Eye squash rackets have become a fixture on the pro tour over the last 10-plus years, with high-profile players including Paul Coll, Fares Dessouky, Amr Shabana and Borja Golan having used the rackets, as well as a number of other top pros and up-and-coming players.
Here are the best Eye models that I’ve tried so far:
Eye X.Lite 130
Traditional head shape
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Buy (US): squashgear.com
Search:Eye V.Lite 115
Teardrop head shape
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Buy (Canada): racquet-science.com
Buy (US): squashgear.com
Search:In 2022 I did a quick playtest of some of the latest Eye Rackets.
Scroll down to see a more complete listing of all the latest Eye squash rackets. The rackets fall into two groupings:
Eye X.Lite – conventional head shape
Eye V.Lite – teardrop head shape
Back in 2017, Eye came out with 8 new signature cosmetics for their top players. Here are those previous designs:
Photo via Eye Rackets on Facebook →
Reviews
I play-tested several of the 2017 rackets. You can watch the recap in the video below:
Product Notes
According to this interview with Eye Rackets UK CEO Sam Miller:
All of our products are developed and tested by pros. This is important as it means all our pros use the exact racket that the customer buys. Shabana’s rackets are from the same batch as those sent to our distributors to sell on to every day players.
The rackets also have a unique bumper strip. Or rather, what’s unique is they don’t have bumper strips — they just have “eyelets”. These are little plastic pieces that fit into the individual grommet holes, as opposed to a single (heavier) strip of plastic covering the whole head. You can see a comparison of an Eye racket (foreground) versus a conventional bumper strip in the picture below:
Spotted
In 2019, Eye updated their logo and their entire range of products. Read my thoughts on the rebranding here.
Eye X.Lite Rackets
These Eye X.Lite rackets have a traditional head shape. Some of the rackets have a 490 sq cm head size, while others have a slightly smaller 460 sq cm head size.
Eye X.Lite 110
This Eye X.Lite 110 is the lightest frame in the Control range.
For 2017, Eye came out with an updated Jonah Barrington signature model:
Eye X.Lite 115
The Eye X.Lite 115 is advertised at 115 grams but has a slightly smaller head size of 460 sq cm.
Eye X.Lite 120
The Eye X.Lite 120 is the one that Shabana used back in the day. 490 sq cm head size.
Here’s the 2019 cosmetic:
Eye X.Lite 125
The Eye X.Lite 125 is advertised at the 125 gram level. This comes in the smaller head size of 460 sq cm.
Eye X.Lite 130
The Eye X.Lite 130 Control is the same shape as the Shabana racket (490 sq cm head size) but 10 grams heavier. This is Borja Golan’s signature racket.
Eye V.Lite Rackets
The V.Lite rackets all have a teardrop head shape. Some of them have a vertical stringing pattern, which I think offers a bit more control, while others have a fan-shaped stringing pattern for more power.
Eye V.Lite 110
The Eye V.Lite 110. Vertical stringing pattern.
Eye V.Lite 115
The Eye V.Lite 115 comes in a Paul Coll signature version. Fan-shaped stringing pattern.
Eye V.Lite 120
The Eye V.Lite 120 has a teardrop shape with a vertical stringing pattern.
Eye V.Lite 125
The Eye V.Lite 125 has a fan-shaped stringing pattern:
Eye V.Lite 130
The Eye V.Lite 130:
Eye V.Lite 135
The Eye V.Lite 135:
Eye V.Lite 145
And the Eye V.Lite 145 Club Series is the bonus guy, with 30 grams extra stashed in the head. May be good for a beginner, because the extra weight in the head will help you shape your swing, and also give you a bit of extra sturdiness if you come into hard contact with the wall:
Eye Squash Rackets List
A plain list of all the Eye squash rackets posted on Squash Source so far.
- Eye V.Lite 110
- Eye V.Lite 110 Power
- Eye V.Lite 115
- Eye V.Lite 115 Power
- Eye V.Lite 120 Power
- Eye V.Lite 120 Pro / Control
- Eye V.Lite 125
- Eye V.Lite 125 Power
- Eye V.Lite 130
- Eye V.Lite 135
- Eye V.Lite 145
- Eye X.Lite 110
- Eye X.Lite 110 Power
- Eye X.Lite 110 Pro Control
- Eye X.Lite 110 Pro Power
- Eye X.Lite 115 Power
- Eye X.Lite 115 Pro / Control
- Eye X.Lite 120
- Eye X.Lite 120 Power
- Eye X.Lite 120 Pro Control
- Eye X.Lite 120 Pro Power
- Eye X.Lite 125
- Eye X.Lite 125 Power
- Eye X.Lite 130
- How to Restring an Eye Racket
Thanks
Thanks to Lloyd, Carlos and Michel for the tips on these rackets!
Sanna says
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Just notice that Eye is doing some kind of reforms to their brand. Looking their products they are going to have atleast new logo, what you guys think. Is it better or not?
There is the link: https://eyerackets.com/collections
Pierre says
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They took down the folders with the new designs 😛
Here’s a sneak peek at the new logo. I like it much better than the current one.
Sassy says
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When will the new collection be released ?
Lloyd says
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New range of rackets coming for eye rackets. Apparently they’re ‘rebranding’. Paul Coll (and others I assume) will be getting new colour rackets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOEXUY8u4mw&t=5s (Link to the video where Joey and Coll discuss this.)
I guess theres probably going to be 2 lines of rackets as theres going to be a ‘legends’ range with Shabana in it (as well as the jonah barrington racket?). So some new people will get some signature rackets possibly.
https://eyerackets.com/blogs/news/shabana-re-signs-as-eye-launch-new-legend-racket-series
Tor says
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Ok. Quick feedback on this question please.
I’m speculating in buying a used eye racquet, but unsure if it is the model that I’d like. To top it of this is an eye racquet with a completely different paintjob compared to the “standards” posted on here. Just says eye v.lite 110 and not a word of power or control on it. Also it says designed in Amsterdam on the frame.
What is the actual difference between the v.lite 110 control and v.lite 110 power?
The pictures on here indicates the exact same amount of strings vertically and horisontally on both, or is the pictures simply not correct?
The web has very little info on these racquets in general
Tor says
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Nevermind… Found it. 😁
Pierre says
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Mysterious! The only difference I know about between the Power and Control versions is the Power has fewer strings. You can see this on the photos of the older versions of these rackets. For some reason the newer product photos make it seem like the same stringing pattern on both Power and Control models. I did ask Joey Barrington one time and he confirmed the new Power models do have fewer strings as well – but I didn’t get an explanation as to why the product photos are wrong…
Lawrence says
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I recently bought a Vlite 120 control, and it came with the gloss paint and not the matte finish. Are all Eye rackets finished in gloss now, or did I buy a ‘limited edition’ racket?
Jeroen Mulderij says
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I think some of them have a matte finish and some models are glossy.
Wilker Dallas says
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Hello Guys! I’d like to share with you my experience with Eye Rackets.
I bought the X Lite 110 racket few months ago, after also buy the X Lite 120. I liked the 120 Shabana model, but I felt it a bit heavy. And, indeed, it is a heavy racket! So I decided to try the X lite 110 model and, for my surprise, it was even heavier then the 120 model. I can’t believe that yet!
In the first moment, I felt it in my hand. After that, I used a precision scale to be sure about this difference. The 110 model was about 175 grams and the 120 model was about 155 grams.
I tried to contact by e-mail with Eye Rackets support and, only after my insistence, they answered me. I had sent pictures of the rackets in the scale for them, but they contested my pictures and send me another pics, with differents weights.
In their pictures the 110 was 152 grams and the 120 was 153. I believe more in my pictures of the rackets in the scale then their pictures. And, come on!! 1 g of difference? What?
I’m sorry Eye, but you are tricking the costumers. I’m very disappointed with Eye rackets. I’m a amateur but very enthusiastic player and I was expecting a very nice product and now I’m feeling like I got tricked or cheated. I’m gonna come back to my Prince Rackets.
Eye Rackets? NEVER MORE!
Mike says
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So do you enjoy playing with the rackets or not ?
Wilker Dallas says
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In the first moment, I thought that the 120 model was ok, but comparing with Prince or Tecnifibre models that I also have (Carboflex 125 and Pro Warrior 600), it’s a bullshit racket. The 110 model, with his 170 grams, is ridiculous…. no coments….
I don’t recommend Eye, even for my greatest enemy. Never gonna buy an Eye Racket again.
JB says
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Welcome to thier world. I had the same issue they are all over the map and if you think the 2016 will weigh the same as a 2017 of the same model racquet think again. I was told they are +-5 grams, not, same model racquet 15 gram difference same year. Next year 23 gram difference. What it all boils down to is poor quality control and instead of auditing their manufacturing they just let their buyers do it. Well I no longer use them so I am voicing my dissatisfaction with my wallet and will spend my hard earned money with a manufacturer that tries to provide a quality product. I suspect 5 years or so from now Eye will be no longer….unless they change their ways.
JLB says
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All,
Does anyone have any experience of how the eye grommet system fits onto other rackets? I am tempted to try fitting it to the Head sb120.
Thoughts?
Tjeerd says
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Hi JLB,
No, I am not familiar with the Eyelets, but I’ve tried universal squash grommets like these on Oliver Blizz Z9 rackets. These rackets do have an extreme head-heavy feel, caused by the combination of weight and balance point.
Removed the top bumper and used grommets like above as a replacement.
The (racket) balance point shifted from about 36.1 cm to +/- 34.0 cm and the total (racket) weight dropped from 165 grams to 160 grams.
In other words : I got what I intended and the rackets went from extreme head heavy, to even balanced / slightly headlight feel.
Downside : The strings at the top of the racket came out above the frame and were therefore more vulnerable for scraping along the wall or over the floor. So, the wear of strings moved from the inside to the outside of the frame. 😛
Also, restringing became somewhat more difficult, because the grommets tended to pop out when pulling tension.
JB says
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That is the only good thing about the Eye racquets the grommet system. I have three racquets using Eye grommets and really enjoy them. Not recommended for wall bangers! I have found it turns the racquet into head lighter, Xamsa Incognito, Dunlop Tour CX, Dunlop Evolution 130 Hyperfibre. All provide a huge improvement in returning the tightest rails!
Ron says
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I bought an eye 120 power green/black…….but it doesnt has a bumper protection…is thier emything that i can do to protect my bumper from crashes
Pierre says
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You could put some tape on it for extra protection. Eye rackets are designed on purpose to not use a bumper strip. According to Eye, the bumper strip does not prevent breakages in most cases, but it does add weight.
Ron says
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Btw…why didnt you prewiew that racket on your site??
Pierre says
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I’m not sure I ever spotted that one. Do you have a link to it or can you send me a picture? Thanks
JLB says
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Does anyone else have much experience with the Eye X.Tech string? i have recently gone through 4 sets in just over a month after switching from 305 religiously.
I have been using the X.Tech black strung at 27lb, playing roughly 4/5 times a week, the durability of these strings just aren’t quite up there. they play wonderfully and in my opinion were what Tecnifibre thought their 305+ string would be like, decent touch and control like you would get from the normal 305 but with a little bit extra power.
Just to put this in context, i used 305 at 27lb for years and on average they would last 2 months a set.
I have just ordered some of the new Dnamx string to see how that is, hoping its similar to the X.Tech black just a little more durable.
Michael says
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I’ve played with the 1.15mm green and black X.Tech for for quite a while now and never broken a set, I swear by these strings over tecnifibre, personal opinion though!
JLB says
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I’m impressed you’ve managed to make them last! if you don’t mind, what racket and tension are they strung at and how long have they lasted so far?
Michael says
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Both strung at 26.5lbs greens been in my Golan frame for min of 6weeks, black has been in my Hesham frame for 3weeks, I play mostly with my Golan frame.
What frame are you using?
JLB says
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I’ve been using the x-lite 110 pro control (had these two for nearly a year now, major wear between 10 and 2 on the head but no signs of giving up and breaking at all). I might give the green a go and see if that is any better. Keep me updated on the progress with the black in your hesham frame.
For now I have switched to the dnamx 1.2 to see how that is, as I’ve become my stringers best customer!
Does anyone else have any experience, both with eye rackets and their strings?
Michael says
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I’d be inclined to to stick to a thicker gauge string like the X.Tech Green 1.25mm, The green is just as powerful as the. black added bonus is the green has more grip, ps I’m actually using all the new frames now.
JB says
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I have used green, black plus, some ashaways, dura ace and even natural gut in an Eye 115 v.lite control and liked the Dnamx 1.15 the best outlasts the older black plus and feels more a combination of green and plus.
Jon Catuccio says
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Many thanks for the reply. Just had a battle of game in our local tourney here and played with the Beast strung with SuperNick XL Micro 1.15mm 18AWG. This particular victory reinforced how important a racquet like the Beast is to me and my style. Volleys coming unexpected at my face, dash lobs 2-3x in a row to win points. I’m not really into power, when I need it, or rather see it, I take the shots I know I have time to use it on. I’m really into placement, drops, lobs and drop volleys.
My point…the (2) Shabs X.Lite 120s I have here weigh in:
X.Lite 120 Control | w/ X.Tech string 1.15mm | 159.46
X.Lite 120 Control | w/ Ashway SuperNick ZX 1.25mm| 155.92
I think I posted yesterday the Beasts I have are no more than 135g? strung? I did not weigh the 120s before new string, and when I picked them up at the shop I thought the felt noticeably more maneuverable.
So tonight I offered a friend these two racquets as I imagined they would suit his style of play, and he loved them. He was hitting hard low drives, in the same spot over and over; he has a nice forward technique too. He is going to take both off my hands.
I think the new Textreme Beast 750 might end up being too light for me. I’ve played w/ a Prince Airstick 550 a few years back, before the Beast, and enjoyed it. A little heavier and more head heavy but a great raquet. I imagine the new Prince Ramy 600 would be an option for me.
For now, I am going to try stringing the Beast 750 with the 19AWG Ashaway as I loved that on the Black Knight.
Also experimenting with crosses a bit tighter than the long vertical after some reading – so far I like the SuperNick XL Micro a lot strung at C-26 V-25.
One thing to note about the Beast, I broke one last year after little use, but have used these two I have now for at least a year, and I pound on my racquets, off the floor, diving, lots of scraping the wall, but not so much smashing on a an ill-fated back corner boast…but it does happen. They have shocked me with their durability.
I’ll see if I can get a 115 or 110 Eye racquet maybe with the smaller head. 475?
cheers,
Jon
JB says
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Jon congrats on the win. Be careful changing tensions cross vs mains higher on the crosses you shrink the sweet spot but hey you never know it may turn out to be great. All part of the fun. Enjoy the game!
Jon Catuccio says
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Thanks! I’m experimenting now and really enjoying the strings so far, had my last Technifibre 17G black way too tight, not a good feeling. I’m enjoying the feel when I feather drops at this lower tension with thinner string.
The reason I tried alternate tensions was due to an article I found that stated the verts are always tighter when the racket is stung evenly. Will report back.
JB says
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Jon just a heads up on the Eye 115 v lite rackets. I got a 115 Control and liked it great feel stiff and the thin beam without the full grommet is great for rail returns and digs. The Control is slightly head light and on my scale weighs in at 142 grams strung with 18g Tecnifibre Dnamx and a Black Knight Supergrip. The grip that comes on the racquet didn’t even last one game before it gapped and started coming up. I did like the racket enough to get another one. I did a little research and what was said was the Power series with two less mains would be slightly lighter. I liked the 115 control and a bit lighter sounded good so bought one. Right away out of the box I could tell it was not lighter and the balance was no longer head light but I had re gripped and re strung the Control so maybe that was the difference. I re strung the Power and re gripped it to match the Control and well the Power and Control are totally different racquets. The Control is a mat finish the Power a gloss finish. The Control weighs in at 142g the Power 160g, the Control is slightly head light the Power slightly head heavy to even. I hit Eye up to see if I had a defect or just a anomaly but only got back to me with were did I purchase them I emailed back and haven’t heard back from them. I asked the shop I got them from to weigh a Control and a Power for me and they said they would so waiting to here from them. I tried the Power yesterday and first game out as I said the grip gapped, slid and with the weight and balance the power is well way to much for me…into the first game broke a string. Could have been just the string or ? Anyway re strung and will be giving it another try today. Has anyone else had experience with the Power vs Control Eye rackets? Enjoy the game!
Erik says
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Hey JB,
The reason why the “Power” rackets’ string might have broken so prematurely is because of the overall decreased amount of strings in the racket. Just like the Prince Powerbite rackets, the strings break extremely quickly because there is so much force being applied on each one due to the lower stringing density.
Charlie says
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In terms of durability ive had the complete opposite to what is being said here, ive had two of the Eye rackets, the X-lite 110 control and the X-lite 120 control, and both of these broke within two weeks of use, neither of which Eye rackets would replace, and ive had technifibres ever since ive started squash (4 years), and never had any problems.
Christopher says
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I have been playing with the Golan xlite120 control for the last month ,and realy like this racket. I put black crash tape on, which is essential, and discreet. I like the not over the top look, But I think it needs a string upgrade.
I might go for the ashaway powernick 18, that I have on some other Bats, or the TF305 green, not sure yet.
But it’s a Gun!!
JB says
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I just put Dnamx in my son in laws 120 and he loves it. Enjoy the game!
Puntrdend says
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Ok thanks I’ll have a look Cheers.
michel goulche says
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new line : https://www.facebook.com/eyeracketsofficial/photos/a.443261839136097.1073741828.440697836059164/858380557624221/?type=3&theater
JLB says
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Hi,
First comment here, but an avid reader,
Having tested a fair majority of the rackets in the range (X-lite 110 & 120 pro control, X-lite 120 control & power, V-lite 110 & 120 control and V-lite 125 control) I settled on the X-lite 110 pro control. Having previously played with Technifibre ng130 (all versions – latest one i really didn’t like, not stiff enough) Harrow vapor and dunlop biomimetic ultimate, the 110 p.c suited my game to the T. the racket is stiff and very head light therefore makes taking volleys early so much easier, the control string pattern adds to this and taking it in short you can really feel the ball helping with control. Attacking at the front of the court is a breeze, you can whip the head through late and quick helping with deception and delay on the ball. One note I would make is it isn’t forgiving, if your prone to many off centre hits or not quite technically sound in your swing then it won’t help one bit. I would recommend this racket to anyone and have had plenty of people at my club impressed with it. If you are looking for a head light racket and really don’t have issues with generating power then give it a try, won’t be disappointed.
I have recently been able to get hold of the eye rackets x-tech string (black – 1.2mm) and found it a revelation in this racket. Having religiously played with tecnifibre 305 (1.2mm) which is excellent no matter what the racket, also tried the 305+ in it, the x-tech black (1.2mm) adds a little extra power even when strung at the same tension (27lbs). This extra power really helps to hit the back corners without sacrificing on any control and coupled with the head light 110 p.c. a short quick swing is rewarded.
In terms of durability, I’ve had 3 in the last year and a half and only one has broken so far, they take a lot of battering and considering iI have broken numerous ng130’s (3 in two weeks) and vapors over the last few years I am truly impressed with the durability. Also if the break is in an odd place (not between 10 and 2 on the head) get in touch with eye rackets, they are more than happy to help out and customer service is amazing.
If anyone wants anymore specific insight into the racket please let me know, more than happy to share my experiences.
Alex says
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What did you think of the vlite 125? Thanks
JLB says
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surprisingly head light, with a lot of the weight focused in the shaft, along with a lot of power. I personally don’t get on with this racket shape, but a friend of mine plays with the v-lite 125 and his second racket is a tecnifibre 125, says they play very similar.
Farooq says
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Whats the diffrnce bw v lite 120 cntrol and v lite 110 cntrol?
George says
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people say the 110 control is actually around 160grams havent personally weighed mine i think they play much better than the 120 but thats just me
Farooq says
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Thanks George. So what do u recmd? V lite 120 cntrol or v lite110 cntrol ?
Farooq says
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Hello..plz guide me about v lite 120 control
JB says
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JLB what are you using now understand they don’t make the pro Control any longer? I too was using the 130 NG still have one that is battered and beaten in finding a replacement went with a Dunlop Tour CX with Eye grommets. Now can’t find any of them the newer Tour is a different racquet.
Mike says
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A question regarding the durability of these rackets has anyone had any experience with it? And breakages etc, cheers !
alex says
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They are surprisingly durable. Durability shouldn’t be a problem tbh. It’s a bit scary at first as it looks flimsy and delicate but after a few hesitant ‘impacts’ I realised that it is a sturdy racket:). Although I have broken 2 I think but that is because I intentionally thwacked them on the wall so it was inevitable
Puntrdend says
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For me so far so good. I’ve bashed my Xlite Golan a few times trying to scrape tight shots off the side walls, or digging balls out of thé back corners. I busted three BlackKnights doing the same thing! Happy Squash.
Alex says
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This is what Eye say about Golan’s racket:
‘
A closed throat racket with a head heavy balance. Although the same weight as the ‘Shabana’ version, the balance is very noticably more in the head, ideal for those looking for a bit more momentum through the shot. The slightly over-sized frame provides a generous sweet-spot whilst allowing for excellent control and touch. This racket will suit those that require feel and power in equal measure.’
So it is similar but just has a different balance.
alex says
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Pierre there is a new eye racket. It is Golans custom racket. you should probably add it to the catalogue. http://www.eyerackets.co.uk/products/xlite-120-control-golan
Pierre Bastien says
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Thanks Alex, added the photo here
Carlos Porras says
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I bought an Eye X.lite 120pro Power but this racket didn´t adapt to my play style. I need a great control, but a little power for lengthy shots. This racket gives you a lot of power in any situation, for that reason you loose a bit of accuracy on your shoots gaining extra power. I sold it to a friend with a totally different style and he is so happy with the racket. If you need the power of a tear shape and you like the classical frames this is a great choice. I hope this review could help somebody.
JB says
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Should of restrung it with 305 and bumped up the tension…..
Henning says
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Anyone know how durable these rackets are?
Rod Foster 🛡️ says
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Can’t speak to the durability of these rackets…but i’m getting one in november and it will be my primary racket from that point on for singles….i wouldn’t dare it bring it in the doubles matches.
right now i’m switching between the Prince Pro beast 750 and the tecnfibre carboflex 125s
so, that said, let me know if you do find anything on their durability and post here
all the best,
rod
Alex says
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They are surprisingly durable. Durability shouldn’t be a problem tbh. It’s a bit scary at first as it looks flimsy and delicate but after a few hesitant ‘impacts’ I realised that it is a sturdy racket:)
Jonas says
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I have been using Eye for two years now and durability is not an issue for me. I currently play with V.Lite 120 Control which I think is a very good all round racket. You don´t sacrifice anything with this frame in my opinion.
If you are unlucky and break a racket, then costumer service is very helpful in replacing the racket. This happened to a friend of mine and he got a new one straight away. His new frame has hold several solid impacts for 9 months and still holding strong 🙂
I hope this helps.
john says
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Jonas –
Odd question 5 months after you posted: have you ever weighed your V.Lite 120 control? I see a lot of conflicting info on the net about racket weight with grip and strings. Like the shape and reported balance of the V.Lite 120 control, but curious what the total weight is with strings and grip.
Doug says
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The guys at squashgear.com weighed a couple V.Lite 120 Controls for me. Blue one was 152g strung, green (new one) was 160g strung.
Nate says
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Hey pierre, love reading the reviews and info of products! I’m based in Canada, where there are currently no eye rackets. Would you have any idea if or where I would be able to get my hands on a few, maybe as a trial bases to demo and share knowledge of the product?
Cheers
Rod Foster 🛡️ says
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@Nate
I just got my demo of the vlite 110 in the mail from squash gear and i’m headed out to hit it in a couple hours….
it feels well balanced..
Nate says
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Hey rod, thanks for the reply! I’ll have to look into receiving a demo from them as well. Let me know how you feel it plays!
Cheers, Nate
Rod Foster 🛡️ says
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Hey nate!
back in to report
i absolutely loved this racquet
currently i go back and forth between the carboflex 125 s and the prince pro beast 750
i think i prefer the prince but love the snappy power of the carboflex
this eye racket is sweet and extremely light. i immediately picked up on the control. it made for great accurate volleys into corners and nice drops…basically decent enough power if/when i really focused on my follow through…
overall, it’s called the control for good reason and i see why. accurate rails, drops and made for great volleying.
i am selling my Wilson racquets and will use that to put towards buying one of these.
definitely give it a go and demo it!!!
all the best,
rod
Nate says
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Hey Rod!
Thanks for the info! Sounds like it is worth a demo! I’ll look into it over the next few days. Thanks for the information!
Cheers, Nate
Pierre Bastien says
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Thanks Rod, I added your feedback to the Eye V.Lite 120 Control page.
JB says
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Rod did you stay with the V.Lite or keep playing the 750 and 125? How did you find the balance I am debating between the 110 and 120? And like the 750, Eye has their power version spacing the string to up the power any thoughts there? The 120 is it much heavier than the 750, head light, head heavier? I found using the prince it was a little tougher to get balls off tigh rails to return on a tight rail. The ball tended to come off loose might have just been me. Tried the Head XT thin body which was great for tight rails but even though it says 120 it was quite heavy on my scale 155g vs the 750 138g and for quick volleys just felt sluggish were the 750 felt nimble in comparison. I agree with you the 125 and 125s have loads of power but it was such a dead or whippy feeling racquet or snappy as you said just couldn’t get use to it on the touch side of the game. I keep falling back to a Harrow Vibe. The Eye range appears to be more a thin beam racquet how is it on rails and digging out of the corners? Enjoy the game!
Jon Catuccio says
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I posted earlier but I’d like to elaborate on my comments comparing the Eye X.Lite 120 Control to the old ProBeast 750 (yellow/black).
The X.Lite 120 feels really heavy, and if you are a very mobile player, imo the Beast possess the the perfect balance and is light enough to really cull out all the finesse you need is those awkward shots where you have scrambled hard.
I get the new X.Lite 120s back from the shop tomorrow with some Eye string and some Ashaway Zyex Ultranick…maybe they will feel a little more maneuverable but I’m just shocked how unwieldy they feel out of the box.
Goes to show, it’s probably much more about balance vs. weight.The oversize frame of the 120 is also quite different from the Prince frame so the difference is expected to some extent, I was just prepared for a “featherwight-feel” racquet like the Beast, which the 120 is not.
j barrington says
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA4Gwk–SWi_jH2nAyIKChA
JB says
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Jon great feedback I found the same thing. My son in law has one so I have tried it on a few occasions. Weighing it with 18 g Tecnifibre Dnamx and a Black Knight Supergrip it comes in at 142g. A Harrow Vibe weighs in at 140 g but because of it being stiffener and a different balance the Harrow feels much lighter then 2 g difference. I did get a used v lite 115 control and it weighs in at 140 Tecnifibre 18 g Dnamx and the Supergrip and if feels lighter then the Harrow it is head lighter then the Harrow and Eye 120 so I believe you are on to it, the head weight has a lot to do with the weight feel or swing feel. The v lite 115 is very nice a stiff frame fairly small head nice balance between power and control. And the thin body and lack of a bumper strip is fantastic for rails I have never used a racquet that enables rail returns of tight rails so nicely. The closest racquet to it is the Head Slimbodies which weighs in at 150 g and feels close to the Eye 120 control maybe a bit lighter feeling. The Eye 115 is truly unique, are any of the other Eyes the same. I don’t believe the 120 control is the same shape at the head or I didn’t notice if it is. I will check next time I look at my son in laws 120 control racquet. If anyone has a x lite Pro 110 control or power they want to get rid of let me know I would love to try one. It is said to be head light so if the head light is the key it should be what I am after, if the head of the frame is the same as the 115. Does anyone know if the top of head shape is the same for 115 and pro 110?
Enjoy the game!
Jon Catuccio says
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Thanks, realizing now how important for my game an even or head-light racquet is. At first I had echoed Pierre’s comment that the 750 is touch head heavy, but now walking around the house with it having practiced a full hour with coach using the 120 I’m really impressed with it’s balance. It just goes where you want in space without thought.
The reason I tried a new racket was I had a Blakc Knight ION PSX, I think (the red one) and was really impressed with how it swung and it must have had an even balance as I was really enjoying it. Not a huge fan of the long handle on BK but I think I was playing so well I wanted to try a style of racquet other than the teardrop I have been using since returning to squash. Pretty depressing to find the 120 so far from what I was after but I’m stuck in an isolated region thus racquet choices are pretty generic.
The Beast frame tapers at the top for rails I assume so it too is a nice one for scraping off the one even with the bumper.
Tempted to just try the new Textreme Beast or Ramy’s raquet and continue with Prince but like you, very curious to try a 110 Control or maybe the Harrow Spark Custom.
cheers!
Jon
Jon Catuccio says
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Forgot to mention my Beast strung up with 18 Ashaway SuperNick XL Micro weighs in at 134.6g. Feels great in the hand just sometimes wish I had a bigger target, but my drop has been doing really well so not sure, again that Black Knight racquet got me thinking!
JB says
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Jon, I have played the 750 had 3 of them though I had found my long term racquet settling on Tecnifibre 305 after trying several other strings that were either to stiff to powerful or just moved around to much for my liking. The 305 seemed to be a compromise great on the rails good touch and spin and enough power. I too was interested in the Textreme and had the opportunity to see one and hold it unfortunately not able to hit it, my take Ramy’s old stick from Prince the 130. Head lighter then the 750. I played a 130 years ago liked it just didn’t love it. I went away from the Pro Beast 750 after using a Harrow. The Harrows hit so nice great swing weight nice contact feel and I settled on the Vibe got 3 and enjoyed them settling on the new Tecnifibre Dnamx love that string what 305+ was suppose to be 305 feel, touch, spin great rails but has more power and feels great when I hit with it. Then came a Head Slimbody and the theory of a thin beam. I had to try one. I did not like the feel of the racquet enough kind of the same feel you get from your 120 but incredible control and rail returns were more consistent more tight returns. So the thin frame theory had me hooked. Sold off the Harrows to hunt down a thin beam racquet and went back to my old favorite NG130 which does a lot well but on rails returning a tight one from time to time it sends it back towards the middle of the court. Found a used Eye v lite 115 control and bought it. It was strung with 305 and I hit it yesterday, lots of promise great stiffness great weight and swing feel like the feel of the handle it is like the Tecnifibre NG130 which I like and the frame shape at the head, fantastic for rails I have never returned so many tight rails with tighter rails not one went back middle court truly great. A lot of promise so far. Just restrung it with Dnamx at a tension more to my liking then the 305 that was in it. Pain in the neck to string with the individual inserts and the two strings going into one hole but all strung up ready to try. The weight on my scale for the Slimbody was 150g the NG130 148g the the NG feels when swung much lighter than 2g comparing it to the Head. The Eye 120 control weighed in at 142g the Harrow Vibe 140g the 750 Pro Beast 130g the Eye v lite 115 140g all with a PU grip and 18g either 305 or Dnamx. The Eye 120 control feels the heaviest to me then the Head Slimbody then the Vibe then the NG then the Pro Beast and the v lite 115. Not sure if any of this helps but one thing I have heard is Eye really takes care of their customers if you contact them they will address your concern with the 120. My son in laws first 120 had a manufacturing defect a misaligned hole still playable just one string not spaced as the others and Eye sent him another one. Try contacting them. My thinking if you like the Pro Beast the Eye v lite 115 is it and more.i am trying to find out if the top of the racquet on the Eye 115 is the same shape and thickness as their x lite pro control if so that should be my NG130 with a true rail return advantage the v lite is the closest thing to a frameless racquet!
Enjoy the game!