HEAD Radical 135 Squash Racket 2026 - Precision, Control and Attacking Power
Overview
The HEAD Radical 135 Squash Racket 2026 is designed for advanced players who demand exceptional control, stability and precision during competitive play. Particularly suited to aggressive front-court players, this racket combines a traditional round head shape with a head-heavy balance to deliver accurate shot placement and impressive attacking power.
Weighing 135g unstrung, the Radical 135 offers a responsive combination of manoeuvrability and stability. Its compact 460cm² head provides a defined sweet spot for precise ball striking, while the head-heavy balance adds momentum to drives and attacking shots. Updated with HEAD's Hy-Bor technology for 2026, the racket delivers enhanced perceived stability and a more assured response at impact.
Endorsed by professional squash player César Salazar, the Radical 135 features a distinctive asymmetrical black and orange design with a unique see-through carbon detail, giving it a contemporary appearance to complement its performance-focused construction.
Key Technologies
Hy-Bor Technology
Introduced to the 2026 Radical range, Hy-Bor technology incorporates advanced fibres into the racket construction to improve perceived stability at impact. This helps provide a more secure and controlled hitting sensation during powerful exchanges.
Adaptive Fan Pattern (AFP)
HEAD's Adaptive Fan Pattern technology allows the racket to be strung in two configurations. The standard 14 x 16 pattern offers a more lively response, while the alternative 20 x 16 fan pattern provides a denser string arrangement for increased control and precision.
Graphene Inside
Strategically incorporated Graphene helps strengthen the frame and optimise energy transfer. This construction supports stability and responsiveness while maintaining the racket's performance characteristics.
High-Modulus Carbon Construction
The high-modulus carbon frame provides strength, stiffness and a responsive hitting feel. Its construction supports controlled ball striking and consistent performance during demanding rallies.
Traditional Round Head Shape
The conventional round head features shorter main strings and a defined central sweet spot. This produces a controlled string-bed response, helping experienced players execute accurate drives, drops and tight attacking shots.
HEAD Radical 135 Squash Racket 2026 Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Brand |
HEAD |
| Model |
Radical 135 |
| Year |
2026 |
| Product Code |
210006 |
| Unstrung Weight |
135g / 4.8oz |
| Head Size |
460cm² / 71in² |
| Balance |
Head Heavy (363mm) |
| Head Shape |
Traditional Round / Closed Throat |
| Length |
685mm / 27in |
| Beam Width |
20mm |
| String Pattern |
14 x 16 / 20 x 16 (Adaptive Fan Pattern) |
| Factory String |
HEAD Reflex 18 (1.20mm) |
| Grip |
HEAD Hydrosorb Pro |
| Construction |
High-Modulus Carbon / Graphene |
| Technologies |
Hy-Bor, Adaptive Fan Pattern, Graphene Inside |
| Colour |
Black / Orange |
| Recommended Player Level |
Advanced / Competitive |
| Playing Style |
Control-Oriented / Attacking Front-Court Play |
| Racket Cover |
Not Included |
Pro / Player Review
The HEAD Radical 135 2026 is a control-focused squash racket that rewards technically accomplished players with excellent directional accuracy and a solid, stable response. Its traditional round head and relatively compact hitting area make it particularly effective for players who consistently strike the centre of the strings and prioritise precision over forgiveness.
The 135g frame weight offers useful manoeuvrability, while the head-heavy balance provides additional momentum through the ball. This combination is particularly beneficial for penetrating drives, controlled volleys and attacking shots played under pressure. Hy-Bor technology further enhances the racket's perceived stability, helping it feel composed during faster exchanges.
One of its most useful features is the Adaptive Fan Pattern, which allows players to tailor the string-bed response towards power or control. However, the compact sweet spot is less forgiving of off-centre contact than larger-headed alternatives, and the head-heavy balance may feel less immediately agile to players accustomed to head-light rackets.
Overall, the Radical 135 2026 is particularly well suited to experienced squash players who value accurate placement, a predictable hitting response and the ability to finish rallies with controlled aggression.
Q: Who is the HEAD Radical 135 2026 best suited to?
A: It is best suited to advanced and competitive squash players who prioritise precision, stability and controlled attacking play. Its characteristics particularly benefit technically confident front-court players.
Q: Is the HEAD Radical 135 2026 a power or control racket?
A: It is primarily a control-oriented racket. The compact round head and shorter main strings encourage accurate placement, while the head-heavy balance provides additional momentum for powerful attacking shots.
Q: What is new in the 2026 Radical 135?
A: The main performance update is the introduction of Hy-Bor technology, designed to improve perceived stability at impact. The 2026 model also features refreshed asymmetrical black and orange cosmetics with distinctive see-through carbon detailing.
Q: What is the benefit of the Adaptive Fan Pattern?
A: The Adaptive Fan Pattern provides two stringing options. Players can select the standard 14 x 16 configuration for a more responsive string bed or the denser 20 x 16 fan pattern for greater control and precision.
Q: Is the Radical 135 suitable for beginners?
A: Although beginners can use the racket, its compact sweet spot and control-focused response make it better suited to experienced players with consistent technique. Beginners may find a larger-headed, more forgiving racket easier to use.
Q: How does the head-heavy balance affect performance?
A: The head-heavy balance increases momentum through the swing, helping generate depth and pace on drives and attacking shots. It may require slightly more effort to reposition quickly compared with a head-light racket.
Q: Does the HEAD Radical 135 2026 come pre-strung?
A: Yes, the racket is supplied pre-strung with HEAD Reflex 18 string. Players can also have it restrung to suit their preferred tension and string pattern.
Q: Does the racket include a cover?
A: No, a racket cover is not included as standard.
Q: What is the difference between the Radical 135 and a larger-headed squash racket?
A: The Radical 135's compact 460cm² round head provides a more defined sweet spot and precise directional control. Larger-headed rackets generally offer greater forgiveness and easier access to power on off-centre shots.
