In the Pro Shop

Stellar Squash Range

Let me introduce you to a new brand that we are now featuring in the Pro Shop: Stellar. This is a new name to the US squash world, but it’s actually been around for quite a while. In fact, Stellar was my first racquet sponsor when I was a wee little junior in Australia over 40 years ago! And, going back to my roots, I am once again with the company. We have 4 racquets to tempt you with. All four racquets are light weight, varying from 125g to 130g, stiff frames, and with a very cool look. I have gravitated towards “The Boss” at 130g, as I instantly discovered my overhead-backhand-volley-flick-reverse-boast into the nick became more accurate. The “Stealth” at 125g is also head light but still able to produce decent power and would a great racquet for anybody who likes to use a lot of wrist. The “Assault” has the traditional head shape (rather than the tear-drop) at 125g and since it’s the racquet of choice for Nele Gilis (world #11), you simply can’t go wrong here. It could also be an option for doubles if a lighter frame is preferable to you. The “Storm” comes in at 130g and does have a fraction of give in the shaft, so it’s not as stiff as the others, but that’s not a negative. On the contrary, your ball stays hit with this weapon. These racquets come in at a good price:

Left to right: The Boss, Stealth, Assault, Storm
Redback Shoe

“The Boss” - $149

“Stealth” - $145

“Assault” - $159

“Storm” - $149 

In addition to the racquets, we also have the “Redback” shoes. Named after a very nasty small arachnid in Australia, the black and red look is sleek. So far, the feedback on the shoes have been very positive, great comfort and grip, they appear to be a solid construction. The sole is similar to that of the Yonex range which seem to have remarkable longevity. We currently have limited sizes available (supply chain shortage… ugh!) – only in 9 ½ and 10 right now. Listed at a very affordable $115.

Dunlop “Revelation 135” and “Revelation 125” Squash Racquets

For the 2021-2022 season, Dunlop has come out with an updated look on their Revelation racquet series. And it’s a significant step up from the old models. The 125 now has a sleek mat black finish, and although it is listed as ‘head light’, it does actually feel quite the opposite and heavier than its 135 counterpart. That being said, it is a very manageable weight and you won’t be lacking any power or lose any confidence with maneuverability. The 135 version also sports the black paint job but with orange (or is it red?) trimmings added, definitely an appealing look. Like the 125, they list it as ‘head light’, but unlike the 125, I tend to agree with this assessment. With the fan-style stringing pattern, Dunlop claim this is most powerful racquet in their range, but of course we’ll let you make that decision. Both racquets have a solid and stiff feel when contacting the ball, your decision here will be on the weight distribution differences.

Both racquets are listed at a very reasonable $155.

Yonex “Aerus 3” Squash Shoes

For a while now, Stu and I have been searching a new squash shoe to complement the Salming and Eye options. Over the lockdown, we discovered and tested out Yonex court shoes. The brand is widely known in tennis and their indoor court shoes are very popular with the top badminton professionals on the world tour. Given the movement in badminton is similar to squash we decided to try out a couple of models. It didn’t take us long to be greatly impressed with not only the performance of the shoes but also by the durability and comfort. Neither of us had to ‘break’ them in.

The Aerus 3 is one of the top line models, into which the chaps at Yonex have invested a lot of research and development. There is a substantial amount of technology in them, the most prominent of which is the Power Cushion which provides unparalleled shock absorption while being super lightweight. This makes you feel fast and springy even when recovering from deep lunges and unstable positions. We have been playing regularly in them for over 5 months now our shoes are showing minimal signs of wear or tear, noteworthy considering the punishment we put them through. Added bonus is that they also look sharp, aesthetically more similar to an indoor soccer shoe than what we would typically expect of a squash shoe. Both Stu and I have switched.

Available in the pro shop in either all blue or all black for $139.

 

 

Dunlop “Apex Infinity 5.0” Squash Racquet

After many years of using the same Dunlop frame, Stu has decided to switch it up and has moved from the round headed Ultimate to the teardrop Apex Infinity 5.0 frame. The racquet is very light, coming in at 115g but due to a slight bit of weight in the head it feels more like a 130g. It has a fan stringing pattern with long main strings that will give it increased power and string longevity. Dunlop also boasts to be using “Aeroskin CX technology” to reduce air drag and thus ensuring superior head speed, which sounds more like a sales gimmick to be honest but we’ll let you be the judge of that. Either way, the racquet must have a decent feel to it if it convinced Stu to switch!

 At only $125 it is great value for money, making it a terrific option at the best of times.

 

 

Grays “Light Blue” Squash Racquet

We were very excited when we decided to get the Grays “Light Blue” into the pro shop. It is a living piece of history, a classic squash frame from the 1950’s with which Hashim Khan won 7 British open titles. The racquet has been revamped since then and while it is obviously no longer made of wood the paint job gives the impression that it is. Without a doubt, we think this is one of the best-looking bats on the market.

It is not often that we pick up a top end squash racquet that feels completely different from the rest without hitting a ball, but the folks at Grays Australia have accomplished just that. This racquet is listed as an average 140g, but it is about as head heavy as it gets. After only a couple of swings, it was clear why they chose this set up. With a clean hit, the power on this frame is easy to come by so for a player who wants feel the weight of the stroke in their hand and to get a bit of extra depth and pace on the ball from the back of the court this is definitely an option to consider because when you hit the ball it really does stay hit. Ready to pick up in the pro shop for $145.

Dunlop “Force Rush” Squash Racquet

It has been a while since we have had a pure bred doubles specific racquet in the DAC pro shop but as of today that is exactly what we have. Introducing the new Dunlop “Rush Force” doubles squash frame. There are a few key differences to a doubles racquet compared to a singles stick as explained below:

Weight and balance: Singles racquets have been getting lighter over the years and there has been a gradual shift towards them being more head-light. Doubles racquets however, typically weigh in at around 140-150 grams and are generally weighted more in the head in order to guide your swing through the ball more cleanly. The Dunlop “Rush Force” is no exception weighing in at head-heavy 145 grams.

Stiffer: Because the ball is often coming at you faster, doubles frames are usually stiffer. The flexibility of singles frames can really compromise your ball control. The “Rush Force” features a significantly stiffer frame which is also convex to provide even more stability. That will help with any balls that spray down the middle of the court and will provide a little extra power on your shots.

Bridged throat: Doubles frames should all feature a bridged throat as opposed to the teardrop shape that is often seen in singles frame. This is because the ball is harder, slightly heavier, and will usually be coming at you quicker. The bridged throat is much more forgiving if you don’t hit the sweet spot and helps to avoid torque which will prevent the racket twisting in your hand.

This racquet is a great deal for all your doubles needs… on sale for $140.

  Head “Speed 120” and “Speed 135 SB” Squash Racquets

In typical Head fashion, the new squash range is generally a continuation of the previous season, just with a tweak here and there. The new Speed 120 has been updated to a cool deep blue color – an improvement on the all blue from 2018-19 season. It is weighted slightly in the head so even though it is (technically) light, you have a good feel through the swing and hefty power to boot. In contrast, the Speed 135 SB actually feels lighter than its counterpart and the slimmer frame makes it easier to scrape the ball off those tight rails! More evenly balanced, it’s a nice symmetry between power and control. Both racquets are going for $155.

Salming “Kobra 2” and “Hawk” Squash Shoes

Keeping up with appearances, the often color blind designers of Salming Squash Shoes have continued to avoid using white, persisting on loud combinations that generally appeal to the younger crowd but often shuns the more conservative among us. Good news is that the comfort level of the new models maintain their high reputation and depending on what side of the fashion argument you are on, the “lava red” / black blend does come off rather sharp. (The Kobra can also be ordered in baby blue / dark blue mishmash if so desired.) More good news for you “Hawk” shoe lovers, they are continuing this model in white for one more season. Bad news for the white “Kobra” shoe lovers though, they are no longer available in that color, although if you prefer shoes that are higher around the ankle (mids) then the white Kobra could be back on your shopping list. The Hawk retails at $155, the Kobra 2 for $149. If your color / size aren’t on stock, we can certainly make a special order for you.




Dunlop “Revelation Pro 125”, “Ultimate” and “Evolution Pro” Squash Racquets

It’s been many, many, many years since we have stocked Dunlop Squash Racquets on our wall but – full disclosure – since our new incoming squash pro just happens to use this brand, it simply makes sense to once again sell them. Dunlop is still a high end product used by some of world’s top players. Starting with the Revelation Pro 125, as used by world #5 Nour El Tayeb, its 125g, is head light and just feels so comfortable in the hand. Don’t let the lightness fool you – you can still generate a decent amount of power. Great price at $145. The Ultimate has a fighting weight of 132g (strange number..!), even balanced, and with a tight-knit string pattern, could be an excellent option for doubles as well as singles. It’s a solid frame that proves when you hit it… it stays hit. An attractive pick up for $155. The Evolution Pro is listed at 120g and was the racquet of choice of recently retired and former world #1 Nick Matthew. A lovely balance, and for all you quick volley takers out there, a great choice. ($165).





Tecnifibre “Dynergy APX 135” Squash Racquet

Tecnifibre have come out with 3 new Dynergy racquets, one at 120g, one at 130g, and one at 135g. Strangely, it was the 135g model that felt the lightest! And, in my opinion, the best. They have also done away with the wrap around fan stringing pattern that the first series of Dynergy had (like the Prince racquets) which to me is good riddance. The more traditional stringing pattern is better. A definite improvement on the original, this racquet generates great power and control. We stock the 135g for $139, but for those of you that do prefer to feel a little weight in the head, the 120g and the 130g could be your ticket and we can order that for you no problem!

Grays “Viper” Squash Racquet

Listed at 150g – which typically is on the heavy side for squash racquets these days – the Grays “Viper” feels anything but. The website also lists it as an ‘even balance’, but I disagree with that assessment too. It is head light, so it feels more like a 125g (~ish) which actually gives it a pretty comfortable balance and you can whip the head around quite effectively. Great on the volleys and drops, the frame is relatively stiff but not overly so. As usual, the Grays racquets are very well manufactured and the price point very reasonable – it’s on stock here for $145.