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Best Guide for Squash Rackets

A squash racket is a first and most evident necessity when starting to play squash. Although you can borrow a racket or take one out from the back of the cupboard, the best option is to buy a good quality starter racket without spending a lot. The shape and structure of squash rackets have changed significantly over the past 10-20 years and you are likely to get a lot more pleasure from playing with a modern-day style of the racket. 

Beginners can opt to buy a ‘teardrop’ shaped squash racket as these rackets have a tendency to be more lenient, easier to use, and more powerful than the more ‘classic’ head-shaped rackets.

Some wonderful and inexpensive examples include Wilson Hammer 110 or 120, HEAD Nano Ti 110/115, and the Dunlop Black storm Titanium squash rackets. For £35-50 you can purchase a racket which is graphite or titanium construction, and which should last as your standard of play continues to improve. Rackets costing less than £30 are available in more generalist sports shops but may turn out to be false market as they are more likely to be a much more basic construction e.g. aluminum and they are also heavier, harder to use and will need upgrading relatively quickly. 

Squash rackets are supplied pre-strung but will require re-stringing from time. The factory strings supplied in the rackets will be adequate for any beginner.

Everything you need to know about squash

Below are the few things that need to be considered in the process of deciding on the best squash racket.

Squash Racquet Price

Pricing is the most important thing you need to know and be aware of before buying any squash racquet. The prices may vary from very cheap to very expensive racquets, you may choose according to your game level and requirements. Your decisions will be based on how much you can comfortably afford to invest in your racquet. If the less costly racquet is meeting all your comfort and game requirements you do not need to buy any costly racquets but only if you want to look cool.

It is recommended for the beginners to buy a racquet ranging between $30-$50 on a starter racket, but the best value is going to be a racquet around $100-$150 if you are serious about the game. The most expensive racquets are over $200.

Squash Racquet Quality

There are lots of considerations that can impact the characteristics and behavior of the squash racket, including the material, shape of the head, size, balance, and weight. You need to try out and handle a few rackets to see which is most effective for your gameplay.

One needs to go with the squash racket that matches their skill level. The highest quality racquet is constructed with better qualities and will last longer than other cheap quality racquets.

Racquet Construction

As we talked about construction there are two main types of structure in a squash racquet, the Open throat design, and the Closed throat construction.

  • An open throat will help provide control and stability due to the shorter main strings.
  • A closed throat has a larger sweet spot and normally generates more power.

Now you have to choose according to your gameplay.

Racquet Balance

In Squash there are three different categories of balance in a racquet. Headlight racquets, head-heavy racquets, and evenly balanced racquets. Each play in a different way and has different advantages to the player.

  • Head Light

The headlight has less weight in the head and more weight in the handle makes these racquets feel and sturdier and more controllable.

  • Head Heavy 

Head heavy has the majority of weight in the head, these racquets give more power with less effort.

  • Even

 Evenly distributed weight will make these racquets provide maneuverability (faster swing) while still generating power.

Racquet Weight

Squash racquets range in weight from 110 grams to 170 grams. The suitable weight of the racquet typically depends on personal choice. There are advantages to both a lighter racquet and a heavier racquet.

  • Lightweight (110G – 145G)

 A light racquet allows for quick wrist movement, quicker movement of the head, allows you to have a soft touch and good feel, aid in deception in front of the court, easier control.

  • Heavyweight (145G – 170G)

A heavier racquet helps in adding more power to your shots, offers stability, and a smooth force through the ball.

Grip Shape

Squash racquets have a traditional handle size, but the handle shape can change among companies. The shape that you decide to use is going to come down to personal preference.

  • Rounded Handle

It feels more like a baseball bat

  • Rectangular Handle

It feels more like a tennis racquet.

Some commonly asked questions

  1. Is it possible to play with a broken squash racquet?

It is not recommended to play with a broken squash racquet. You may try and tape it back together. You must throw the broken racquet away. It is always recommended to buy a new pair of racquets to avoid any hassle in your game

  1. What are the best squash racquet strings?

For stringing your racquet, it depends on if you are playing singles or doubles squash. You will need about 10 meters of string to restring your squash racquet strings. You can string individually or in bulk.

  • Singles Racquet String Tension

 String your tension at 26-28 pounds (more power at lower tensions)

  • Doubles Racquet String Tension

String your racquet tension at 27-29 pounds (more control at higher tensions)

  1. What if I break the racquet strings?

If you break your strings, you will want to get your racquet restrung. This will run you roughly $30 due to the cost of materials and labor. If your club restrings racquets, just drop the racquet off. Most tennis shops will also string squash racquets and are familiar with how to string them, even if they do not sell squash racquets in their tennis store.

Points to Ponder

  • Squash racquets come in ranges from 90kg to 180kg. The average weight is 130kg. You need to have a lighter racquet if you a more aggressive, strong hitting player. A heavier racquet will help players with a slow or weak swing generate more power with the heavier squash racquet weight.
  • Graphite is the leading material squash racquets are made of. This allows the racquet to be lightweight but durable. Aluminum is another material used to make squash racquets. An aluminum squash racquet is not recommended by experts.
  • What consistently needs updating is your squash racquet strings, which should be replaced on an annual basis.

Squash Racquet Conclusion

As listed above, numerous factors go into making a racquet the best for you as an individual player. As a result of your play style and physical characteristics, one racquet may suit you better than the next player.

If you are just starting, the Black Knight C2C nXS will be a good option for either singles or doubles play. As an advanced player singles player, you cannot go wrong looking at the Tecnifibre CarboFlex described in the previous blog. If you are looking to play only doubles, the Harrow M-140 is the way we would steer you.

While picking the right squash racquet is skill-specific, picking the right shoes comes down to personal preference and comfort. Picking the right shoe can be critical to longevity in playing because of the constant work your legs and joints take in playing squash.

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