How To Choose The Right Squash Racket For Beginners

Are you looking for the right beginner squash racket? With so many varieties available, deciding which one to use can be confusing.

Squash is a popular sport that requires physical fitness, agility, and skill. Like any sport, having the right squash equipment is crucial for success on the court. It can make all the difference between an enjoyable game and a frustrating one.

As a beginner, this can be overwhelming. But don't worry! In this squash racket buying guide, we'll walk you through the things you need to know about picking out your first squash racket.

From understanding the different types to the essential factors such as weight and grip size - we got you covered!

The importance of choosing the right squash racket for beginners

Selecting a good squash racket is vital for anyone who wants to be a pro in this sport. They come in various shapes, sizes, weights, and materials, which make up the different characteristics that will affect your speed and control on the court.

A wrong choice may hamper your performance, resulting in injuries or preventing you from enjoying the game. So, it's essential to carefully choose a suitable squash racket based on your skill level, technique, and personal preferences.

Specific Considerations: Squash Racket for Beginners

When choosing the right racket for squash, several factors should be considered.

Here are some of them:

Squash Racket Head Shape

There are 3 main head shapes: teardrop, traditional, and elongated teardrop. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on you.

Teardrop Head Shape

The teardrop head shape is the most popular among squash players. It has a more prominent sweet spot and a slightly heavier head, generating power and making the ball more accessible.

The narrow neck also allows for better maneuverability, making hitting drop shots and volleys easier. This shape best suits players who prefer a balanced combination of power and control.

Traditional/Oval Head Shape

A smaller sweet spot and a heavier head characterize the traditional head shape. It offers less power but better control, making it ideal for players who prefer a finesse-based game.

The smaller head size also provides better accuracy, allowing you to hit shots with greater precision.

Elongated Teardrop Head Shape

This is a variation of the teardrop head shape, offering increased power, an expanded sweet spot, and enhanced maneuverability.

This design features longer main strings and an extended string bed, resulting in harder shots and greater forgiveness on off-center hits.

Squash Racket Throat Shape

The throat is part of the racket where the handle meets the head. It can either be opened or closed.

Here's what you need to know about the different throat shapes and how to choose the right one for you.

Open Throat Rackets

An open-throat has a larger opening between the head and the handle, which creates a more flexible and forgiving racket.

This is ideal for players who are looking for more power, as it allows for more string movement and a larger hitting area. The larger sweet spot makes it easier to hit the ball with more force.

It can help improve your accuracy when hitting off-center shots.

Closed Throat Rackets

A closed-throat racket has a smaller opening between the head and the handle, which makes it more stable and less flexible.

This is ideal for players looking for more control and precision. It also provides more stability, which can be helpful for players who like to hit the ball with a lot of spins or who need to make quick, precise shots.

If you are a beginner or an intermediate player who is still developing your skills, an open-throat racket may be a good choice.

Squash Racket Head Balance

There are three types of head balance: head-heavy, head-light, and even-balanced.

Head-Heavy Balance

A racket with head-heavy balance has more weight in the head, which can help generate more power and momentum in your swings.

This is ideal for players who like to play aggressively using powerful, attacking shots. It is also suitable for those who have slower swing speed, as the extra weight in the head can help generate more power.

Head-Light Balance

A head-light racket has less weight, which makes it easier to maneuver and control.

This type is great for players who prefer to play a more defensive game, relying on quick, precise shots and good court coverage. It is also good for players with a faster swing speed, as the lighter weight in the head can help maintain control during rapid swings.

Evenly-Balanced

It has weight evenly distributed throughout the racket, making it a versatile option that can work well for various playing styles.

This is a good choice for intermediate players who are still developing their game and need to decide which balance point they prefer. An even-balanced racket can distribute power and control equally, making it an excellent all-around option.

A head-heavy racket may be the best choice if you prefer to play an aggressive game with powerful, attacking shots. On the other hand, a head-light racket may be the best choice if you like to play a more defensive game with quick, precise shots.

Squash Racket Grip Size

Squash rackets are not manufactured with different grip sizes. Generally, they are only available with one standard grip size, which is 3 7/8”. But you can build the grip up based on your preference.

Here are 3 types of squash racquet grips:

• Typically, all squash rackets come with a standard grip known as a "replacement grip." However, it's crucial to note that these grips should only be used as the first layer and not on top of another grip.
  
  
• If you prefer a thicker grip, you can opt for thin replacement grips that can be placed on top of the standard grip. This will provide additional cushioning and enhance the overall feel of your racket.
  
  
• Overgrips are those  that go over the replacement and thin replacement grips. Overgrips are an excellent option to consider if you want to improve the texture and feel of your racket handle while also providing additional cushioning.

Squash racket grip sizes are measured in inches or millimeters and typically range from 3 5/8 inches (92mm) to 4 3/4 inches (120mm).

To measure your grip size, hold the racket in your non-dominant hand and measure the distance between the tip of your ring finger and the second crease on your palm. This distance will give you an idea of which size to choose.

If you have smaller hands, you may prefer a smaller size, while those with larger hands may select a larger one.

Your playing style can also influence your choice of grip size. If you prefer to play with a lot of power and aggression, you may want a larger grip size to help you control the racket. If you play with finesse and precision, a smaller grip size may be more comfortable and give you more control.

Squash Racket Weight

The weight of a squash racket can affect your game in many ways, including your swing speed, power, and control.

Here's what you need to know about squash racket weights:

• Lightweight Rackets
  
  A lightweight squash racket typically weighs between 110-125 grams, making it easy to maneuver and swing quickly.
  
  They are great for players who prefer a faster swing speed and more power in their shots. They are also great for players who are prone to arm fatigue or injury, as they put less strain on your arm and wrist.
  
  
• Heavyweight Rackets
  
  A heavyweight squash racket typically weighs 135-170 grams, providing maximum stability and control.
  
  Heavier rackets are ideal for players who want a lot of control and precision in their shots. It is also great for players who prefer to hit hard, as the added weight can help them generate more power.

Squash Strings and String Pattern

When selecting the strings for your squash racket, there are a few things to consider:

• String Tension
  
  String tension refers to how tightly the strings are strung on the racket.
  
  A higher tension provides more control and accuracy, while a lower tension provides more power. The ideal string tension for your racket will depend on your playing style and personal preference.
• String Pattern
  
  This refers to how the strings are arranged on the racket head.
  
  The most common is the "traditional" pattern, which consists of a dense string pattern at the top of the racket head and a more open pattern at the bottom. This provides a balance of power and control.
  
  However, there are also "fan shaped stringing" pattern and "teardrop" patterns, which can provide power or more control depending on the design.
• String Material
  
  Most rackets have natural gut, synthetic gut, and multifilament.
  
  Natural gut is the most expensive and provides the best power and feel, while synthetic gut is more affordable and durable. Multifilament strings are a hybrid of natural gut and synthetic gut, providing a balance of strength and durability.

If you prefer a lot of power in your shots, a lower tension and a more open string pattern may be a good choice. If you prefer more control and accuracy, a higher tension and a dense string pattern may be better for you.

That's a Wrap!

Choosing the best squash racket for beginners is crucial. Consider your skill level, gameplay, and personal preferences to make the right choice.

It is a good idea to choose a squash racket with a larger hitting area, heavier weight, and a medium or lower tension. This will help generate extra power, provide good control, and reduce the risk of injuries.

Also, consider borrowing or renting. This can help you make a better decision. Invest in your equipment and enjoy playing squash like never before!