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Dunlop Hyperfibre+ Evolution Pro

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The Dunlop Hyperfibre+ Evolution Pro is Nick Matthew’s racket for 2017 and part of Dunlop’s new Hyperfibre+ range.

Update: the Dunlop Sonic Core Evolution 120 is coming in 2020

Here’s my video review — thanks to Phil from Dunlop for sending me this racket to review!

And here’s the product:

Dunlop Hyperfibre Evolution Pro

Image via sportsvirtuoso.com

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Racket Specs chart

Advertised weight (unstrung): 120 grams
Advertised balance: Extra Head Light
Head size: 490 cm sq
String pattern: 14 x 18
Measured weight (all-in): 153 grams
Measured balance: 35 cm

Product Notes

This is the replacement for the Dunlop Force Evolution 120. As I mentioned in the video, this racket is now called the Dunlop Hyperfibre+ Evolution Pro as opposed to the Evolution 120 (and I think it’s smart they’re edging away from using the frame weight in the branding), however I have seen some product pictures with the same racket but “Evolution 120” as the branding. See along the shaft in the picture below. I’m not sure if the racket has a different name in certain markets, or if they simply changed the name late in the game, but I believe it’s the exact same underlying racket:

Dunlop Hyperfibre Evolution 120 [ALT]

Photo via Derek Lawrence →

A similar racket to this is the Dunlop Hyperfibre+ Evolution.

Thanks to Simon for the tip!

Spotted

Here’s a tweet from Nick Matthew about his new rackets. These say Evolution Pro, by the way:

Nick was using this racket at the 2017 US Open:

Nick Matthew US Open

Photo via US Open Squash →

Milou van der Heijden was using this in 2019:

Milou van der Heijden 2019 TOC

Photo via tocsquash.com →

Location: 2019 Tournament of Champions

29 responses to “Dunlop Hyperfibre+ Evolution Pro”

  1. Lloyd

    Cosmetic redesign/new version of the racket imminent

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8wh6FCA3AU/?igshid=k77m6vo3qz4j

    Reply
    1. Pierre

      Thanks Llyod, posted here:

      https://www.squashsource.com/dunlop-hyperfibre-xt-evolution-pro/

      Reply
  2. b

    Always wondered why this racket isn’t more popular given the success Nick has had?

    and it looks pretty cool too

    Reply
  3. Adam

    Have been using this racket for +2 years and would really say it has helped improved my game. Before I was using the previous iteration 130g model, and with this one being a bit lighter really felt like I could volley a lot easier and was able to manoeuvre my wrist easier for certain shots. A lot of my friends have had a hit with it as well and have said they really like it, due to it being very lightweight. The only problems I’ve had with it is that I’ve broken the frame on about 4/5 of these now, which although doesn’t affect the play if its a little crack does make it more susceptible to larger breaks. This is annoying and sometimes they have broken ridiculously quick, once after just 9 days! Although think this issue is due to the lightweight material of the frame. Overall though would highly recommend.

    Reply
    1. Bilal

      I’ve had mine for about 2 odd yrs aswell. The first one got a thin crack at the shaft at the V joint, both sides. So I put it aside till I repaired it with 1£ epoxy resin and 2£ worth of carbon fibre (about 3-4 layers of 1mm patches, after removing the paint coat-see YouTube for DIY fishpole repair jobs).

      Its worked as well as when new for over 6mths of very heavy use, 1 hr/5-6 times a week. Gone through 2 sets of strings. Abused it more than any racket before; bumper guards are reduced to zero along with paint on the outside top… Love it more than the brand new one I don’t even carry in my bag.

      Also, try ashaway ultranick 18 at 24lbs. Fantastic power, great cut and control… tried another couple of good strings on it, but the UN18 setup is perfect for an all-round response. Might try 305/1.1 next time just for the heck of it… But honestly don’t need to.

      Reply
    2. Joao

      I also have been using a pair of these over the last 1.5 years and so far, best racket ever (for me!) – especially with Ashaway Ultranick 18 at 25 lbs.

      I had no breakage issues, except for the bumper guards which are now in need of replacement: I will take care of in my next restring.

      I have to say, however, that looking at the specs on https://dunlopsports.com/products/compare/?ps=1455|1456|1360|3034|1453 I am very tempted to have a try at the Precision Elite and at the Revelation Pro Lite – I know I shouldn’t, moreover as the Evolution Pro sits right in the middle and should be spot on but…

      Reply
  4. Bilal

    I got this racket and have been playing with it for about half a year, say 3 times a week. The original strings weren’t powerful enough, and had a bit of vibration on power shots. Changed to Head Perfect Power at approx. 24 lbs, which increased power significantly and reduced vibration to near zero; very smooth hits but the strings would keep moving about too much. Now at Ashaway UltraNick 18 (blue) at 26 lbs, which have very good power, outstanding touch for short shots, but also a bit of vibration when on power shots aren’t well centered.

    This is a fantastic racket, and i’ve played with dozens over time. Very smooth power delivery, and fantastic short shot control, and also very light/maneuvrable. Only racket i’ve played which are more maneuvrable are the recent Head Xenon 120SB (a stick basically), and an old Head 120i from 2002.

    Only issue is, mine is cracking in the middle of the shaft below the triangle wedge towards the grip, only on one side of the racket. Its quite surprising to see the crack develop in that spot, normally one would expect it to be on the side of a shaft growing across the diameter. Mine is actually a vertical crack running down the middle of just one side of the racket. I’d say I’m a decent player, I don’t bang it too often, and haven’t ever broken or cracked a racket in years of playing the game.

    Anyone else have a cracked shaft issue? Would love the feedback, as I’m thinking of buying another one of these as a replacement or going to the Dunlop Revelation Pro (Ali Farag) model, or maybe just maybe moving to TF’s new 125 X Speed if the word about it being a stiffer shaft than the old springy feel 125s/130s is true.

    Reply
    1. João

      I’ve been playing with this racket for more than 6 months now (also 3 times a week on average) and I had no breakage or cracks so far. A friend of mine broke his last week but it was a boast miss hit on the ball – same as saying a clean perfect hit to the wall :-).

      As to happiness with the racket: I’ve been swapping around strings (tried supernick ZX regular and Micro, Dunlop’s Great White and lately the Solico Dragon Eye – great string btw!!!) and I find it much more comfortable and powerfull at 24 lbs. I tried the X-speed w/ factory strings the other day and although I liked it, I think it may be a bit too powerful for my style of play. I’ll give that a try if and when I break mine (I currently have 2).

      A word of advice re Ali Farag’s racket: I’ve tried it and it has nothing to do with the NM Hyperfibre. The AF model is much heavier and it doesn’t fit my taste in terms of maneuverability, even though it is a very powerful and precise racket.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
      1. Bilal

        Thanks! Sounds like you’re a control-type player, in which case i’ll certainly suggest the UltraNick 18, which were a fantastic setup balancing power and touch for me. I’d buy it again unless there’s others complaining on the same issue, or any of the other two choices are supremely outstanding as it is. The James Wilstropp Unsquashable is another one which seems to play similarly, but its not available in Pk.

        Given you’re used to the Dunlop HyperFibre Evolution Pro, I’ll appreciate if you add on two specifics comparing it to the new TF 125 X-speed:
        1) shaft/frame stiffness.
        2) headlight feel.

        The older TF carboflex models seemed to be better suited to players who have a strong last moment whip in their swing, or were just plain out smashing the ball everytime. I prefer the subtle crispness of the Dunlop, and have heard that TF did improve the racket to make it more stiff.

        Thanks!

        Reply
        1. João

          To be fair I do miss a bit of power from the Dunlop ocassionally which iI didn’t feel to be the case with the TF – there is plenty of power there – but I think that it is honest to say that the Dunlop seems better in the short game while the TF is clearly a stronger weapon for a faster game…

          1) I will need to play with the TF again to confirm but out of my head I guess the TF may actually be a bit stiffer. It is hard to say as the TF I played with was brand new with factory strings and my Dunplop was strung with Ashaway SuperZX Micro at 24.5 Lbs and, in my opinion, that may have a serious impact on the stifness feel and on vibration feedback.

          I felt that the Dunlop does have a more Headlight feel but, nevethelss, the TF is actually pretty manouvrable.

          Reply
    2. Nick

      I’ve got a crack in the top of the shaft too, but it doesn’t seem to be causing any real issues. I’ve previously had problems with Dunlop Elite-based rackets, but this is the first for this model (in 9 months or so).

      Reply
  5. Nick

    Weighed a factory new Hyperfibre+ Evolution Pro – 154g with plastic wrap on handle and damper (4g) removed.

    Racket has a nice weight to it, feels fairly weightless in your hand but is solid and powerful enough to not need a great effort to hit to length, like some lightweight rackets do. Feels nice and solid when volleying and playing short too, which gives good confidence.

    Reply
  6. Michal

    Is Nick using the stock Dunlop string now in the last tournaments?

    Reply
    1. D

      Nick has always used a white/natural coloured version of the Powernick 18. Unlikely he’d change in his last year but you never know. I once some of the natural colour a few years ago. Same as the red.

      Reply
  7. Anders

    Hi guys, I’m trying to decide between this new offering from Dunlop or going with a Carboflex 125S which has come highly recommended. Any advice appreciated.

    I am getting back into squash after a long break, used to be a decent player but work and home life took me away from the game for some time.

    Reply
  8. Jan

    Looks like all they have changed from the Force Evolution 120 is the paint job?

    Reply
  9. kkc88

    I tested this racquet. As stated on the racquet, it’s super head-light! Felt smooth when volleying the ball. It’s quite a powerful racquet, I had no problems generating power for drives. The factory string tension is quite high. However, there was no vibration when hitting hard and it doesn’t come with a mini-squash ball dampener.

    Reply
    1. Rod Foster

      i agree w/ all the above.

      except mine did come w/ the vibration dampener and i do use it.

      little to NO vibration at all.

      i let my pal hit it too and he was in love with it.

      well worth the money and it’s a sweet racquet

      Reply
    2. CliveP

      Do you know what tension is set from the factory…. It works well for me so I would like to have it restrung with the same tension and string

      Reply
      1. Michal

        +1 on this question.

        NO vibration on this racket with the factory setup, but when I restrung with Supernick XL Micro @ 11.5kg/25lbs, the vibration is very noticeable. Would like to get rid of that, any tips?

        Reply
      2. João Amaral

        I think that it comes strung at 28Lbs like the majority of the rackets and, also as the vast majority, regardless of whatever you do, you will struggle to find the same tension once the factory string is out.

        Sharing a bit of my experience: I have two HyperFibre Evolution Pro: one strung with Dunlop Great White’s at factory tension and the other with Ashaway Supernick ZX Micro at 27 Lbs. I think that the Dunlop Great White string is very comfortable and smooth – with no vibration. However, it lacks the precision of the Supernick ZX Micro. There is a tad vibration with the Supernick but although the string is not so smooth, I find the ashaway more powerful and precise than with the GWhite. I will be cutting out the GWhite today and have it replaced with the regular ZX at 26.5 LBs. I’ll let you know how it goes after a couple of hours of use.

        Reply
        1. Michal

          Thanks, that’s appreciated.

          Reply
        2. Tjeerd

          I can confirm that the Dunlop Great White string is comfortable string and has a very “muted” feel. You could try a vibration damper, that will help for sure.

          Reply
        3. João Amaral

          Yeahh. But I hate having to run after the “bastards” when they jump off the racket. Can’t get used to it, so every time I tried a damper, I end up throwing it out of the court!!! 🙂

          Reply
  10. Andrew

    Any idea when these are expected to release?

    Reply
    1. Pierre

      Next month I heard, in the US anyway, but I expect worldwide too.

      Reply
    2. Rodney C Foster

      i pre-ordered and paid for mine on Squashgalaxy.com for the U.S.

      excited to get it and play with it!

      Reply
  11. B

    Nick is using this new racket at the grasshopper

    Reply
    1. Pierre

      Nice spot! Just peeking out in this picture:

      Reply

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