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Children’s hands, strength and timing differ markedly from adults’. A frame that is too heavy, too long or fitted with an oversize grip forces awkward swings and slows progress.
Junior-specific rackets solve this by shaving weight (typically 120-150 g unstrung), shortening the shaft to 23-25 inches and using thinner grips. Look for an evenly-balanced to slightly head light balance so the racket comes through quickly and teaches correct preparation rather than raw arm muscle.
Tecnifibre shrinks its flagship Carboflex into a 25-inch, 150 g frame but keeps the graphite-and-aramid construction and open 500 cm² racket head that make the adult model a pro favourite. The built-in X-Top bumperless tip cuts friction on walls, and the 14 × 18 stringing pattern gives forgiving pop without punishing mis-hits – ideal for ambitious 8- to 11-year-olds sharpening volleys and drives.
The first-generation Carboflex Junior matches the V2 for weight, balance (345 mm) and head size but uses an earlier lay-up. It still features AirShaft aerodynamics and X-Arms reinforcement for stability, yet usually retails 20-30 % lower – a smart pick if budget matters or the player is likely to outgrow the racket within a season.
Dunlop’s 25-inch Revelation tips the scales at just 120-125 g unstrung frame weight, the lightest here. A teardrop shape and even balance launch the ball deep with minimal effort, while Hyperfibre XT strips drag so youngsters can whip the head through on volleys or boasts. The thinner grip suits smaller hands and arrives factory-strung at a junior-friendly 20-25 lbs.
Built from hi-tech alloy and stretching only 600 mm overall, the CSX 60 weighs a chunky 180 g but shrugs off wall clashes and school-bag abuse. Its “fan” stringing enlarges the sweet spot and keeps the ball lively, making it a reassuring first racket for 6- to 8-year-olds still learning to control the swing arc.
Also read: Best Squash Racket for Beginners
Graphite-hybrid frames last longer than pure aluminium yet remain light. Always re-grip if the handle feels fat; a thin grip lets junior fingers wrap fully and control the face angle.
Because oversize weight and length encourage late, shoulder-driven swings that become hard habits to fix later. A junior frame promotes early preparation and correct wrist use.
Up to a point. Below about 115 g unstrung the frame can feel unstable on off-centre hits, so 120-150 g is the sweet spot for most juniors.
Once they are consistently striking cleanly, can handle a warm-up rally of 50+ shots without fatigue and their dominant-hand knuckles clear the frame on the follow-through, they’re ready.
Factory multifilament around 20-24 lbs is perfect: it launches the ball high enough for length shots and cushions the arm. Avoid stiff poly strings until teenage power arrives.
Aluminium survives knocks but feels dull. Graphite/composite offers better touch and resists frame warping; just teach kids not to scrape the floor.
Choosing the right junior racket is less about clever tech and more about matching length, weight and grip to fast-growing bodies. Nail those basics and any of the frames above will let young players focus on footwork, fun and fearless attacking squash.
