HEAD have been designing and producing squash rackets succesfully for many years and for the 2009 season have added extra muscle into their new line. HEAD rackets are very popular and are used by many players on the world circuit. The most recent and famous being the endorsement of top Egyptian squash player and world number one Karim Darwish who has moved to HEAD as from the 1st January 2009.

Karim Darwish who became world number one in the PSA rankings in January said.

“I am very excited to become part of the HEAD family. It was an easy decision to switch brands due to the quality products that HEAD offers. I can’t wait for the upcoming tournaments to get out on the court and play with my new racket”.

The six rackets in the 2009 range all have the new Corrugated Technology as an added feature for explosive power and extra stiffness. The Corrugated Technology is a new shaft designed to enhance the power, torsion, bending and handling of each individual stroke. Corrugated rails are incorporated into the racket’s shaft resulting in 12% extra stiffness than a standard conventional shaft. This new technology along with the Microgel construction will help in reaching more power and overall improvement of the players game. The Microgel construction already in place is a revolutionary silicone-based material which is combined with stiff carbon composite  fibres which deforms and compresses on impact. It absorbs and disperses the ball impact to the entire frame which results in a rock solid feel which superior touch.

The HEAD 2009 range has four new Microgel CT rackets. The Ct 130 and 150 which are basically the same racket but different weights. These rackets have the bridge in the throat and are presented in blue and silver.

HEAD CT 130

Specifications

1. Composite – Corrugated Technology
2. Beam – 18-22 mm
3. Head Size – 500 cm 2
4. Weight – 130 g
5. Balance – 375 mm
6. String Pattern – 16/17

HEAD CT 150

Specifications

1. Composite – Corrugated Technology
2. Beam -18-22 mm
3. Head Size – 500 cm 2
4. Weight – 150 g
5. Balance – 335 mm
6. String Pattern – 16/17

I had a test with both weights but preferred the 130 as it is roughly the same weight as my own racket. The racket had a good firm feel with good touch as well. Lots of power is delivered when needed yet it felt a lot more controlled than past HEAD rackets I have tested. This seemed a well balanced all round racket with a lot thought gone into how the racket feels for the players on a variety of shots rather than just trying to use extreme power on every stroke.

4 Star Rating

Click on the image below to go to the cheapest deal Icould find for these rackets. (choose country for cheaper postage if any).

Click here for CT 130

Click here for CT 150

HEAD 130 CT Squash Racket

HEAD 150 CT Squash Racket

The second two rackets in the CT range are the CT 115 and the CT 135, both have the tear drop head shape with no bridge in the throat. These rackets look great as you can see below.

HEAD CT 115

Specifications

1. Composite – Corrugated Technology
2. Beam – 20 mm
3. Head Size – 500 cm 2
4. Weight – 115 g
5. Balance – 370 mm
6. String Pattern – 12/17

HEAD CT 135

Specifications

1. Composite – Corrugated Technology
2. Beam – 20 mm
3. Head Size – 500 cm 2
4. Weight – 135 g
5. Balance – 370 mm
6. String Pattern – 12/17

I tested both these rackets and was very impressed with the feel and comfort. I have tested HEAD rackets in the past which emphasise totally on power and had far too much vibration and not enough touch to enhance the whole of my squash game. This is a breakthrough for HEAD in my opinion because these rackets were exceptionally comfortable to play with. There is no doubt that these were the most powerful rackets I have used so far, but with an added controlled touch which was very unexpected. The racket could take the pace off the ball for drop shots with precision or be wound up for attacking shots like a Jekyll and Hyde. If you enjoy aggressive squash or simply play lob and drop games these rackets will suit it all.

5 Star Rating

Click on the links below to go to the cheapest deals you will find, hurry while stocks last, you’ll know why when you see the prices!

HEAD Microgel 115 CT Squash Racket

HEAD Microgel 135 CT Squash Racket

 HEAD 115 CT Squash Racket (Strung)

HEAD 135 CT Squash Racket

The next rackets in the range are the are the vector 155 CT which I have not tested and the Xenon 135 CT which is the the racket Karim Darwish is currently playing with.

The HEAD Vector 155 CT

Specifications

1. Composite – Corrugated Technology
2. Beam – 18-22 mm
3. Head Size – 460 cm 2
4. Weight – 155 g
5. Balance – 335 mm
6. String Pattern – 14/16

The HEAD Xenon 135 CT

Specifications

1. Composite – Corrugated Technology
2. Beam – 18-22
3. Head Size – 460 cm 2
4. Weight – 135 g
5. Balance -380 mm
6. String Pattern – 14/16

 The Head Xenon is my favourite out of this range because of its versatility and looks. Not quite as powerful as the open throat models but certainly more than I could ever need. I felt I found my range and pace very quickly, hitting nice lengths with ease and the touch control was there when using a drop shot. Once again I was impressed how good this racket was because i was expecting to be fighting with the power and over hitting or under hitting my shots. The whole feel of these rackets have changed and are all very playable, Head are keeping up with other major brands on the technology and design front which is certainly not going unnoticed.

5 Star rating

Click on the links below to see the best deals I could find on these two Rackets.(choose by country for cheapest postage if any).

Head Vector CT 155 Squash Racket

HEAD Microgel Xenon 135 CT Squash Racket

HEAD Microgel Vector 155 CT Squash Racket

 HEAD Xenon 135 CT Squash Racket (Strung)