Manufacturing materials play an important role in the production of paddle blades. This is because the materials used must be solid enough to withstand the forces of impact and speed, as well as flexible enough to adapt to each player and his or her style.
One of the most widely used materials currently used in the manufacture of paddle blades is carbon fiber. That is why here we will seek to answer the question “What is carbon in padel?”, as well as tell you what are the differences according to the k of carbon, which is very important when choosing your padel racket.
What is carbon fiber and how is it used in paddle blades?
Carbon fiber is a composite material made of very fine and strong carbon filaments which are woven together to create a type of textile mesh. This material is known for its high tensile strength, light weight and stiffness. These characteristics make it a very desirable material for the manufacture of paddle blades.
In the manufacture of paddle blades, carbon fiber is used to reinforce and stiffen the frame of the paddle. The manufacturing process begins with the creation of a mold of the blade, which is coated with a layer of resin. The carbon filaments are then placed in the mold and impregnated with more resin. The process is repeated several times until the required number of carbon fiber layers has been created.
The reason why it is used in paddle blades is because it provides great rigidity and resistance to the frame of the paddle, which translates into greater precision and power.
What does the K stand for in paddle carbon?
Now that we know what role carbon plays in padel, it is important to talk about the differences according to the k of carbon. But, first of all, we must talk about what this K means in the carbon fiber of the paddle blades.
The term 3k, 12k or 18k refers to the carbon fabric used in the manufacture of the paddle racket. These numbers refer to the number of carbon filaments that are intertwined in each yarn of the fabric. That is, the number of fibers in each carbon fiber son.
Each letter K in the term refers to 1,000 carbon filaments. So, for example, 3k carbon fabric means that there are 3,000 carbon filaments interwoven in each thread of the fabric of this textile.
The carbon fabric is important in the manufacture of paddle blades because it influences the strength and stiffness of the blade. The higher the number of carbon filaments, the greater the strength and stiffness of the blade. Similarly, the more carbon, the higher the cost of manufacturing this carbon textile.
Differences according to the K of carbon in paddle blades
The first thing we can find as differences according to the k of carbon is the number of filaments in each carbon fiber yarn. As we have already told you, the higher the number before the K, the more fibers we will have, for example, 3K refers to 3000 filaments and 18K to 18 thousand filaments.
Another of the most important carbon k differences is stiffness. A paddle racket with more carbon fibers is stiffer, which influences power, projected strength and control.
But that’s not all, the more carbon fiber in the paddle racket, the greater its resistance. It will support many more games of higher intensity. If fiberglass or other materials are replaced by carbon, the weight is considerably reduced.
The last of the differences depending on the carbon k is in the price. This is due to the fact that carbon fiber is not such an economical material, which means that the more K we have, the higher the cost of carbon fiber and therefore, of the paddle blades.
3k or 12k bond?
The choice between a 3k or 12k carbon fabric in a paddle racket depends largely on the player’s needs and preferences. The answer to choosing between 3k or 12k is that each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, there are players who prefer to have paddle blades that are much more flexible and not so stiff. Similarly, for beginners, if you ask 3k or 12k carbon? The most obvious choice is 3K because these paddles are not as advanced or expensive, ideal for beginners.
Before deciding between 3k or 12k carbon? Try both types of paddles. Then, choose the one that best suits you by assessing its stiffness and weight, as well as its resistance. If you are a beginner, then it is better to grow in stages, for example, first a 3K paddle and then a 12K paddle.
12k or 18k bond?
Now comes another logical question, 12k or 18k bond? Both blades are considered to be among the best on the market. We could say that the 12 K paddle blades are intermediate level while the 18 K paddle blades reach a more advanced level.
With 18,000 carbon filaments per thread, 18K paddle blades offer high resistance, great strength, stiffness and excellent power, all at a reduced weight. That is why the performance is considered one of the best thanks to the carbon fiber.
As in the previous point, you should not only answer What is carbon in paddle tennis? But also to know your needs. This way you will be able to know which type of paddle is best suited to you by answering precisely whether 12k or 18k carbon? You can also rely on budget.
Now that you know the differences between the different types of carbon, you will surely want to know which are the best paddle blades for each type of game.
