Squash players usually string their rackets at a relatively high tension. They play frequently and typically compete in local leagues, ladders and inter-club matches.
Many players harbor misperceptions about string tension. Tighter strings provide greater control, while looser ones create more power; finding the optimal balance is key to finding success on court.
Power
For maximum power from their squash strings, players should take into account their string gauge (thickness). Thicker 17g or 18g strings typically deliver more power than thinner 16g strings and hold tension longer as a result of being more durable and long-lived than thinner alternatives.
Players can control the power that their squash string delivers by adjusting its tension. Higher string tensions produce stiffer string beds that limit how long a ball takes to impact and provide greater player control.
As players restring their rackets more frequently, their knowledge of which string type and tension to use increases. Professional players will frequently switch up their string selection depending on conditions as well as personal preferences for either power or control.
An expert might select a lower powered string on an all-glass court to maximize feel and control; when playing on a glass/poly court where speed is key, they might choose higher tension to promote power.
Beginning or casual players should start with lower tension settings and gradually increase it over time as their skills improve, to maximise the sweet spot on their racquet and generate more power through their swing. This will maximize its sweet spot while providing maximum swing power generation.
Ashaway’s PowerNick uses Zyex fiber core material, which produces more power. This type of string is ideal for chronic string breakers as well as players looking to increase the power of their racquet.
Players can maximize the performance of their racquet by regularly monitoring its string’s condition and replacing it when necessary. A common misperception among many is that waiting until their strings break to replace them; this is actually incorrect: over time a racquet’s strings lose elasticity even if not being used, therefore at least three times annually replacement should occur.
Control
Many players prefer stringing their rackets with lower tension to gain more control of the ball. Lower string tension allows more string elasticity to bounce off the surface of the ball and dig in more deeply, increasing traction and thus control. If strung too loosely though, your racquet may feel unresponsive and it won’t be as simple to generate power from shots.
Core material selection is of primary concern when selecting strings for control purposes. Although most strings are composed of nylon multifilaments, Ashaway offers string types with more effective performance characteristics like Zyex fiber cores that stiffen more than regular multifilament multifilaments for increased power output.
Another key element of a squash string is its outer coating. This will determine how the string feels on your racket; some varieties are coated with plastic which decreases overall stiffness while increasing ‘dwell time’ resulting in more responsive playback from the racket.
Other strings may be covered in fabric to increase durability and softness of their strings, while stringers often combine different materials such as Kevlar or polyester for optimal performance.
When selecting the ideal string, the best approach is to test it yourself on your racket, consult other players and locate an experienced stringer that you trust. Most reliable stringers offer various string options for trialing purposes as well as advice about which ones would suit your playing style and frame best. Regular string changes – at least every two weeks – should help to extend its useful life by preventing its breaking prematurely while keeping it in good condition for longer.
Feel
When it comes to choosing a squash string, its type and tension can have a huge impact on its feel. For instance, multifilament strings tend to be kinder on arm injuries than monofilament ones due to being made up of multiple individual fibers twisted or braided together for soft yet powerful playability with greater control than monofilaments which feature stiffer materials with firmer textures which may not provide as much forgiveness on impact.
Thickness or gauge refers to the amount of power a squash string can generate. Thinner strings (with lower gauge numbers) bounce more and stretch back further on impact with the ball – creating what is known as the trampoline effect and thus more power is generated from impact with it. Furthermore, thinner strings dig deeper into the surface of the ball for greater control.
Thicker strings tend to last longer and be easier on your arms, though this can reduce elasticity which improves their feel. They may also make playing frequently at high levels more taxing.
Professional players tend to favor multifilament strings as they’re easier on the arm and provide a more consistent feel. Many are particularly selective about which string they use as it can drastically change the way a racket performs in terms of power and control.
When selecting the ideal squash string, always consult with both your coach and racket manufacturer to select one that is most suited to you. While these guidelines can provide a starting point, the real key to selecting your ideal string lies within finding one you enjoy playing with – though note that using proper technique, higher tension may generate more power; newcomers and casual players should generally aim for lower tension to develop their strength more gradually.
Durability
Though most players won’t notice a difference between string types in terms of feel, durability is extremely important for competitive players. Regular restringing of your racket helps maintain optimal power, control, and feel for you and your playing style; additionally it extends its lifespan by increasing usage between restringings.
Multifilament nylon strings have become the industry standard due to their lower price point and faster tension loss compared to natural gut, but this does require frequent restringing as its tension decreases quickly causing it to break easily and require restringing efforts.
Thicker squash strings (usually 17 gauge or thicker) tend to last longer and hold their tension better, but can limit playability. Thinner strings offer increased power and more elasticity but tend to be less durable.
Key to your racket’s power output lies within its ‘trampoline effect’ – defined as rapid stretch and rebound of its string bed upon ball impact – is its trampolin effect, which refers to rapid stretch-and-rebound of string bed when hit by ball. Lower string tensions produce greater ‘trampoline effects’ by creating more compressed string beds and longer dwell times that transfer kinetic energy onto ball impacts.
Opting for lower string tension will enable you to achieve more control of the ball by improving your ability to feel when the string touches it, but be wary not to over tighten as this could result in abrasion failures, where the string wears away by continually sawing against its frame.
Many rackets are sold pre-strung by either their manufacturer or an independent stringer for convenience, yet this can compromise string quality and lead to inconsistencies in their bed. A good stringer will take their time applying tension one strand at a time until reaching a balanced result; factory stringers usually apply pressure at once without taking time for this process.