The Xamsa Crucible is a $100 frame from Xamsa that came out last year:
Product Info
Release year: 2018
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Buy (Canada): xamsarackets.com | xamsasquash.com
Buy (US): amazon.com
Search:Racket Specs chart
String pattern: 14x19
Measured weight (all-in): 154 grams
Measured balance: 36.5 cm
Reviews
I put together this “sneak peek” video review last year:
Product Notes
This is the same frame shape as Xamsa’s entry-level frame, the Xamsa Duro.
Jay says
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Throughout most of 2019 I’ve been trying numerous different brands and models to find “the one”. I play about 3 times a week, including club league and tournaments. A few months ago, I finally settled on the Crucible. It provides me with the best control and accuracy on my drives and drop shots, and no issues with power/length and durability. The balance and weight just feel right in my hand and for my game. I love the simple, matte black cosmetics. It is the first racquet that I have ever carried 3 or more of, as I’m a play-test junkie like Pierre and Tor. 🙂
I do like the Xamsa strings but I’m wondering: has anyone has found another string that works even better with the racquet?
Jay says
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I forgot to mention that the customer service (Tim) is awesome. Also, I randomly met the original founder, Peter, at my club recently and he’s very friendly and a pretty good squash player.
Tor says
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This racket needs more loving here on squashsource, so I´ll put in a few words.
I am fond of trying out different squash equipment such as rackets (yeah…) if i can borrow, demo or if I have a fat enough wallet to just buy them for fun, but for obvious reasons that ain`t possible, and after a while I always end up falling back on the Crucible anyway; because it is an exquisite racket!
I have two versions. The original Crucible which is described in Pierre`s video post right here (thoroughly in Tjeerd`s comment also which is spot on), and the eXposed version which simply is a stripped down one. Bumper and grommet has been replaced with eyelets by co-founder of Xamsa, Tim himself. What an amazing thing they have going out towards their customers and sworn Xamsa racket users (you might end up one too if you try them out). I recommend anyone not familier with Xamsa to check out the home page and read up…
I prefer the one with eyelets as it is lighter and more manueverable and also more fun on court. See Tjeerd`s comment on the original Crucible underneath and think 10 grams lighter and balance a cm more to the handle. It is easier for me to add some deception in to my game with this. I feel more comfortable with early preparations and I can hold the swing longer cause of the lightness. It is little bit less forgiving compared to the original, but I’m willing to give away some of it for all the other benefits the racket gives me. One would assume that reaching proper length would be an issue cause of weight/balance, but I have no difficulty what so ever in reaching the back corners.
You can get your Xamsa delivered with Xamsa strings (which is in fact top of the line) or with different Tecnifibres or Ashaways. Customer care one hundred % and perfected rackets i kid you not. Oh and last but not least I almost forgot: You`re getting more bang for your buck.
Tjeerd says
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I ordered two of these at Xamsa and they just delivered exactly as what was advertised.
It has the same frame shape / mold as used for Oliver Strike F8 / Blizz Z-5 / Blizz Z-9 rackets, but lighter, more stiff and less head-heavy.
The advertised gross weight (strung & gripped) is 155 grams with a balance point of 36.3 cm. The rackets I received weighted in at 153.0 and 153.6 grams, both with a balance point of 35.5 cm. So, everything is there for a great playing experience.
Within the first few hits, it was clear that this is a very nice racket. It feels light and maneuverable and due to the slightly head-heavy balance, I had no trouble at all to hit decent lengths. The 14M x 19C string pattern ensures fantastic control on drop shots, lobs and kills.
The factory string is not bad, but the string jobs between both rackets I got differed quite a bit. The frame is pretty stiff and evens out vibrations nicely, so it probably can handle a restring with a livelier / stiffer string just fine.
All in all a very nice racket for a great price. Recommended!