HEAD Radical 170 Squash 57 (Racketball) Racket (2025)
The HEAD Radical 170 Squash 57 (Racketball) Racket (2025) is a performance racket for intermediate to advanced players seeking accessible power with stable, manoeuvrable handling. Its 170g unstrung frame combines a generous 690cm² / 107in² head with an even balance, giving the racket useful weight through the ball without becoming difficult to swing. Auxetic 2.0 enhances impact feedback, while Graphene construction, Power Channels, PowerRAILS and IGS2 reinforce the frame. The Adaptive Fan Pattern also lets players adjust the string-bed response towards power or control.
Product Technologies:
- Auxetic 2.0: HEAD's Auxetic technology is engineered to respond dynamically to impact, helping provide more immediate feedback and a cleaner connection between the player, racket and ball.
- Graphene Construction: Graphene is incorporated into the frame to support efficient energy transfer and stability while allowing HEAD to maintain a relatively lightweight, manoeuvrable construction.
- Power Channels: Moulded channels in the throat extend the effective length of the main strings. This increases string movement while reinforcing the throat, helping the Radical 170 generate additional ball speed and power.
- PowerRAILS: Reinforcement through the throat increases torsional stiffness, helping the racket remain stable during harder impacts and supporting a controlled response when attacking the ball.
- IGS2: HEAD's Inner Grommet System 2 reduces exposed grommet holes around the frame, helping optimise stiffness while keeping unnecessary external weight to a minimum.
- Adaptive Fan Pattern: The adaptable stringing system provides a choice between a straighter pattern for greater power and a fan configuration for increased control, allowing players to tailor the racket's response.
Staff Pro Review:
The Radical 170 is the versatile middle-weight choice in HEAD's performance Squash 57 range. The extra 10g over the Radical 160 gives it more substance through impact, yet the even balance keeps preparation and reactions quick. Power Channels and PowerRAILS add useful stability and pace, while the Adaptive Fan Pattern makes this an especially interesting option for experienced players who like to fine-tune their string set-up.
FAQs
Q: Should I choose the Radical 170 instead of the lighter Radical 160?
A: The 170g model is better suited to players who want additional stability and easier weight of shot without moving to a substantially heavier racket. The Radical 160 favours maximum racket-head speed, while the 170 provides a more balanced blend of manoeuvrability and power.
Q: How does the Adaptive Fan Pattern change the racket's performance?
A: It allows the string-bed configuration to be adjusted according to playing preference. The straighter arrangement is intended to maximise power, while the alternative fan configuration provides a more control-orientated response.
Q: Why does HEAD combine Power Channels with PowerRAILS?
A: The technologies perform complementary roles around the throat. Power Channels increase the effective length of the main strings to encourage rebound and ball speed, while PowerRAILS increase structural stiffness and stability to help keep that additional power controlled.
