The Head Radical 135 squash racket carves a niche for itself as a weapon of choice for aggressive front-court players. This review dives into the racket’s key features, playing style suitability, and what kind of squash player might benefit most from wielding the Radical 135.
Tech Specs and Design
Head equips the Radical 135 with their latest advancements. The Graphene 360+ technology promises a combination of enhanced flex for a clean impact feel and improved stability. This translates to a lively and responsive racket that delivers a satisfying “ping” on every shot. The Auxetic construction is another highlight, promoting a softer feel and exceptional touch – a boon for players seeking precision control.
The Radical 135 boasts a compact head size of 460 sq. cm.. This translates to a smaller sweet spot but rewards accuracy with a higher degree of control. The head-heavy balance further complements this control-oriented design. The head weight provides stability for powerful strokes while maintaining enough maneuverability for quick volleys and tight dinking. The 14×16 string pattern offers a good balance between power and control, with the slightly wider spacing between strings compared to a 16×19 pattern allowing for a bit more power generation.
Playing Style
The Head Radical 135 shines in the hands of advanced, aggressive front-court players who prioritize control and precision. The compact head size and head-heavy balance make it ideal for players who dictate rallies with powerful drives, volleys, and drop shots. The responsive feel allows for exceptional touch and helps with finesse shots near the wall.
However, the Radical 135 might not be the most forgiving racket for beginners or players who struggle with swing mechanics. The smaller sweet spot demands a higher degree of accuracy to hit clean shots consistently. Additionally, the head-heavy balance might feel cumbersome for players who prefer a lighter, faster-swinging racket for retrieving shots at the back of the court.
Overall Impression
The Head Radical 135 is a masterfully crafted racket for skilled, attacking squash players. The combination of control-enhancing features and a modern design makes it a weapon for dominating the front court. If you crave precision and power in your game, the Radical 135 is definitely worth a try. However, for those seeking a more forgiving and well-rounded squash racket, other options within the Head range or from other brands might be better suited.
Here’s a quick recap of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Excellent control for precise shot-making
- Head-heavy balance for powerful drives
- Auxetic construction for exceptional touch
- Graphene 360+ technology for stability and a lively feel
Cons:
- Smaller sweet spot demands better swing accuracy
- Head-heavy balance might not suit all playing styles
- Less forgiving than some other rackets
