Same balance as Airshaft (in fact, my X-Top balance is a TOUCH head heavier than my Airshaft racquets), has the same beam size as Airshaft, it’s pretty much an Airshaft with the carbon top-bumper-less modifications. If you choose a vibration dampener go with the Python Vibration Dampner (Our favorite), Head Smart Sorb, Head Megasorb, or the BBB (Big Bad Band). Tecnifibre has just launched their long awaited Carboflex AirShaft racquet series. The flagship racquet (Carboflex) series that put Tecnifibre on the squash map is their best playing series to date. Designed with AIRSHAFT technology for a more dynamic response and improved racquet acceleration, X-ARMS to strengthen the frame for more stability and power, and NEW Extended String Holes; strategically placed enlarged grommet holes to improve string movement and overall playability.

The topselling Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 from Tecnifbre's flagship range used by Mohamed El Shorbagy. The Airshaft frame geometry is modified for more dynamic response and acceleration. X-Arms technology increases the strength of the structure for more stability. 4 enlarged main and cross strings encourage string movement and improve tolerance and effect. The Airshaft is aimed at intermediate to advanced players seeking maximum acceleration. Additional Information PDH Product Code:Another interesting product development are the so-called iBlades that run up the sides of the shaft. These are supposed to act as a form of reinforcement to make the racquet a bit stiffer, which I personally like: From the photos it appears the new X-Top models still have a grommet strip, it’s just been recessed a bit, below the level of the carbon X-Top bumper. I have a hunch this will be easier to string than the eyelets, while still removing some of the mass from the frame. Smart idea, in my opinion. Extended String Holes - The groomet holes enlarged on 4 specific mains and 4 specific cross to encourage movement of the strings and to improve tolerance and effects. Direct link to this product: https://www.squashsource.com/tecnifibre-carboflex-airshaft-125-ns/#70558 I am coming from using the AirShaft 125 for the last 2yrs since its release, and before that I was on the X-Speed 125.

Tecnifibre aren’t the first brand to remove a bumper strip. In fact, they themselves allowed players to manually remove the bumper strip on the older Carboflex 125S, though this wasn’t advised as the top of the frame wasn’t reinforced. For advanced squash players with good technique and timing, the smaller sweet spot is a total non-issue. However, for club level players still developing this aspect of their game, they’ll have a harder time consistently finding the sweet spot, and therefore the unforgiving feel is going to be a little more noticeable. Overall I’m certain there’s a number of reasons for keeping the three weights so close to each other – manufacturing costs, customer demand, marketing and so on. Still, I would love to see something like a 120, 130 and 140g range to give more distinction between each frame. ManoeuvrabilityOn a related note, if the price of the Airshaft range goes down, I think there will be some great bargains to be had in the near future!

To me, at least the one I got in the mail, the X-Top is a TOUCH head heavier than my AirShaft racquets when doing the balance test. In real world application though, I didn’t really notice when I was hitting with it on court. I rate the 125NS especially high in this area, as I found the thinner grip really aided with control – previously I’ve described this as ‘pen-like’, which I still believe to be the case. I thought I’d utilize and make it known here on Squashsource (Thanks Pierre!) so they can go to a good home and to someone who will make the best out of them.When you buy through a sponsored link, Squash Source receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which supports my efforts on Squash Source — thanks! Tecnifibre X-Speed 125 NS. This is a signature cosmetic for Nour El Sherbini, hence the “NS” in the name. It also has a smaller grip. The top of the performance, it is ideal for regular players and competitors looking for the best combination of power, precision and spin.

Tecnifibre Carboflex X-Top 125 – The 125 is Endorsed by Mohamed ElShorbagy, and used by (brace yourself) Fares Dessouky, Gregoire Marche, Joshna Chinappa, Mahesh Mangoankar, Mohammed El Sherbini, Ramit Tandon and Farida Mohamed, to name a few. I got an X-Top finally, and it came in the mail last week, and I’ve hit with it once so far, for almost 2hrs solo. This newer version of the iconic Carboflex range, has been redesigned at the Airshaft section to improve aerodynamics and increase acceleration. The monoshaft construction has been enhanced on both sides by the X-Arms to limit flexibility and provide better stability and precision upon impact. The (inexplicable in my mind) decision to coat the entire frame for the sake of design, which offsets any perceived advantage of not having a bumper Oh follow up about the grommets at the top if anyone interested, yes there is a small plastic grommet strip in the middle of the top, that lies in a channel.I too, experienced these feelings when I switched from the X-Speed to the Airshaft 2yrs ago when they came out. I took delivery of a 130 airshaft yesterday and it weighs 156g so bang in line with your measurements. And yes, it feels and looks pretty similar to the Airshaft, just with the carbon top and elimination of the bumper.