Squash players often turn to BlazePod's flash reflex lights to sharpen agility, reaction speed, and on-court reflexes. BlazePod is not the only option, though.
Several alternatives offer similar, or expanded, features for agility and reaction training, and all can be purchased worldwide. Below we compare some top options, looking at their key differences, pricing, mobile app integration, training modes, and user feedback.
Each of these systems can be adapted to squash-specific drills such as ghosting, footwork, and reflex work, helping you react faster to unpredictable play.
1. FITLIGHT Training System: Professional-Grade Light Pods
FITLIGHT is one of the original wireless reaction training light systems, used by elite sports teams and trainers around the world. It is a pro-grade setup known for durability and advanced features.
Each FITLIGHT pod has both motion (proximity) and touch sensors, so it can be deactivated by either touching it or moving within a set distance (configurable from 10 to 80cm). This is a key difference: BlazePod relies on tap input, while FITLIGHT adds proximity triggers for more dynamic drills.
Mobile app integration
FITLIGHT comes with a subscription-free app on iOS and Android. The app includes over 30 pre-programmed drills across 8 categories, and you can also build your own.
It supports user profiles, saved session data, and managing multiple light pods for group training. The connection range is strong, roughly 50 to 75 meters via Bluetooth or WiFi, which is plenty for a full squash court or gym.
Training modes and features
FITLIGHT's drills range from simple color targets to more complex cognitive challenges. You can customize sequences, set reaction-time benchmarks, and get immediate feedback.
Each pod's sensitivity is adjustable, with three touch intensity levels and distance thresholds for motion. The pods are water-resistant and built to withstand heavy use, which suits squash training where a player might step on or hit a pod during intense drills.
Pricing
FITLIGHT is a premium-priced option. Approximate kit prices:
- 4-light kit: about $999 USD
- 6 lights: around $1,199
- 8 lights: about $1,349
- 12 lights: roughly $1,999
Kits include a carrying and charging case, velcro mounts, and cables. That works out to well over $200 per pod, but you are paying for professional-level hardware. The standard warranty covers the LED units for one year.
User feedback
Among trainers, FITLIGHT is considered top-of-the-line for reaction training. It is used by pro teams across several sports and in rehabilitation settings. Coaches praise its versatility and the instant feedback and data tracking it provides.
The main drawback is price. BlazePod's much lower cost and phone-based control are trade-offs against FITLIGHT's robust sensors and reliability.
For a squash coach or club with a larger budget, FITLIGHT can fit into advanced agility programs, for example mounting pods in corners to train players to react and move to flashing targets. If budget is not a concern and you want what many professionals use, FITLIGHT delivers a full-featured, subscription-free experience.
2. Reaction X: Affordable, Feature-Rich Pods
For a more budget-friendly alternative that still packs advanced features, Reaction X is worth a look. It is marketed as one of the most affordable alternatives to BlazePod and FITLIGHT, and it offers interactive LED pods with many of the capabilities of pricier systems.
Reaction X pods include sensors and modes beyond BlazePod's. The Pro version has four sensor functions: touch, short-range proximity, long-range proximity, and a vibration sensor, whereas the Basic version has close-range touch and proximity only.
This means Reaction X can register a hand wave or nearby body movement, not just direct taps, which is useful for squash drills where you want to count near hits, for example ghosting into a corner within a certain distance. The pods can also emit sound in certain games and modes, adding an extra layer of stimulus.
Mobile app integration
Reaction X uses a free mobile app, with no subscription required, on iOS and Android. The app supports multiple languages and works on phones and tablets.
From the app you can control several pods, start preset drills or design custom exercises, and track reaction times to 0.01 second accuracy for each hit. You can also save scores, set up multi-player battles, and view history, which is good for competitive practice.
Reaction X has 18 built-in training modes. These include standard reaction games plus more creative ones:
- Battle mode: race to hit more lights than your opponent
- Sequence: lights flash in a set order or pattern
- Color Duel: each player responds only to their assigned color
- Home Base: return to a base light between targets, similar to recovering to squash's T position
- True/False: hit the light that appears least often in a sequence, adding a mental task while you react
- Listening: the lights are off and one will beep, so you tap the one making the sound
These brain-engaging drills show how Reaction X focuses on cognitive agility, not just physical speed.
Key features and differences
Reaction X pods are designed to be tough and versatile. They have a soft silicone-gel coating that holds up during intense training.
Each pod has built-in magnets and velcro on the back, and the kits come with mounts, so you can attach them to walls, mirrors, floors, or a squash court's walls without extra accessories. This is a useful advantage, since BlazePod requires separate mounts for walls or cones, whereas Reaction X includes multiple mounting options in the box.
Battery life is solid, around 20 hours per charge, and pods recharge in about an hour using a multi-head USB cable. Six pods are usually enough for a wide variety of drills.
Pricing
Reaction X is significantly cheaper than BlazePod for the hardware. Pricing varies by seller, but a 6-pod set typically runs in the range of roughly $250 to $370 depending on whether you choose the Basic or Pro version, which comes out to well under the per-pod cost of BlazePod or FITLIGHT.
Even including a hard case and mounts, Reaction X stays affordable, and free worldwide shipping is often offered. The lower cost combined with more features is why many athletes pick Reaction X as an alternative to BlazePod and FITLIGHT.
User reviews
Reaction X has earned praise for its functionality and value. Athletes and trainers appreciate the cost savings and the richer feature set. Some users report that touch sensitivity is better tuned than BlazePod, with no need to hit excessively hard to register a tap.
The variable sensor settings let you avoid false triggers or missed hits by adjusting sensitivity. Some reviewers who tried both systems preferred Reaction X for being more enjoyable and better suited to their workouts. They liked being able to hang the pods anywhere and the ease of setting up home-base drills by numbering the pods in the app.
In online forums, some squash players note that BlazePod's subscription model and lack of proximity sensors make Reaction X and similar products more attractive. Reaction X offers a full-featured reaction training system (lights, sound, multiple modes) that is squash-ready. You can scatter the pods around the court for ghosting games, or use the listening mode for drills focused on auditory reaction.
3. A-Champs ROX and ROX Pro: Multi-Sensory Reaction Pods with Vibration
A-Champs ROX is another reaction training system, notable for adding multi-sensory feedback rather than light alone. The ROX devices were designed with input from sports scientists and have been adopted by athletes across several sports, including squash.
Squash world number one Paul Coll has used ROX in his training, saying the system has taken his training to the next level and helps him improve his cognitive-motor abilities along with his physical reactions, including for ghosting drills. The system aims to train the brain and body together, in line with the sports-science emphasis on cognitive training during physical drills.
Key features
Each A-Champs ROX pod provides light, sound, and vibration stimuli. The pods have both tap sensors and touchless motion sensors. A ROX can flash a colored light, emit a sound, and vibrate, individually or in combination, to prompt the athlete.
You might have a ROX on the floor that buzzes and lights up so you feel and see it, or pods behind you that only use sound so you rely on hearing. A-Champs describes this as multi-sensory training designed to engage more neural pathways and more closely simulate real-game decision making.
The pods are built from tough polycarbonate and ABS, are weather-resistant, and are meant for indoor and outdoor use. Some models support wireless charging, and standard kits charge via USB cables or a docking case.
Product range
A-Champs offers a few configurations:
- ROX (entry-level): light, sound, and vibration, sold in small packs for individual use
- ROXPro: adds longer battery life, faster charging, a wider connection range, and more extensive app features for group and field training
- ROXProX: the top bundle
For most squash training needs the differences are modest, since all ROX variants offer the core multi-sensory reaction functions.
Mobile app integration
The A-Champs ROX app is free and does not require a subscription. It is available on iOS and Android and comes with guided programs for different sports.
Through the app you can customize drills, set the sensory cues (light only, light plus sound, and so on), adjust difficulty, and track performance data in real time. The app records reaction times and scores, and you can compare or share results.
A-Champs also provides a dashboard for coaches and club use. All features and updates are included, which contrasts with BlazePod's paid membership for some advanced app features.
Training modes
A-Champs designs the system for a wide variety of drills, with a library that includes squash-specific exercises. For example, ROX pods placed in court corners can light up randomly or play a sound for a particular corner, forcing the player to react as if retrieving an unpredictable shot.
You can also create custom games, for example programming red to mean drop shot and green to mean drive, to train decision-making under pressure. The system supports both solo training and multiplayer competitions.
You can run focus drills (one person responds to all cues) or versus drills (pods alternate between players or assign colors to each player). Memory and cognitive games are possible too. Because ROX can vibrate, you can also build peripheral-vision drills where a pod vibrates to signal go instead of using a visual cue, training reaction without direct line of sight.
Pricing
A-Champs ROX systems are priced competitively. Approximate full prices:
- Basic ROX: starts around $99
- ROXPro: around $149
- Flagship ROXProX 3-piece set: around $269
Discounts are often available, and larger bundles for teams scale up accordingly. There are no recurring software fees, and A-Champs ships worldwide.
User feedback
Feedback on ROX is generally positive, especially from serious athletes. Paul Coll has spoken about using ROX to improve his already elite movement speed, noting that it replaced a routine where an app called out random numbers for court corners and that it also collects data.
The sound cues mean a player cannot anticipate as easily, prompting a more automatic reaction that resembles match situations. Trainers in other sports report that ROX keeps athletes engaged, since the lights and sounds turn drills into interactive games.
The multi-sensory aspect is often highlighted as helpful for realistic decision-making under pressure, and physios use ROX in rehab to get patients moving with engaging cues. If there is a drawback, it is that the app has a lot of features to learn, though A-Champs provides tutorials.
ROX matches BlazePod on core features and adds vibration and sound, and it can support squash training, from reaction volleys to footwork drills, on or off the court.
4. Lummic Reaction Lights: Lights with Sound for Sport, Fitness, and Rehab
Lummic is a reaction light system developed in Spain, often branded as TrendingFit Lummic. It offers auditory and visual reaction training with an emphasis on versatility across ages and settings.
Lummic's idea is that reaction lights are not just for athletes, so the app includes modes for sports training, kids' games, and memory exercises for older adults. That makes Lummic a dual-purpose tool: a serious agility trainer and a gamified learning tool for all ages.
For squash players, Lummic can be used to train reflexes and agility on the court, and its sound features and game modes help keep sessions fresh.
Features
A Lummic kit has several round LED pods that light up in various colors and emit sounds. The sound variety is a distinctive feature: beyond simple beeps, the app lets you assign sounds such as piano notes or animal noises to the pods, which can add some fun to training.
Pods can be used in light-only mode, sound-only mode, or both, so you can do drills focused on auditory reaction by turning off the LEDs. The system registers taps via an accelerometer, but it does not have a true proximity sensor, so you generally touch or knock the pod to deactivate it.
A neat design element is that Lummic pods stack for charging: you plug one cable into the bottom pod and charge a stack at once, which reduces cable clutter.
Mounting and portability
Lummic kits come with a generous accessory bundle. Even the base kit includes straps, suction cups, magnets, and hook mounts.
- The body straps let you attach lights to a player's arms or legs. For squash, you could strap a light to a wrist or shoe and create drills where the player touches the wall with the lit-up part of their body.
- The suction cups stick to walls or glass, handy on a court wall or a mirror.
- The hooks can attach to poles or stake into turf.
A carrying bag is also included. Each pod is relatively lightweight, so the set is easy to carry and even kids can handle the pods.
Mobile app and modes
The Lummic app, for iOS and Android, is required to run the system, and its features are free. The app includes pre-configured programs across categories such as Fitness, Sports drills, Kids games, and Senior exercises.
You can also build your own drills by setting parameters like time on, intervals, number of lights active, and whether lights, sounds, or both are used. The app tracks hits and misses and provides basic stats at the end of a session.
Some reviewers note app shortcomings, including rough translations and limited guidance for certain drills, so for squash you may need to improvise using a generic agility mode or custom settings to replicate ghosting. Pairing and core functionality are reliable, and once you learn the modes the variety is large.
Pricing
Lummic is mid-range, generally cheaper than BlazePod and more expensive than Reaction X. A 4-light kit runs roughly $260 to $285 including accessories, with 6-light and 8-light kits scaling up from there.
Lummic sells directly and through distributors, with worldwide shipping. Compared with BlazePod, a Lummic 4-pack is similar in cost but includes more mounting accessories out of the box, plus sound capability.
User feedback
Users say Lummic lights make training genuinely fun. One tester reported that repetitive exercises like squats or planks became enjoyable with the lights, to the point of pushing longer than they otherwise would. Turning drills into games can help you try harder without noticing, which is useful for squash training that can get monotonous, like endless ghosting.
The multi-use aspect is another plus, since families can use Lummic for kids' play and serious training, and there are reports of coaches using them in PE classes and older adults using the senior mode for cognitive exercises.
On the downside, the app translation and interface have drawn criticism, with at least one reviewer giving the hardware high marks but the app a lower score for confusing language and thin guidance on difficulty levels. A few buyers also mention occasional defective units.
Lummic is a solid alternative that emphasizes fun and variety, well-suited for individual squash practice or club use. Just expect a learning curve with the app. For the price you get a full kit with mounts and a bag, plus light and sound stimuli to keep training dynamic.
5. SKLZ Reactive Flash: Simple Reactive Light Pods with Pre-set Games
If you prefer a no-phone, no-frills option, the SKLZ Reactive Flash is a noteworthy alternative. SKLZ is a well-known brand in sports training gear, and the Reactive Flash is a set of 4 wireless LED pods designed to develop quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and agility.
Unlike BlazePod and others, this system does not require an app or smart device. The pods have built-in programs and are controlled by one master pod. That can be appealing if you want to avoid screens or just want a plug-and-play tool for agility drills.
Features and design
The kit comes with 4 light pods colored red, blue, yellow, and green. Each pod has a 360-degree touch sensor, so it can detect a hit from any side or angle. The lights are bright and visible from a distance, and you can use them on the ground or prop them up.
They are built to be tough, with SKLZ stating they withstand up to 300 lbs of force, so athletes can stomp on them during drills without breaking them. Non-slip rubber feet keep them stable on gym floors or turf, and they are water-resistant for outdoor training. The pods come with a hard carrying case that also serves as a charging station, charging via USB with a splitter for all four.
Training modes
Reactive Flash has 4 pre-programmed games accessible at the press of a button. These cover solo reaction (one light goes on at a time, you hit it, then another lights at random, counting how many you hit in a set time), hand-eye coordination drills, and multiplayer modes where pods light up in two colors so players compete to hit their color first.
You can configure the game duration, and the master pod keeps score. Up to 4 players can use it at once, individually or in teams.
Because there is no tablet or app, you will not get stored analytics or deep customization, so you are limited to the built-in games. Some users like the simplicity: there is no setup beyond turning the pods on and choosing a mode.
Pricing
The SKLZ Reactive Flash retails around $220 USD for the 4-pod set and is often found in sporting goods stores and online. It is frequently on sale closer to $199. Given that it includes the case and does not require a phone, many find it good value.
Keep in mind that SKLZ does not sell expansions, so you are capped at 4 pods and those built-in games. If you need more lights, you would buy another set.
User feedback
Reviews of Reactive Flash are generally positive among its target audience. Youth sports coaches in particular like it for drills because it is rugged and easy to set up, and PE teachers use it for relay races and tag games since the colorful lights get kids engaged quickly.
For squash, you could place four pods around the T area and have a player in the center lunge to tap whichever pod lights, then recover, repeating until time is up, which mimics ghosting with random direction changes. The limitation is that you cannot program specific squash patterns or integrate it with coaching apps.
Some users wish for more than 4 modes or the ability to create custom drills, but acknowledge that at this price it serves its purpose. Battery life is about 4 to 5 hours per charge, usually enough for a session, and charging is quick with the USB splitter.
SKLZ Reactive Flash is a solid entry-level reaction trainer that does not require a phone or subscription. Its feature set is the most basic of the options here, so it is best for those who want to add light-based games to general fitness or junior training without needing detailed data. If you later want more depth, you may outgrow it, but for many squash enthusiasts it is a fun addition to solo practice or coaching sessions.
Comparison Table
| System | Sensors and stimuli | App and modes | Price | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FITLIGHT (Pro system) | Touch and proximity (10 to 80cm), three touch intensity levels, durable splash-proof pods | Subscription-free app, over 30 pre-loaded drills in 8 categories, fully customizable, multi-user profiles, real-time and saved data | About $999 for 4 pods up to roughly $1,999 for 12 pods, including case and mounts | Professional grade, used by elite teams, long range of 50 to 75 meters, high cost per pod, one-year warranty on the LED units |
| Reaction X | Touch, short and long-range proximity, vibration sensor, sound feedback, silicone-gel shockproof casing | Free app with 18 training modes (Standard, Battle, Sequence, Color Duel, Home Base, True/False, Listening), multi-language, scores tracked to 0.01 second accuracy | Roughly $250 to $370 for a 6-pod set depending on Basic or Pro, with free worldwide shipping often offered | Among the most affordable per pod, magnets and velcro built in for easy mounting, no subscription, praised for responsive sensors and extra modes versus BlazePod |
| A-Champs ROX (ROX, Pro, ProX) | Multi-sensory light, sound, and vibration cues, touch and touchless motion sensors, impact-resistant weatherized pods | Free app with guided programs and a large drill library including squash-specific drills, fully customizable sequences, multiplayer support, coach dashboard, real-time metrics | About $99 for a single ROX up to about $269 for a 3-pod ROXProX set, with larger kits available and no ongoing fees | Multi-sensory training (vibration and sound add a cognitive edge), endorsed by squash world number one Paul Coll, free app with continual updates, slight learning curve due to many features |
| Lummic (TrendingFit) | Light plus sound, pods flash in various colors and play tones, piano, or animal noises, tap sensor for deactivation, stackable charging design | Free app with pre-set modes for fitness, sports, kids, and seniors, plus configurable custom workouts and multi-user support; tracks hits, though the interface has drawn criticism for translation and guidance | Roughly $260 to $285 for a 4-pack, scaling up for larger kits, includes straps, suction cups, magnets, hooks, and a bag | Audio-enhanced drills add variety, appeals to all ages from kids' games to senior therapy, many accessories included, the app needs improvement but the training is engaging |
| SKLZ Reactive Flash | Light only, 4 colored pods (red, blue, yellow, green) using 360-degree touch sensors, no sound output, durable build rated to handle 300 lbs of force, water-resistant | No smartphone app, controlled by a built-in master pod, 4 pre-programmed game modes (solo and multiplayer) and on-device score display | About $220 for 4 pods plus case, often on sale near $199, with a USB charging cable and hard case included | Standalone system with very easy setup and no tech hassle, but fewer modes and not expandable beyond 4 pods; good for basic reflex training and youth-team drills, with no data tracking or customization |
How to Choose
All of these options can be purchased worldwide, through official websites or global retailers. Each supports agility, reflex, and reaction-speed training, but their focus and feature sets vary.
BlazePod set a high bar with its polished app and large user community, but these alternatives show you can find systems with no subscriptions (FITLIGHT, Reaction X, ROX, Lummic, and SKLZ all offer full functionality without recurring fees) and with extra features like sound, vibration, or advanced sensors.
When choosing, consider what matters most for your squash training:
- If you want precise timing data and pro-level robustness, FITLIGHT is a proven, if expensive, choice.
- If you are on a budget but still want rich features, Reaction X delivers strong value, with more modes and sensor types than BlazePod.
- If multi-sensory cognitive training appeals to you, A-Champs ROX is well regarded in squash circles for training reaction under pressure.
- If you prioritize fun and versatility for all ages, Lummic turns training into a game with sounds and creative exercises.
- If you need simplicity and portability above all, SKLZ Reactive Flash is a grab-and-go solution with no phone required.
All of these systems can fit into squash training sessions. For example, you can work on your split-step and first-step speed by placing any of these lights on the court floor: when a light flashes, sprint and touch it, then return to the T, repeating for random locations. This drill mimics reacting to an opponent's shot.
Many squash coaches use such drills to train peripheral vision and reaction, since the light cues force players to respond to something unpredictable, much like a real rally. The system you choose will shape how elaborate your drills can get: with ROX or Lummic you can add auditory cues, and with Reaction X you can add false targets of the wrong color to avoid.
There are several effective BlazePod alternatives that can boost agility and reflexes for squash. Each has its own strengths, whether it is FITLIGHT's professional pedigree, Reaction X's affordability and features, ROX's multi-sensory engagement, Lummic's all-ages gamification, or SKLZ's simple practicality.
By weighing your budget, the features you want, and your training context, you can pick an option that keeps your reaction workouts challenging and fits the way you practice.
