Squash Racket Review

The HEAD Microgel range of squash rackets are still widely used among club and county players. Although they have now been updated with the new range which integrated the Corrugated Technology, this range have succeeded in what they set out to achieve. Lots of power which we have come to expect from head rackets and also added control as the Microgel properties gives the rackets a rock solid feel on the ball’s impact.

The Microgel is a silicone based material which has been combined with stiff and strong carbon composite fibres which deforms and compresses on the ball’s impact. It absorbs and disperses the impact to the whole frame and then quickly reshapes again. The end result is a very responsive racket to suit the fast paced game of today.

Six rackets make up the HEAD Microgel range which are the –  Instinct, Extreme, Fire, 125, 135, 145.

The Microgel 125, 135, 145 and Fire are pretty much the same rackets with just different weights although the balance in the 125 is slightly higher due to it being lighter. The string patterns are all the same leaving the long main strings free without a bridge in the throat for optimum power. They also have the same larger racket head area than the other rackets which gives a bigger sweet spot for better control.

HEAD Microgel 125

Specifications

1. Beam – 20 mm
2. Head Size – 500 cm 2
3. Weight – 125 g
4. Balance – 370 mm
5. Colours  – Blue/White/Black
6. Grip Size – 1
7. String Pattern – 12/17

Head Microgel 135

Specifications

1. Beam – 20 mm
2. Head Size – 500 cm 2
3. Weight – 135 g
4. Balance – 335 mm
5. Colours – Gold/White/Black
6. String Pattern – 12/17

HEAD Microgel 145

Specifications

1. Beam – 20 mm
2. Head Size – 500 cm 2
3. Weight – 145 g
4. Balance – 335 mm
5. Colours – Red/White/Black
6. Grip Size – 1
7. String Pattern – 12/17

HEAD Microgel Fire

Specifications

1. Beam – 20 mm
2. Head Size – 500 cm 2
3. Weight – 155 g
4. Balance – 335 mm
5. Colours – Red/White/Black
6. String Pattern – 12/17

As all the rackets were quite similar I was surprised at how much difference the weight of the rackets affected my shots. The 125 was extremely nimble and easy to maneuver from forehand to backhand but it was just a little bit too light for me. It is a nice racket but I felt on occasions I lost my shape and my footwork gets a little lazy as I start to flick the ball around the court. On the other hand the Fire was too heavy for me, once again It played well and felt solid but found I was just a little to slow at times in keeping my racket prepared for the next shot. I was most suited to the 135 and 145, just about right for shot taking and preparing quickly. The rackets in general were pleasant to use, plenty of power created from the open throat area and bags of control. HEAD rackets certainly have a unique feel and playability about them which has improved in this range. The power is still very much there but they seem more controlled and would probably appeal to more players of all standards.

I have added links below for the best deals I could find.(choose by country for better postage costs if any).

 Head Microgel 125  Squash Racket

HEAD Microgel 145  Squash Racket

HEAD Microgel 125 Squash Racket

HEAD MicroGEL 145 Squash Racket

The last two rackets in the range are the Microgel Instinct and the Extreme. These rackets are once again quite similar to each other apart from the weight and balance. These both have a smaller head size with a bridge in the throat area and a slightly denser string pattern.

HEAD Microgel Instinct

Specifications

1. Beam – 18-20 mm
2. Head Size – 460 cm 2
3. Weight – 155 g
4. Balance – 335 mm
5. Colours – Black/White
6. Grip Size – 1
7. String Pattern – 14/16

HEAD Microgel Extreme

Specifications

1. Beam – 18-20 mm
2. Head Size – 460 cm 2
3. Weight – 135 g
4. Balance – 370 mm
5. Colours – Black/Yellow/White
6. Grip Size – 1
7. String Pattern – 14/16

I opted just to test the Extreme as I knew the Instinct would be a little too heavy for me @155 g. The Extreme turned out to be my favourite out of the whole range. I have always preferred rackets with the bridge in the throat area as I feel this is vital for stability and control although you may lose some power. I felt much more at ease with the Extreme and could concentrate on my game rather than the racket itself. It still has great power but I really liked the the feel of it and to me it is the best all rounder. Nice weight and balance and actually felt a lot different from the first four rackets in this range, more comfortable and stable.

Once again use the links below to go to the best deals for these rackets.

Head Microgel Instinct Squash Racket

HEAD Microgel Extreme Squash Racket

HEAD Microgel Instinct Squash Racket

MicroGel Extreme Squash Racket (Strung) 

I enjoyed all the rackets and I feel HEAD rackets have come along way with the Microgel range. It definitely still caters for the hard hitters in the game but they are more versatile and controlled than before. With squash getting more faster and aggressive I can see why many top flight players are choosing HEAD to keep up with the pace.