Dranix Brasil

                                              Dranix Brasil

 

http://dranixsports.blogspot.com/2012/01/vem-ai-nova-colecao-de-raquetes-da.html

One of two flagship products, the Dranix Brasil (Brasil) is an iconic racquet not only for the company but also for a country. It is a clear symbol of Brasilian Beach Tennis both for its artistic rendering of the country's flag and also for the signature of Brasil's star athlete Vinicius Font. True to the signer's nature, the racquet is an advanced frame capable of enhancing huge smashes and serves.

Appearance:

The Brasil is not only a top level racquet but it also is a work of art! Those fond of abstraction will appreciate this rendering of the Brasilian flag. Instead of the traditional "Ordem E Progresso," smack in the middle of the hitting surface, "Orgulho de ser brasileira" declares "Proud to be Brazilian!" Outside of the aesthetics of this racquet, the finish is clean and crisp, with a slight grain to it. After playing with several frames, I've found that the paint job will hold up to scrapes, bumps and bruises. It seems to have a top coat that will chip over time but won't expose the carbon frame underneath. Play with it enough and track it through the sand and the rim will pick up the tan hues of the beach.

If you're a fan of drilling extra holes, the Brasil will give you nothing but headaches. Although it has a great design, it will give perfectionists fits since symmetry is not the paddle's priority!

Construction:

As a top frame, the Brasil has a full 100% carbon fiber face. Inside, Dranix uses a proprietary foam in full. the frame has a nice thick core that coupled with the carbon face produces an amplified pop. Tap it against the hand and it will feel pretty solid and responsive. Dranix strays from the traditional handle style that Vision established years ago in that it uses a larger throat, a longer handle, and a thicker grip. Along with the thicker grip, you will noticed that the Brasil is a bit more squared out than its competitors. You'll also notice that there is a generous handle and a long throat that accommodates the largest of non-dominant hands.

As advertised above, the Brasil paddles that I've come across have weighed in between 357g and 362g.

Playing Characteristics:

Offensively: Consistent with its design and signing player, the Brasil has a ton of pop and is conducive to big serves and big smashes. Upon the first few hits, you'll immediately notice that the Brasil has the signature "pop" or feedback that Dranix has developed. You can feel the ball spring off the hitting surface of the paddle. Hitting into shots can be overwhelming at first because of the speedy response of the Brasil. Smashes may stray deep initially but are reigned in after a few adjustments.Once you dial it in, you'll find that the ball carries weight on serves and smashes alike. The weight and balance of this frame accelerate through the ball and are adept for flat and spin players alike.

Defensively: The Brasil does measure up to its determined weight and feels like a 360g paddle; there is a certain heft to it that some players may not like. At this weight and with an extended length, don't expect to be able to whip it around at will. The initial impression is that this is an offensively-designed paddle. Keeping that in mind, you will find that while it is not as maneuverable as it's lighter, orange cousin, it is stable. Return of big serves and overheads is a matter of putting the face of the paddle in the right place. The Brasil will do the rest of the work. Shots to the edge of the frame won't twist the paddle and will still go over.

Final Thoughts:

Undoubtedly this is an aggressive paddle. The response off the face of the paddle begs for players to speed up the pace and hit heavy smashes. Defensively it will give players a stable platform to get the ball back in play and to retake the offensive. Players who prefer more maneuverable frames may not take to the Brasil but those who enjoy the extra power will execute some devastating shots.

Pros:
+Free power
+Stability
+Comfortable handle for players with large hands/ room for a non-dominant hand.

Cons:
- Power can be overwhelming.
- Heavy.
- Weight and length can make it sluggish.