Head's new range consists six different rackets based around the popular weights and balance, the rackets have new names and a facelift for the new introduced ‘d30′ and ‘Teflon’ which have been added along side the corrugated theme. The three factors together should enable the racket to react in the style the player wishes to use. It will enhance the player’s performance whether you are playing smooth and consistent or if you are playing powerful and aggressive as the racket can adapt using its unique characteristics.
HEAD has used the new d30 technology in the racket’s lay up and is positioned in the frame’s shaft. This new d30 is being classed as a ‘smart material’ mainly for its futuristic and abnormal behaviour under stress. It is a ‘dilatant foam’ which can suddenly change under load or impact and offers new opportunities for the player.
The d30 technology can sense the on impact of the ball whether it is a hard aggressive stroke in which case the racket stiffens to allow explosive power or whether a soft accurate stroke is being played resulting in the frame absorbing the impact. This is achieved by the d30 smart molecules suddenly locking together which dramatically stiffens the racket in nanoseconds.
This should result in the player getting to use maximum power for attacking and accurate slice and touch for short play at any time.
HEAD have also added Teflon grommit strips to this new range to reduce friction. On other rackets friction can occur between the strings and the grommit strip which gives some resistance and in turn reduces the power and energy of your shot. The Teflon grommit has low friction contact surface which lets the strings slide through with hardly any friction at all allowing full power in your shots. The grommit also maintains excellent tension in the strings due to the low friction which also creates a larger sweet spot.
The YouTek series still combine the revolutionary corrugated technology from the last range with its excellent benefits. It is incorporated into the shaft giving a 12% increase in stiffness optimizing torsion, power, bending and comfort on every shot.
HEAD CYANO 115
Specifications
- Composite – YouTek
- Beam – 20 mm
- Headsize - 500 cm2
- Weight – 115g
- Balance – 365 mm
- String pattern – 12/17
HEAD ANION 135
- Composite – YouTek
- Beam – 20 mm
- Headsize - 500 cm2
- Weight – 135 g
- Balance – 335 mm
- String pattern – 12/17
Review
I very much liked these rackets first time around when they were just the ct range so I was happy to hear HEAD had updated them again. I tried out both rackets but I soon felt much more comfortable with the Cyano 115, mainly because the weight suited me a lot better. Once again as expected all the power as promised created by the teardrop head yet it also felt very controlled and I could still play accurate squash. Far from the old HEAD rackets that pinged roughly in the direction you have aimed. Nice balance on the Cyano 155 which does feel very stiff on attacking shots, I also slowed down a little and got some good length with no real effort. Very good on short play as well I still felt in control when cutting and slicing drop shots and even good touch on the lob. My only comments would be it does feel quite stiff on every shot not just when attacking the ball and still a little on the light side but overall a very playable racket which was very easy to use.
HEAD YOUTEK NEON 130
- Composite – YouTek
- Beam – 16.5-20 mm
- Headsize – 500 cm2
- Weight – 130 g
- Balance – 370 mm
- String pattern – 16/17
HEAD YOUTEK CERIUM 150
- Composite – YouTek
- Beam – 16.5-20 mm
- Headsize – 500 cm2
- Weight – 150 g
- Balance – 335 mm
- String pattern – 16/17
Review
I tried both of these rackets and I must say that the difference in weight is minimal. I still prefer the slightly heavier racket (the YouTek Cerium) but this is just my personal choice as I would usually use a racket around this weight or maybe lighter but the weight balance felt better. These two rackets played quite different from the first two because of the head design adding the bridge in the throat in my opinion makes all the difference. Although you lose a small amount of power it is more than made up with control and feel. The rackets felt great on impact with the ball and unlike the first two were more forgiving on shots that were off centre. The dense string pattern made my shots feel more solid and comfortable. I still feel the Neon needs better balance but this is my personal opinion and I am sure they would be great for players who normally play with rackets around this weight. Nice control on volleys and absorbed the power of attacking shots which enabled me to push in tight defensive drops or boasts.
HEAD YOUTEK XENON 135
Specifications
- Composite – YouTek
- Beam – 16.5-20 mm
- Headsize 460 cm2
- Weight – 135 g
- Balance – 370 mm
- String pattern – 14/16
The new YouTek Xenon is much the same as the original to look at but has been updated with the new technology especially designed to deliver a greater blend of power, comfort and control. The choice of racket for Karim Darwish.
HEAD YOUTEK ARGON 155
Specifications
- Composite -YouTek
- Beam – 16.5-20 mm
- Headsize – 460 cm2
- Weight – 155 g
- Balance – 335 mm
- String Pattern – 14/16
The YouTek Argon 155 has been branded the ‘big brother’ of the Xenon 135, once again offering a heavier racket with a lower balance for better movement and control.
Review
I found both these rackets slightly on the heavy side so this time I got on with the Xenon better than the Argon. It took quite a while to get used to the Xenon due to the balance which made it feel somewhat head heavy. However the racket plays really well and felt comfortable, although it took a bit more effort than some rackets i have tested and my shots felt solid and true. Power and control were achievable but I felt I had to prepare my racket earlier (which is not such a bad thing). It felt comfortable on impact with the ball with the smaller head size giving a nice sweet spot which eats up any vibration. The Argon unfortunately for me was just a bit too heavy, even with the lower balance it did not suit my game although the balance definitely made a great difference to the dynamics.
Summary
The HEAD YouTek series has improved the comfort and feel of this range of rackets which is very important to a player whose game consists of a lot of touch and accuracy. The Anion and Cyano both with the teardrop head shape deliver the trademark HEAD explosive power but the feel and comfort has improved allowing players a greater range of shot choice rather than to hack the ball into next week. The other four rackets play much the same but offering a different range of weight, balance and head size so its much down to the individual to find the right combination for your style of game. The weights can be deceiving due to the balance and the lighter rackets feel heavier than others I have tested and the heavier rackets seem lighter than others too. All in all the designs of the rackets are very nice and I feel Head are really achieving to offer a good range of rackets with lots of variation to suit players individual needs.
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I = m * l * l
where m is the weight of the racket, and l is the balance point. So if we calculate the inertia for each racket, we get:
Cyano: 0.115 * (36.5^2) = 153.20875 (kg cm^2)
Anion: 0.135 * (33.5^2) = 151.50375 (kg cm^2)
Neon: 0.130 * (37^2) = 177.97 (kg cm^2)
Cerium: 0.150 * (33.5^2) = 168.3375 (kg cm^2)
Xenon: 0.135 * (37^2) = 184.81500 (kg cm^2)
Argon: 0.155 * (33.5^2) = 173.94875 (kg cm^2)
So probably Anion will feel the lightest to swing, and Xenon will be the heaviest. Of course, when playing squash you don’t just swing but also do linear motions so the momentum of inertia will only serve as a guideline.
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