tinman,

Most of the time I'll use this website as a first port of call when looking for new equipment, but have been playing squash for over 20 years I've got a fair bit of experience built up on what different types of equipment are out there. I've tried most things (and owned a fair few of the them!!), but when something new comes out I do try to learn about it where ever possible.

The review section on this website is a good place to start. See if a review exists. See what people think of the equipment (and hopefully cheap sources they have found to purchase it from!).

But (and here the BIG BUT.....), NOTHING can take the place of experiencing the equipment for yourself. Use the forum as a guide, but always try to find the first hand. For example, has someone in your club got the racquet you're thinking of, or do they wear the same shoes you want to try. Ask to have a go if you can (obviously shoes are a difficult one for this!). With racquets you always have to remember that you're using someone else's equipment and they might have a completely different set-up than you use with regard to grips or stringing. And this can make a huge difference when trying out equipment for the first time, especially the grips!

For example, I really like a racquet to be head-light or even-balanced. When I first encountered my latest models (Black Knight Magnum Coronas) I knew they were head light due to the stringing used and the single grip (they use a 1.15mm string and a factory grip which is quite thin). So changing the racquet to my own set up (1 karakal grip, 1 thin over-wrap grip and thicker strings) would still keep the racquet head light. I never got to play with the exact racquet before purchasing mine, but I did get to have a 2 min hit with a friends racquet that was virtually the same. Having this 2 mins first made all the difference for me and I placed the order the next day.

Alternatively I've been in the position where I have decided NOT to buy a racquet after having a hit with them first. The Dunlop Aerogel Ultimate for example, I tried and could not see the benefit over my model at the time (ICE Elite). Due to this I saved a lot of money by not changing at that time.

Like I said, experiencing the product for yourself is always the best thing to do!

Cheers!

Adz

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The Relevant Content tags are up now in the column on the lefthand side of this page.

The Forum Archives listed under the Members Forum has good reading.

Keep coming back, as our members are a very keen helpful bunch.

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Hi Giuliny, welcome to the forum!

there are some good reviews here:

http://www.squashclub.org/main/resources/equipment_review/search.shtml

also, search the forms posts here for racquet reviews and you'll find some interesting discussions.

Good Luck!

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Adz,

Where is the review forum on this site?  Do you go to the gear forum and then look up the product?  Thanks for all your posts, they're MOST helpful!!

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Giuliny,

Welcome to the website. There are many reviews available on this website which may help you.

Adz

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