DONNAY FORMULA 100 September 23, 2018 10:31

donnay formula 100 hexacore   

 

The Donnay sisters share an aesthetic clear polyurethane finish that highlights the amorphous carbon layer (360°) used for the surface finish of the frames.

Finishing rackets with a "flatting" is certainly a guarantee, as it prevents hiding fillers or structural imperfections of the frame and carbon structure.

This technical-aesthetic solution has been used by the company for several years with excellent results in terms of feel and vibration absorption, as well as enhancing the aesthetics of a frame characterized by rounded and very elegant shapes.

Also not to be underestimated is the hidden core of the racket, meaning that the frame is constructed in a unique way, completely different from what is commonly done for all frames on the market. Donnay frame manufacturing methods involve the construction of structures characterized by the presence of a thermo-expanding polyurethane substance inside, which avoids the use of air insufflation into the mold during the carbon structure's polymerization phase.

The presence of expanded polyurethane, the multi-cell structure, and the much softer polymerization of the carbon sheets give the racket very low flexibility, which translates into a completely unique level of comfort, playability, and vibration absorption.  

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FORMULA 100	PENTACORE	HEXACORE
Weight	326 gr (300)	326 gr (300)
Balance	330 mm (325 mm)	330 mm (325 mm)
Measured Stiffness	55 (57)	58 (60)
Beam	24 - 27 - 20 mm	24 - 27 - 20 mm
Head Size	100"	100"
String Pattern	16x19	16x19
Swingweight	316 kgcmq	324 kgcmq
Spinweight	340 kgcmq	334 kgcmq
Twistweight	16 kgcmq	18 kgcmq

data measured with strung racket and "ready to play" with overgrip and dampener - data in parentheses measured with unstrung racket

 

The two models differ in terms of weight and balance, but show different values for moment of inertia and therefore propulsion capacity.

The HEXACORE has a higher SSW-swingweight value, giving us the sensation of holding a livelier and more reactive, yet more demanding, racket.

The PENTACORE, with a lower SSW-swingweight value, is definitely easier to maneuver, more agile, and progressive.

Of particular note is the TWW-twistweight value, which is higher for the PENTACORE version. This should translate into greater stability on off-center shots and excellent performance in generating spin.

 

on the left, the HEXA-CORE structure consisting of 6 resilient carbon-polyurethane cells

on the right, the PENTA-CORE structure consisting of 5 resilient carbon-polyurethane cells

 

The difference in terms of flexibility is limited and concentrated in the lower part of the frame, specifically on the shafts, where the higher stiffness of the HEXA-CORE version highlights greater rigidity in the shaft structure and a flexpoint concentrated below the bridge.

The PENTA-CORE version, on the other hand, shows extremely uniform flexibility, allowing this frame's behavior to be compared to that of a wooden stick, without concentrated or emphasized flex points.

 

 

From the analysis of the static stiffness data of the stringbed, both models exhibit a VERY WIDE AND HOMOGENEOUS RESPONSE, suggesting EXCELLENT TOLERANCE FOR OFF-CENTER SHOTS, good stability, and spin generation.

The sweet spot size is truly very large and ensures a benchmark in response consistency.

The rackets, in their two different models, feature the same string spacing system as well as the same grommet and bumper system.

The stringbed response is essentially similar in static terms for both the PENTACORE and HEXACORE models.

On paper, the two DONNAY frames are substantially similar, both aesthetically and in terms of physical-mechanical properties, but their difference lies within.

The FORMULA 100" rackets are characterized by a different dynamic and playing response due to the distinct internal cell structure within the section.

The PENTA-CORE version is mellower yet progressive, stable, and spin-oriented, targeting players seeking an extremely versatile, maneuverable, and usable racket even at intermediate-low levels.

The HEXA-CORE version is more demanding, aggressive, and reactive, appealing to players who love to hit winning shots and close out points, being able to handle a slightly higher but by no means prohibitive inertia.

The expected response on serve is also the same.

Do you like to work the ball with slice and kick? Play into the corners and find tricky trajectories? Then the FORMULA PENTA-CORE might be your choice.

Do you like to break through and hit hard? Hit powerful aces? Then the ideal solution might be the FORMULA HEXA-CORE, which will be able to satisfy your power demands.

Be careful because from a purely "morphological" point of view, the shapes are typically aerodynamic, but appearances can often be deceiving……

In essence, these are not truly aerodynamic rackets, as the response remains soft, comfortable, and elastic, characterized by a level of comfort absolutely unknown to a large portion of products on the market; all coupled with a unique and unrepeatable sound and vibration, typical of old-school boxed rackets.

Fundamentally, the two FORMULA 100" rackets are a crystal-clear and pure expression of the DONNAY philosophy, where substance forms a fundamental part of the designs and comes to life in the soul of the frames.

Two different nuances on the same theme that invite an on-court test, because to experience certain sensations, it is absolutely necessary to feel the difference, enjoy the sound, the vibrations, and the feel of the shots, impact after impact, ball after ball.