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Best inventions 2005: Game Point

2 minute read

•JUST SMASHING Fischer’s Magnetic Speed tennis racquet won’t fix your forehand, but hit the sweet spot, and you’ll feel the difference. During normal play, a racquet’s frame deforms slightly on impact before springing back. With the M-Speed, two unipolar magnets positioned in opposite sides of the head help speed the recovery so the ball is catapulted back over the net with extra oomph. Anna-Lena Groenefeld of Germany and other pros compete with it. Tennis anyone?

INVENTOR Fischer AVAILABILITY Now, $170 at tennis-warehouse.com The 105-sq.-in. model is recommended for beginners; the 98-sq.-in. one is for more advanced players. TO LEARN MORE www.fischer-tennis.com

•SPORT SHADES These amber-tinted MaxSight contact lenses from Nike filter out blue light to reduce glare and improve the visibility of baseballs, tennis balls and other moving targets. A gray-green version gives golfers an edge by enhancing the dips and curves of a distant putting green. Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts credits his MaxSights with boosting his batting average last season; Michelle Wie wore them during her professional debut. The lenses, like those in any decent pair of sunglasses, also filter out ultraviolet rays.

INVENTOR Alan Reichow at Pacific University for Nike AVAILABILITY Now, $60 for box of six lenses. Purchase requires fitting by a professional; monthly replacement recommended. TO LEARN MORE nikevision.com bauschlomb.com

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