Carbon fiber has forever altered the landscape of manufacturing. This doesn’t come as a surprise, considering the qualities present in the material that make it such a prize when it comes to creating things: weight (pretty light), strength, and durability.
These magical traits elevate carbon fiber into the realm of prized possession. Technological advancements enabled production to be quicker and more affordable; thus, with the production of carbon fiber made more efficient, so did the demand for the material increase.
Additionally, the flexibility of the carbon fiber allows the manufacturers to experiment and eventually produce pretty innovative concepts. An example of such is the BIC Sport Windfoil with 3MB’s carbon fiber concept.
Since the introduction of carbon fiber, the creation of sporting goods has never been the same. In sports, weight and strength go hand in hand: you need equipment that can handle the daily wear and tear of sports, but on the other hand, you need the equipment to be lightweight for it to be used efficiently, and without unnecessary strain on the athlete or player.
Back then, sporting goods were symbols of compromise. Or the very definition of “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” It was virtually impossible for a piece of sporting equipment to be both lightweight and strong at the same time. Somewhere down the line, something has got to give.
Thus, athletes had to struggle with pieces of equipment that were either strong but too heavy or light but too fragile. They simply couldn’t get the best of both worlds—that is, until carbon fiber was discovered, created, and injected into the manufacturing scene.
With carbon fiber in the picture, the sporting goods arena has become a better, brighter place. Sports lovers are able to love their chosen fields some more because the carbon fiber–enriched equipment have made engaging in said sport such a joy.
What are some of the most common sporting equipment today that have been made with carbon fiber, you ask? Well, here are 5 examples of sporting goods the makeup of which were improved by carbon fiber.
Nowadays, golf shafts come in 2 materials: steel and graphite, which is made up almost exclusively of carbon fiber.
These shafts, being way more lightweight than their steel counterparts, fit the golfer who desires a more powerful swing. Because carbon fiber is lightweight, the golfer can generate a faster swing, thereby adding power to his/her motions.
In addition, graphite golf shafts are ideal for those who prefer longer distances with their shots, aren’t strong enough to use steel shafts, and are content with their current set of golf clubs (read: those who have no plans to purchase new clubs in the future).
Rackets rank second on the list of sporting equipments modified with carbon fiber. Though there are different kinds of racket sports (e.g., tennis, badminton, racquetball), studies reveal that tennis rackets are the most commonly purchased racket equipment, accounting for 81% of unit deliveries.
It makes sense, though, why rackets greatly benefit from carbon fiber. Players get more variety and spin in their motions, thanks to the much-lighter equipment. Also, the rackets are likely to last longer and stand more tough use, what with carbon fiber being one of the most durable materials around.
For the snowboard-loving individual, carbon fiber must be the best thing next to sliced bread. Adding the material into the basic snowboard makeup has drastically changed the adventure of snowboarding—for the better, of course.
Carbon fiber is loads lighter than traditional fiberglass; thus, it enables the snowboarder to make greater leaps and bounds over his/her terrain of choice. In addition, carbon fiber makes use of the energy created during snowboarding by producing more energy.
For snowboarders, this means increased durability and speed. They can then take on any terrain without scrimping on speed and feel. Every snowboarding experience is guaranteed high performance. Who wouldn’t want that?
Fishing rods have the power to either make or break your fishing adventures. Bamboo rods were the pioneers in fishing equipment, and continue to do so today, until the fishing rods fashioned from carbon fiber were introduced.
Rods manufactured from carbon fiber provide weight and sensitivity, 2 crucial factors for when you’re fishing in deeper waters. Experts also recommend using such rods when you’re out for smaller game fish. This is because you get to feel more clearly the vibrations coming from the small, delicate bites.
Also, with a lighter (read: carbon fiber) fishing rod, you can generate a greater casting distance, vastly improving your fishing game.
Of course, no list of sporting equipment made with carbon fiber can be without bicycles on it. Thanks to improved manufacturing techniques, bike frames made with carbon fiber are becoming widespread.
Bicycle enthusiasts love the lightweight feature carbon fiber brings into the machine’s composition. With lighter weight comes greater control; they can zip up and down any terrain they wish.
In addition, carbon fiber bicycles aren’t only lighter but also stronger, more durable as well. They absorb shock waves and vibrations better, making for a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Plus bikes made from carbon fiber are highly stable. Corrosion is an issue that’s next to nonexistent, and even if you use bike wash on your ride, you can count on the frame to not give up anytime soon.
With these long-standing features, you’re sure to enjoy your bicycle for a long, long time.