IN SEARCH OF COMFORT: APPLICATION OF SBS IN KUIKMA
When we talk about the comfort of a padel racket, there are three key aspects to consider:
- Maneuverability
- Vibration
- Sweet Spot Width
In this blog, we will focus on points 2 and 3 as they are closely related. The terms vibration and sweet spot are commonly used by brands and players. From a scientific/technical perspective, we would replace them with the concept of ENERGY TRANSMITTED TO THE HAND upon impact with the ball and how this energy varies depending on the point of impact. In this sense:
- VIBRATION → Energy transmitted to the hand
- SWEET SPOT WIDTH → Variation of the energy depending on the impact point
Manufacturers and brands are constantly striving to develop high-performance products, with comfort being one of the most important factors. To enhance comfort, rackets should be designed so that the various elements that compose them allow for maximum absorption of the energy generated upon impact before it is transmitted to the hand.
Key Elements to Improve Comfort
As we always say, the behavior of a padel racket is multifactorial, with different variables affecting one another. Among other factors, we should focus on:
- The composition of the impact surface materials
- The rigidity of the racket’s structure
- Hole distribution
- Geometry, heart design, etc.
- Anti-vibration elements or accessories
In this article, we will focus on this last point—the application of an anti-vibration system developed and patented by Kuikma: the SHOCK BLOCK SYSTEM (SBS), included in their 2023 collection. This is an elastomer piece inserted into the handle, designed to reduce vibration transmission.
Testing the Effectiveness of SBS
To evaluate the effectiveness of SBS, we conducted two testing campaigns. In both, the process was the same:
- The first tests were conducted with the SBS system integrated into the racket.
- The same tests were then repeated without the system.
- The results were processed and compared.
We used seven different prototypes, each with varying sandwich material configurations.
Test 1: Robotic Station Analysis
In this test, we generated a series of impacts along the longitudinal axis of the racket. Sensors integrated into the grip recorded the energy transmitted to the hand upon impact. This allowed us to obtain what we call the CHARACTERISTIC CURVE—or, as we refer to it at Testea, the racket’s DNA.
This curve is unique to each racket and allows us to measure key parameters such as Vibration and Sweet Spot Width.
Example of Results for Prototype 01
Below is an example of the results obtained for Prototype 01, comparing characteristic curves with and without the SBS system:
- The curve at the sweet spot (where energy transmission is minimal) remains relatively unchanged.
- However, when hitting off-center, the curve with the integrated SBS system remains more stable (flatter), meaning:
- Less energy reaches the grip → Reduced vibration
- More homogeneous behavior → Wider sweet spot
- Increased confort
Test 2: Ball Exit Speed Station
In this test, we generated a controlled movement of the racket that impacted a suspended ball while measuring the response transmitted to the grip. This simulates dynamic conditions, meaning the racket is in motion during the test.
Final Results and Findings
The results showed that the Shock Block System (SBS) reduced the energy transmitted to the sensors in all test scenarios. The reduction ranged from 10% to 38%, depending on the configuration and test conditions.
Thus, it was confirmed that the anti-vibration system effectively reduced vibrations and increased comfort, validating its performance benefits for players. Additionally, this certification provides a strong marketing argument for brands when communicating the added value of their rackets to customers.
