Strokes Sports

It's been a long time...

2011-11-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a few months since we've posted on our blog, we're still here, still offering the best prices and service in the land!

The squash season is full swing now and we have been receiving some great feedback on the new Dunlop Biomimetic range. If you're a current Dunlop player or considering switching brands, they are definitely worth a look!

5% Discount for Facebook Fans

2011-06-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

We're currently offering our Facebook Fans 5% discount until then end of June. To find out how follow the link below and 'like' our page!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strokes-Sports/77537557944?sk=app_201143516562748

New Prince squash rackets!

2011-05-28T02:01:00.000-07:00

Prince Airstick Tour 130

Prince Airstick Power 140

Are in stock now and will be uploaded to the website shortly! if you have any questions, please email matt@strokessports.co.uk

2011-05-06T01:41:00.000-07:00

Dunlop Biomimetic rackets are on the website and delivery due for June/ July, we have priced checked the market and guarantee we have the best prices ANYWHERE!

Be the first in the country to own one - pre-order yours now for free next day delivery!

http://www.strokessports.co.uk/prodpage.asp?productid=310

Dunlop Biomimetic

2011-04-16T01:58:00.000-07:00

Dunlop Biomimetic coming soon....

Prince Airstick 130 WHITE - back in stock!!

2011-04-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

it sold out very quickly last time but we're pleased to announce it's back in stock!

http://www.strokessports.co.uk/prodpage.asp?productid=305

Exclusive to us!

Prince O3 Silver

2011-03-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Prince O3 Silver is now back in stock!

We've had dozens of emails over the last few months asking when it's coming back and finally it is!

http://www.strokessports.co.uk/prodpage.asp?productid=13 with free delivery to the UK

5% Discount and FREE DELIVERY!!

2011-03-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

We're offering 5% discount off everything until 23rd March 2011 - just type 'march' into the discount box at checkout!

And, because we're super nice people at Strokes Sports we're also giving free delivery on all purchases over £40.00.

And, we've just reviewed all our prices, don't worry we're still the cheapest!

Strokes Sports - Celebrating 5 On The Internet

2011-02-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

Strokes Sports have been trading on the internet for 5 years and to celebrate are giving away a top of the range squash racket - Prince EXO3 Ignite, RRP £140.

Strokes Sports are established as specialists in squash, tennis and racquetball equipment, 2011 is set to be a big year with plans underway to increase the range of sports on offer. This Summer will see the addition badminton, cricket and athletics to their range

Strokes Sports pride themselves on their expert knowledge of the products that they sell, high standard of service and competitive pricing.

The competition - Win a Prince EXO3 Ignite correctly answering the following question:

In whcih year was Strokes Sports established? (the answer can be found on the website)

Email the correct answer to matt@strokessports.co.uk by midnight on 20th March 2011 a winner will be drawn at random and notified by email the following day.

Dunlop squash rackets

2011-02-21T04:38:00.000-08:00

We've been dropping the prices on some of our Dunlop rackets recently so even better deals are available!

But we are selling out quick - Aerogel 4D Pro GT-X and Aerogel 4D Ultimate have already gone and we're down to our last Dunlop Aerogel 4D Elite

World Number 1 Nick Matthew plays with the Dunlop Aerogel 4D Evolution

Ramy Ashour plays with the Dunop Aerogel 4D Max

Grab yourself a bargain, now!

Daryl Selby wins British National Squash Championship

2011-02-14T04:01:00.000-08:00

Daryl Selby beats world number one to become the 2011 British National Squash champion

British number 3 Selby with the YouTek Argon 155 battled with the world Number one Nic Mathews in a grueling 5 set match to win, 9/11, 11/9, 6/11, 11/9, 11/7

SquashIt was an all HEAD final in the ladies tournament between Jenny Duncalf and British number 3 Laura Massaro. Both HEAD players used the YouTek Xenon 135 to battle in another 5 set match. Laura Massaro upset the British number 1 Jenny Dunclaf 11/7, 9/11, 11/7, 7/11, 2/11 to claim her first ever British National squash title.

Tennis
HEAD Racquet rebel Robin Soderling Wins second title of 2011 with his Youtek Prestige MP
Robin Soderling lifted his second ATP trophy from his first three events of 2011, with Sweden's HEAD racquet rebel winning the Rotterdam title for the second straight year. Soderling beat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - fellow HEAD player Ivan Ljubicic reached the semi final.

Anatomy of rackets: moment of inertia

2011-02-04T01:38:00.000-08:00

I came across a very interesting article by Xenic at Into The Nick...

Anatomy of rackets: moment of inertia

I have done some analysis on rackets. I own some of these rackets and potentially I am interested in buying new ones. In this post I want to focus on the moment of inertia of rackets as it seems it is underused as a measure. So here is the data:

(
Note: It is hard to know the mass distribution, so I assumed all the mass is at the centroid and calculated the moment of inertia from the bottom of the handle.

What is moment of inertia?

The moment of inertia is a measure of how hard it is to swing the racket. The larger the inertia, the harder the racket to swing.

What is the difference between the weight and the inertia?

The weight is a measure of how the racket feels when you carry it around say running around the court, while the inertia is the measure of how the racket feels when you swing it. There is a difference between linear motion and rotational motion. The heaviness of linear motion is measured by the racket's weight, while the heaviness of the rotational motion (swing) is measured by the racket's inertia.

How about the pros? What do they use?

As you can see the pros tend to prefer higher moment of inertia rackets. Karim Darwish's racket Xenon's inertia is 185. Greg Gaultier's racket Aerogel 4D elite's inertia is 185 too. Peter Nicol's old time favorite racket Prince O3 tour has inertia of 183. Amr Shabana's racket Aerogel 4D Ultimate is similar - it's 181.

What is the advantage of having higher inertia?

Despite being harder to swing when you have a racket with high inertia, there is an advantage: *power*. If you think about it, there is a maximum of racket head speed a human can generate. For instance even if you are one of the top pros, you can't generate as much racket head speed (angular velocity) as a car generating angular velocity on its tires when it's cruising 150km/h. The human body has a maximum of racket head speed it can generate (normally it is constrained by the wrist).

Assuming you are a super fit professional level player and you can generate the maximum racket head speed for every racket out there in the market; then the higher the inertia, the more power you get. So normally the professionals would prefer high inertia rackets as they are fit enough to generate plenty of racket head speed. While a mortal like me wouldn't be able to generate my maximum racket head speed if the racket has high inertia.

So what shall I get?

I guess the trick is to find a inertia you are comfortable with. I use Dunlop's Aerogel 4D Elite and Aerogel Ultimate. And I enjoy having rackets with high inertia. I once bought a Microgel 125 which has very low inertia, and found myself being lazy on my swings. Thankfully the racket broke after awhile ;-).

Conclusion

The moment of inertia is a indicator of how the racket feels when you swing it. The higher the inertia, the heavier it feels to swing. But also if the inertia is higher, you get more power out of each swing.

Update

1. In the comments of this post, Mark points out that aerodynamics also plays a role in generating racket head speed. He points out "The prince brand might also point out that aerodynamics have a part to play: they have been putting holes in their frames in an effort to make the rackets more maneuverable." I do have a Prince O3 racket but somehow it is not my favorite. Interestingly, Ramy Ashour the current world number 1 (as of March 2010) uses Prince's racket but does not use the aerodynamically engineered version. He uses Prince Airstick. Perhaps aerodynamics in the racket world is not a important factor.

2. I have modified some expressions to make it clear what I meant. This was also pointed out by Mark. Thanks to him again!

Post taken from Xenic at Into The Nick

One day I will weigh and measure the balance of all our rackets and create a table of inertia - it may be useful when choosing your next squash racket!

Prince Airstick 130 white

2011-02-01T06:27:00.000-08:00

The Prince Airstick 130 white is now on the website, our pictures don't really do it justice but this a fantastic looking racket and very exclusive!

We sold 10 rackets before we had even got i on our website!

If you're a Prince Airstick fan this is a very cool and unique racket!

http://www.strokessports.co.uk/prodpage.asp?productid=305

Prince Airstick 130 squash racket SPECIAL EDITION WHITE

2011-01-31T04:24:00.000-08:00

We've taken stock of some fantastic looking Prince Airstick 130s in a custom white paint job. These rackets aren't available anywhere else in the UK and are incredibly rare. We only have a very small number of these rackets and will get them on the website shortly - if you're interested send me an email matt@strokessports.co.uk

Head's 2011 YouTek Innegra Squash Rackets

2011-01-25T02:01:00.000-08:00

HEAD presents new 2011 YouTek Innegra Racquet line-up

YouTek™ Cyano2 115

HEAD is proud to present its new line of squash racquets for 2011. The new YouTek™ Innegra™ series combines the best features of the well-accepted YouTek™ umbrella concept and adds innovation by marrying the high performance materials d3o™ with HEAD's new Innegra™ fibre technology.

The unique Innegra™ fibre is lifting racquetsport development to a higher, more competitive level and its performance benefits are targeted to optimally suite the needs of the modern squash player. Extremely tough and light, Innegra™ boasts the lowest density of any existing fibre. Its extreme toughness together with HEAD’s advanced carbon composite technology leads to a novel ultra tough hybrid-composite, which is integrated into the racquet for shock absorption and improved stability. As a result vibrations are reduced by up to 17% on ball impact for unique control and precision.

On top of this: HEAD’s new hybrid-composite structure with the ultra tough Innegra™ fibre considerably extends the performance of the racquet without losing any of its great properties.

HEAD’s YouTek™ concept aims to provide players with the perfect racquet for their individual game. The new YouTekTM Innegra series introduces the following racquets: the YouTek™ Cyano2 115, the YouTek™ Neon2 130 and the YouTek™ Argon2 115; they complement the existing Xenon 135, Anion 135 and Cerium 150 racquets which will remain in the 2011 line-up. Whether squash players are looking for power or control in their racquet (or the right combination of both), for a head heavy or a head light racquet, the YouTek™ series offers the right weapon for any style of play.

For 2011 HEAD also developed the Anti Shock Foam, a special honeycomb foam which is integrated into the handle. This development provides an instantly noticeable benefit. Vibration of the racquet on ball impact is reduced within nanoseconds. That creates a perfect impact absorption along with resulting benefits of touch and comfort. The addition of the new Ultra Soft Tour grip tape further increases the positive feel of the new HEAD squash racquets.

See below for more product details on the different versions of the new YouTek™ Innegra series:

- YouTek™ Cyano2 115: The Cyano2 115 Teardrop will take your game to the next level. It is the perfect racquet for the ambitious player and offers perfect power on every stroke.
It offers proven d3o technology that perfectly adapts to your game, CT2™ for even more power and the all new technology Innegra™, which reduces vibration on ball impact by up to 17 % resulting in outstanding precision and control.

- YouTek™ Neon2 130: The new Neon2 130 offers outstanding power with great manoeuvrability and comfort. It is an excellent racquet for players looking for extra power within a Quadro shaped racquet.

- YouTek™ Argon2 155: The Argon2 155 is Daryl Selby’s weapon of choice. It incorporates t

Facebook

2011-01-24T12:10:00.000-08:00

Are you on Facebook? We are!

Keep up to date with everything we've been up to and our latest deals and discounts!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strokes-Sports/77537557944

New Prince racket for 2011 - take a look at the photos of the protype..

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=269039&id=77537557944

Matt

Dunlop Blackstorm Titanium

2011-01-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

The Dunlop Blackstorm Titanium, probably the best value racket on the internet,

RRP £140 Strokes Sports Price £49!

The Dunlop Blackstorm (previously Blackmax) rackets have always been very popular and the 2010 version has proven to be no different!
The Dunlop Blackstorm Titanium is a mid weight racket with large a head size which make it a great beginners racket but it's popular up to intermediate/ top club level players!
As with all Dunlop rackets, the Dunlop Blackstorm Titanium is very durable and has Dunlop's unique playability!

Get it here... http://www.strokessports.co.uk/prodpage.asp?productid=287

Pro Prince Squash Players

2011-01-18T02:22:00.000-08:00

PSA Players

Player	Racquet	Nationality
James Willstrop	EXO³ Rebel	ENG
Saurav Ghosal	EXO³ Rebel	IND
Tom Richards	Ozone Tour	ENG
Steve Coppinger	EXO³ Rebel	IRE
Mathieu Castagnet	O³ Speedport Black	FRA
Peter Nicol MBE	EXO³ Rebel	ENG
Adrian Waller	EXO³ Rebel	ENG
Robbie Temple	EXO³ Rebel	ENG
Max Lee	EXO³ Rebel	HKG
Chris Gordon	O³ Speedport Black	USA
Henrik Mustonen	EXO³ Rebel	FIN

WISPA Players

Player	Racquet	Nationality
Nicol David	EXO³ Rebel	MAS
Camille Serme	EXO³ Rebel	FRA
Annie Au	O³ Hybrid Vendetta	HKG
Rebecca Chiu	O³ Speedport Silver	HKG
Delia Arnold	O³ Speedport Black	MAS
Emma Bedoes	O³ Hybrid Speedport	ENG
Joey Chan	O³ Speedport Black	HKG
Lauren Briggs	Ozone Tour	ENG
Olivia Blatchford	EXO³ Rebel	USA
Orla Noom	O³ Speedport Black	NED
Latasha Khan	O³ Speedport Silver	USA

More Dunlop squash rackets

2011-01-16T01:32:00.000-08:00

We have just taken delivery of more Dunlop squash rackets so all models are now back in stock!

They can be found here Dunlop Squash Rackets

Prince EXO3 Technology

2011-01-13T05:54:00.000-08:00

Confused by what EXO3 technology actually is and how it improves your game? Read on...

	The revolutionary idea behind EXO³ is the patented Energy Bridge^TM, an exo skeletal structure that suspends the string bed from the frame, increasing virtual head size for up to an 83% larger sweet spot. In addition frame vibration is reduced by up to 50%.
	Enhancing the dynamic effects of the Energy Bridge^TM, is the patented Energy Channel^TM, a sculpted groove within the frame that provides added stability, boosts ball control and increases spin by up to 25%.
	EXO³ racquets dramatically reduce frame vibration by up to 50% for improved comfort and feel.
	EXO³ racquets enlarge the sweet spot by up to 83% over traditional racquet construction.
	EXO³ racquets generate up to 25% more spin when compared to racquets designed with traditional construction.
	EXO³ construction provides unmatched stability for up to 26% more control on every shot.

We're now on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

2011-01-13T03:13:00.000-08:00

Like us on Facebook to keep up to date on our latest news and discounts

facebook.com/Strokessports
Like us for 5% discount, ends 17th Januray

Follow us on Twitter for more of the same

twitter.com/strokes_sports

We'll be reviewing new rackets and prototypes as when and when they come into the office on Youtube

www.youtube.com/strokessports

2011 Head Squash Rackets!!

2011-01-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

NEW FOR 2011 - The Argon2 155 is Daryl Selby’s weapon of choice. It incorporates the perfect blend of control, precision and maneuverability.

NEW FOR 2011 - The new Neon2 130 offers outstanding power with great
maneuverability and comfort. It is an excellent racquet for players looking for extra power within a Quadroshaped racquet.

NEW FOR 2011 - The Cyano2 115 Teardrop will take your game to the next level. It is the perfect racquet for the ambitious player and
offers perfect power on every stroke.

COMING SOON...

Join us on Facebook

2011-01-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Keep up to date on our latest deals and discounts and find out what we've been up to...

Leave us feedback, interact, tell us what you want and how we can improve our service to you!

Strokes Sports on Facebook

Thanks

Performance meets Style – Maria Sharapova joins the HEAD team!

2011-01-04T03:59:00.001-08:00

Arguably, there is no other player on the WTA tour who embodies the symbiosis between performance and style on court as impressively as Maria Sharapova. Starting January 1st, 2011 the 23 year-old Russian is combining her style with the performance of HEAD as Sharapova is joining the very successful team of the “HEAD Racquet Rebels”.

HEAD is extremely proud to announce this newest addition to its player portfolio, which currently already includes – with Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Robin Soderling - the world’s number three, four and five ranked player on the ATP World Tour. Johan Eliasch, CEO of HEAD N.V.:“We are proud to have Maria on board with so many other great tennis athletes like Novak, Andy and Robin. She definitely helps us build a much stronger women’s team together with Victoria Azarenka and Svetlana Kuznetsova.”

Together, Maria and HEAD are now developing a new racquet which will perfectly support her powerful game and help Maria getting back to top position in the WTA ranking. “I am excited to be in the HEAD Team and looking forward to this partnership. With my new HEAD weapon I am confident to regain a spot among the Top 10 again soon”, she explains her decision for HEAD.

At her young age, Maria Sharapova is a tennis icon on court, an impressively dedicated athlete, and the idol of many young female players. She is also a fashion icon representing style on and off the court. In 2010, she was elected Favorite WTA Singles Player, as well as Most Fashionable On Court and Most Fashionable Off Court Player in the WTA Fan Favourite Voting Awards.

But most of all, Maria Sharapova is a true champion: In 2004, at age of 17, she won her first Grand Slam Title at Wimbledon beating top seed Serena Williams in the final. She has claimed two more Grand Slam titles at the US Open 2006 and the Australian Open 2008. In four separate occasions the WTA had ranked her World No. 1 in singles before serious shoulder problems in October 2008 have been forcing her out of the game for nearly ten months. Off-court, Maria Sharapova has been featured in a number of modelling assignments – including a feature in the famous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue – and picked as face of many fashion houses, but her first priority remains tennis, of course.

When she came back in May 2009 she was ranked No. 126 due to her extensive lay-off. But since this comeback she could win three more titles – bringing her to a career total of 22 – and recovered her ranking to World No.18 again. Together with HEAD as her new racquet partner, she is planning to get back to the top.

The cooperation with Maria will open new dimensions for HEAD to offer performance and style products. The partnership includes, next to the high-performance tour racquet line, a range of junior and kid’s racquets, accessories, and tennis bags. Sharapova will be closely involved in the development and design of these products, which will be launched in Retail in fall of 2011 and supported by a Retail and Digital Marketing Communication campaign.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T03:58:00.000-08:00

Strokes Sports would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that 2011 is a good one!

Today VAT rises to 20% but our customers can be assured that we will not be passing the increase on to our customers.

Dunlop 4D Aerogel Max

2010-12-22T08:44:00.001-08:00

Dunlop 4D Aerogel Max has been our best selling Dunlop racket this year, in fact, we completely sold out for a few weeks but are pleased to announce it is now back in stock.

Dunlop 4D Aerogel Max

Amazing Federer Trickshot

2010-12-20T01:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming

2010-12-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking about buying a squash or racketball racket as a Christmas gift, or maybe for yourself!?

We will be open as usual until the 23rd December and reopen officially on 4th January but somebody will pop into the office ervy now and again in between...

We use Royal Mail 1st Class Recorded Delivery to send orders out but if yo're leaving things until the last minute we could arrange for an express courier to deliver your order.

Drop me an email - matt@strokessports.co.uk

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Robin Soderling earns first career Masters 1000 crown in Paris

2010-11-24T08:32:00.001-08:00

HEAD racquet rebel Robin Soderling has broken through for a career-best ATP No. 4 ranking after winning his first Masters 1000 trophy with a dominating 6-1, 7-6 defeat of Gael Monfils at Paris Bercy. It was a day to remember for the Swede who swings a YouTek Prestige MP, as he inflicted his second crushing defeat on the Frenchman in the space of a week. The Paris win in just 77 minutes came after he beat Monfils in straight sets in the Valencia quarter-finals.

"It feels great, I don't have a very good record in finals, and especially here in Paris," said Soderling, beaten in Roland Garros finals in 2009 by Roger Federer and last June by Rafael Nadal. "It's great to reach the final in a Grand Slam and also in a Masters Series. But a final is that one match you really want to win. I'm really happy that I played well today, and now I'm here winning the title."

Soderling swept the first set in 26 minutes and fired the last of his nine aces for a 5-1 lead in the second-set tiebreaker with Monfils. A point later, a winning volley sent the Swede to the victory podium for the sixth title of his career and second time this season after winning Rotterdam indoors in February. "I tried not to show any emotions on court, I just wanted to be very focused on every point. When I won that last point, I just felt so happy and I felt so relieved. I really wanted to win this match so much."

Soderling is the first Swedish winner at Bercy since Thomas Enqvist in 1996. "I think you need to believe in yourself, that can make a big change," he said. "I'm feeling really good right now, and I'm going to have one or two days of rest and then prepare for London."

Soderling's rise in the rankings nudges fellow racquet rebel Andy Murray to fifth after his loss to Monfils in the quarter-finals. Soderling and Murray will join Novak Djokovic in the field for the ATP World Tour Finals starting on Sunday at London's O2 arena which wraps up the season.

Head, Dunlop and Prince Squash Rackets

2010-11-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

With the squash season now in full swing and the cold nights definitely upon us.

Why not take a look at our squash rackets - we sell all the current Head, Dunlop and Prince squash rackets at the best prices on the internet!

Check back for our December promotion, starting next week!

www.strokessports.co.uk

10% Discount on Prince Rackets

2010-10-21T02:38:00.000-07:00

Our latest promotion is 10% discount off the brand new Prince rackets - EXO3 Rebel, EXO3 Ignite and O3 Speedport Silver.

To apply the discount, type 'Prince' in to the discount code box at the checkout.

Promotion ends 7th November 2010.

The Speedport Silver is the new version of Prince's bestselling rackets - O3 and Ozone Silver (now discontinued) it offers similar specs and playing characteristics but even more touch, power and control! And looks great in metallic silver!

The Exo3 range of rackets have some pretty clever technology behind them that gives them a larger sweetspot and aerodynamics that allow the racket to move quicker through the air - giving more power and allowing you to be ready for your next shot even quicker!!

New Squash Season!

2010-10-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

With the new squash season now underway, why not treat yourself to a new racket!?

We have recently priced matched every one of our squash rackets and are confident that we are the cheapest in the UK!

Head over to strokessports.co.uk now for our amazing offers!!

August Promotion

2010-08-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

Due to the popularity of our June Promotion - 10% off all orders over £150. We've decided to do it again!

Enter 'August' into the discount box for a 10% discount!!

2010-07-27T07:54:00.001-07:00

We have good stock of racquetball rackets and balls from Dunlop, Head and Ektelon.

It's a fast paced and demanding game, and we have some great deals at the moment to get you started!!

Dunlop now in stock!!

2010-07-09T01:16:00.000-07:00

The full range of Dunlop squash rackets are now in stock and have been price matched against our competitors - for the best prices check out www.strokessports.co.uk

We also have Dunlop, Prince and Ektelon racquetball equpiment. Grap yourself a bargain!!

French Open 2010

2010-06-07T04:01:00.000-07:00

The men's French Open was won by R.Nadal(2) in 3 straight sets to claim his 5th Fench Open title.

The women's competition was won by F.Schiavone(7) to become the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam title!

Updated Website

2010-06-01T04:10:00.000-07:00

We've made some changes to the Strokes Sports website, we've kept the same layout but customers can now review and rate the rackets on the site.

Users can also benefit from discounts, we will be offering various discounts throughout the year via email.

The discount for June is 10% off all orders over £150. So get shoppping!

Test

2010-05-28T01:45:00.001-07:00

Test