Badminton rackets usually hold 72 or 76 grommet holes. Grommets are small black pieces of plastic placed inside the racket head’s sides. These grommets help to thread the strings inside out as protection for the racket head itself, so the strings don’t sit directly on the graphite of the racket.
These grommets play an essential role by holding the strings, but on the other hand, it can also be the reason behind the badminton string break as the worn-out grommets begin to cut the string and mishits that put too much force on the strings closer to the racket’s frame.
Also, with prolonged use, grommets will start to deform and break as the strings constantly exert pressure on them. If they “split,” the string will begin to put more pressure onto the racket head, which could cause the frame to crack.
Therefore, you must often check the grommets on your racket and get it restrung to ensure your stringer knows that they need replacing and doesn’t overlook them.
And to solve such problems, Yonex has introduced a new technology known as New Grommet Pattern.
Also read: How to choose the best string for your racket? (A complete guide)
So let’s dive in and learn more about this advanced technology:
New Grommet Pattern Technology
Yonex has designed a new grommet pattern, where a single-pass grommet hole construction provides more grommet holes for a more high-performance stringing pattern.
It is also known as Horizontal- A Concept to design the most petite frame. The pattern anchors four strings horizontally to allow greater flex in the string bed and to create an enlarged sweet spot at the top of the frame, due to which even off-centre shots can be powerful.
This fantastic and advanced technology can be seen in the Yonex badminton series rackets.
For example take: Yonex Astrox 88D Pro.
The frame structure of this racket is evolved with a more prominent sweet spot made possible by the strength-reinforced Isometric head shape. And the grommets are improved with a new pattern that uses more oversized, strategically-placed grommets, a technology that allows more string movement at impact and ultimately increases shuttle hold for powerful shot-making.
Final Words
New Grommet Pattern is essential in protecting the string for horizontal and vertical. But due to high tension, the grommets might be unable to cover the string after a few badminton restringing.
I suggest you change the grommets every half year to protect the racket and extend the string’s durability.