Having good connections at Black Knight is terrific as we are one of the first retailers to receive the new Black Knight ION X-FORCE squash racquets. We received them a couple of days ago so naturally the first thing I did was try out one of the demos. I tried out the Black Knight ION X-FORCE Black. I must say that I am quite impressed with these new racquets. I am excited to see the Thermal Core technology make its appearance in these racquets.
Black Knight first used this technology in the Chameleon racquet which is now discontinued. The Thermal Core process heats the racquet core to higher temperature during the curing phase, so that the racquet structure is cured uniformly inside and out. This Thermal Core modification to the carbon fibres makes the frame extremely responsive - stiff yet playing with the reactive properties of a more flexible frame. The resulting hit is the best of both worlds - the control of a very stiff frame with the power of a more flexible frame.
The frame weight of 140g is a very average weight for a squash racquet but its dynamic weight of 130g makes it play a little lighter. The feel of the racquet on contact is terrific. The previous Ion series of racquets had a little vibration to them when hitting the ball. The new X-FORCE models do not. Black Knight's rigidity rating on this racquet puts it at one of the stiffest racquets they have ever produced yet because of the Thermal Core technology it does not play as stiff as it is. The strings included, Ashaway's Supernick XL Micro are a terrific set of strings and compliment this racquet very well. Overall a great racquet and definitely worth trying out.
This is a very new model and we are very excited to have it. If you interested in purchasing one please visit our online store to pick one up today.
The technical specifications are below:
Characteristics of the Black Knight Ion X-FORCE Black Squash Racquet :
String : Ashaway Supernick XL Micro
Recommended Tension : 26 lbs
Rigidity Index : 95
Avg. Frame Weight : 140 g
String Area : 475 cm2
Dynamic Weight : 130
ION
The Ion series has been developed in collaboration with multiple British Open Champion David Palmer.
The Black Knight Ion X-Force series of squash racquets use Thermal Core technology. This heats the racquet core to higher temperature during the curing phase, so that the racquet structure is cured uniformly inside and out. This Thermal Core modification to the carbon fibres makes the frame extremely responsive - stiff yet playing with the reactive properties of a more flexible frame. The resulting hit is the best of both worlds - the control of a very stiff frame with the power of a more flexible frame.
