Squash rackets don’t all fit the same; each racket varies in terms of material, weight and balance as well as head size and throat shape. Therefore, it is wise to test out a variety of rackets until one finds one that best matches your playing style and level of skill.
Open throat squash rackets provide larger sweet spots and more forgiving frames, and are favoured by many top players like World No 1 Ali Farag.
Open Throat
Selecting the perfect racket for you is a personal decision and there are various elements that go into it. Many players select rackets that best match their individual playing styles, with plenty of options out there to help. Some key considerations when making this decision include frame throat width, head weight and overall balance – these all can greatly improve your game by strengthening positive aspects or compensating for potential weakness while providing better feel of the ball.
Selecting the type of racket frame throat you use is a critical decision that will influence how much power the racket produces. There are two primary styles, teardrop and classic. Of these rackets, teardrop rackets tend to offer greater power with larger string beds and sweet spots; teardrop frames also tend to twist more when hit off center than classic frames do, although teardrop frames have their own advantages such as being less stable overall and can twist less on off center hits.
For players who desire a more controlled feel from their rackets, open throat rackets may provide. These lighter models tend to have narrower beams which makes maneuverability easier – some of the top selling models in squash today feature these open throat rackets while there may also be classic shape ones available too.
Head weight and balance should also be taken into consideration; lighter rackets will be easier to manage on court but may lack power compared to more balanced models; try both heavy and light rackets until you find what best suits your play style.
Racket frame weights vary, with most being in the range of 110g-125g; there may be heavier ones designed for advanced players. Rackets are usually quoted unstrung and without grommets etc; lighter frames tend to be more maneuverable and are ideal for junior players or more offensive styles of playing; while heavier rackets provide additional power but also provide stability and power.
Closed Throat
Selecting the ideal squash racket can be challenging. Some players develop allegiances to one style of racket frame while others experiment with multiple models until finding one that works for their play style and needs. Many do this to further strengthen aspects of their game or compensate for weaknesses within their playing style.
Racket frames come equipped with various specifications such as shaft width, head size, beam thickness and string type/gauge; each of which plays an essential part in how well a racket performs on court. However, one common mistake made when buying rackets is neglecting what may be its most essential component – throat design.
This area refers to where the main strings connect with the frame of a racquet and can be divided into two distinct categories; open throat and classic (closed throat with bridge). An open throat provides additional power through an expanded sweet spot extending deeper into the head of the racquet head.
Unfortunately, this can make your racquet less manageable as strings have more give when snapping back and may twist a little on off center hits. To counteract this issue you can opt for slightly softer or heavier strings which deflect more on impact while moving back into their correct positions with minimal variance.
Closed throat racquets are generally perceived to be more controllable and are frequently chosen by experienced players looking to maximize the potential of their game. Many top pros, such as Ali Farag, Nick Matthew, and Marwan El Shorbagy rely on such frames such as Dunlop Sonic Core Revelation Pro or Head Graphene Touch Radical series as preferred models for maximum potential in their game.
Closed throat racquets offer stability and precision thanks to reduced head flex. This enables players to accurately place the ball onto the racquet head and execute precise shots with pinpoint shots. Furthermore, no flex means increased longevity as repeated impacts don’t damage it so easily.
Teardrop Throat
Many players approach selecting a new racket as an opportunity to improve an aspect of their game, either enhancing existing strengths or targeting areas they need work on. Therefore, selecting one which complements your playing style and head shape, balance and weight should all be factors when making their selection.
Teardrop or open throat rackets are commonly seen on squash rackets, and are known for allowing for string to move more freely into and down through the frame, creating a larger sweet spot and easier power production. Furthermore, open throat rackets tend to offer greater control and touch due to a larger string bed which allows easier deflection of the ball.
Teardrop rackets tend to be lighter and more maneuverable, providing players with greater access to their swing speed and making it easier for younger or more aggressive players to play with more deception and speed in their game. This can make teardrop rackets ideal for younger or more attacking players looking for greater deception and speed when competing on court.
Closed throat racquets provide greater control, as their shorter string length means it has less give when snapped back – known as the trampoline effect and aiding power production.
Balance in squash rackets refers to how weight is distributed between its head and beam. A head light racket features the majority of weight in its bottom-center frame for easier manipulation and dropping volleys; conversely, head heavy rackets feature more weight at their upper corners for greater power in hitting drop shots.
Unstrung racket weight is typically included in racquet specifications, representing its raw frame weight without string or other materials attached. This number may differ between rackets as different materials and manufacturing techniques can impact final weight – for instance a titanium frame tends to weigh more due to being denser.
Bridge Throat
Bridge throat design rackets (or closed throat rackets) include a bridge which spans across the entire throat area to offer greater control to players, making this style especially well suited to players looking for accuracy over power. Furthermore, this feature also helps provide greater torsional stability – helping minimise twisting effects when off centre hits occur – which our UNSQUASHABLE TOUR-TEC rackets all feature. Top players such as George Parker, Josh Masters and Temwa Chileshe all prefer this type of racket.
Open throat teardrop racquets can generate more power due to more space for the string to move down into the throat, while bridge throat designs limit this movement, potentially increasing power but potentially diminishing sweet spot size.
Closed throat racquets such as those offered by Dunlop Sonic Core series and Head Graphene Touch Radical series offer excellent control for experienced players looking to add positive elements of their game or overcome any weaknesses they might have in their game. Their shorter distance between strings contact with frame allows more consistent response when strings snap back resulting in greater consistency of responses from them.
Weight of the racket can also have an effect on its performance; lighter rackets tend to be easier for beginners and attacking players to maneuver while heavier ones offer greater stability; they may be preferred by more traditionalist players with slower swinging styles.
Racket shaft strength should be taken into consideration when selecting a new racket; it determines the stiffness and power you can generate with each shot. Titanium and hybrid materials are frequently utilized in top squash rackets for their stiffness and stability while experienced players often prefer pure graphite frames instead.
String gauge (thickness) plays an integral part in how well your racquet performs, with 17 gauge strings offering less flex for beginners and 19 gauge strings promoting greater string flexion for advanced players looking to increase power generation.