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The First Racket Frame
The very first racket frame was made out of wood. The first racket used ash wood and animal glue, but later there was many different types of wood for the frames. For example, if you wanted a long lasting racket, hickory would be your best option. In order to assemble the frame, animal glue was first used, but in the end, manufactures used mostly veneers. These were used until the 1980's. http://www.itftennis.com/technical/rackets-and-strings/other/history.aspx -
The First Strings
The first strings were made out of sheep gut. These strings were very expensive. However, some tennis professionals thought that the quality was worth the extra money. There were many meticulous steps to making these strings. After World War two, a shortage of sheep led to needing a new material for strings. http://www.tennisreviewer.com/best-tennis-strings/history-of-tennis-strings/ -
Metal Frame
It took some time to create this racket because stringing the racket was difficult. Then, after people figured out how the strings could weave in and out of the frame, the racket became satisfactory for using on the court. Different types of metal were used including aluminum, steel, and other materials. Most professional players preferred aluminum to steel. The metal frame also led to the oversize racket head and a variation of head sizes in general. http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Tennis-R -
Cow Strings
After a shortage of sheep, people turned to cow for racket strings. Also, instead of using the guts, byproducts of the cow were used. Some cons to these strings were the expense and the bad moisture resistence. This was a big concern for people living in humid climate. For this reason, people turned to synthetic materials for strings. http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/Naturalgut.html -
Synthetic Gut
These strings were nylon based. They were less expensive and more durable than cow or sheep strings. As popularity of these strings increased, factories started making modifications to how they were strung in the racket. This made them have an even better playability. These strings dominated the market in the 80's and 90's for tennis players everywhere. http://www.tennisreviewer.com/best-tennis-strings/history-of-tennis-strings/ -
Modern Frame
This frame has an aluminium core. In the beginning years of this frame, a lot of different metals were tested, but aluminium was the lightest and least exoensive. However, there is a composite layer on the outside, giving this racket the name of a compoite racket. This frame is popular because it is lighter than other materials. Even though these are more expensive, this racket frame is a good quality. https://www.google.com/patents/US5217223?dq=composite+racket&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAWoVChM -
Hybrid Strings
After the booming success of synthetic gut strings, hybrid strings were created. Hybrid strings have a combination of materials such as polyester, kevlar, and polyurethane. Each material helped with different aspects of hitting the tennis ball. Some of these include spin, power, and durability. These strings are the most popular today because of their multi-functionality. http://www.tennisreviewer.com/best-tennis-strings/history-of-tennis-strings/
