Showcase: Squash
Power & Precision
For new squash rackets to succeed in today’s market the list of technical requirements is simple: provisions need to be made for power, precision, speed and stability, all with a view to enhancing performance and comfort during play. After all that, anything less than finishing a racket with great graphics is unlikely to sell. Yvonne Holberton highlights some of the latest models
Prince
EXO3 Rebel
Flagship of the Prince range for 2010, the EXO3 Rebel is designed to capture energy at the moment of impact and channel it where it’s most needed. Features include Energy Bridge technology, which Prince says suspends the string bed from the frame to help reduce vibration and increase power and feel The Energy Channel is a sculptured groove within the frame that provides added stability and control. Weighing only 135g, this racket is the model of choice for choice of World No 1 Nicol David and World No 5 James Willstrop.
RRP: £160
www.prince.com
Karakal
TEC series
Three new frames have been added to Karakal’s range for this year. The Tec Gel 120, Tec Lite 130 and Tec Tour 140 feature four graphite nodes, which are raised inside the head to help smooth out vibrations and stiffen the head for power and control. Other features include the company’s ‘inner muscle system’, which is said to allow the racket to be strung at less tension, yet still provide a high-tension feel. Power wings on the shaft are designed to decrease torque and increase power.
RRP: £70 - £120
www.karakal.com
Head
Cyano 115
In brilliant red, the Cyano 115 features d3o technology, said to sense the player’s needs during different types of strokes. During high-speed impact shots, the d3o is intended to increase its stiffness for power, and on slow swings it absorbs the impact load for a softer touch and feel. There’s a new cross section design and a quadro control teardrop for power performance, an extended c-shape for extra control on wall shots and reduced beam height for comfort.
RRP: £149.99
www.head.com
20
SGB SPORT APRIL 2010
Wilson
Tour BLX
Used by Wilson’s professional players on tour, and Peter Barker’s new racket of choice, Wilson says this model offers traditional feel with power to meet the demands of aggressive players. BLX technology has been integrated into this racket, which is intended to improve feel, pace and precision, which is needed for performance players to place shots confidently anywhere in the court. With a head size of 466 sq cm and weighing 138g, this model has been designed for improved comfort and power during play.
RRP: 119.95
www.wilson.com
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