Overview
The E-Force Darkstar 170 Racquet features tons of frame designs unique to E-Force including 22” LongStrings for maximum power, bright orange Power Boosters G2 which stabilize the stringbed even on off-center hits, and a long Powerhouse Shaft. Vibration dampening is provided by the Zero Richter Tubes X2 which encase each main-string through the handle and eliminate the need for a traditional worm-style dampener that may fall out. With durability in mind, E-Force engineers improved upon the Apocalypse Beta frame design by further refining the characteristics (such as size, shape, stiffness, quality, and placement) of the 50 individual graphite pieces that are molded together to create the Darkstar racquet frames.
Specifications
| Unstrung Weight: | 170g* |
| Strung Weight: | 208g |
| Strung Balance: | Even |
| Strung Swingweight: | 168 kg x cm² (high dynamic inertia = power) |
| Factory String: | E-Force Oxygen 17 Black |
| Factory Grip: | E-Force Resin Wrap Grip |
| Cover: | Not included by manufacturer |
| String Pattern: | 14 Mains / 16 Crosses Mains skip: None One Piece Shared Holes: 6H, 7H |
| Head Size: | 108 sq. in. |
| Head Shape: | Teardrop |
| Racquet Length: | 22 in. |
| Composition: | Graphite |
Previous Feedback
Comments: This is my second year playing with the E-Force Darkstar 170 and I could not be happier. If E-Force were to say that the Darkstar was going to be their final racquet produced I would say they went out on top. It continues to be a phenomenol racquet. Perfectly even balanced it absolutely crushes the ball while still giving you great control for those up front touch shots. Splat shots from 39' deep are a walk in the park for this racquet. It truly is the "total package". Give it a try, I promise you that you will not regret it.
From: Bryan, Kingwood, TX, USA, 12/17
Skill-level: A
String type and tension: Ashaway Powerkill @ 34lbs
Comments: Favorite racquet I've used! Great mix of power and control. You'll be amazed at how smooth it feels.
From: Brian, UT, USA, 08/17
Skill- level: A
Comments: I have been playing racquetball since the late 70's and have used many brands throughout the years. To date, this Dark Star is by far the best racquet I have put in my hands. Excellent power, with a solid feel. Just the right about of flex to transfer power to the ball. Control is phenomenal, with front play and back play being strong. Even though this is the flagship model, the bang for the buck is more than worth it. Love this racquet and you will too!
From: Joe, Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA, 08/17
Skill-level: B+
String type and tension: Oxygen 31 - 32 lbs
Comments: I love this racquet! It has great power and you don't loose anything when it comes to your touch game either. I play for team E-force and have tried almost every racquet that they have and the Darkstar is by far one of my favorite racquets. I gave up useing the Heatseaker 3.0 after receiving this racquet and I think you will be hard pressed to find another racquet that can rival this one for quite some time.
From: Shaun, VA Beach, VA, USA, 03/17
Skill-level: Elite
String type and tension: Oxygen 17 32
Comments: Tried the E-Force Darkstar out from a friend, he almost didn't get it back. What a great racquet. Power is off the charts. I really like the even balance on the Darkstar. Really couldn't ask for anything more out of a racquet. Touch shots up front are there. Control is there. Drive serves are phenomenal! Really looking forward to playing with this beast.
From: Bryan, Kingwood, TX, USA, 01/17
Skill-level: A
String type and tension: Ashaway Powerkill @ 34lbs
Comments: Just finished my demo with the 170 dark star. All I can say is wow! Very solid frame with incredible power. The control is good but power is outstanding. They say it's not the racquet that wins the game however after using this one I beg to differ. I ended up purchasing after the demo. Would def recommend to all players.
From: Cayl, Charleston, SC, USA, 12/16
Skill-level: A
Comments: Love racquetball have tried every mayor brand in the market. Purchased the Dark Star 170 strung it with Oxygen 17 at 30lbs, the racquet became the most powerful racquet that I ever played with. The control and touch was excellent, has a large sweet spot and felt lighter than 170. Will recommend this racquet to all my friends!!
From: Carlos, Miami, FL, USA, 11/16
Skill-level: A
String type and tension: Oxygen, 30lbs
Comments: Just got this racquet last week before our state doubles and we won the Mixed Open. Racquet feels great, never had so many aces in doubles before.
From: Lee, St. Paul, MN, USA, 11/16
Skill-level: Open
Comments: I've now played with this racquet for about a week and what can I say ..... WOW. First off the power seems rather expansive. When I think I've reached the end to the on ball energy the racquet can produce ... BAM ... More ball velocity for the next shot. If you like putting pace on the ball this is the racquet for you. Coupled with all this power is a HUGELy forgiving sweet spot that produces nearly limitless shot precision. I've found that even off sweetspot strike produce predictably directed shooting. All I can say is if you're looking for a top class racquet this is the one.
From: James, Olive Branch, MS, USA, 11/16
Skill-level: Elite
String type and tension: E-Force Oxygen 16
Comments: E-Force's best to date. Tremendous power and feel. Perfect balance and zero vibration. I have great confidence when I walk in to the court with the DarkStar!
From: Randy, Hayward, CA, USA, 10/16
Skill-level: Elite
String type and tension: Oxygen 17g 32lbs
Comments: Stunning power with lots of control. No vibration/solid and dampened. My drive serve has been lights out. Light and quick up front even at 170 grams/unstrung. Big improvement from my Apocalypse 160. Choose this stick, trust me.
From: Tyson, Long Beach, NY, USA, 09/16
Skill-level: B+
String type and tension: Ashaway Powerkill red 17
Comments: The best racquet by EFORCE so far. Lots of control, heavy head. I love it
From: TEJ, Irving, TX, USA, 09/16
Skill-level: Elite