Black Knight Brainweave Technology

Reacting to the shock of impact with shuttle or ball, BrainWeave stiffens progressively and enhances the frames reaction and recovery as it transfers energy to the projectile. The harder the hit, the greater the change in the BrainWeave. However, the material recovers almost instantly, returning to its normal state.

Black Knight Vibra Plate Technology

Vibra Plate Technology modifies the racquet's cross-section to stiffen the head against torsion on impact and to interrupt the transmission of shock through the frame to the handle. The result: an exceptionally solid hit - excellent for control on off-center shots, and outstanding for power hitters.

Black Knight Nano-Crystalline Technology

The Ion racquets use Nano-Crystalline Technology (NCT) as an additive to the polymer structure of the graphite frame, for reinforcement at key stress points while allowing for finetuning of the weight and balance. The combination of NCT with the Ion frame geometry also effectively reduces frame distortion and torque for a larger sweetspot and greater control for hard hitters such as Palmer. The shaft is flared in 2 dimensions between the bridge and the handle to create a progressive flex, increasing power transfer.





A new process that heats the racquet core to higher temperature during the curing phase, so that the racquet structure is cured uniformly inside and out. This TCT modification to the carbon fibres makes the frame extremely responsive - stiff yet playing with the reactive properties of a more flexible frame. The resulting hit is the best of both worlds - the control of a very stiff frame with the power of a more flexible frame.

 Black Knight Graphite Technology

Graphite, used in a long fibre format, is the basis for composite racquet manufacture across all the racquet sports.

In spite of the recent popularity of complementary materials such as Titanium, Beryllium and BrainWeave, the type and quality of the Graphite is the most important material factor in the features and performance of higher range racquets. The nature and mix of the graphite fibres will determine strength, torque, flex, weight, vibration dampening and response. Some factors critical to the quality of the finished graphite product are:

• The quality of the raw graphite filaments;
• The treatment process (which immerses the graphite in an epoxy compound and converts the hair-like filaments into workable sheets);
• The mold design
• The lay up process
• The application of appropriate internal pressure and temperature during the curing process.

Terminology:
Following are Black Knight's main designations to identify the progressive standards of graphite used.

• CCG (Continuous Carbon Graphite) indicates that the racquet frame is entirely formed with graphite fibres.
• ECG (Enhanced Carbon Graphite)
• TRG (Titanium Reinforced Graphite)
• HMG (High Modulus Graphite) is a high strength, high performance grade of graphite fibre.
• C4 (Carbon 4) is a highly effective form of carbon-graphite rated above conventional High Modulus Graphite.
• XMG (eXtreme Modulus Graphite)

(Except for the first two grades, which are sometimes used alone, several types of graphite are often combined in a frame to achieve specific benefits.)





With minimal added weight, Titanium selectively strengthens and stiffens sections of a racquet's frame. In upper range models, the titanium may be visible in a woven Titanium/Graphite mesh. In lower graphite based models the Titanium mesh is represented cosmetically, but is actually dispersed in the frame. In fusion style racquets, the titanium is usually found only in the aluminum alloy.

Titanium and other materials added to graphite: In all cases, the graphite mix determines the real benefits of the added materials. For example, the limitations of CCG material would outweigh the benefits of adding Ti mesh. Generally, the higher the graphite grade, the more is to be gained by adding any of the various meshes.

Also to note, depending in part on racquet painting, a line may be visible across a mesh section. This is normal since the mesh is usually wrapped around the frame.  The line is the point at which the two edges of the wrap meet or overlap.





Lighter and stronger than Titanium, Beryllium/Graphite mesh is found in serious performance level racquets. Many parts of supersonic aircraft are made of beryllium alloys because of beryllium's lightness, stiffness, and dimensional stability.





The name says it all: TUF - The Ultimate Feel.

When Black Knight first introduced this grip, there was a rave response from players. Until then, all grips were either flat, or had a slight ridge creating by stitching.

A TUF grip not only has a tacky and absorbent skin, it uses a strip of EVA foam running up the middle of the length of the grip to create a contoured 3-D effect. Grip the racquet and feel your fingers slide into position, while the foam cushions your hand.

In hot, sweaty conditions, the grip's contours add to the properties of the PU outer layer to help you stay in control.