Considerations when purchasing the ideal squash racket include budget, playing style and brand preference.
Stiffness has an effect on the power generated when striking a ball, with stiffer frames absorbing less impact energy and producing greater force when hit with an impactful shot.
Grip size is of great significance, as an improper fit may result in injury and hinder performance. Players should measure the circumference of their dominant hand by measuring around its base of the knuckles.
Frame Flexibility
Stiffness of a racket frame determines its power output. Stiffer frames flex less upon impact with the ball, enabling its string bed to absorb more of the energy generated during shots and generate greater power; on the contrary, flexible frames bend more when hit by shots, thus decreasing how much power can be generated by an impactful shot.
Rackets can be created from various materials that vary the stiffness of their frames. Hybrid materials like titanium tend to increase stiffness while pure graphite provides greater flexibility.
Stiffness can also be affected by the shape of the racket throat; closed throat frames tend to be stiffer while teardrop-shaped rackets tend to be more flexible.
Players’ preferences for stiffness or flexibility may also depend on the types of shots they prefer playing, for instance slower and more touch shots may require a flexible racket so as to improvise in tricky situations while hard hitting players may require something stiffer that allows more control in their shots.
Squash racket frame flexibility can be altered further through string patterns and tension adjustments. An open string pattern on a flexible frame will increase power while a dense 16×19 pattern on a rigid frame may improve control.
Weight can have a tremendous effect on how a squash racket feels and produces power, and in recent years we’ve witnessed rackets as light as 110g thanks to advances in materials and manufacturing technologies that allow for lightweight frames with superior stiffness-power ratios.
Head Flexibility
Head flexibility is an integral element in providing power and control when using a racket for squash. The head shape also influences how a squash racket feels to use; classic headshape is often preferred by players who emphasize accuracy over power; teardrop and closed throat styles may also be common choices.
Head light or head heavy is also an essential consideration when purchasing a squash racket, as head lighter models are easier to maneuver and work well for flicking shots; however, their high speed control may become harder with time.
Heavier rackets feature more weight in their heads, making it easier to generate power. However, this may come at the cost of maneuverability.
If you need assistance selecting a racket, we recommend speaking to your club coach or pro before making a decision. Often they have relationships with brands or stores you are considering for discounted pricing that could make a substantial difference to the final price (plus it helps support your club).
One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a racket for beginners or advanced players is whether you intend to play as a beginner or experienced player. We suggest choosing a lighter racket that allows for forgiving techniques while building good technique without overstraining your arms too much.
There are various weights of rackets on the market, from 110 grams up to 140+ grams. Heavier frames tend to generate more power while lighter rackets offer quicker movement with increased manoeuvrability.
HEAD has taken an innovative approach to squash racket flex. Their Flexpoint technology features two carefully engineered control holes designed to deliver power and control in every move made during play.
Head’s UNSQUASHABLE range features an amazing racquet called the Flexpoint 130 that’s both affordable and flexible! We were amazed to discover it was light even with overgrip grips (a feature we highly recommend), making this ideal for intermediates looking for power with control in their game. The head shape provides optimal power vs control.
Weight Distribution
Weight has an effect on how a squash racket feels and handles, as well as the amount of power it generates. A lighter racket may be easier for junior players without sufficient strength or skill to manage heavier rackets, while also relieving strain from muscles during play and making longer matches or intense training sessions more manageable.
Balance of a squash racket determines how much weight is distributed between its head and shaft, with different levels being concentrated closer to or further from either end of the racket. Rackets may be head heavy, evenly balanced or head light depending on personal preference and playing style; choosing either will ultimately depend on which style suits your playing best – head heavy rackets provide greater power due to more weight being concentrated closer to their heads, while head light rackets may offer easier manuvrability and could be more suitable for players prioritizing precision over speed when choosing their racket balance settings.
Squash rackets may be constructed out of aluminium or graphite; with graphite being the more popular choice due to its lightness and increased flexibility. Furthermore, graphite absorbs vibrations caused by impact with the stringbed which helps reduce damage while upholding frame integrity.
Teardrop frames generate more power due to their wider heads and long main strings, but tend to have smaller sweet spots than bridge frames – making them better suited to advanced players than teardrop. Bridge frames may be more forgiving of off-center shots due to narrower heads and shorter main strings; teardrop frames, on the other hand, require greater accuracy due to being wider at their sweet spots and narrower overall.
String patterns on squash rackets refer to the number and arrangement of main (vertical) and cross strings, typically with larger numbers indicating an open pattern that allows more control while lower numbers indicate denser, more powerful strings.
Head size plays an integral role in racket performance. Larger frames with bigger heads provide greater power while smaller head sizes increase control. Furthermore, larger frames may benefit players who strike harder as it allows for more momentum to build in their strokes.
Handle Flexibility
Rackets feature handles made of durable material – usually plastic – which wrap around their frames to reduce damage caused by impact with walls and floors during play. Furthermore, rackets also include bumper grommet sets which protect strings where they pass through the frame from impact damage as well as excessive friction. Ultimately, handle flexibility is personal preference – for example players who enjoy slower shots may prefer rigid rackets as this gives more control of their shots; conversely more flexible rackets may help players improvise under difficult situations.
Flex of a frame often depends on its construction material; titanium and carbon being popular choices.