Open throat rackets refer to the ones that replace the wedge piece at the heart of the racket with an open space (usually triangular) whose upper part, known as the “bridge,” connects the two arms that extend from the handle to form the oval shape of the racket head. There are also models that maintain a central reinforcement rib (a straight and narrow extension of the handle) in the open space, dividing it into two symmetrical triangles. We refer to this type of wedge as “reinforced open throat.” 

When the open triangle exceeds the size of the wedge in any classic racket, it is usually referred to as a “Large open throat” racket. We can find this type of racket with extended arms, and there are also beautiful models that, like the “reinforced” ones, create two symmetrical spaces due to their three arms (Hazell’s). Spanish rackets Puig Superflex (Igor del Busto) and Maxim GC take it a step further, creating up to three spaces with their “open” division of the central arm. 

Although we might consider the “Open throat” era to have originated in the USA in 1928, we find early antecedents once again. The Malings patent dates to 1891, and the brand Staub launched the Staub’s Patent model in 1914. This model likely had limited success due to the weakness of the bridge piece (detail in photo). The American patent resolved this issue by reinforcing that area with a front piece, making it successful during the 1930s when “Large open throat” rackets began to emerge. 

Racketevolution is an unlimited collection that spans the entire history of rackets. At times, it focuses on specific aspects or eras, while at other times, it addresses things more generally. Below are series of rackets organized by different connections, materials, players, brands, etc. These provide an idea of the most representative rackets, from the early ones to contemporary rackets.