Just doing a roundup of all the Head Cyano 115 squash rackets. These are part of the Head squash rackets lineup.
Versions
Head Graphene Cyano 115
Head Cyano2 115
Head Cyano 115 Original
Karim Darwish Signature Cyano
I’m pretty sure the Head 115 CT was the predecessor of all these rackets.
There’s also a Head Cyano2 115 junior squash racket.
Head Graphene Cyano 115
Here’s the Head Graphene Cyano 115, which came out in 2013. Technically this is marketed as the Head Graphene Cyano2 115, but nobody seems to use the 2 — which kind of makes sense, because it’s not2 convenient.
Image via head.com
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Search:Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 115 grams
Head size: 500 cm sq
String pattern: 12x17
Product Notes
What is Graphene, you might ask? According to Wikipedia,
Graphene is a flat monolayer of carbon atoms tightly packed into a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb lattice, and is a basic building block for graphitic materials of all other dimensionalities. It can be wrapped up into 0D fullerenes, rolled into 1D nanotubes or stacked into 3D graphite.
NICE. But what does that do for you? According to Head,
Graphene™ technology allows for the first time an optimal redistribution of weight in HEAD racquets. Through the use of Graphene™ in the shaft, the weight in the middle part of the tennis racquet can be reduced. Instead, weight can be shifted from the racquet shaft to more functionally relevant areas in the tip and grip. This unique construction provides players with an unmatched maneuverability and an increased swingweight. In other words, a racquet with Graphene™ is easier to swing and enables even more powerful shots. And it will give opponents a really hard time.
Functionally relevant areas in the tip and grip? Sold.
Reviews
I had a hit with the Head Graphene 115 a while back and really enjoyed it. I was expecting it to feel too light, but actually it was quite fun to play with. It was certainly light and maneuverable, but I also felt my shots to length felt very solid. This was an all-around great racket and I would love to play with it again.
Spotted
This is a great picture from the British Nationals of Sarah Kippax (pink) getting caught on Jenny Duncalf’s skirt as she tries to go around her. You can see the Head 115 in action:
Photo Credit: SquashSite
Here’s Line Hansen at the 2015 British Open:
Photo by Steve Cubbins ∞
Yathreb Adel in 2019:
Photo via Steve Cubbins →
Racket: Head Graphene Cyano 115
Shoes: Asics Gel Rocket 5
Location: 2014 US Open (Women)
Head Cyano2 115
Well check out the ‘ol Head YouTek Cyano2 115 in this delicious lemony color. Light as a feather at 115 grams, but a touch head-heavy.
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Buy (Canada): racquetguys.ca
Buy (France): amazon.fr
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Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | sweatband.com
Buy (US): amazon.com | racquetguys.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Search:Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 115 grams
Head size: 500 cm sq
String pattern: 12x17
Spotted
Nour El Tayeb uses this racket. This is a great photo of her diving at the 2013 Tournament of Champions:
Photo via tocsquash.com
Denmark’s Line Hansen also uses the Cyano2 115. Here she is at the 2012 HK Open:
Photo via SquashSite
Head YouTek Cyano 115 Original
This seems like the first racket branded as a Head Cyano 115.
Image via squashgear.com
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Squash Source receives a commission when you buy through these links. Thanks!
Buy (France): amazon.fr
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Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgear.com
Search:Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 115 grams
Head size: 500 cm sq
String pattern: 12x17
Product Notes
I first saw this in Darren McCann’s squash bag. This seems to be a predecessor of the Head Graphene Cyano 2 115 and the Head YouTek Cyano 2 115.
The specs look about the same for all three rackets: 115 grams, with a 36.5 cm balance point. So this guy might be a less-expensive option (while it’s still available). I recently had a hit with the newest Graphene version of this racket and loved it.
Head Cyano 115 – Karim Darwish
Looks like there’s also a Karim Darwish signature version of this racket. Which is kinda weird, since I never saw him play with this racket, but maybe it was before my time.
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Search:Have you tried any of the Head Cyano 115 rackets? If so, please leave a review in the comments!
kkc88 says
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Anyone knows the factory strings tension for the Head Graphene Cyano 115? Broke original strings and wanted the same tension for replacement.
Pierre says
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I’ll see if I can find out
Pierre says
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Here’s what Ben at Head had to say about the factory tension:
Interesting points that I hadn’t truly considered!
Nawras says
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I have tried the Head Graphene Cyano 115 today and it was great, solid racket, light and powerful. Also tried the tecnifibre carbloflex 130 but didn’t like it comparing to the cyano. But everything is taking about the tecnifibre carbloflex 125s.
I want to buy a new racket but not sure between the two although the cyano is cheaper I don’t care though. Want the better one. Any comments will help.
Geoff says
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Quick question, what are the real differences in terms of the volleying between head light and head heavy?
I’m considering this racket and the Graphene Cayano 135.
Also, what does stiff rackets mean? Does it mean there is manoeuvrability or feel of the racket is low?
I recently lost my techinfibre carboflex 125, and looking to get a new racket. I also have the Prince airstick 130, but I feel like it is missing a tiny bit of power in that racket.
Pierre Bastien says
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Hi Geoff, it’s a bit down to personal preference really, but I prefer a head-light racket for volleying because I feel I can get the racket prepared more quickly, in time to get a ball that’s moving fast. Some people prefer head heavy because it helps you follow through the shot better rather than just stabbing at it.
To me a stiff racket means there’s not much give in the shaft, which means you’ll get a SOLID feeling when you hit the ball. A looser frame with more give in it I feel accentuates control and touch. I’d say the Tec 125 is on the looser end.
Will see if others comment and agree/disagree with me!
JB says
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Geoff I have played with both and agree with Pierre’s comment. The 125 Carboflex trumps the Airstick on the power side and control but if you put some Tecnifibre 305+ or 305 1.10 gauge in at around 25-26 lbs it really ups the playability of the Airstick and it balances it out more. The + gives more power than the straight 305 but either will really improve the racquet but in my experience not quite to the 125 Carboflex with 1.10 plus in it. The Ashaway Powernick 1.10 is great stuff and light but just can’t get it to settle in and stay put after every rally I have to straighten it get it back in place. The new Prince Beast 750 looks promising Ramy’s new racquet of choice lighter and more balanced than the Airstick 130. I am trying to get more consistency in my game so falling back to a slightly head heavy racquet with the Harrow Vapor.
George says
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The Head (Graphene) Cyano 115 is also on he loose end. Strung and gripped it weighs exactly 150 gram. I use a karakal pu supergrip overgrip making it 10 grams heavier, but more important, the balance shifts toward the grip, making it more manoeuvrable allowing me to harnass and aim the power it packs. Truely, for me it was never before easyer to put so much energy into the ball. Compared to it’s predecessor I feel the added graphene make’s it a bit more stiff making it easer to play an “absolute” dropshot into the nick.
I compared it to the Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 and I experienced much more ‘pop’ with the Cyano…
Chano says
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Hi all,
Really impressed about this racket a friend of mine just bought recently. What is according to your view the appropriate string and tension for this magnific product? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Pierre Bastien says
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Hi Chano, it all comes down to personal preference really! I like to string my rackets a bit loose, around 25 pounds. Here is a good article about stringing: http://www.squashplayer.co.uk/magazine/string_matters.htm
Darren McCann says
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A great racket. I use this as my back-up racket. Very light and very powerful. You can pick this racket up for about 60 pounds and is a real bargain. Probably would benefit from a string up grade. There is a product review video from Paul at pdhsports.
Pierre Bastien says
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Thanks Darren!
Seb says
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I would like to get some feedback on squash racket weights. I am really interested in buying the Karakal TEC Gel 120 http://www.karakal.com/TEC-gel-120.html. That is the racket that Cameron Pilley plays with as noted by Pierre here https://www.squashsource.com/karakal-tec-gel-120-squash-racket/ , however, I am told that anything less than 130 grams is not recommended for anyone but the advanced players.
I have played with 140 and 145 gram rackets and they now feel like I am playing with a hammer.
Any feedback?
Pierre says
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Hi Seb,
Personally I don’t see any reason why you should be dissuaded from trying a lighter racket, especially if you already feel uncomfortable with the heavier models. I think people tend to recommend heavier rackets to beginners (not that you are one yourself) but that they get recommended because a bit of weight helps you shape your swing better. Whereas with a lighter racket, people might tend to be too wristy with their swing. I actually asked my local pro about this a while back and his answer was that he doesn’t agree with the general approach of having new players play with heavy rackets — he thought a lighter racket was a perfectly good, perhaps ever preferred, starting point.
Curious to hear what others have to say…
Thanks
Tjeerd says
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Hi Seb,
Recently I had the pleasure to try a few shots with the Karakal TEC Gel 120. I’ve always been skeptical about these kind of light sticks, but since I was familiar with the TEC Tour 140, I took my chance for a good comparisment. 😉
I was quite suprised – dispite the low weight – I had no problems at all hitting good, powerfull drives. Probably because of the balance-point (I believe it was 37-38 cm) that felt slightly head-heavy, helping you hitting “through” the ball. It comes (like all Karakal’s?) with the Karakal Nano 125 string, which has a soft “elastic” touch and will give you plenty of power.
So, my TEC Gel 120 aftermath : good, stable racket with loads of control and enough power on board. I can think of no reason why you should *not* give it a try…
Ben says
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Hi Seb, I would recommend using a racket that feels good and has an easy swing, it does not matter what people say. I believe you should feel and try to test the racket first; by hitting some length, volleys, drop shots, etc. I know that can be very difficult nowadays. Go what feels right that’s what I did. I went for Ramy Ashour, racket the prince airstick 130, that was my first racket I brought off my coach two years ago, for £20 it was a great deal, because it used to cost £120 and upwards and my coach restrung it with tecnifbre 305! That was just over 2 years ago, by the way this is coming form a junior player. I now use the racket after my first one broke some time ago, This is also coming from a good junior player.
Jeroen Mulderij says
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Pierre I think that this is the racket LJ used at the nationals then: http://www.head.com/squash/products/racquets/racquets/xenon-series/youtektm-argon2-145-ltd/6670/?region=nz. Found it on the site you posted from New Zealand! 🙂
I saw a splash of orange in the racket here: http://www.konhcvv.nl/userfiles/5_laatstenieuws/5487_sam_0833_2.jpg
Pierre says
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Thanks for the tip Jeroen, I think you’re right! Here’s another photo that’s pretty clear: https://twitter.com/ljanjema/status/300713063798169600/photo/1
Jeroen Mulderij says
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I was playing there at the nationals (C class), saw LJ there.
But haven’t seen him play because I had a sour shoulder and withdraw, too bad!
But can see some rallies here: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=CuXY94qWz48&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DCuXY94qWz48&gl=NL
Pierre says
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Thanks for sharing that clip!
Seb says
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Just ordered some HEAD Squash rackets (Xenon2, Anion2 and Cyano2. I have never played with HEAD equipment before, so I am looking forward to trying them out.
On a separate note Pierre, perhaps you should do a post on racket balance points and how to interpret the number; head light, head heavy, etc.
Pierre says
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Cool, let us know how the Head rackets are! Thanks for the suggestion on the racket balance points, I agree that would be a helpful post and I will give it some thought.