Wilson [K] Factor FX Technology Series Squash Racket Review

Wilson have released a new technology which has been incorporated into their

[K] Factor series squash rackets. The new FX technology features as the ‘Quad Shaft’ construction for extra torsional stability. The ‘Quad Shaft’ is located in the rackets throat area to provide an improved distribution of weight. Quad Shaft basically means that the racket has four shafts leading to the racket head instead of the standard two, which in turn brings better stability. This new FX technology produces 23% extra torsional stability and much better control for the player. There are already four other [K] technologies that make up the [K] Factor FX line which are;

1. [K]arophite Black

This technology is a proccess at nanoscopic level, it is a network of tiny fibres that are mixed with the silicone dioxide in the older n-code technology which actually bind to the carbon fibres. The rackets end up 40% more stronger and stiffer than the n-code rackets which increases the control through less frame distortion.

2 .  [K] Zone

This a combination of power holes and power grooves where the strings meet the frame creating a larger sweet spot for more controlled power.

3 .  [K]ontour Yoke

The new frame engineering technology that enhances stiffness at key stress points on the racket for improved stability.

4 .  [K]ontour Frame

The new industrial design innovation that improves the overall feel and handling for better maneuverability.

Three [K] Factor rackets have been upgraded with the new FX technology including the [K] Sonix, [K] Blade and [K] Sting. Each racket brings a slightly different benefit to game play so the player can decide which one suits their own game type. All rackets are available from May 2009.

Wilson [K] Sonix FX

The new [K] Sonix offers the maximum head size allowed in a squash racket to date and is designed for players seeking extra controlled power.

Specifications

1. Head Size – 500 cm 2
2. Weight – 145 g
3. Balance – 36 cm
4. String Pattern – 14/18
5. Beam – 18 mm Dual taper
6. String – Helixx

Wilson [K] Blade FX

The Wilson Blade FX has a tighter string pattern for extra accuracy and control.

Specifications

1. Head Size – 477 cm 2
2. Weight – 142 g
3. Balance  – 355 mm (head heavy)
4. Length – 685 mm
5. Beam – 18 mm Dual taper
6. String Pattern – 16/19
7. String – Helixx

Wilson [K] Sting FX

The Wilson [K] Sting FX is a mid head sized racket for a perfect balance of power and control.

Specifications

1. Head Size – 477 cm 2
2. Weight – 147 g
3. Balance – 345 mm (head heavy)
4. Length – 685 mm
5. Beam – 18 mm Dual taper
6. String Pattern – 16/19
7. String – Helixx

Wilson rackets are relatively new to me as I have never really used them for any length of time. I think the last Wilson I used was a sledge hammer which I broke fairly quickly and put me off buying another. That happened a long time ago so I was interested in how the rackets had progressed since then.

All three rackets felt very similar with only a slight difference in weight and leaning towards head heavy which was fine. They all felt solid with plenty of power and they all seemed very stable on off centre shots which is always good for retrieving. The Blade and the Sting are nicely balanced rackets offering great control but I definitely favoured the Sonix out of the three. It felt better for my game with the larger head size which added a little more power to my shots and hit the ball crisply under pressure. Overall a really nice set of playable rackets which had enough stiffness and stability to control the more powerful shots. The new [K] FX technology certainly gives the rackets a very different but very sturdy feel which offer bags of control and excellent touch.

4 Star rating for the FX series

Elegance-The four corner butterfly by Thierry Lincou

I know lots of people can do the four corner butterfly, not only professionals, but I am an admirer of Thierry Lincou's view, his eyes, his focus - it's deep and sharp, tense and calm at the same time. The only other guy who can compete with the intensity of his concentration is Ramy Ashour, but he looks slightly more agitated, more bohemian (for example talking to himself like an old mad poet whilst preparing to receive serve), whereas Lincou maintains always his composure, like a tiger on hunt, or a Buddhist monk at meditation... 

Prince 03 Speedport Series Squash Rackets Review

The O3 Speedport Series are the latest rackets from Prince although they have been on the market for some time now. Prince has always been a major brand in squash ever since the revolutionary Extender which was a smash hit and used widely by players on the junior and senior scene. Prince have always attracted many top players to join them with sponsorship as the rackets have always used cutting edge technology which steered away from the conventional racket designs. The O3 Speed Port Series were the choice of Peter Nicol, Nicol David and James Willstrop all competing at a top level on the world circuit using these rackets.


The O3 Speedport Series is no exception to the rule of the Prince racket technology. Prince have achieved rackets that create more power and control in an extremely aerodynamic lightweight frame. The rackets have been specially tested in a wind tunnel that proved they move through the air up to 24% faster than a standard racket. The O3 engineered rackets uses the strongest structure ever found, the arch, which create the frames O Ports. It is these O Ports that stabilize the racket and gives greater control on off centre shots on the racket strings. Laboratories have confirmed that the Speedports strengthen and stabilize for up to a 59% larger sweet spot, which now becomes a sweet zone.

There are three rackets in this series the O3 Speedport Black, Tour and Silver. Two of the rackets, the Black and the Tour are much the same apart from their weight and balance so there is a choice for how the player prefers a racket to feel for maximum comfort.

Prince O3 Speedport Black

Specifications

1. Head Size – 470 cm 2
2. String Pattern – 16/16
3. Weight – 135 g
4. Balance – 37.5 cm
5. Length – 68.5 cm
6. String – Super Syn Gut 17
7. Grip – Micro Zorb Indoor

Prince O3 Speedport Tour

Specifications

1. Head Size – 470 cm 2
2. String Pattern – 16/16
3. Weight – 145 g
4. Balance – 36 cm
5. Length – 68.5 cm
6. String – Super Syn Gut 17
7. Grip – Micro Zorb Indoor

It took me a while to get used to the feel of the rackets as they were more powerful than I am used to. Out of the two I preferred the weight and balance of the Tour as it felt more comfortable for me. After a game or so I felt confident with the Tour and attacked the ball using the extra power which it handled with ease. It was very maneuverable around the court and I was able to prepare for quick reaction shots which is great when your looking to dominate the T. The one thing that impressed me the most was that under severe pressure and at full stretch I felt I was still hitting the ball very true. The O Ports certainly make a difference when digging balls out of the corners at a stretch and still managing to hit a straight length. It felt to me the rackets are very forgiving if you’re slightly hitting the ball late and not quite in the centre which proved valuable to the periods where I am struggling to retrieve the ball.

The O3 Speedport Black and Tour were a enjoyable experience for me to test and met my expectations. I can see the benefits they would bring to a players game with the larger sweetzone they almost do the work for you.

The Prince O3 Speedport Silver Squash Racket is also now available although I have not tested it yet. It has a different shaped and larger headsize and a slightly less dense string pattern. Looks great finished in silver. Here’s the spec -

1. Weight – 140 g
2. Balance – 36.5 cm
3. Headsize – 485cm 2
4. String Pattern – 12/17
5. String – Super Syn Gut 17