How to Buy Squash Rackets
It may seem obvious, but there are many things to consider when you buy a squash racket. Below are some guidelines to help you to choose a racket that is right for you and that will suit your game. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to contact us via the Contact Us link at the top of this page and we will be in touch very shortly.
Large-headed squash rackets
Squash rackets with large heads (500 sq. cms+) are easier to play with and so
are a better choice for beginners. They have a larger sweetspot, which reduces
off-center shots, and generate more power at the same tension, because of the
longer string span. This allows the string to stretch more on impact with ball,
then release more energy. This also means that the ball stays on the string bed
for longer during the actual shot which makes it easier to control.
Tear-drop shaped squash rackets
Tear-drop shaped rackets vary in size, but benefit from a longer string-length
from the top of the racket to the throat. This means that the power generated
is increased. Tear-drop shaped rackets which use a fan stringing pattern, like
most Prince squash rackets, take this a step further - because the string is double
the length, threaded back on itself, it stretches more than a single length and
delivers more power, as a result. These rackets need to be strung at a higher
tension than rackets strung with straight stringing patterns, to give a similar feel.
Open-throat squash rackets
Most open-throat rackets use a straight stringing pattern which results in a flatter
string-bed because the string spacing is wider. This makes the direction of the
ball more controllable. Open-throat rackets also have a smaller, but better quality
sweetspot meaning that they can give better results in the right hands. Power
is better on open-throat rackets, provided that the ball is properly middled and
control is also improved. The downside is that they are more difficult to play
with and so are more suited to better players.
Increased sweetspot squash rackets
Some rackets achieve a happy medium between the two head shapes by using technologies
which increase the sweetspot of the racket, without increasing its size. These
technologies include Head's Total Sweetspot Technology and Prince's O-Ports. There
are still some trade-offs in terms of control and sweetspot quality, but many
people favour this type of racket, at all levels of the game.
Pick-up weight and Balance
The lightest squash rackets now weigh as little as 110 grams strung. If you play
with a lot of follow-through and like your racket to be very manoeuvrable, then
a very light racket may suit you. Slightly heavier rackets, however, give better
control of the ball, as a result of the additional swingweight. Generally, rackets
in the 130-145 gram range are suitable for most people. Unless you are the size
of David Palmer, you probably won't want to slog through five games with a racket
heavier than 150g - if your arm aches during matches, your racket is too heavy
for you. But, rackets are not always the weight they say the are and some are
marked up with the unstrung weight, some with the strung weight (about 15 grams
difference). The balance of the racket also determines how heavy it feels to
play with at least as much as its pick up weight, but a racket in the above weight
range should give you a good starting point.
Balance
The balance of the racket is the most influential factor in what a racquet will
be like to play with. Lighter rackets are generally balanced head-heavier and
heavier rackets, even or head-light. The former combination gives a racket with
a more pronounced pivot point, allowing for strokes which can be rapid and deceptive.
The latter is easier to handle and makes for a more natural, controlled game.
When choosing a squash racket, you should bear in mind that adding a grip changes
the balance enormously: For an even-balanced racket with an added thick grip such
as Karakal PU Supergrip, look at rackets which play slightly head-heavy to start
with as the grip itself weighs as much as 15 grams. To put this in perspective,
the balance adjustments made on Dunlop custom rackets are in 5 gram increments.
Although there are of course exceptions, different manufacturers tend to balance their rackets
similarly, with Dunlop, Prince and Wilson tending
towards head-heavy balances and Head more even.
Flex versus Stiffness
Stiffer rackets are capable of generating more power than flexible rackets, while
flexible rackets allow for more touch and feel. If you are a touch player and
wish to play with a medium to high string tension, a more flexible racket may
suit you. Alternatively, a lower string tension in a stiff frame will give adequate
touch and control and extra power.
