From the Gold-Label Viscaria's Green Plastic to the Cybershape CWT's Weights
Probably many players know that some gold-label Viscarias have green plastic added inside the handle. But not all. I have seen some FL with it added, some ST without. Whether it is wholly so cannot be confirmed (I do not have the money to take them apart one by one for you). But what role does this green plastic block play?
The most direct view is “adding weight.” For example, if this batch of gold-labels is light, adding a plastic block to add weight is normal. Actually, similar operations exist on other brands’ blades. Another view is balancing the center of gravity. Suppose a hollow handle was originally planned; then temporarily adding a plastic block both adds weight (the blade too light affects market price and assessment) and shifts the balance point toward the handle. The most beautiful idea is: while further raising ball quality, still obtaining a good balance point. That is, though it looks heavy, it does not feel that heavy to play, and the striking power is even greater. Through further understanding of the Cybershape CWT technology, I realized this.
What Was the Original Intent in Creating Four Weights of the Cybershape CWT?
The CWT, adjustable-weight technology, appearing on the Cybershape 6 and Cybershape all-wood gives the blade four weight choices. Besides adding no weight, there are three: 3g, 6g and 9g. As for the intent: we learned that Moregard, who participated in development, wanted to choose the blade’s weight by his own feel and the hall’s size. He did not say exactly what. We assume it is roughly like this: in a small venue, where the ball speed is already fast enough, for better ball control you can add no weight. In a big venue, wanting to raise single-ball striking quality, he adds weights. Besides, if today you feel a bit heavy and want to swing more freely, you can add a lighter weight, say 3g, or none at all. If you meet an opponent with strong defense and can only grind it out, you are forced to add a heavier weight, to seek higher striking power.
The key point: even though the weight is added at the handle, because the bat’s overall weight rises (other factors aside, and assuming you can still swing it), striking power can rise. So after the gold-label Vis added hard plastic, and after the Cybershape 6 added heavier weights, both can raise striking power. And at the same time, you will not feel it much heavier, because the balance point is more toward the handle. Players in Stiga’s tests said the original 85g Cybershape 6, after adding 9g, did not feel much heavier.
Besides? I compared the 85g and 91g Yoshimura Limited. We know this blade had just one batch made, with consistent craft. With the same rubber, you feel: the heavier one has a harder striking feel and a flatter, straighter arc. The lighter one grips the ball deeper, with a more curved arc. A similar statement appeared in the feedback from pros testing the Cybershape 6 CWT. From this analysis, the CWT’s application is not just a gimmick, but an innovation born to meet pros’ subtle needs.