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RAGE Custom X TESTEA Lab – The Evolution of Padel Rackets

RAGE Custom X TESTEA Lab – The Evolution of Padel Rackets
May 1, 2024 RAGE Custom
In Info, Staff Picks

Introducing The Dynamic Performance Scale (DPS) & An All New Padel Range Developed In Partnership With TESTEA Lab!

DPS is a real-time feedback mechanism to accurately quantify the Power & Control of your RAGE Custom Padel Rackets.

A preview of the DPS system in action.

The Why?

For us, customization isn’t just about the aesthetics; it’s about empowering our customers to create truly personal products.

We understand that factors like length, weight, and size greatly impact comfort and performance. That’s why we go beyond “just” graphics and offer a wide range of options that can be customized to suit individual preferences.

In 2021, we brought the same customization philosophy to the world of Padel.

However, like many sports, the Padel industry is often cluttered with technical jargon and catchy marketing phrases. With so many bold claims, funky shapes & paid endorsers it can be hard for customers to tell real innovations from empty slogans.

We recognized a challenge on our end too. Despite offering a range of choices, it wasn’t always clear to our customers how their selections would impact the performance of their final product.

To address this challenge, we set out to find a way to quantify the most important variables in Padel: Power, Control & Touch (Hardness). Our search led us to the world’s most advanced Padel Testing facility, TESTEA Lab.

TESTEA Sport Lab conducts rigorous tests to ensure the quality and performance of padel rackets.

TESTEA Sports Lab: Pioneering Padel Performance

As the world’s premier padel racket testing facility, TESTEA has collaborated with nearly all top brands, accumulating extensive data and insights. Typically, TESTEA conducts one-off tests for brands, analyzing the samples provided to assess their performance characteristics.

However, our challenge was unique. We aimed to develop not just a static report but a dynamic system that could predict the performance of padel rackets as customers customize their options in real-time. This system also needed to ensure that the final product accurately reflected the chosen attributes, allowing each player to maximize their potential on the court.

To meet this challenge, we decided to provide our customers with quantifiable data during the ordering stage.

By enabling players to make informed decisions in real-time, we facilitate the creation of padel rackets like never before—ones that are perfectly tailored to individual playing styles.

This innovative approach to customization and performance paved the way for a pioneering partnership, setting a new precedent in the padel racket industry.

The RAGE x TESTEA Padel Range

Accepting half measures was out of the question. To achieve this, we needed to completely rethink our approach to designing a padel range.

Starting with a clean slate, and with TESTEA’s deep expertise at our disposal, we initiated the development of a new line of padel rackets. This process involved a thorough reimagining of what a padel racket could be, guided by the need for precision and adaptability.

We invested significant creative energy into developing unique design concepts, which we are excited to share. Here’s a sneak peek into our journey towards redefining the future of padel play.

We’ll reveal the final result in just a bit!

With TESTEA’s team help we further fine-tuned the composition and manufacturing processes to achieve consistent, repeatable outcomes.

We meticulously fine-tuned every aspect to maximize performance.

As we progressed, it became clear that certain tests needed to be integrated into the manufacturing stage. This necessity led TESTEA to develop specialized testing equipment, which is now seamlessly integrated into our padel production process.

Finally, from our initial discussions in November 2022, through 16 months of diligent work and thorough testing, we’re now thrilled to present our DPS-powered RxT padel racket range.

Dynamic Performance Scale (DPS) Explained

Before we delve into the benefits, it’s essential that we explain the science behind our claims. Let’s clarify what we mean by “Power,” “Control,” and “Hardness,” and explore the foundation of these metrics.

From the beginning, both our team at RAGE Custom and TESTEA were dedicated to achieving the highest possible accuracy with the DPS system. This commitment led us through an extensive and meticulous 16-month journey, testing a vast array of padel rackets with diverse combinations of features.

It’s important to note that the DPS is not a progressive scale but a precise measurement system. It reflects the exact values TESTEA obtained from testing specific combinations of surface reinforcement, racket shape, weight, and inner core materials.

You might be wondering, what exactly do the numbers on the Scale represent? How do they impact the performance of a racket?

The section below covers all the technical details you need to fully understand the DPS system and how it influences your game:

Power

This attribute relates to the ability of the racket to transfer energy to the ball, resulting in faster and more forceful shots. It’s influenced by factors such as the racket’s weight distribution, materials, and design.

HOW IS IT CALCULATED

Metodo

Power is calculated based on the speed with which the ball comes out after an impact of the racket at high speed and in a downward trajectory. Specifically, it’s measured as the maximum angle reached (in degrees) by the ball after impact at 12 cm from the racket head.

Unit of Measure

Sexagesimal degree (°)

TESTEA AVERAGES & SCALE

The minimum value of the Power Scale is 5 and the maximum value is 10

Average values ​​for each model

(Sexagesimal degree (°) = DPS Equivalent)

Oversize Teardrop 21 – 143,10° = 8,04 DPS
Oversize Round 22 – 136,1° = 6,51 DPS
Round 23 – 131,30° = 5,47 DPS
Diamond 24 – 146,01° = 8,66 DPS
Teardrop 25 – 139,50° = 7,27 DPS

ITS IMPACT ON YOUR RACKET

Power determines the force and speed with which the ball can be propelled off the racket.
A higher Power rating means you can generate more aggressive and faster shots, making it easier to challenge your opponents and secure points.
Knowing how increasing the weight, changing the head shape, or altering the surface reinforcement impacts the racket is data you never had before. This new information is now at your fingertips, providing a clearer understanding of how each variable influences racket performance.
Using the DPS system, you can select a racket with the optimal power level to suit your playing style.

Control

Control refers to the precision and accuracy with which a player can place their shots. Rackets designed for control typically have features that enhance stability and maneuverability, allowing for more precise placement of the ball.

HOW IS IT CALCULATED

Metodo

Control is calculated using the formula CONTROL = (HANDLING + SWEET ZONE) / 2 – K, where HANDLING is measured in kg cm², SWEET ZONE is measured in Long H.P (a unit related to the sweet spot), and “k” is a correction factor that depends on the ball rebound.
The ball rebound is considered in the calculation of “k”: if the ball rebound is less than 85 ET, “k” is 0; if the ball rebound is greater than or equal to 85 ET, “k” is between 0 and 0.50.

Unit of Measure

Control is not a tangible or measurable physical property. It is obtained by weighing the following:

– Handling: kg cm2
– Sweet Zone: Long H.P
– Ball rebound: Sexagesimal degree (°)

TESTEA AVERAGES & SCALE

The minimum value of the Power Scale is 5 and the maximum value is 10

Average values ​​for each model

Oversize Teardrop 21 – 7,27 DPS
Oversize Round 22 – 8,09 DPS
Round 23 – 131,30° = 8,87 DPS
Diamond 24 – 146,01° = 7,13 DPS
Teardrop 25 – 139,50° = 7,66 DPS

ITS IMPACT ON YOUR RACKET

Control is key when it comes to placing shots with accuracy and precision. A higher Control rating in a racket means better maneuverability and more predictable outcomes, enabling you to place the ball exactly where you intend.
This capability is crucial for strategic gameplay, allowing you to exploit an opponent’s weaknesses or execute precise drop shots with confidence.
The DPS system provides measurable data on control, removing the guesswork previously associated with selecting the right racket.
Now, players have the tools to choose a racket that truly matches their need for precision, enhancing their ability to execute a game plan effectively.

Hardness

This characteristic is about the stiffness or flexibility of the racket’s surface, which affects the feel and response of the racket upon impact with the ball. A harder racket surface may provide more power but less comfort, while a softer surface may offer better vibration absorption and comfort but less power.

HOW IS IT CALCULATED

Metodo

This is calculated by testing the Face Rigidity and Frame Rigidity, which contribute to the overall hardness of the racket, and are calculated based on the load applied (in KG) necessary to achieve a deformation of 6 mm of the face or frame of the racket, respectively.

Unit of Measure

Kilograms (kg)

TESTEA AVERAGES & SCALE

The minimum value of the Power Scale is 5 and the maximum value is 10

Average values ​​for each Inner Core

Medium: 19,85 kg = 8,96 DPS
Hard: 21,34 kg = 9,61 DPS

ITS IMPACT ON YOUR RACKET

Hardness affects the feel, response, and durability of the racket upon impact with the ball.
A harder racket provides more power and is generally more durable, as it can better withstand the wear and tear of intense play. However, it may transmit more vibration to the player’s hand.
Conversely, a softer racket offers better comfort and shock absorption but may lack in power and be less durable over time.
The DPS allows players to find a balance between power, comfort, and durability by selecting a racket with the appropriate hardness level to match their physical preferences and playing style.

Benefits for players

The Dynamic Performance Scale (DPS) offers our customers unparalleled value in several crucial ways:

Informed Decision-Making: DPS provides precise metrics on Power, Control, and Hardness, enabling players to make well-informed choices when customizing their rackets. This clarity replaces vague claims and aesthetic preferences, allowing players to see exactly how their customizations will enhance their game.
Performance Optimization: Ever wished for a Round-shaped racket with extra power? With DPS as your guide, you can adjust the racket’s characteristics to suit your playing style. Whether you’re seeking more power for aggressive shots or enhanced control for defensive play, DPS helps tailor your racket to your needs.
Repeatable Consistency: Ever found the perfect racket, only to be disappointed when a new purchase just doesn’t feel the same? DPS ensures that your customized racket remains consistent with each order, a rarity in the market. This consistency is essential for serious players who depend on their equipment’s reliable performance.
Science Not Slogans: In an industry often clouded by marketing jargon, DPS brings transparency. It reveals the true impact of various materials, shapes, and weights on a racket’s performance. Developed with TESTEA Lab, DPS is rooted in rigorous testing and scientific validation, ensuring top-notch quality and reliability.
Sustainable Performance: Our commitment to made-to-order production not only ensures personalized performance but also aligns with eco-friendly practices by reducing waste. This approach resonates with an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer base, who value both the performance and the sustainability of their sports equipment.

Become a ‘Racket Scientist’!

In conclusion, the Dynamic Performance Scale powered by TESTEA is a unique differentiator, offering clear, data-backed insights into how customization choices affect racket performance. No other padel brand provides this level of scientific customization.

RAGE Custom stands out as the ultimate solution for the discerning padel player seeking to push beyond the limits of ordinary equipment. With a commitment to scientific precision and individual personalization, RAGE Custom empowers you to unleash your full potential, offering a bespoke padel experience that will elevate your game to new heights.

Are you ready to revolutionize your game with the precision of science?

Explore our new DPS-powered RxT padel range today and experience the pinnacle of customization and performance.