The Dunlop Hotmelt Pro. This is a classic racket from Dunlop that was the business back in the day, and is now, as they say, “back by popular demand”.
Here’s a version spotted in 2023 (thanks Mark):
Here’s one that I think came out in 2016:
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Search:Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 140 grams
Head size: 470 cm sq
String pattern: 14 x 18
This one came out around 2013 I think:
Image via amazon.co.uk
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Search:Product Notes
I used to play with this myself years ago, maybe 2007 or so? Dunlop just re-released this back onto the market as a “classic” frame. It’s similar in style to the Dunlop Biomimetic Pro GTS (2013) and Dunlop Biomimetic Pro GT-X (2011).
Lloyd notes in the comments that the re-released version of the frame is not the same as the original Dunlop Hotmelt.
Reviews
Here’s Paul from PDH Sports comparing the re-released Dunlop Hotmelt Pro against some of the newer frames. He says the newer frames are a bit stiffer and provide a touch more power (though they are still control rackets). The Hotmelt is firmly in the control camp.
Here is a prior version, the Dunlop Hotmelt Jonathon Power:
Photo via squashgear.com
Reviews
If you’ve tried this, please leave a review below!
Also see this comment for more details from a reader.
Mark says
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My Jonathon Power Hotmelt pro weighs in at 155 grams and has a balance of 37.5cm
Fernando says
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About Dunlop Hot Melt Pro 2023 Model, I can’t find any website about it.
May be there has been any problem about this model, but is missing
andrew beling says
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Hi Fernando.
I recently got one. They 140 grams and even balance as per the previous ones. First impressions, amazing and as good as the original, even with factory tight strings and the new cosmetic design is just beautiful.
Regards
Mark says
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There is a new model for the Hotmelt pro.
https://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/brand/dunlop/hotmelt-pro-squash-racket-733038
taline says
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Hi, so I’m a beginner squash player and have been trying out different rackets. I started with a teardrop shaped head, but I found I was chipping the ball and not hitting the ball in the middle of the racket, partially because I’m beginning, but nonetheless I started to try an oval shaped racket. I found that I had much better control and power. This racket is the Harrow 66040106 2016 Vapor Squash Racket and I do not own it. As much as I like the racket, it’s a bit too expensive. The Dunlop Hotmelt Pro Squash Racket looks like a similar racket with an oval shape and 140g weight… would you recommend this racket? I’m not a power hitter and I’m planning on using the strings it comes with…. would this racket still work? Looking for something with control, oval head, 140 g, and something like the Harrow Vapor because I really like my swing with that racket. Thank you!!!
Pierre says
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Hi, I haven’t played with the current version of the Hotmelt so I can’t say how close it is to the Vapor, but I think this racket is a good choice, especially if you already like the oval head shape. Not too expensive, and readers have said below it’s durable. Even if it’s a little different you’ll adjust.
Lloyd says
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As Pierre said, its a very sturdy racket but the factory strings are awful!! I would either recommend getting it restrung if you want accuracy or see if you can get a restrung one off ebay? (they regularly turn up)
If you’re looking for a 140g racket then perhaps this one is better? (its what someone I know changed to from the hotmelt) https://www.squashsource.com/dunlop-pro-gts-140/
Nick says
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Also, keep in mind that the Harrow’s weight is the weight with all strings and grips. The weight of the Dunlop will be the weight before the strings and grips were put in, which will add 15-25g.
Additionally, the advertised weight is often very different from the actual weight when you get one in your hand – many of the rackets on here now have people commenting the weight of the racket as bought, so keep an eye out for that. However, how a racket actually feels when you swing it is based on a number of things, not just the weight so don’t just base it on that – if you can find a shop and try to swing (without breaking anything), or ideally look into a website that do a demo programme where you can try and return it if you don’t like it.
jens fischmann says
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hi lloyd,
i somehow missed your above reply, so belated thanks for sharing your insights about the dunlop hotmelt in november!
another question: is the black&gold Jonathan Power version of the hotmelt just a paint job or does it play differently from the standard black&white hotmelt? have you ever had a chance to try it?
thxs in advance for your feedback
best regards,
jens
Lloyd says
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Hi jens,
The yellow and black hotmelt (whilst looking very snazzy) does have a difference in weighting. If i remember correctly there is an extra 5 grams in the head of the JP racket making it head heavy. I also think they are made of different stuff as well! White hotmelt is titanium and JP hotmelt is graphite.
I played with it myself and still have it, love it to death!
I found it increased my ability to spin the ball and slice it, but apart from that and a little bit more power it is a very similar racket. It is still basically as manoeuvrable as the white hotmelt. I think the only thing that may be sacrificed could be durability but I can’t really confirm that.
thanks,
Lloyd
Mansur says
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I am still using this racket since 2016, best in terms of shot selection, precision , power & control. Best squash racket of all time.
Lloyd says
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Just to add to this, theres a guy at my club who plays with this racket and i swear he has been using it since it first came out and not broken one. Its built like an absolute tank! I still hold by my old comment that its not the same as the old hotmelt, but if you want a well priced racket to last then this is your racket!!
Lloyd says
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I’d like to point say that this racket is not the same shape as the original hotmelt rackets and doesn’t feel the same either (currently playing with the originals.) However, it is still a very good racket.
jens fischmann says
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hi lloyd,
how do the original dunlop hotmelts differ compared to the newer versions?
i spotted a used hotmelt pro (PSA) on eBay, grateful for your insight regarding those.
thxs & rgds
jens
Lloyd says
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Hi Jens,
From my experience, the old hotmelt feels as sturdy as the new one but feels better weighted. I was using it for a solid 2ish years and only ever broke one right at the very end (and by broke I mean a hairline crack which was still playable). I also found that accuracy wise, I could spin the ball far better and be a bit more deceptive with the old hotmelt. (especially if I put Ashaway 18’s in it). Likewise, due to its size, I found it was very good at digging balls right out of the back corners.
(Even though I did love the racket there is always a few small issues with any racket. Issues I came across with the old hotmelt was that if you hit the sweet spot it was amazing. However, if you missed it, you would not get much power out of it. This would become an issue in a rally where you ended up scrambling and were trying to lob. If you missed the sweet spot, you would basically just chip it onto their racket easily for them.)
I have used the new one and seen others use it. It seems to be very sturdy as well but the original factory strings are incredibly nasty. The only person I have seen who uses the original strings is a real smasher of the ball who doesn’t necessarily look for finesse. I’d argue the new one out of the box is a more basic racket for more power based players or players who do not like spinning the ball. In comparison the older 2005 hotmelt which is a more all-around racket better for more control orientated players.
I would highly recommend the old 2005ish hotmelt! It’s a quality racket for the price that you can buy it at ebay, and has shaped my game no end. The only reason I changed is because I ended up using the blade shogun after talking to the blade company at a tournament. (another quality racket)
Hope this helps, happy to answer any more questions.