All-new Dunlop FX squash racket launch 2024: expert review and comparison

Heads up for our squash community - Dunlop's latest FX rackets have just dropped into the pdhsports.com store. As usual, Dunlop has packed the technology in and delivered the great performance that we always expect from their squash rackets.

If you're a Dunlop squash racket fan, you're bound to be tempted into an upgrade to one of these FX rackets. And if you're new to Dunlop squash rackets, this collection is sure to convert you!

The FX squash racket collection has a real family feel. Dunlop's new blue and black colourway is supercool and is used for all the rackets, with subtle variations for each model. There are five Pro rackets and two Team rackets, all with a teardrop head shape that gives a great blend of power and control.

The big question for squash players is how to choose the right one for your game. We've now played with all seven of the 2024 Dunlop FX squash rackets, so we're ready to share our comparisons and make some recommendations.

FX 128 Pro - endorsed by Ali Farag

128g frame weight, head heavy, 500 cm square head size, 14x19 stringing pattern

Since Ali Farag is the current world number one in men's squash, it's no surprise that this is an outstanding racket. Even though it's such an advanced racket, the thin beam gives more control, and there's a forgiving feel in the teardrop head.

Ali Farag prefers having more weight in the racket head for real accuracy. In this racket, you really notice the stability, particularly when you're driving powerful shots down the wall. It's also great for your short game, giving you confidence that you can place the most powerful shots exactly where you want them.

All the FX Pro rackets have Dunlop's excellent Sonic Core and Flex Touch Resin technology. There's a noticeable lack of vibration when you hit the ball in the centre of the strings. It's a great all-rounder for power and control.

FX 125 Pro Lite - endorsed by Victor Crouin

125g frame weight, head light balance, 500 cm square head size, 14x19 stringing pattern

This racket shares all the advanced technology of the FX 128 Pro but is set up for players who prefer a lighter head balance. It's highly manoeuvrable and ideal for fast-moving players who like to get around the court and play an agile game. As well as top ten-ranked Victor Crouin, leading women squash pros are now playing on tour with this racket, including Sabrina Sobhy, Katie Mallif and Millie Tomlinson.

FX 130 - endorsed by Eain Yow Ng

130g frame weight, head light balance, 500 cm square head size, 14x18 Powermax string pattern

This is the most powerful racket in the new FX range and replaces last year's Revelation 135. It has a fan stringing pattern, which helps to focus that power and give a bit more control. The racket's weight also helps with driving accuracy.

With a head light balance, this racket is very manoeuvrable and good for speed onto the ball. It has a great down-the-wall, accurate style of play with lots of energy. As well as Sonic Core and Flex Touch Resin technology, the Dunlop FX 130 has a V-energy shaft. This makes it stiffer for more rigidity, power and bite in your shots.

If you're an experienced player and want a top-class racket, you should definitely consider this one.

FX 125 - endorsed by Tinne Gilis

125g frame weight, extra head light balance, 500 cm square head size, 14x18 string pattern

The standout feature of this racket is the extra head light balance combined with a thicker aero beam. It's punchy but very agile as well - there's a small sacrifice of control to get your hands on so much power. We recommend this racket if your gameplay tends to be attacking and aggressive on court.

Take a look at Tour pros Tinne Gilis or Sivasangari Subramanian if you want an idea of the tactics and shots that play to this racket's strengths - they are just two of the players who are using the FX 125 this season.

As with the FX 130, you get enhanced comfort and stability from Sonic Core and Flex Touch Resin technology, plus stiffening from the V-energy shaft.

FX 115

115g frame weight, extra head light balance, 500 cm square head size, 14x18 string pattern

Dunlop's lightest racket in the collection is the FX 115. It's a completely new model which as well as being lightweight, has a slightly thicker shaft than the other FX pro rackets.

This is pdhsports.com's Paul Hargrave's personal favourite. He says, "I noticed immediately how much power this racket has. It's extremely light but with a chunky feel in your hand. I really like a head light racket, so I'm a big fan. I had a lot of fun using this racket and it has fantastic feel as you play. It's a terrific power racket."

Paul also gives a big thumbs up to the Sonic Core technology featured in all the pro rackets. He says "Everything you feel off the racket and swings is top class - I felt totally confident I would get all the power I wanted as well as control. Dunlop is leading the way with technologies in these FX rackets."

FX 130 Team

130g frame weight, extra head light balance, 500cm square head size, 14x18 Powermax stringing pattern

FX 125 Team

125g frame weight, extra head light balance, 500 cm square head size, 14x18 stringing pattern

These two Team rackets are very much part of the FX family but they're not quite as high-tech as the Pro rackets. The FX130 has a fan-shaped stringing pattern, for a more equal balance of power and control. The FX125 has a conventional stringing pattern for consistent power and hitting.

Although they don't include the ultra-advanced Sonic Core and Flex Touch Resin technology, these are still premium squash rackets, ideal for recreational club players who want to experience a top-quality racket, but don't want to spend quite as much. These rackets would also suit junior squash players who are progressing rapidly. We thoroughly approve of Dunlop's decision to include them in the FX squash racket family - they share styling, core design features and refinement with their Pro siblings.