New Manta Racquets - A sneak peek!

My graphic design firm, Pacey + Pacey Design, was recently hired to overhaul the artwork for Manta's line of squash racquets. We reworked the colour schemes, redesigned all the logos and even named one of the racquets - The X Factor. The final prototypes have arrived and if you're a member of Squash Republic's Facebook group you've seen these photos but if you're not I'm pleased to present this sneak preview of Manta's highly anticipated 2009 Collection.





































The entire line will be available for sale online January 1, 2009 at Super Charged Racquets & Upparel (aka S.C.R.U. Squash). Nice.

Anonymous comments?

Just a quick note to say thanks to those who have taken the time to read my blog. Big props to those of you who have taken the time to comment. It's nice to know that I'm doing more than just practicing my typing. If you have a question or want more info from me don't post anonymously cuz I won't know how to get back to you: You're anonymous:)
You can always email me at info[at]squashrepublic[dot]com. Word.

Nice threads dood!

I thought I would put a photo online that's "just for the ladies":) (Click the photo to see it larger - you have to!)

Raise your hands with me if you want to bring this "style" back to our lovely game. Word!

From the copy block: "On or off court, Hawk squash racquets will catch your eye." Indeed. I, for one, will be playing my afternoon match shirtless and in high socks. (Sorry about that Jody:)

Anyone out there have a Hawk racquet? Couldn't find them.

(Who thinks the guy on the left resembles a certain Vancouver, men's A, squash playing writer with the initials S.K? LOL)

From the Archives

A fan of our blog sent us an issue of Squash Magazine from 1982 that is absolutely priceless. (Thanks Neill!) It's a genuine slice of our sport and one that, once you stop giggling, makes you realize how much our sport has grown up. Or has it? Check out this cover:

Doesn't she look great? I bet she feels fantastic too. I do wonder if she should be playing squash in leg warmers though.

Don't worry. The editors of this magazine got smacked (and rightly so:) for this cover which was obviously an attempt to get more subscriptions. I quote: "Are you having an identity crisis as whether to make your magazine a sports journal or another Playboy?"

If you think this cover is great wait until we show you the fabulous court fashions that "Hawk" squash racquets were promoting in 1982!

Squash Hotties? Indeed.

I just happened across this photo of Vanessa Atkinson on the website for the Los Angeles Athletic Club and had to post it! I love the idea that she might be walking down the hall, past the "museum quality art collection", and just start playing squash against the wood panelling.

That she looks absolutely stunning and quite capable of kicking your arse (on or off court) is a bonus.

Makes me thankful that our game has come so far since the days of the "thong incident", no? (Speaking of which . . . Good luck to Miss Botwright on her retirement:)

Here's another image that I love:

This composite photo was taken by AKA Photography in Toronto for the 2006 Women's World Team Squash Championships in Edmonton. From left to right: Alana Miller, Melanie Jans, Carolyn Russell and Runa Reta.

Is it any wonder that I love this game?

More squash toys (& tees) you can't live without!

I've heard that players out there are having some difficulty finding the Karakal "Hot Ball" we mentioned previously in our blog. Karakal France says it doesn't make it anymore and I'm not selling mine, sorry. Well chin up you lazy thing, there's a new toy in town that promises all the benefits that Hot Ball offered.

"Jet Bounce" also promises that you no longer need to hit like a brute to warm up the ball!

Check this puppy out (and peace to Squash 360 for the tip):

Jet Bounce's "Ball Heater" promises (and I quote):
1 - more effective game time!
2 - less danger of violation!
3 - optimal ball storage!
4 - use at any time!
5 - reusable!

What more do you need? Want it to fix your backhand too? That'll cost you more than the ten Euros they're asking for this court panacea. Buy yours now. Tell them we sent you:)

Are your balls nice and toasty yet?* Are they attracting flies? Not to worry! We've got the squash freak's solution for that one too: A bug zapper shaped like a squash racquet! For real! Man, I can't make this stuff up! (I love that a national squash champion told us about this gem. Thanks Mel!)

This from the website: "The Shock Bug Zappa is shaped like an ordinary squash racket. But with two slight modifications: it has a slightly larger head and a fine mesh surface. The mesh surface gives an electric shock when it comes in contact with a bug. The head gives you a larger contact area to ensure accuracy. Bug hits racket face. Bug perishes." Sweet!





Get your Shock Bug Zappa here. Practice your backhand with this puppy!


* Did someone say "Warm Up Your Balls"?

Jeez, I wish there was a shirt that said that.
What? There is? Oh, thank the gods! And it's only $25 Canadian?

Tell me where I can buy it already!

Super Charged Racquets & Upparel.

Yep, S.C.R.U. Squash. The best squash centric
t-shirts in the galaxy y'all. They don't brag
they mostly boast. For realz.

Next up: Squash Fashions through the years. (No, not the thong photos again. Jeez. That's so tired.)

Sole Redemption

My mother taught me a lot of things that have come in handy in my life but I honestly never thought she could help my squash game. I remember when I first started playing and she would come to cheer me on. She would clap and scream and, at Denman, she would bang on the glass with the best of them. Eventually she learned the right times to cheer:) I digress. . .

My mother taught me how to sew. This skill helped me to squeeze another couple of weeks out of a pair of shoes that really should've lasted longer than they did. Shouldn't squash shoes have reinforced seams and rubber toes for those of us who like to drag our toes? (I count myself and Nicole David in this elite group:)

Standard wisdom says that you should change your sports shoes every six months if you're an active person. Six months! I'd be happy if my shoes lasted that long. (Jeff at the Pro Shop loves the planned obsolescence of squash shoes, don't ya Jeff?)

Well, this year I'm starting the season with a new pair of the red Stabil's and I plan on nursing them through the whole year even if I have to sew the soles back on. See you in six months Jeff.