Origine is a new-to-market Canadian brand. Their first tennis product is a racquet that combines performance and comfort in a stick that utilizes flax fiber in its structure. The company plans to roll out additional models in late 2011.
The Origine racquet has a long reach (27.25 in.) for higher power. Flax fibers are blended with carbon fibers for enhanced frame flexibility and vibration absorption. Unstrung the racquet weighs 10.2 oz. Head size is 100.
Although flax represents only 15% of the frame fibers, use of the renewable material represents a positive step in a "green" direction. The company points out that a fully flax composed frame would be far too brittle for play. The current ratio insures performance and comfort.
The Origine is currently being used by a number of pros around the US. Bill Patton, USPTA/PTR Tennis Pro with Chabot Swim and Tennis Club in Castro Valley California is one convert. "[It's an] arm friendly flexible racket, " said Patton. It offers some 'pop' on the ball, with a nice even balance... It is also great to know that an effort is being made to reduce the carbon footprint of making tennis rackets."
Designed with the intermediate to advanced player's needs in mind, this is not a racquet for beginners.
The Origine retails for $134.99 USD plus tax. Buy at Origine.
