Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a composite cord, in particular for use in stringing tennis rackets, continuous fibers are twisted together while a liquid binder is applied between them. This occurs just before the fibers are twisted through a die which wipes the binder and forms a protective sheath. Cords are manufactured at reduced cost through the elimination of heating of the entire cord.

Abstract: A racket frame is formed from an elongate element produced by extrusion of a mixture of a thermoplastic material and carbon fibres. The element is bent while hot to form the racket head and has arms which are joined together by throat pieces, thereby forming the racket shaft. The throat pieces are formed by injection moulding. The elongate element preferably has at least one cavity extending along its length, the cavity being filled with foamed material of a density different from that of the elongate element so that the racket can have the desired weight. Preferably ropes of carbon fibres are included in the elongate element extending along its length. The aligned fibres give strength to the frame. In production of the frame the thermoplastic material may be extruded, cooled, have holes for strings formed in it, and then bent to shape or may be bent to shape immediately upon extrusion.