Racket review: Karakal Pro Graphite

 

Originally published on: 16/05/12 00:00

Name: Karakal Pro Graphite
Suitable for: Advanced club players
Tennishead award: Testers’ choice – Value for Money
RRP: £50.00
Head size: 100sq.in
Unstrung weight: 300g
Length: 27 inches
String pattern: 16×19
Balance: 32cm
Beam: 24mm

Hold off on the technical jargon – what will it do for my game?
Okay, so there’s not much in the way of groundbreaking technology involved here, but Karakal have overhauled their racket range and produced a stick that does a reasonably good job on court. The stem of the Pro Graphite loosely resembles the design of Babolat’s AeroPro series and the spoon-shaped face on the 100-square-inch head – the same as Rafael Nadal’s Babolat stick – drives an overwhelming urge to hit with heavy spin. This frame isn’t designed with a net-rusher in mind; instead it suits baseliners (who might be on a bit of a budget) with high-kicking groundstrokes.  Most of us tend to avoid the very cheapest item in any range under the premise that the product probably wasn’t built to last, but this black, yellow and white number still does a surprisingly good job. Perhaps more suited to the more intermediate of advanced players, who are keen to pick up two or three rackets without risking a visit from the bailiffs, the frame is worth considering at £50.

Go on then, give us the technical bit
Well, there’s not much to go on when it comes to the science involved in the Karakal Pro Graphite, other than the fact that it’s made of 100% Hi Modulus Graphite.

In English? It’s firm, sturdy, and rather cheap.

Where can I find out more? www.karakal.com

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