It can be a very daunting task when it comes to choosing a squash racket as there are so many brands, head size, weight, strings, string patterns and stiffness. Even for the very best of players it can be a difficult task.
We have tried our best to make it easier for you to choose a racket.
Beam
The beam width of squash rackets are generally between 16&21mm. Thin beams are for skilled players whereas the thicker beams are for less skilled players.
Grip
All squash rackets have the same grip size new. There are a few ways to build the grip up to the correct size for you.
- Replacement grips which is what all rackets come with. These should only be used as the first grip and not on top of another grip.
- Thin replacement grips: which can be put on top of the replacement grip. This will make it quite a bit thicker!
- Overgrips: which go over the replacement grips, and thin replacement grips.
Balance
The balance of a racket is very personal, some people like a head heavy racket and some players like an evenly balanced racket. A head heavy racket will give the racket more power.
Throat
There are two types of throats, open and closed. A closed throat racket will have a smaller string bed, decreasing the size of the sweet spot.
An open throat racket has a larger string bed, which is more forgiving on off-centre shots as the racket will have a larger sweet spot.
Strings & Stringing Tension
There are 3 different types of string:
- Natural Gut: This string is what most professional players play with, it plays the best with the best feel, it also comes with a high price tag.
- Multifilament: Also known as synthetic gut, this is the most popular string as it plays well, similarly to natural gut, but last longer.
- Monofilament: This is used by players who break strings regularly as it is a very tough string. But it comes with its downsides as well, there is less feel and comfort. These are mainly used as the main strings with a synthetic gut across.
Grommet Holes
They are used for strings to be threaded through.
Weight
Squash rackets vary in weight between 110g & 160g. Lighter weight rackets are great for more manoeuvrability and fast movement. You get more power with heavier rackets, but these are harder to move around quickly. A few years ago, the fashion was to go for lighter and lighter rackets. We think that the optimum weight is around 130-140 grams.