This question comes from Kelvin:
Just found your blog, and very happy to have done so! I have a question about buying a new racket. I am a intermediate player (in the US), and is currently using the Dunlop Biomimetric Tour CX with the Tecnifibre 1.2 Green strings. The previous racket I had was a prince beginners racket, so I don’t really know much about rackets.
I am starting to see some wear and tear on my racket, and I am thinking of buying a second one to rotate. I am also thinking of the Evolution 130 (Matthew’s racket). What do you think? And if I buy it, should I also remove the factory strings and string it with something else? If so, what other strings would you recommend? I am more like a control-type player, not a super power player, and I am also very quick on the court.
Here’s my take on this. Readers, what do you think? Please leave a comment below!
So, I actually haven’t played with either the Tour CX or the Evolution 130, but I am going to take a stab at this anyway!
Sounds like you are progressing from being a newcomer at squash to now intermediate and probably still on the rise as you work out all the angles of squash.
This may be kind of a boring answer but I think you should consider getting a second Tour CX rather than the Evolution 130. I think at this point you want your racket to be a constant rather than a variable. So as long as you are relatively happy with the Tour CX, I’d double down on it.
From what I’ve read, the Evolution 130 is probably going to be lighter, and more head-light. That’s great for a very attacking (volleying) player. Personally, I think for a control player, you’re going to want a bit more weight in the head. At least, that’s what I prefer. It helps me “carve” out shots a bit better and also helps give a bit more pace on the ball when needed. So, my guess is the Tour CX will suit you a bit better.
As for the strings, I really like the Tecnifibre 1.2 Green. But honestly, I’m not too fussy about strings. I’m usually happy enough with the factory strings. Maybe keep the factory strings in for a bit and compare the two to see if you notice the differences. You may end up wanting both rackets strung about the same, for consistency.
Let us know how it goes!
Brock in HK says
()
I agree that it’s better to have two of the same racquets rather than two different racquets. Buy them at the same time and string them at the same tension and try to rotate them in play. Also, I regrip at the same time, so the racquets don’t feel that different to go from one to another. I often use one racquet for two games in a match and then switch if the grip is getting too sweaty, which is why it’s good to have consistency between the two racquets you use.
I also suggest finding a racquet that seems to work well and then trying to stick with it for a few years, and if you want to experiment, do it in the off-season from league play. Change the racquet or string tension or string brand / make if you want the racquet to feel different. It makes a pretty big difference actually, so you want to settle on a setup for your racquet / string / tension / grip and go with it for a season before changing.
I’ve used the Prince Airstick 130 for about 5 years now. Looks like it may be coming off the manufacturing roster for Prince, so I’ll have stock up or find something similar. Not to recommend the racquet specifically, but to show consistency with the same gear.
John Valentine says
()
I use the evolution 130 with ashway strings the red version, thin and strung tight for more control
It is for advanced players requiring fast hand speed and good technique to work the ball.
I agree with Pierre that its better to have identical racquets I usually buy 2 at a time so they are the same batch, get them restrung before using them.
I also customise the handle with gas tape to get a better feel once I put the grip on.
John v
John Valentine says
()
I checked I use the ashaway powernick 18 found it a reliable string over last 4 years
I got 4 months out of the last set, using 2 racquets about 8 hours court time per week
John