Graphite rackets are made of the entire graphite fiber material, while carbon fiber rackets embed carbon fiber into other materials such as glass fiber or nylon. Therefore, these two types of rackets have different characteristics and performances.
Differences
2024
1. Different ingredients
Carbon fiber is a high-strength, high-modulus fiber with a carbon content of more than 90%, and graphite fiber, a fiber with a layered hexagonal lattice graphite structure whose molecular structure has been graphitized and whose carbon content is higher than 99%.
2023
2. Different characteristics
Carbon fiber is a special fiber composed of carbon elements, which has the characteristics of high-temperature resistance, friction resistance, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Graphite fiber has good heat shock resistance, a small thermal expansion coefficient that can withstand 3500℃ in the absence of oxygen, excellent flame retardancy and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, etc.
2022
3. Different manufacturing methods
Carbon fiber is made of acrylic fiber and viscose fiber as raw materials, and is made by high-temperature oxidation and carbonization. Graphite fiber is obtained by graphitizing the corresponding organic precursor fiber at 2000-3300℃ after making carbon fiber.
2021
4. Different uses
Carbon fiber is an excellent material for manufacturing high-tech equipment such as aerospace. Its main use is as a reinforcing material combined with resin, metal, ceramic, and carbon to manufacture advanced composite materials. Graphite fiber is used as a high-temperature insulating radiation shield, an advanced composite material reinforcer, and a functional composite material, while nickel-plated graphite fiber can be used as a fuel tank, lightning protection, and electromagnetic wave shielding material, and is used for military power strikes, the so-called graphite bombs.
2020
5. Durability
Carbon fiber is the most durable material with the longest service life. Although carbon fiber has the smallest energy release and power reduction, it is more easily abused than any other material because it does not twist or break under impact like graphite; graphite fiber is very strong and flexible, but not as durable as steel or titanium. If the racket is not used properly, it is easy to break, which will shorten the service life of the graphite frame compared to other materials. However, graphite rackets are still very durable when used and maintained correctly.
2019
6. Power
Carbon fiber is good for players who mainly need to hit the ball with topspin because the material does not lose much power when hitting the ball. Stiff racquets are popular among aggressive baseline players who mostly hit one-handed backhands or generate a lot of topspin; graphite racquets are great for players who need extra power and spin. This is especially true when hitting shots and short angles that require more power than usual. This is because graphite is very light and provides less drag than heavier materials.
