Would you like to learn what factors to look for when buying a new Squash Racquet? As a long term Squash player I know the trials and tribulations of the sport. From mastering techniques to buying new a new racquet, the game can be unforgiving for beginners. If you are interested in purchasing a new racquet and are unsure of what to look for, the following will direct you to a suitable racquet for yourself.
Today we shall run through what you should look for in a squash racquet, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced player. For many of you this will purely be a re-hash on what you already know, though perhaps their may be items you have not thought of before. For the beginners, while all of the below will be essential in your decision making criteria, the most important thing you can do is visit your local squash courts and ask for a practice hit.
Let us begin with the Weight of the Racquet:
The weight of squash racquets vary between ~120grams and ~210grams. Most racquets fall into a range of 140-170 grams (strung). The lighter squash racquet will indicate a cutting edge technology & materials have been used in its construction, this invariably leads to an increase in price.
Lighter racquets are suitable for three types of players. Juniors, women and 'touch' players. Juniors and women will prefer the lighter racquet as they will be easier to carry and less straining. Touch players will prefer the lighter racquets as they provide a better feel and allow for improved racquet agility. The more experienced players amongst us will benefit the most from a lighter racquet.
Heavier racquets on the other hand do not require the same level of skill and technique to be effective. The additional weight provides more power during a swing. This additional weight in the squash racquet provides more momentum to the swing which means that a players shot is less likely to run afoul. This is a very good thing for beginner to intermediate players who want to improve their over all game and increase their confidence with more consistent shots.
The Balance of a Squash Racquet varies substantially in where their center of balance lies. A Racquet is either head heavy, head light or neutral. Neutral is what most people prefer, and the other options typically indicate a poor balance and poor design. Squash racquets that feel heavy are typically head heavy. Racquets that feel powerless are typically head light. The only true way to get an idea of how a racquet is balanced is to try it out. Get to your local squash courts and try before you buy!
The Stiffness of the Racquet dependent upon the design of the racquet, the materials used in the racquet and the strings. Stiffer racquets typically provide a higher degree of accuracy and increased power but require a better grasp both literally and of squash techniques. Racquet stiffness is often a personal choice. If you find that you often get sore, bruised hands or tired fore arms, try using a softer racquet. Also add some softer grip tape.
The Shape of the Racquet Head is a key point when picking out a racquet for a beginner and a racquet for a more experienced player. A hard and fast rule is larger racquet heads provide a more consistent and powerful shot. Consistent shot means there will be less 'faulty' shots due to an increase in the margin in error, though not necessarily an increase in accuracy.
Racquet Strength and durability is affected by craftsmanship, build material and player! While many manufacturers use all sorts of fancy materials now days, the key to a racquet lasting a long time is left to the player. Too many hard blows to the wall or to the ground will make short work of nearly all squash racquets. Though it has become common place that titanium racquets do not last very long. Apart from this, by sticking to most of the typical squash racquet manufacturers (Head, Dunlop, Prince, etc.) the durability of your racquet should be a moot point.
