel.
Q: How will it impact the the player's performance?
Countervail enables a player to train harder and play longer. A comprehensive study by the University of Minnesota School of Kinesiology found that players using Countervail had significant benefits vs. players without Countervail:
40% more accuracy and control over shots when nearing exhaustion.
30% less racket vibration.
10% less fatigue so players were able to hit 11% more shots.
Q: What are the benefits of a using a Countervail Racquet?
Countervail racquet technology reduces muscle fatigue, conserves energy, and increases control and accuracy.
Q: How did the partnership with Countervail come about?
Countervail® was developed by Materials Sciences Corporation (MSC) based in Horsham, PA, USA. MSC partners with NASA and the Department of Defense to use Countervail to help in extreme conditions. Tour de France winning bikes have Countervail within their frames to increase a rider’s energy efficiency during the brutal cobblestone stages.
Wilson is always looking for new and advanced technologies to incorporate into tennis. We approached MSC and they were very interested in working with us and a partnership developed from this. Wilson engineers worked with MSC engineers to optimize Countervail for tennis raquets.
Q: Will other racquets get the Countervail "treatment" in 2017?
We are always looking at ways to make our racquets play better and Countervail allows that. Our Burn and Blade racquets have just shipped to the market so our excitement is about those right now.
Current List of Countervail Racquets
| Wilson Blade 98 16x19 Countervail | Wilson Burn 100 Countervail |
| Wilson Blade 98 18x20 Countervail | Wilson Burn 100S Countervail |
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