Wilson have released a new technology which has been incorporated into their [K] Factor series squash rackets. The new FX technology features as the ‘Quad Shaft’ construction for extra torsional stability. The ‘Quad Shaft’ is located in the rackets throat area to provide an improved distribution of weight. Quad Shaft basically means that the racket has four shafts leading to the racket head instead of the standard two, which in turn brings better stability. This new FX technology produces 23% extra torsional stability and much better control for the player. There are already four other [K] technologies that make up the [K] Factor FX line which are;
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[K]arophite Black
This technology is a proccess at nanoscopic level, it is a network of tiny fibres that are mixed with the silicone dioxide in the older n-code technology which actually bind to the carbon fibres. The rackets end up 40% more stronger and stiffer than the n-code rackets which increases the control through less frame distortion.
2 . [K] Zone
This a combination of power holes and power grooves where the strings meet the frame creating a larger sweet spot for more controlled power.
3 . [K]ontour Yoke
The new frame engineering technology that enhances stiffness at key stress points on the racket for improved stability.
4 . [K]ontour Frame
The new industrial design innovation that improves the overall feel and handling for better maneuverability.
Three [K] Factor rackets have been upgraded with the new FX technology including the [K] Sonix, [K] Blade and [K] Sting. Each racket brings a slightly different benefit to game play so the player can decide which one suits their own game type. All rackets are available from May 2009.
Wilson [K] Sonix FX
The new [K] Sonix offers the maximum head size allowed in a squash racket to date and is designed for players seeking extra controlled power.
Specifications
- Head Size – 500 cm 2
- Weight – 145 g
- Balance – 36 cm
- String Pattern – 14/18
- Beam – 18 mm Dual taper
- String – Helixx
Wilson [K] Blade FX
The Wilson Blade FX has a tighter string pattern for extra accuracy and control.
Specifications
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Head Size – 477 cm 2
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Weight – 142 g
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Balance – 355 mm (head heavy)
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Length – 685 mm
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Beam – 18 mm Dual taper
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String Pattern – 16/19
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String – Helixx
Wilson [K] Sting FX
The Wilson [K] Sting FX is a mid head sized racket for a perfect balance of power and control.
Specifications
- Head Size – 477 cm 2
- Weight – 147 g
- Balance – 345 mm (head heavy)
- Length – 685 mm
- Beam – 18 mm Dual taper
- String Pattern – 16/19
- String – Helixx
Wilson rackets are relatively new to me as I have never really used them for any length of time. I think the last Wilson I used was a sledge hammer which I broke fairly quickly and put me off buying another. That happened a long time ago so I was interested in how the rackets had progressed since then.
All three rackets felt very similar with only a slight difference in weight and leaning towards head heavy which was fine. They all felt solid with plenty of power and they all seemed very stable on off centre shots which is always good for retrieving. The Blade and the Sting are nicely balanced rackets offering great control but I definitely favoured the Sonix out of the three. It felt better for my game with the larger head size which added a little more power to my shots and hit the ball crisply under pressure. Overall a really nice set of playable rackets which had enough stiffness and stability to control the more powerful shots. The new [K] FX technology certainly gives the rackets a very different but very sturdy feel which offer bags of control and excellent touch.
4 Star rating for the FX series
The links below will take you to the best deals I could find for these rackets. (Choose by country).
Wilson [K] FX Sonix Squash Racket
Wilson [K] FX Sting Squash Racket
Wilson [K] FX Sting Squash Racket
Wilson [K] Sonix FX Squash Racket
Wilson [K ]Sting FX Squash Racket
Squash Racket Review 
I had a chance to play with Sonix FX. Overall, it’s a nice and playable racquet. I really liked the large sweet spot, stability and power. However, I consider myself a skeptic when it comes to gimmick technologies such as Quad Shaft. In my opinion, the only thing it does is that it makes the frame less stiff and increases the amount of vibration so eventually I had to choose a different frame as I prefer stiffer frames.
I can tell you that the new K Sonix is great. Stiffer than the K-tour, which was too flexible. Totally Agree, it was just too whippy and the string pattern was all wrong. The best thing about the new quad frame is that the cut outs act similarly to the Prince O ports, making the frame more aerodynamic, so that although it weighs 145 grams, it moves through the air faster. This is a great stick.
I just wonder why Wilson have modified the shaft on the K series so soon. I used to play with n code which I think are great rackets. As they are obsolete I bought a k-tour (same head size, balance, weight) as a replacement. They are light years apart. The k tour is so flexible I just cannot time a shot with it and power seems very difficult to generate. It also has less strings than the n-code which does not help. I would be interested to know how the new FX technology helps stiffness by comparison between the new fx range and the original k series?
And again with the first news on a range of bats!! Great stuff.