The Biomechanics Institute (IBV) and the Institute of Automation and Industrial Informatics (ai2 Institute) of the Polytechnic University of Valencia have concluded a series of over 300 laboratory trials aimed at identifying the best padel rackets and padel shoes on the market. The tests, conducted in collaboration with the company Testea Padel, were carried out with the aim of awarding the prestigious Best Padel Awards, which are scheduled to be presented on May 22nd during the Padel World Summit.
The Testea Padel Laboratory, located within the ai2 Institute, has been the epicenter of this exhaustive evaluation, where technicians conducted tests on maneuverability, ball exit, touch, vibration, sweet spot, power, and control on 60 rackets (from 30 different models) from 10 sports brands. Using world-unique robotic stations for this purpose, these tests provided fundamental data to determine the finalists for the 2024 Best Padel Awards. Ultimately, seven brands have received the coveted Premium certification, granted by Testea Padel, positioning them as contenders for this year's awards: HEAD, Volt, adidas, NOX, Siux, Dunlop y Spadda.
Antonio Correcher, the lead researcher at the Testea Padel laboratory, commented that "the trials conducted at the ai2 facilities constitute a very useful tool for brands to improve their production processes". Likewise, Jordi Piedra, the manager of the firm, assured that "the certificates issued by Testea Padel, based on ai2's trials, succeed in valorizing the products of the sports brand that obtains them".
As a novelty, this year Testea Padel will also grant awards to the best padel shoes on the market, a category made possible by the inclusion of the Biomechanics Institute (IBV) in the project, which has extensive experience and recognition in footwear design and consulting.
The IBV has conducted various tests in its Footwear Functional Laboratory to evaluate the following aspects: impact cushioning, energy return, sole grip (transversal, longitudinal, and rotational friction), flexibility, and weight. Additionally, tests have been conducted with users to determine the comfort and fit of the footwear, two fundamental aspects to ensure the quality and suitability of the shoes. Finally, the three finalist models for the best footwear awards belong to the following brands: HEAD, Kuikma y NOX.
"We have applied all our knowledge in the functional evaluation of sports footwear, which, together with Testea Padel's experience in this sport, has allowed us to provide a biomechanical perspective on the characteristics that padel footwear must possess", explained Juan Carlos González, Director of Innovation in Sports, Footwear, and Apparel at IBV.
The commitment of IBV and the ai2 Institute to continuous improvement in the quality and innovation of padel equipment demonstrates the crucial role that scientific research and technology play in the evolution of this exciting sport.
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