This is the Head Xenon 120 Slimbody, sometimes also referred to as the Head Graphene XT Xenon 120 Slimbody. So many words.
Update: this will be replaced in 2018 by the Head Radical SB 120.
This “Slimbody” frame has a similar head shape and string pattern to other Xenon-branded Head squash rackets like the Xenon 135, but the frame is thinner.
Reviews
Here’s Paul from PDH Sports, reviewing this racket and the Head Graphene XT Xenon 135 Slimbody. He says says these have huge levels of control and feel, but not as much in the way of power, so they are for more advanced players.
Advertised Specs
Weight: Light (120 grams)
Balance: Even
Head Size: Small (475 sq cm)
String Pattern: 14 x 17
Head Xenon 120 Slimbody AFP (2016)
This model came out in 2016. The name written on the frame of this racket is “Head Xenon SB 120”, which seems to be shorthand for the racket’s full name, the “Head Graphene XT Xenon 120 Slimbody”. This has Head’s AFP stringing pattern.
Image via head.com
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Australia): ebay.com.au
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com | ofcourts.com | squashunlimited.ca
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de | dlsports.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Spotted
Saurav Ghosal was playing with this at the 2016 World Championships:
Photo via SquashSite →
Head Xenon 120 Slimbody (2015)
Here’s the 2015 version:
Image via amazon.co.uk
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Australia): ebay.com.au
Buy (Canada): amazon.ca | controlthet.com
Buy (France): amazon.fr | my-squash.com
Buy (Germany): amazon.de | dlsports.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Spotted
Rex Hedrick was playing with this at the 2016 World Championships:
Photo via SquashSite →
So was Youssef Ibrahim:
Photo via SquashSite →
Lloyd says
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I think that omar mosaad is playing with this racket now fyi (as of british open 2017)
Will says
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Head has new rackets on their site including the 120.
Pierre says
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Thanks Will. I found a picture for the new 135 Slimbody and posted it here:
https://www.squashsource.com/head-xenon-sb-135/
I wasn’t able to locate the new 120 on Head’s site. Let me know if you have a link!
JLB says
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http://shop.head.com/en/squash/racquets/xenon/graphene-xt-xenon-120-slimbody-3.html
new colour/design… shame as I quite liked the green and black.
Pierre says
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Thanks JLB, I had to change my region to United Kingdom and then was finally able to see it! I’ve posted it above.
JB says
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Pierre I know you tried the 135 have you tried the 120 yet. If so can you give us your thoughts on the differences? I know you like the 130 gtx also can you compare it or them to it? Thank you. Enjoy the game!
Pierre says
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Hi JB, I haven’t tried the 120 yet sorry. Let me try and compare the 135 to the 130 GTX next time I am on court.
Pierre says
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A couple days ago I compared the GTX 130 vs the Xenon Slimbody 135. I felt the GTX was a little heavier (despite the 130 name), a little head-heavier, a little stiffer, and had a smaller sweet spot. The GTX would be better if you have a slower swing and want the racket to help carve out your shot. The Slimbody I think would be better if you can generate good racket head speed and middle the ball. Even though the Slimbody has a larger sweet spot, it’s not very forgiving if you hit outside that sweet spot.
Constantinos says
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I purchased this racquet and it is probably the most unique racquet I’ve ever owned. Stock strings were absolutely horrible, there was no pop to the racquet. I re-strung it with Power Nick at 26 lbs, and wow, what a difference. This racquet now has so much power, I have never felt a sweet spot with a racquet before like this. It is so nice. If you don’t middle the ball, there can be a little vibration on off centre hits. I am very interested in trying the 135 slim body and see if it’s more forgiving on miss hits. I’ve never played with a racquet that can dig balls out of the corner so effortlessly and also picking up tight balls off the wall, so great. Definitely recommend this racquet once you switch over the strings.
JB says
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Constantinos have you tried the 135 yet really interested to see how it compares to the 120. If so one with the optional fan stringing pattern? Waiting to see how others like it. I have weighed the 120 and on my scale comes in at 150g string with 18g and a PU grip. Curious what the 135 comes in at. Are you still enjoying the 120?
Enjoy the game!
Constantinos says
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Hey JB, I haven’t tried the 135 yet, but I saw a good deal online for the 135, it was $129CAD, so I might pick it up. As far as the 120 is concerned, it has become my main racquet. The effortless power, great accuracy, and ability to flick a wrist in the front of the corner provides great deception has made this racquet my goto for matches. I absolutely love the balance, just feels so nice in the hands and during your swing. If there is one knock on the racquet, since it is so light, you can tend to get a little “wristy” and “whippy”, making it a little harder to hit straight lines, but I blame that more on my abilities than the racquet. In those cases, I just tend to slow it down and really concentrate on putting a good swing on the ball and minimize my wrist whip. But great racquet, with the new one coming out, I’m hoping I can land a few more of these. Also the durability is amazing. This racquet has taken a few good whacks on the wall and is still in top shape
JB says
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Constantino thank you for getting back. Let me know if you get the 135. I have asked Pierre for feedback on the two since he has used both but heard nothing back. I am really enjoying the 120 and recently restrung it with Tecnifibre Dnamx great improvement. I unlike you have been using very light racquets and finding it an adjustment digging out balls in the back corners and the flicks. Use to Eye 115 and a Harrow Vibe much lighter racquets. But finding my swing is more grooved as I tend to swing through more. Great control great for tight rails like the Eye but for nice controlled serve returns the Head is just comfortable, swings through to return the ball either cross court or nicely down the rail less swing effort I assume because the racquet is heavier. Cutting off balls is great with the heavier racquet I find it takes less swing more guiding the ball to where I want it to go. So it comes down to another 120 or try the 135. The heavier 120 has slowed me down and improved my game so the weight seems to be good for me. Enjoy the game!
Marlier seb says
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As some other players (it seems), I first had a mixed feeling … The first time I hit the ball I felt a lack of power (and not a little) but after playing this racket few weeks it give me very good sensation and but sure the power can be there when it’s necessary. It become an evidence after an accommodation period. I played an eye 110 control which is more easy to play immediately I think but I really think this head racket help to improve the game (technically , tactically, …). And the Slimbody is for sure a very pleasant characteristic. Try it but not for only one game if you can !
JB says
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Marlier I am interested in the Eye x lite 110 pro control and have tried the XT 120 SB so was wondering if you could help me with the differences and your thoughts on the two? Which one are you using most and why? Which one is heavier and is it an advantage or disadvantage? Thank you Enjoy the game!
JLB says
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Hi Marlier,
I am thinking of changing to the SB120 from the Xlite 110 PC. I love the eye racket but sadly my last two have cracked at 12 o’clock. I would love to know if they are similar at all, love how light the 110PC is.
Cheers
Sohail Muzammil says
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I’m an intermediate player here in Pakistan. I bought this racquet after reading a few reviews and after swishing it about in the shop. It has a nice even balance to it so I got it. Big mistake!
There is significant vibration if you stray off the sweet spot even by a little bit. My game has gone down a notch with this and the vibration didn’t help a nascent tennis-elbow. I’m now going for the Head Graphene XT 110 after trying out a friend’s 115 (which is not available, so the 110).
Bottom line: Unless you’re an ace player who always middles the ball, I would stay away from this racquet.
Regards
Sohail
JB says
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Sohail I’ll buy it!? Best racquet I have used to date.
Constantinos says
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Sohail, if you have an issue with tennis elbow, you should definitely consider a heavier racquet, don’t go lighter to a 110 racquet. The lighter you go, the more vibrations will travel up your arm. The lightest you should think about going is 130g.
JB says
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Restring it I have used Tecnifibre 305 18g and Ashaway Powernick 19 both great the 305 incredible control the Powernick you got it more power. It is definately a racquet for someone that strikes the ball consistently on the sweet spot…..Also a great racquet for doubles with the 305 in it. Just for reference strung with 18g 305 it weighs in at 150g figure 5-7g for the string. Even balance. Enjoy the game!
JB says
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I just received a 120 and the first few strokes I thought it might not be the right racquet for me. It felt great as far as balance but the ball just did not pop off the racquet. The more I played with it though the more I appreciated the total control wether you were trying to pass a player down the rail or dropping it in the front court. Lobs didn’t flying off the racquet you have to stoke the ball back there. Once I completed my swings it seemed to all come together. Great racquet that is making me a better player. No longer am I using my power to try and win a rally I am placing the ball and playing a thinkers game slowing it down and putting it where I want it. It seems to be a very consistent racquet. First time using the Head Evolution string, good feel, stays in place, nice, smooth. The ball doesn’t explode off the string it acts more of guiding the ball to where you stroke the ball. When I need power it seems to be enough and going were I want it. A bonus the racquet looks great also! Enjoy the game!
Sam says
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Hello I am really keen to find out more about the Head Graphene XT Xenon 120 Slimbody. Any review coming up ?
Lucas Nicolau says
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Hey Sam,
I’m looking forward too for some review about this racket. I already have the xenon 140 wich has the same string pattern (14×17) and same balance point, so I’m very intersting to know if the xenon 120 slimbody has a big difference comparing to my racket.