It’s the Eye X.Lite 120 from Eye rackets.
Eye X.Lite 120 Signature Series (Amr Shabana)
Eye put out a new cosmetic for this racket in 2019:
Product Info
Release year: 2019
Price: $160
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Paul from PDH Sports compare this 2019 model versus the original 2016 one:
Eye X.Lite 120 Control
Here’s the 2016 cosmetic, which was called the Eye X.Lite 120 Control at the time. It was also an Amr Shabana signature frame.
Image via Eye Rackets Facebook →
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I got a brief chance to hit with some of the Eye rackets, including the X.Lite 120 Control. The video is below. It’s an interesting racket, quite light but still just a touch head-heavy.
Joey Barrington, a partner at Eye, put together this video showing off the new cosmetic:
Spotted
I think Fiona Moverley was using this in 2018 at Nantes:
Photo via SquashSite →
Thanks
Thanks to Lloyd for the tip!
Original 2014 Model
This is the original, non-signature version from back in 2014:
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Search:Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 120 gramsHead size: 490 cm sqString pattern: 14x18Measured weight (all-in): 142.5 gramsMeasured balance: 36.0 cm
Spotted
I’ve been getting a ton of questions about this racket.
Amr Shabana, the Maestro, uses the Eye X.Lite 120 Control:
Photo by Steve Cubbins ∞
So smooth.
Oh, and then there’s Borja Golan. He used it too:
Photo by Steve Cubbins ∞
I think Chris Ryder was also using this, at the 2016 British Nationals:
Photo via Steve Cubbins →
Reviews
Sam from Eye Rackets in the UK was kind enough to send me this racket to demo, and I recorded a video review (including a comparison with the Eye X.Lite 120 Power), which you can check out here:
In the video, I mention how this racket has taken some time to get used to. Well you know the guy I lost my league match to? (The one I talk about in the video.) I played him again this week and beat him for the first time ever, using the X.Lite 120 Control.
GRANTED he hasn’t been playing squash for about a year, but hey, he beat me two weeks ago, and I got him this time. I’ll take it.
Anyway, here’s what Joey Barrington, the main Squash TV commentator, has to say (he’s also a partner at Eye):
Interestingly, Joey says the racket is weighted towards the head.
When I did the review I felt it was quite evenly balanced, but I just measured the racket and came up with a balance point of 35.25 cm. The exact midpoint of a racket would be 34.25. So, this puppy is 1 cm head heavy. Not much, but perhaps when you have feel like Joey Barrington, it’s noticeable.
Here’s Paul from PDH Sports, who says this “suits an attacking-style player”:
Borja Golan Signature
Way back when, Borja Golan had a custom version of this racket, in an orange color. Now he has his own signature racket, the Eye X.Lite 130.
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Search:Product Notes
Product description from Eye Rackets:
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.
Thanks to Alex for the tips!
Spotted
Borja’s holding the racket here, after winning something:
Josh says
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Hi
I currently use the eye racket xlite 120 and love it but need something more durable
I’m looking for an identical weighted and balanced racket as it really is the perfect balance for my game.
This one is head heavy by 1cm or you may call it slightly head heavy – anyone know A racket with similar specs?
Doug says
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Mantis Pro 115 II – Awsome racquet with similar headshape, flexibility, and balance.
Unet says
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Broke my first one yesterday, after scraping the floor a little bit too hard to retrieve a low shot… 🙂
A bit gutted, but this is a fantastic racket!
I’m thinking of getting a new one, but would be interested in having inputs from other for similar-feel racket in other brands (Harrow, BK…) before buying?
Constantinos Anastassakis says
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Hey, I have the Golan version of this racquet, with Tecnifibre biphase, strung at 26 lbs. It also has a Karakal PU grip on it, this racquet didn’t suit my game at all. I would be interested in selling it, if you are interested in buying it. Let me know.
Puntrdend says
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I love this racket. I’ll buy it from you if it’s still avalible ?
Constantinos Anastassakis says
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Yes, it is still available. Email me: g.anastassakis@gmail.com. And we can set something up.
JB says
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If you broke an Eye racket I wouldn’t even think of getting a Harrow or BK they are not as tough as the Eyes.
Bartek says
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Today during the game I hit my friend’s brand new Wilson Hammer 120 with my Eye with such a power that wilson broke. My bad but there is not even a scratch on the Eye 😉
Carlos Porras says
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Same story a month ago with my Eye X.Lite 120C and a Head. They’re so strong!
Bartek says
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So I just tested it for the first time and I am totally amazed. It is so light and so perfectly ballanced. It gives so much time for reaction. Lets attack or change direction in the last moment, be less predectitable or make a small but powerfull swing. It has great control and A LOT OF POWER at the same time. Compared the power to the Wilson Hammer 140 and it’s just a bit weaker while control is so much better. My previous racket was Prince Air Team 130 and this Eye is so much better and cheaper at the same time. Must say it’s a really good choice.
Michal says
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That’s good! My suggest is to stick a crashtape on the top of the head. When you play lines and smack a wall it can affect to durability of strings. Eye doesn’t have a bumper and strings are not hidden. 15cm of crashtape will kill the issue.
Out of records, where do you play?
It’s hard to find a played from PL 🙂
Text me: meehoo.uk@gmail.com
Bartek says
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Thanks for the tip. maybe ill give it a try.
Im from Slupsk, we have two sport centers with squash. One of them has one court, the other two. Thats alot for a such a small town 🙂
And how about You?
Michal says
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Hi,
Always ready to give a good tip. I come from Poznan but since a while I’ve been living and playing in UK.
Eye x120 is one of the best racket I’ve played so you will not regret buying that. I don’t know your level but it seems to be good for all level players.
Bye
Jon Catuccio says
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Just tried this racquet today, and shocked it is 120g. My ProBeast 750 feels so much lighter. It has to be the balance – the X.Lite label reads “Head Heavy” and I would agree. I need to weigh the X.Lite 120….it feels so much heavier than my 750, maybe it’s the stock string?
Ahmed Talaat says
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what about the X.lite 110 power..which do you prefer?? X.120c or X.110p
Elliot says
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I currently have a Harrow spark strung with ashaway powernick strings
absolutely love it but have become intrigued with the eye racket 120 control
i’m interested to know how it compares with the spark and whether i should purchase the racket (with it potentially being an upgrade)
would technifibre strings be better than the ashaway powernick? I really want to develop my game
(also considering the technifibre carboflex as it seems a lot of the top players use it as well, any opinions on this as well?)
JB says
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What are you trying to add to your game? More power the Carboflex 125s with 1.10 string, more control the Eye Rackets, a ton of control the Head XT slim body series….don’t forget string makes a big difference…enjoy the game!
JB says
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Elliot did you go with the Eye and if so which one? If you stayed with the Harrow try Tecnifibre Dnamx in it I did it is great! It will transform your Harrow! Enjoy the game!
Bernard says
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Anyone know what strings and tension Amr Shabana uses? seriously tempted to purchase one of these rackets, they just look the business
Michal says
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Hi, I am almost sure the string is tecnifibre 305 1.1 or 1.2.
Regards,
Carlos Porras says
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Look at these comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=809821502373789&id=547595301929745 Eye Rackets UK ensure that Amr uses a strin of 1.20 and a tension of 22-25lbs.
Carlos Porras says
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PS: the racket is amazing, I bought it only a month ago and I really love it.
Michal says
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Hi, I’ve been playing X120 control for over 2 years. I had many raquets with diffrent balance and shape. This raquet is the excalibur! Durability is amazing! I played Airstick130 and after 3 broken in one moth I took a divorce! The only bad thing about that raquet is a grip, but it can be changed to pu karakal. I have also v120 power, it’s great but when you play lines you are worried about strings.
Question! Does any of you use green eye strings? Are they much better than tecnifibre 1.2?
Carlos Porras says
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When bought my 120 control, I replaced the original grip inmediately. I use to do that with all the rackets, the Karakal PU grips are in other league and I don’t want to play with other grips. The owner of the store gave me a Tacky Grip of Eye Rackets as a gift when I bought the racket, and I’m going to give it a chance because it was for free and it doesn’t look bad, but I’ve got another Karakal if the Eye’s one doesn’t work well.
Michal says
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Hi,
I’ve tried that eye grip. As you said, a brand new looks good but after couples of hours on the court it was wasted. PU Karakal is the best! There are some colours and some of them (etc blue) mark your hands. I use only yellow and I cant imagine playing a different one.
Gavin says
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Hi, i love this racket. The string just went and i replaced it with ashaway super nick strung at 25 pounds. Any recommendations for different strings? Thanks
chris says
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Hi there, I’ve got technifibre 305 green strings in my two rackets,
strung at 11kg. Fantastic!!!!!
Bartek says
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delete this – just forgot to click notify 😉
Bartek says
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Hi, i’m about to buy this racket. Can anyone say anything more about it’s durability after some time od usage – especially the eyelets. I just threw away my airstick team because of the same problem and i’m a little concerned.
Carlos Porras says
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I have this racket for about a month and I can´t ensure anything for my own experience, but a partner who is a semi-pro player (and the one who recommended me this unbelievable racket) is so happy dealing with the durability of the racket. He plays everyday in a high level and he told me that the durability is higher than the other rackets that he had. Another benefit in my opinion, dealing with eyelets is that you can replace only one of them without changing a great amount of pieces, and obviously it is so cheap. In the store that I use to buy the Eye products, they have eyelets which you can buy in order to replace them if you have any problem. And finally, if you want an opinion about the racket, is the best racket I´ve ever had and I ever tested, I´m really happy with my choice.
Bartek says
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Thank You for fast replay. You reassured me that it is a good choice and I ordered it. I also found that eyelets are available in shops in my country (Poland) as well. I will post on my experience with the racket in some 😉
Michal says
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Hi Bartek:)
That’s a very good decision! Eyelets are offered by erakiety.com but to be honest….when your x120ctrl is broken, save the eyelets 🙂 I wish you hadn’t had such experience but there is no squash player without that 🙂
Bård says
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The Borja Golan version is, to my knowledge, slightly more head-heavy than the Amr Shabana version of the X.Lite 120 Control.
Carlos Porras says
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Is the same racket with a different colorway. When Borja signed his contract with Eye, he started to play with the x.lite 120 PRO control. This racket has a quite small head size and is a direct response racket, whereas the x.lite 120 control is a touch racket. But right now he has a signature model of the x.lite 120 in red, the Shabana’s one, but with a different color.
alex says
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What strings does shabana actually use? Did anyone experience an abnormal amount of flexibility in the frame?
Pierre Bastien says
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Not sure if it’s Eye X.Tech, which I need to post, or Tecnifibre 305.
alex says
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On then eye website they have no green strings for sale
Brent says
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I’ve been wondering about the individual grommet system that Eye uses.
Are the frame drillings larger than on the typical racquet?
Could they be retrofitted to other racquets?
I’ve always been tempted to try stringing using repair tubing as the entire grommet. It seems this could make that much easier in a way.
Pierre Bastien says
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To my naked eye (hehe), the grommets and drill holes are the same size as “normal” rackets, the only difference is there’s not backing strip holding them all together.
Nick Down says
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Hi, you can buy a fullset of eye grommets on the eye rackets website at a very reasonable price, the set includes several widths and lengths and you should be able to cover most rackets with a set.
John Little says
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Hi Pierre, thanks so much for the great stuff on your site.
I also really like the factory stringing, any tips on replacement string weight and tension in case i don’t have access to eye strings?
George says
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27plbs is the standard tension of strings dropping it below that will increase power because of the slingshot effect however tightening above 27 would promote more control and spin of the ball
Alot of people lean towards tecnifibre 305 however alot of people like the ashaway powernick/ultranicks aswell
Pierre Bastien says
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Hi John,
I got in touch with Eye on this, and they said:
You can find the Eye X.Tech strings at http://www.eyerackets.co.uk/categories/strings
As for the weight, they said:
bob says
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These can’t be better than the Tecnifibre Suprem range?
What are Eye’s strings like compared to Tecnifibre’s?
Pierre Bastien says
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I really liked the Eye green strings. For me, they were as good as Tecnifibre. That said, I don’t have a great feel for strings :).
Nick is a professional stringer and you can see his comment above.
And here’s more from Liam, also a professional stringer:
http://www.squash888.com/letstalk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=818
George says
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I just wanted to follow up on my experience with Eye Rackets. After ordering the X.Lite 110 Control and not liking it, I contacted Eye and was given discount for an X.Lite 120 Control.
I received the racket last week and weighted it right away – with a PU Karakal grip that I put on and factory strings, it comes up to exactly 140 grams (20 less than the X.Lite 110 control with the same setup). I know that my grip weights about 12 grams and string around 10 grams, so 120 gram naked frame sounds exactly right.
Moving on the playing with it, I have to say, this is BY FAR the best racket that I’ve ever played with. My confidence has just skyrocketed. Deception has improved by far because the racket is so light that you can hold the ball until the last second and send it anywhere on the court. My short game always much improved as I feel that the racket has a lot of feel, despite being so light. I feel 100% confident to drop from anywhere. I really like the factory Eye string. Normally, I restring all of my rackets immediately with 18 gauge TF 305, but I think that I’ll leave this one on for a while. Lastly, due to the thin head profile and lack of bumper guard, I find it much easier to scrape balls that are just glued to the wall.
I’m very happy with the purchase and will be ordering another one to have as backup when the strings on this one go. The only thing that remains is the durability. I will post an update here if anything catastrophic happens in the near future.
Radek says
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Any updates about the durability? thanks 🙂
Michal says
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In my opinion: 8.5/10
Bartek says
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Im playing since march so its still to short to judge but for this moment everything is ok. I have hit the walls many times and nothing happens. I’m still using original strings but they might need changing soon. As far for the grip it needs to be replaced ASAP 🙂
Nick Down says
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Hi Pierre,
There’s a lot of really good stuff on your website. I need to point out a couple of things about your review of the eye lite 120 control and power rackets. You called the frame a classic closed throat design, it’s not closed, it’s open. Joey describes it correctly in his video, I’m sure that was a slip of the tongue. More importantly, the power version in your video review has been strung incorrectly with the bottom 2 cross strings missing altogether. This would greatly effect the performance of the racket and probably shift the position of the sweet spot noticeably. It also means that he stringbed is not pulling evenly (as designed) around the entire hoop, this would be likely to upset the characteristics of the frame to some extent. I think this really invalidates this particular review. It would be interesting to see the outcome of your review with the power version set up correctly, to see if you like it any better, it didn’t really have a chance this time round!
Keep up the good work, Nick.
Pierre Bastien says
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Hey Nick good catch on the stringing! I never stopped to think it may have been strung incorrectly! I will have to get it restrung properly and try it again.
On the closed / open bit, that’s a good question. I have always called these closed throat / conventional head shape. For me open throat would be the teardrop style.
You’re right, Joey does call this an open throat in his video, though on the Eye Website they do call it a closed throat.
Maybe it means different things in different locations, and I should just stick to calling them conventional or teardrop.
Nick Down says
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Hi Pierre, the open or closed throat debate is a common one. Having been a player for over 40 years, I started on wooden rackets like the maxply and grays light blue etc. they all had a long shaft and small round head! The first big change came when some rackets were made where the shaft split a few inches before the head “opening” up the throat, creating the now familiar open throat triangle formed by the shaft splitting at the yoke and the bridge which holds the centre mains at the throat. These rackets were called open throat rackets. I think it’s simple, as there is an open hole through which you can poke your finger etc. more formally the USRSA/ ERSA Stringers Digest has a diagram of a racket in the first few pages that clearly states this type of racket is open throat. All certified stringers and Master Racquet Technicians have been examined on the contents of the digest for about the last 25 or more years. That ‘s enough for me to be convinced! You can get teardrop shape rackets with both open and closed throats eg, TF carboflex is closed, Prince powering rackets are open – what do you reckon? Cheers Nick.
Pierre Bastien says
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Hi Nick now I see what you mean – thanks for explaining!
George says
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Just received the x-lite 110 control and I am very disappointed with how heavy it is (measures 156 grams on my kitchen scale).
That is comperatively thr same as the Carboflex 130. And about 15-20 grams heavier than the Airstick TT 130 and Harrow Vapour.
What I don’t understand is why they would claim the 110 gram weight, if the racquets are so heavy? Has anyone else measured theirs?
Pierre Bastien says
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Hi George, that’s strange.
I measured the Eye X.Lite 120 Control on my scale, which is supposed to be accurate, and it was 147 grams. So I would expect the 110 to be somewhere around 137…
I’ve never measured the Vapor but the Carboflex 130 came in at 160 on my scale.
George says
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Thanks for weighing those Pierre. I was also expecting around 135 myself.
I contacted Eye and while they don’t admit to any issues with the racket, they are willing to send me a 120 X.Lite Control at a big discount, claiming that I should be happier with it and that the 110 version is not as popular. I will report back when I get it.
Regardless, I would love to hear from someone else that is using the 110 to find out if they had the same issue with the weight.
Jason says
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There’s a couple factors you need to consider. Not all company’s state the weight of the racket strung, most give the unstrung weight, so right there the 110 jumps to 125 atleast. Plus you need to factor in the weight of the grip which is probably another 15 grams. That makes 140 .. Now the last 7 grams I couldnt tell you :> The only company I know that shows the actual weight strung of the racket is Harrow .
Jostein says
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I just weighed the X lite 110 Pro Power (I string rackets for my clubmates, and so have a mix of rackets in house from time to time) It weighs 140grams on my digital kitchen weight. Both my X lite 120 control weighs 148grams, but that includes a thin overgrip.
JB says
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Jostein any chance you or anyone else weighted any more 110’s. I am very interested in trying a xlite pro control 110 but need to know it is indeed lighter then the 120’s as I have used my son in laws 120 and it is not to my liking just feels lethargic, heavy looking for a lighter racket. I weighted his at 142 g with a PU grip and Dnamx 1.15 18 g string. My Harrow is 132 g with the same set up. 132 is more my liking even balance. Enjoy the game!
Jason says
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It also seems their “power” line of rackets cause the strings to break very easily. Its such an open pattern that it seems to put lots of strain on the string and doesnt seem to hold up very well.
Steve says
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I can agree with you Jason. i bought the X Lite 110 Power about 2 months ago, factory strings broke within a month (playing 3-4 times a week), which I replaced with my usual Ashaway Supernick XL Ti string (thinking) “its ok, its a 17 guage string so should be fine” even if its a more coarse string – 4 weeks later and the centre main string was ripped to shreads and all others intact with little wear. I have now replaced with a more durable monofilament so I will have to see how long it lasts (2 weeks in and I can see a tiny bit of notching!). I suspect less tension might be the answer if these break in the next few weeks (but worried how it will affect my game). Other than that its a great racket to play with (very light, and manouvreable) and I’m really pleased with it. I too was concerned about the durability of the frame, but having scuffed it a few times against the side walls, its holding up very well indeed, I am pleasently surprised! Well done Eye!
Nick Down says
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Hi guys. With a more open string pattern like the power version, there will be more movement in the string compared to the tighter control pattern. More movement means more friction and friction is the main reason that strings break. If you try a lower tension, that will increase the string movement further. You could try a higher tension to reduce movement, or consider a thicker guage string at the same tension. The thicker guage ( in the same string) will be a little less elastic than the thinner guage, move less and reduce the friction slightly. It should last longer. It’s sod ‘s law, of course, that what you gain in durability, will be lost in playability. The ashaway supernick is a great string that has stood the test of time , but it has a braided coat that would exagerate the friction when the strings move. The newer ultranick and powernick from ashaway have zyex in them which beefs up there durability considerably. I would try the powernick 18. Eye ‘s own xtech string is good too, a pu multifilament, completely different, but comes in three guages, worth a bit of experimenting to find a good combination. Maybe?
Steve says
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Thanks Nick, I will try the ashaway strings you’ve mentioned (with higher tension) when I eventually get through the monofilament ones I am currently using. Thanks again for the advice.
Jason says
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The problem with these rackets is that the grommets break off really easily because there’s no bumper guard thats holding them in place, but instead they are all individually inserted. And their “power” model is awful in my opinion , you need atleast 14 main strings, any less and the feel is really bad on the racket in my opinion. Otherwise the 120 control is a pretty good racket.
Juan says
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I have to agree with Jason on the durability of the ‘eyelets’. I had a few breaking after two weeks of use. Apart from that I think this racket is awesome. The durability of the frame is my only concern left…only time will tell.
Jostein says
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On both my Eye x lite 120 pro power some eyelets broke off easily. I have seen this more often on the “power” series of rackets, I guess the open string pattern increases strain on each “grommet”
I have seen the same thing happen to some Prince airsticks, even with a more dense string pattern.
The good news is that the newer rackets from Eye is said to come with eyelets in a softer less breakable material. Those Eyelets can also be bought separately from Eye/UK according to their website. In my experience Eye rackets holds great customer service.
Ali says
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Hi, curious to see how you got on with the 120 pro power as Imight get one
Johnny L says
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Do you know what grip Shabana is using there? The light blue one?
Pierre Bastien says
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Hi Johnny – probably Karakal PU Super Grip. Not positive though.
kyle says
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Nice ! Very thorough review Pierre. I am using the new Dunlop Elite GTX this season strung with 18g 305 green. I like the extra power i get from the patter as apposed to the ultimate… still get tons of feel and control. How would you compare the new Elite to either of these two racquets since im a fan of this shape of racquet with a head light balance.
Pierre Bastien says
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Hi Kyle glad you asked 🙂 I did some videos reviews on just those questions. Here’s a comparison of the Elite GTS with the prior Elite. And here’s my take on the Ultimate vs the Elite.