Recently, I asked my email list if they had any questions about the Dunlop Squash Rackets 2014 – 2015 models that just came out. Originally my plan was to video review all the new rackets, but I wasn’t able to do that in the end. Thankfully, Tom from Dunlop was kind enough to answer all the questions that were sent in.
Here’s a short intro video, which is mostly me testing out my new tripod setup. It looks like the ceiling is resting on top of my head, but I assure you it’s not.
Anyway, the video below is where I go through all the questions and answers in more detail. You can switch it to HD playback by clicking the gear icon, or view it on YouTube to see things more clearly.
If you have any further feedback or a different opinion on anything, please leave a comment!
Short answers are below. I go into more detail in the video.
Q: What is the factory stringing tension for the Dunlop Biomimetic Pro GTS 130?
A: 25 pounds.
Q: Which Dunlop model offers the most power?
A: Try the Dunlop Revelation 135. Note: I said in the video that the teardrop shape is relatively new to the Dunlop range but that’s not true — the Biomimetic Max, to name one, was teardrop.
Q: Just how good are the factory strings on Dunlop racquets or would you recommend restringing. Have just bought a Biomimetic Elite with Dunlop Silk string.
A: The Dunlop Silk strings are geared for feel, touch and control, which should be a good fit for most club players. Personally, I used the factory strings on my Dunlop for a year and now am using Tecnifibre 305 1.1 (green).
Q: Do Dunlop rackets still vibrate when striking the ball?
A: Haven’t had that problem (leave a comment if you have) but you can use the dampener that comes with the racket.
Q: I use Tecnifibre rackets (Carboflex 125) and have always thought of using Dunlop or at least trying them, what are the differences? I am looking for touch rather than power.
A: Tecnifibre rackets have greater power and are generally stiffer. Dunlop does offer more control.
Q: Any meaningful improvements made to the Elite or any of the other top 2014 model year racquets?
A: The Ultimate and Elite are now “GTS” rackets. They’ve been made a touch stiffer, but maintained control/feel. Update since making the video: Note, the new Elite actually has 18 cross strings, as compared to last year’s Elite, which had 19 cross strings. This should give the new model a bit more power.
Q: I use the Dunlop Blackstorm and I´d like to read reviews about New Dunlop rackets compared to the old ones.
A: Haven’t tried the Blackstorm. If anyone has feedback please let us know in the comments. Note: in the video I am showing the Dunlop Blackstorm Graphite, but there is also the Dunlop Blackstorm Titanium and the Dunlop Blackstorm Carbon. Not sure which one Gabriel is using.
Q: Right now I use the Black Knight C2C nXS and I may be looking to change racquets. Is there a Dunlop racquet that is comparable that you would recommend?
A: Try the Dunlop Revelation 125 or the Dunlop Revelation 135 — similar head shapes.
Q: They seem to have discontinued the women’s pink one and my daughter wants to know what has replaced it and what are the differences between the old and the new?
A: The Dunlop Biomimetic Evolution 120 is still available.
Q: Why is the Dunlop Biomimetic Evolution 120, which is head-light, specifically aimed at women when Nicol David uses a 135g head-heavy Prince and there are men on the PSA tour who use very light racquets?
A: Boys can play with a pink racket too 🙂
Thanks again to Tom for helping get these questions answered for everyone.
Remember to leave a comment if you have any further thoughts to add!
Oh, and I’m going to try and do this on a regular basis, with other brands as well, so make sure you are subscribed to my email list if you want the latest updates!
Peter O Brien says
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Hi i use the Dunlop Biomimetic MAX Squash racket and i cant seem to get anymore is there a dunlop racket out there that’s the same or similar to it that you can recommend. Thanks
Pierre says
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Unfortunately I don’t think Dunlop makes that type frame anymore. I believe you are the second person to ask so it seems to be missed by others too. My idle speculation is that Wilson is using that mold for the Whip rackets (I have never used it, just a guess based on the pictures)
Peter O Brien says
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Thanks for the reply Q Is the Dunlop Precision Ultimate Squash Racket a better racket than the Dunlop Biomimetic MAX im thinking of buying one.I have giving up on the Biomimetic Max looking for a replacement now any ideas??
Lawrence says
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Hi Peter
Try the Blackstorm…..or better yet, wait for the Ali Farag model! Whilst not exactly the same, it’s a teardrop shape model that you could adapt to quickly.
Cheers and enjoy the game!
Peter O Brien says
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Thanks for the reply i will have a look at it.
Jake Asim says
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Can you compare the Dunlop hotmelt pro and the biomatic pro gts. please…which one should i buy
Andile says
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I have noticed an S and an L on the sides of the biomimetic elite and ultimate GTS. Why are they there?
Pierre Bastien says
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I know what you mean, but I’m not sure what those codes mean. I wonder if they help in the manufacturing process.
nick says
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I have discovered what the S and L mean on Dunlop rackets! For stringing purposes, these denote the SHORT and LONG side for one piece stringing (which as far as I know, is the way all modern Dunlops come from the factory and is the method Dunlop recommends for restringing their rackets). The reason that you should put the short string side only on the one side of the racket and the long string side only on the other is because the grommets and bumper strip are not symmetrical. There are channels in the grommets and bumper strip that put the strings below the level of the grommets and bumper strip if you orient them the correct way. if you do it reversed, the string will stick up and make contact with the floor or wall when scraping shots off the floor or wall. This will start wearing away at the strings and eventually cause them to break on the outside of the frame there. Done in the correct orientation, the string will be below the grommets and bumper strip and will be protected.
Pierre says
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Thanks Nick, I put together a video explaining this, although I’m not sure it’s any clearer than your comment!
orangeboy says
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The normal tension is 25, sellers recommend 28…how come?
Pierre Bastien says
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Honestly it’s kind of a personal preference thing, higher tension will give you a bit more control. They may find their clients generally prefer that. A tension of 28 is within the band of normal tension. Don’t be afraid to ask them about it!
orangeboy says
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The seller of the Dunlop Biometric Ultimate racquet I just purchased recommended new strings at a tension of 28, as opposed to the 25 factory tension. Why? I ordered at 27 and its a bit stiff.
Raghu says
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I want to know if the Dunlop Evolution 130 has Impact shock isolation system in the handle.
Thanks
meg says
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which racket from the 2014 range is most similar to the Dunlop Hotmelt Pro Squash Racket and the Dunlop biomimetic pro gtx 140 squash racket?
Pierre Bastien says
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HI Meg,
Dunlop Hotmelt Pro → Dunlop Biomimetic Pro GTS 130
Dunlop Biomimetic Pro GTX 140 → Dunlop Biomimetic Pro GTS 140
meg says
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thanks! but which racket in your opinion is better: dunlop biomimetic pro gts 140 or the Head Graphene Xenon 140 Squash Racket?
George says
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Id say the head for durability and dunlop for a less bulky in hand feel!
Sergo says
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Pierre, nice job!
It is very interesting to learn more about string tension, because when you resting your racket you want to have a consistency as much as possible…
So:
1. Does Dunlop use different tension for different strings / different models or it is 25 pounds everywhere?
2. Does Dunlop put different tension to vertical / horizontal strings?
Thanks!
Pierre Bastien says
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Hi Sergo I will try to find out.
Łukasz says
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Did you find out?
Pierre says
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I never got a direct answer on this but I am pretty sure only one tension is used for crosses/mains and across all models. The important thing is that the finished rackets are shipped by boat, where they sit for a long time, and often go through extreme temperature changes, which affects the final tension in unpredictable ways. So basically you can’t rely on the tension the manufacturers string to.
Henry says
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Nice Pierre! Thanks for clearing the factory tension up. H
Sean says
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On all dunlop rackets they either tell you whether it is head heavy, head light, even, or extra head light, but what is the exact balance in mm is the elite GTS?
Guy says
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I measure it as 366mm brand new with packaging and vibration damper removed.
-Engineer