Not a flea like a flea

Testing of the winks (small disc) for SuperAce Tennis

Small plastic, slightly convex lenses, which are named after the traditional game "Fleas", are one of the most important game parts of our SuperAce Tennis board game. In the game, they represent the tennis ball. The quality of the small "flea" is responsible for the execution of the shot, the course of the flight and the accuracy of the landing. We have spent many hours testing the most suitable shape and material and tried dozens of different products and manufacturers.

The "fleas" produced in the 1960s and 1970s were larger, more convex, and more pressure had to be applied during the shot.

Their flight was relatively stable. We have use the original ones as our test samples. They would also suit the purposes of the current game, but unfortunately their production is no longer available.

 The new products of company Směr which we received as samples, did not pass our tests. They were significantly lighter, they differ in the material. The shooting of these "fleas" could not be controlled even in all efforts to aim accurately. During the flight, the fleas behaved unpredictably, rotated, and after the impact tended to roll anywhere but to the intended destination. This is not the way.

We therefore had to search abroad. We cannot even calculate how many different samples, especially from China, we had to try. Small, medium, large, various thicknesses, profiles, materials and colors…

Finally, we have also tried 3D printing. Not to mention that there was not much to do under the covid quarantines, so we had time to test and test.

When we came across Tiddly winks. The game from which "Fleas" evolved originated in the 19th century in England. In the 1950s, it had its epicenter at Cambridge and Oxford Universities. Over the next few years, the game caught on to another 37 universities. It gradually spread to the USA. The rules are, of course, more complicated. Tiddlywinkers claim that the game is something between billiard and chess. It combines skill with strategic thinking. With the development of this "sport", two associations have emerged, British and American, which hold championships.

And so we approached a traditional British supplier. Their "fleas" even exceeded our expectations. It can be seen that years of experience have been reflected in optimal properties. For us, they will be supplied in the color of a tennis ball - yellow. We believe that they will fly great for you too.