This is the Harrow Vapor. Why is this called the Vapor? It’s because when you slice this racket through the air, it leaves behind a trail of water vapor. Not from the racket itself, but from the eyes of your opponent, as they weep, softly.
Here’s my review. I like it.
Advertised Specs
Weight: Light (140 grams strung)
Balance Head-Heavy (38cm)
String Pattern: 14 x 19
Versions
Royal Blue/Yellow released 2019
Misfit (Purple) released 2019
Raneem El Weleily released 2017
White/yellow released 2016
Prep re-released 2016
Misfit (Blue or Pink) released 2015
Red/Black released 2013
Original
Harrow Dread
Old-school versions
Harrow Vapor 2019
Here’s a new cosmetic that Harrow released in 2019:
Product Info
Release year: 2019
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com
Buy (US): squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Harrow Misfit Vapor 2019
Here’s the 2019 version of the Harrow Misfit Vapor. It’s got a purple vibe this time. The previous ones were blue & pink.
Harrow Vapor – Raneem Version
Spotted this Raneem El Weleily custom version in May 2017. Thanks to Sherif for the tip!
Image via harrowsports.com →
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (US): amazon.com | racquetlab.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Measured weight (all-in): 146 grams
Spotted
Salma Hany was using this at the 2017 US Open:
Photo via US Open Squash
Oh, and so was Raneem El Weleily. MAKES SENSE.
Photo via US Open Squash →
Harrow Vapor 2016
This is a classy design that came out in 2016.
Image via harrowsports.com
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com | racquetlab.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
It’s quite a stylistic departure from last year’s red and black model.
Spotted
Both Abdullah Al Tamimi and Alan Clyne were using this at the 2016 Wadi Degla World Champs:
Photo via SquashSite →
Photo via SquashSite →
Harrow Vapor Prep
Here’s another 2016 model. This one’s called the Harrow Vapor Prep.
Image via harrowsports.com
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com | racquetlab.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
This is actually a re-make of an old-school harrow vapor.
Harrow Vapor Misfit
The Harrow Vapor Misfit is new for 2015/2016. Here’s the blue version. Is that a skull on the throat? Cool.
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Canada): sportsvirtuoso.com
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | racquetlab.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Spotted
Jaymie Haycocks was using this at the 2016 World Championships:
Photo via SquashSite →
It comes in a pink version too (also with skull). Pretty badass:
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgear.com
Harrow Vapor Red/Black
This was the Vapor for the the 2013/2014 season. Love the color scheme on this:
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com
Buy (UK): pdhsports.com
Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com | squashgear.com
Spotted
Here’s Ryan Cuskelly with the Vapor:
Photo via @cusk87 ∞
And Alan Clyne:
Photo by Steve Cubbins ∞
And Andrew Wagih, at the 2015 World Championships:
Photo via Steve Cubbins →
Harrow Vapor (Original)
And here’s the original version, also pretty cool:
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Spotted
Here’s Omar Abdel Aziz with the Vapor:
Source: usopensquash.com
And here’s Raneem with the Vapor:
Photo via Steve Cubbins →
Also, Low Wee Wern of Malaysia used to use this racket, strung with Tecnifibre 305 strings. Thanks to ‘M’ for the tip!
Photo: Steve Cubbins
Looks like Sabrina Sobhy uses the Vapor:
Photo by Steve Cubbins ∞
Oh, here’s Omneya Abdel Kawy with the Vapor. She’s got a signature version with a custom paint job:
Photo: Steve Cubbins
Joshna Chinappa also uses a custom version of the Vapor, in Indian colors:
Photo: Steve Cubbins
Samantha Teran also has a custom version of the Harrow Vapor in Mexico colors:
Photo via squash365.com ∞
If you know of anyone else using the Vapor, please let me know in the comments!
Harrow Dread Vapor
This is a Jamaica-ish design of the Harrow Vapor, mon.
Harrow Dread 3:
Harrow Dread 2:
Here’s the original Harrow Dread Vapor:
The product description on this racket makes me cringe a little bit:
It’s time to get irie with the newest design of Harrow’s best selling racquet around the world. With the same performance and playability that you have come to expect from the Vapor, this jammin’ makeover is sure to improve your game and style, mon.
Maybe this is the racket Bob Marley would have played squash with. Speaking of Bob Marley, did you ever watch the documentary called Marley? At one point, his son Ziggy Marley tells this story of how Bob used to challenge his kids to running races, but instead of letting his kids win, Bob would run as FAST as he possibly could. You should watch the documentary. Mon.
Old-School Vapors
I didn’t even know these existed until Dan tipped me off to them:
Photo via imgur.com →
Spotted
Dan also sourced this image of a young Laura Massaro using the Vapor! I never knew.
Photo via squashplayer.co.uk
Here’s what this 2006 post on squashplayer.co.uk had to say about the future world champ:
In March 2006 Harrow Sports announced that English squash pro Laura Jane Lengthorn signed a multi-year agreement to play on Team Harrow.
A pro since 2002, Laura is currently #13 on the WISPA Tour.
Following an impressive Junior campaign where she won National titles at U14, U15, U17 and U19 (twice) Laura has rapidly moved up to her current top 15 position.
Aw… baby Laura.
Daniel says
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Hi Pierre!
Big fan of Squash Source. Great work!
I’d like your advise. I have a Harrow Vapor racket that I usually play with and like, but I am looking for something similar with a bigger head size (same head shape), more forgiveness and a bit more stiffness (for more access to power). I play singles squash on an intermediate/advances lever. I am not a big hitter, more of a attacking volley-guy that like to put good pace on the ball.
How about the Harrow m-140? Is that maneuverable enough in tight back corner? How is the feel of the balance and weight between this and the Vapor? I know about the specs, more interested in your option on the perceived balance and weight.
Or what about the Harrow Stellar? I know this too is a doubles racket. But it if works, it works 🙂
I like the head size of the Vibe, bit the frame has too much flex. Feel free to give input on other brands than Harrow too.
Looking forward to your reply.
Thanks!
Tor says
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Check out Pierre’s take on the Xamsa Obsidian maybe? Similar to Vibe and a stiff frame. Have played with it myself and it’s a great racket.
Pierre says
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As I was reading your question the first racket that started coming to mind was also the M-140. It’s just a little bigger head size than the Vapor but it will feel familiar. The frame is the same sort of convex shape as the Vapor, so you get the same stiffness. Stiffer than the Vibe I’d say. Off the top of my head I think the M-140 will feel a little head-heavier but it’s hard to say for sure without testing them back to back. I think you should be fine in the back corners. Any time you move to a bigger frame it always feels a little tighter back there but the trade-off seems appropriate to me.
Daniel says
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Much appreciated response Pierre. Thanks!
The other option might be the Stellar – and since you have them both (saw your doubles review video). What made you like the m-140 over the Stellar? From what I understand from your videos you like a touch of head heaviness to carve the shots. I personally like even balance/head lighter rackets a bit more, so my only concern is that the m-140 is a bit too head heavy for me compared to my Vapor. And therefore the Stellar is the better option. What do you think? Is the m-140 significantly head heavier than the Vapor? Thanks!
Rod says
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Are you married to the idea of sticking with Harrow rackets? Based on the shape, weight and size of racket you are looking for there would seem to be options beyond Harrow such as Ashaway (Venom X-Flash/Powerkill 110SL/Powerkill 120ZX), Black Knight (Ion-Element PSX/HEX Phenom) and Eye (X-Lite series).
Daniel says
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Thanks Rod! Not married to the idea of sticking to Harrow, so I’ll definitely check out your suggestions.
Pierre says
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Good question but at the moment I only have the M-140 in my closet and not the Stellar or Vapor and I can’t remember them well enough to compare the balance from memory
Tor says
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I gave an answer here a few days back. Appears it didn’t go through the censorship?
Pierre says
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Oops you’re right it got caught in the filter. The original comment is now here. Thanks Tor
Tor says
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Phenomenal. Awaiting this beauty from Phil Head at blade.hk https://ibb.co/WWW0k0r
Casper says
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Looks like the new harrow vapor is out: https://www.harrowsports.com/collections/squash-racquets/products/new-harrow-vapor-squash-racquet
Andrew says
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Can anyone recommend a string upgrade and tension for the Vapor?
Would like to see the various options
Nick says
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Harrow Vapor White/Royal/Yellow 146g (factory new, minus cardboard including plastic wrap on handle).
Pierre says
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Thanks Nick, I’ll add these measured weights into the posts
Andrew says
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Hi Pierre,
Ive just got hold of a black/red Vapor,my first ever.
It weighs 139g all in,cant wait to play with it.
Was wondering if you know or anyone what strings this model has?
They are thin,18g,black about 26lbs tension,possibly Ashaway factory strung?Dont look like Harrows Barrage,T2 etc.
There is no markings on the string.
Cheers ,Andrew
Pierre says
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That red/black one is a beauty. I’m actually not sure what the factory strings are on that one. Normally would be either Ashaway or more recently Harrow-brand string (as you mentioned).
Sherif says
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It seems Raneem’s custom harrow is launched
Link: http://www.harrowsports.com/harrow-vapor-squash-racquet-custom-raneem-el-weleily-white#.WSdK34WxWEc
Sttrung with Barrage Pro
Weight: 135 g
Balance: 380 mm
BA says
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Hey Pierre. Awesome site!
Wondering in all your testing what may be the closest in feel to the Vapor. Harrows seem a bit fragile…Looking for the alternative.
Rod says
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I would strongly recommend the BK Ion Psx Element (the black non Selby version). A tremendous blend of power, feel and durability. I’ve been rotating through 3 of these rackets for the last 2 years and haven’t suffered any breakage or cracks.
Similar in terms of head shape and size but probably a fraction heavier.
BA says
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Thanks Rod, I will try and demo one of those.
rob says
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I’ve played with the BK Ion Storm XT which has identical specifications to the Ion PSX Element and I wouldn’t say it feels similar to the vapor.
On my scales the new white vapor is 10 grams lighter and has more of its weight in the head. The vapor is very “smooth” on contact with the ball, and going back to the XT feels really stiff (but easier to generate pace with).
Matt says
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Anyone know if Harrow quotes strung weight including the grip?
Just picked up a new Vapor and put it on my scale in stock configuration….barrage pro strings, and their PU grip…came in at 152g. Perhaps they added a bit more material to strengthen the newer mold to deal with some of the past breakage issues..or I just got an outlier.
josh says
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I’ve heard that Chris Simpsons Karakal Racquet is a painted vapour
Pierre Bastien says
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Interesting. I haven’t tried Chris’s Karakal Tec Pro Elite but from the picture I think there’s one less cross string versus the Vapor.
Michel Goulche says
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Just purchase the black and red, very light 141g on my scale versus 150g for my tecnifibre 125S. Really love it
Andrew says
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My red black vapor weighs 139g all in!
Will get it restrung in green technifibre string 1.1mm,probably get the weight down to 136g I reckon.
Muzakkir says
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Can I know the material used for Misfit? (I hope it Graphene/graphite)
Considering it to be my first racket but some of my peers recommend Graphene/graphene rackets as it is strong. Eg dunlop and Head
Pierre Bastien says
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Yes, it’s made of graphite. Almost all squash rackets are made from graphite, except for a few heavy beginner rackets made of aluminum. Graphene is a term that Head use in their branding, but those rackets are also made of graphite. The Harrow Vapor is a high-end racket and I love it, but since this is to be your first racket, I recommend you find something less expensive to start with, something around US$100.
Dan Gianfagna says
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Hi Pierre, thanks for the great squash website. The original Vapor also came in a pink and lime green version that they called ‘The Prep’, which has a paint scheme that the Ultralite Retro may be in homage towards. It’s funny to think of 2006 as being ‘retro’, but hey, I guess in terms of rackets that’s a long time. Here are some links that I found in trying to learn more about ‘The Prep’ which I recently bought a gently used version of on eBay for less than what it costs to have my rackets restrung. They are right when they call the Vapor “extremely playable” in the last paragraph of the article about Harrow’s Mark Hayden.
http://squashgear.stores.yahoo.net/havasqra.html
http://www.amazon.com/Harrow-Prep-Green-Squash-Racket/dp/B000G8XB34
http://www.greenwichmag.com/g/June-2006/Not-Your-Same-Old-Racquet-and-Stick/index.php?cparticle=1&siarticle=0#artanc
I know that the cosmetics have changed over the years for the Vapor, but do you know if the frame (balance, weight, head-size, string pattern) itself has remained primarily the same otherwise? If so, I’d get another one, probably not for less than 40 dollars this time, but also probably not in pink either.
Cheers,
Dan
Pierre Bastien says
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Thanks Dan, that was an interesting article on the Harrow founder. I’ve only played with the red and black Vapor — I don’t know whether the models have changed much over the years. I understand that changing the paint job can have a subtle effect.
michel goulche says
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Hello
What is the head size ?
And with harrow have the biggest head size ?
Thanks !
Tim says
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Is there any difference between the new Vapor MisFit and the Red Black one? Other than the colour that is. The Red/Black one did have a modification on the previous model.
Pierre Bastien says
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Not sure… what was the difference between the red/black one and the previous model?
D says
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Hey, there is no difference between the new Misfit, and the previous red/black one.
I can also say that there was no difference between the red/ black one and the older model with the green at the top of the head (I asked Harrow by email a few years ago).
I’ve been playing with the Misfit one with the skull for over a year now. It apparently started as a custom paint job for a squash club. When Harrow had extras, my local club bought some of them instead, and they quickly sold out and more shipments were ordered. I’m guessing more than one club bought these, and they were so popular Harrow decided to make them standard.
I have both black/blue Misfit and black/red and play with them interchangeably.
Tim says
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I was told by the agent in the UK that the Red/Black Vapor had an improved balance and weight when compared to the lime/black model.
Thanks for clarifying the situation with the Misfit. It seems there is a premium for this racket over the red black Vapor so i wanted to make sure.
I have been using the Harrow Vapor since the dread model. All I noticed was the move from a gloss paint job to a mat finish with the racket remaining the same.
If I have one complaint they are rather fragile. Otherwise absolutely love them. Only other racket that cam close was the Dunlop Elite that let me down when the introduced the lime green version (the one after the bronze version) that was a very different racket.
D says
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I can say though that Harrows no longer come with Ashaway strings, which is disappointing. The strings they have now are inferior in my opinion.
Lucas Nicolau says
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I’ve just bought the harrow vapor Dread II.
Let’s see how it works on court. I sold my Head Rackets and now I’m “heading” to Harrow Rackets. I got impressed by the Harrow Spark Kasey Brown, my first choice, and choose the vapor as a second racket because it’s very similar to the Spark.
As soon as I test I’ll send you a review.
michael berry says
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When are the new ones going to be available in stores
Pierre Bastien says
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They’re already available in the US (see Affiliate Links) but I have not seen them outside the US yet
David Wong says
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They already have it in Malaysia quite a time
Ibrahim says
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Link please.
Ibrahim says
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Marwan Alshorbagy is one of harrow’s team now.
Pierre Bastien says
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Thanks Ibrahim, I didn’t know that!
George says
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Yeah he revealed it on twitter!
Michel Goulche says
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I’am a bit confuse with the weight of the racket cause they are given fully equipped. Can you tell me what is the lightest ?
Thx
Pierre Bastien says
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I think the strings add about 10 grams, so this would be a 130 gram racket.
George says
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Alan Clyne uses the vapour aswell.
I personally prefer the spark looks dope in blue though
Pierre Bastien says
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Nice one, I added a picture.
M says
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Low Wee Wern of Malaysia also uses this racket strung with tecnifibre 305 strings. Thought you might wanna know.
Pierre Bastien says
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Thanks M, I’ve updated the post!