BLACK CROWN PITON 5.0: MORE VARIETY

Black Crown didn't waste any time and was one of the first brands to launch a racket that will be highly talked about in 2017. And it's not just any racket. No. We're talking about their iconic Piton model.

This time, it arrives with its fifth version: Piton 5.0. And it does so with two very similar rackets, but, at the same time, clearly differentiated. Black Crown Piton 5.0 and Black Crown Piton 5.0 Soft. Today we analyze them in depth and detail what each of them offers us on the court. It should be noted that both succeed what was until now considered the best Black Crown racket.

First of all, and as the main difference, we must say that Piton 5.0 is a 100% carbon racket with Black Eva rubber. For the Soft version, however, Eva Soft rubber and fiberglass faces have been used. In any case, like all Black Crown rackets, quality is more than guaranteed.

The shape, obviously, is the same. They share the same mold with a teardrop format. The balance also doesn't change, nor does the color. At first glance, we only notice a different rubber color. In the original version it is black, and in the Soft version, white, where the crown also changes, as it reveals the fiber from which the faces are made. Black crown for the carbon faces and white crown in Piton 5.0 Soft.

ON-COURT PERFORMANCE

We move to the court to check the real differences with them in hand. By playing, we will better understand what each racket can contribute to our playing style.

We start with Black Crown Piton 5.0. From the back of the court, the first sensations it transmits are that it is a racket with a medium feel. It cannot be said to be soft, but it is not excessively hard either. The rigid carbon face, along with the Black Eva rubber - compact and a bit bouncy for my taste - makes the racket have a rather dry feel with little ball sensation. But it also provides control as it is easier to vary the ball speed.

POWER VS. CONTROL?

We go to the net and soon discover that this is where the Piton 5.0 performs best. Fast and precise volleys are achieved. It is true that since it is not very soft, the anticipation in each shot has to be greater. But if you manage to hit the ball in front, the volley comes out powerfully. With Piton 5.0 Soft the ball enters the face more and comes out later, as expected, helping the player to control the direction of the ball.

In the bandeja, you have to be a little careful. If we try to accelerate the bandeja and don't hit it in the right spot, we run the risk of it getting away from us. In the same case, with the 5.0 Soft, the bandeja becomes easier. Being softer allows us to make certain ball reading errors.

Finally, in the smash is where we notice the biggest difference between the two rackets. The Black Crown Piton 5.0 provides a lot of power in smashes. Hit it without fear, and the racket will always respond. The 5.0 Soft, in principle, is a less powerful racket, although everything depends on our hitting. If our smash shot is flat, the BC Piton 5.0 will be great for us, but if our smash shot is topspin, that is, if we wrap the ball, the Piton 5.0 Soft might be better for you because it allows the ball to get more spin and makes it easier to hit it out for three.

MARTA MARRERO AND TITO ALLEMANDI

The two great Black Crown ambassadors are Marta Marrero, current number 1 in the women's circuit, and Tito Allemandi, number 10 WPT. The Canarian has chosen Black Crown Piton 5.0 because it is "a racket with a lot of control that also provides me with power in key moments."

Tito Allemandi, for his part, praises the Soft model. "I've always liked relatively soft rackets. And this one has a lot of control and at the same time a lot of bounce. It's a very comfortable racket; in this case, it has a wider sweet spot than the others. For these reasons, I would definitely choose it. Both competitive players and beginners can play with it because it's a very forgiving racket."