Here’s a new racket called the Head Graphene Cyano 115, new for this year from the Head lineup. Its listed weight is 115 grams, which is quite light, and its balance point is 365 mm, which should feel head-heavy.
Image via head.com
Buy (US): amazon.com
The racket is also listed on Amazon in the UK and Germany however the picture looks incorrect. (I believe that is a picture of the Cyano 145, also new for 2013). I am checking with the vendor whether they just have the wrong picture up.
What is Graphene, you might ask? According to Wikipedia,
Graphene is a flat monolayer of carbon atoms tightly packed into a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb lattice, and is a basic building block for graphitic materials of all other dimensionalities. It can be wrapped up into 0D fullerenes, rolled into 1D nanotubes or stacked into 3D graphite.
NICE. But what does that do for you? According to Head,
Graphene™ technology allows for the first time an optimal redistribution of weight in HEAD racquets. Through the use of Graphene™ in the shaft, the weight in the middle part of the tennis racquet can be reduced. Instead, weight can be shifted from the racquet shaft to more functionally relevant areas in the tip and grip. This unique construction provides players with an unmatched maneuverability and an increased swingweight. In other words, a racquet with Graphene™ is easier to swing and enables even more powerful shots. And it will give opponents a really hard time.
Functionally relevant areas in the tip and grip? Sold.
Looks like Head has got this new racket, as well as the rest of their 2013 lineup, listed on their New Zealand Website. I bet these products will eventually make their way to all regions.
I first saw this in SquashSite’s picture of Jenny from the British Nationals. Thanks to Steve Ormandy and Bopper for the tips.
Filed under: Head Graphene Cyano 115
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Just ordered some HEAD Squash rackets (Xenon2, Anion2 and Cyano2. I have never played with HEAD equipment before, so I am looking forward to trying them out.
On a separate note Pierre, perhaps you should do a post on racket balance points and how to interpret the number; head light, head heavy, etc.
Cool, let us know how the Head rackets are! Thanks for the suggestion on the racket balance points, I agree that would be a helpful post and I will give it some thought.
Pierre I think that this is the racket LJ used at the nationals then: http://www.head.com/squash/products/racquets/racquets/xenon-series/youtektm-argon2-145-ltd/6670/?region=nz. Found it on the site you posted from New Zealand!
I saw a splash of orange in the racket here: http://www.konhcvv.nl/userfiles/5_laatstenieuws/5487_sam_0833_2.jpg
Thanks for the tip Jeroen, I think you’re right! Here’s another photo that’s pretty clear: https://twitter.com/ljanjema/status/300713063798169600/photo/1
I was playing there at the nationals (C class), saw LJ there.
But haven’t seen him play because I had a sour shoulder and withdraw, too bad!
But can see some rallies here: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=CuXY94qWz48&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DCuXY94qWz48&gl=NL
Thanks for sharing that clip!
I would like to get some feedback on squash racket weights. I am really interested in buying the Karakal TEC Gel 120 http://www.karakal.com/TEC-gel-120.html. That is the racket that Cameron Pilley plays with as noted by Pierre here http://www.squashsource.com/karakal-tec-gel-120-squash-racket/ , however, I am told that anything less than 130 grams is not recommended for anyone but the advanced players.
I have played with 140 and 145 gram rackets and they now feel like I am playing with a hammer.
Any feedback?
Hi Seb,
Personally I don’t see any reason why you should be dissuaded from trying a lighter racket, especially if you already feel uncomfortable with the heavier models. I think people tend to recommend heavier rackets to beginners (not that you are one yourself) but that they get recommended because a bit of weight helps you shape your swing better. Whereas with a lighter racket, people might tend to be too wristy with their swing. I actually asked my local pro about this a while back and his answer was that he doesn’t agree with the general approach of having new players play with heavy rackets — he thought a lighter racket was a perfectly good, perhaps ever preferred, starting point.
Curious to hear what others have to say…
Thanks
Hi Seb,
Recently I had the pleasure to try a few shots with the Karakal TEC Gel 120. I’ve always been skeptical about these kind of light sticks, but since I was familiar with the TEC Tour 140, I took my chance for a good comparisment.
I was quite suprised – dispite the low weight – I had no problems at all hitting good, powerfull drives. Probably because of the balance-point (I believe it was 37-38 cm) that felt slightly head-heavy, helping you hitting “through” the ball. It comes (like all Karakal’s?) with the Karakal Nano 125 string, which has a soft “elastic” touch and will give you plenty of power.
So, my TEC Gel 120 aftermath : good, stable racket with loads of control and enough power on board. I can think of no reason why you should *not* give it a try…