Squash Racket Review
A brief look at the new squash rackets available for the 2009/10 season

TAKING TECHNOLOGY TO A NEW DIMENSION

Dunlop are the leading brand in squash rackets and the choice of the majority of top flight players on the world circuit including Lee Beachill, Jonathan Power and Amr Shabana . All three players have been world number one while using Dunlop rackets. Nick Matthew has also just recently moved to Dunlop and has launched his signature racket the ‘Evolution’ which I have tested and reviewed.

The new range is available from July 2009 which has the new 4D technology incorporated in each racket. The new 4D Braided technology enhances the and compliments the Aerogel system already in place which makes this a revolutionary combination. The rackets are constructed with four directional braiding of super light S-glass fibres which gives you four times the benefit of a standard carbon racket. Only one layer of braided 4D equals four layers of carbon, so the racket is also softer and less stiff for comfort and control. This new technology also helps to minimize torsional twist and gain more control by adding the 4D Braiding at key areas on the frame which are – 5 and 7 o’clock and then again at 3 and 9 o’clock for increased stability, touch and feel.

This breakthrough technology along with Aerogel which incorporates the worlds lightest solid that has a strength of 4,000 times its own weight can deliver an unmatched strength to weight ratio for advanced stiffness and power. All these extra benifits do not increase the weight of the racket and the ‘M-Fil’ system across the hitting zone to soften the ball’s impact means the new frames can deliver the perfect balance between power and control.

The Dunlop Aerogel 4D ‘Ultimate’

Specifications

1. Construction – 4D Aerogel
2. Head size – 500 cm 2
3. Weight – 132 grams
4. Balance – Head light
5. String – M-Fil TS
6. String Pattern – 16 x 19
7. String Tension - 20/30 lbs

The Dunlop Aerogel Ultimate is designed for the intermediate to advanced players, especially balanced with a head light frame profile and a dense 16 x 19 string pattern. It has been designed with an expanded throat and oversized head for optimal power and also an extended handle for extra comfort and superb control. This is the preferred choice of  the two times world number one Amr Shabana who uses this racket to its full potential.

I have used this racket for a test match and was very impressed with its performance. Although I already use Dunlop rackets as my preferred choice I could definitely notice the difference in a few areas. The racket is more powerful without a doubt but does not compromise the control and feel when hitting the ball at pace. The racket is a good medium weight and did not actually feel it was head light and kept shape for a true swing and follow through. I enjoyed my experience with the ‘Ultimate’ and would strongly recommend any Dunlop user to upgrade and feel the difference.

Dunlop Aerogel 4D Ultimate Squash Racket

The Dunlop Aerogel 4D ‘Max’

Specifications

1. Construction – Aerogel 4D
2. Head Size – 500 cm 2
3. Weight – 137 grams
4. Balance – Head Light
5. String – M-Fil TS
6. String Pattern – 14 x 19
7. String Tension – 20/30 lbs

The Dunlop Aerogel4D max is once again designed for an intermediate to advanced player who seeks pure power. The racket has the tear drop head shape with the long main strings to provide the player with the explosive power when called for but the 4D Braided areas ensures the stability and control.

On my trial game with this racket I was shocked at how much power the tear drop head shape actually provided with the slightest of effort. Still a good weight but took a lot longer to get used to the pure power and trying not to over hit my shots. With this racket you are sure to get good length however you will have to practice to find your touch as it is so tempting to blast your opponent off the court.

4 Star Rating

Click on the link below to buy the Max. Now in stock.

Dunlop Aerogel 4D Max Squash Racket

The Dunlop Aerogel 4D ’ Evolution’ 120

Specifications

1. Construction – 4D Aerogel
2. Head Size – 490 cm 2
3. Weight – 120 g
4. Balance – Head Light
5. String – M-Fil TS
6. String Pattern – 14 x 18
7. string Tension – 20/30 lbs

The Dunlop Aerogel 4D Evolution racket is the lightest racket in this range with a raw frame weight of 120g it is the lightest racket Dunlop have ever produced. The frame itself is handcrafted with a tear drop head design for explosive power but still maintains string bed control through a small bridge located in the throat area. The characteristics of the ‘Evolution’ allow players of all standards to experience lightweight power, great manoeuvrability with a decent amount of control.

This particular racket is endorsed by Nick Matthew who ranks 9th in the PSA men’s world ranking. Earlier this year Nick Matthew was crowned British National Champion by winning the British Open overcoming fierce opposition and storming the final in straight sets. Matthew has recently signed a four year deal with Dunlop and joins other top ambassadors in the game.

Nick Matthew said – ” It’s fantastic to be joining the world’s number one squash brand and becoming part of the Dunlop Pro Player Team. Dunlop is renowned for producing great playing rackets and the new 4D Aerogel Evolution120 is no exception. I am looking forward to even more success with Dunlop over the next four years.”

This is the racket in the new 4D range I was most looking forward to testing as I liked the design and shape. I can safely say I was not disappointed, it felt great to use. The tear drop shaped head with the bridge gave extra controlled power and being so light taking your shot felt effortless. Everything about this racket is right, weight, feel, power and control. It seems Dunlop have once again produced another highly playable racket that almost feels like an extension of your arm.

5 star rating

The Evolution is  IN STOCK HERE!!!!!!

Click on the link below to buy or view prices.

Dunlop Aerogel 4D Evolution 120 Squash Racket

Other rackets in the new Aerogel 4D range which I have not had the opportunity to test are:

The Dunlop Aerogel 4D ’Pro Gt-x’

Specifications

1. Construction – Aerogel 4D
2. Head Size – 470 cm 2
3. Weight – 152 g
4. Balance – 365 mm

This is the official racket of the PSA and used by 50 % of the players in the world top 50 ranking.

Click on the link below NOW IN STOCK

Dunlop Aerogel 4D Pro GT-X Squash Racket

The Dunlop Aerogel 4D ‘Elite’

Specifications

1. Construction – Aerogel 4D
2. Head Size – 500 cm 2
3. Weight – 135 g
4. Balance – Head Light
5. String – M-Fil TS
6. String pattern – 14 x 19
7. String Tension – 20/30 lbs

The Dunlop Aerogel 4D Elite is ideal for intermediate and advanced players who will benefit from the light frame profile, widened throat area and long handle for better control. Used on the world circuit by Gregory Gaultier, highest world ranking number two.

Click on the image below to view price or buy NOW IN STOCK!

Dunlop Aerogel 4D ‘Pro’

Specifications

1. Construction – Aerogel 4D
2. Head Size – 470 cm 2
3. Weight – 135 g
4. Balance -  Even
5. String – M-Fil TS
6. String Pattern – 14 x 18
7. String Tension – 20 / 30 lbs

The Dunlop aerogel Pro has been updated with the new 4D braiding technology. The popular racket once again has the pro player specifications with the even frame weight for increased control and feel. It also enhances the  momentum during swing cycle to create more power.

This is a great all round racket for any standard of player,  just because it is designed for the pro player does not mean it will not suit a player of a lesser standard. The weight is evenly distributed which makes the racket very true to swing, although not the lightest of rackets it still offered good solid power and excellent control. This racket offers no real thrills or gimmicks but stays at it always has been as a true players racket and I’m sure this will keep the pro racket frame legacy alive. A great racket to use at a really reasonable price, very much the all round favourite.

4 star rating

Use the link below to get the best deal.

Dunlop Aerogel 4D Pro Squash racket

All racket deals have been updated to  maintain the best prices available