Choosing the right squash racquet for you can be a difficult task. I would like to make it easier for you – share all the tips I have learned from that time and help you select the best racquet for you.
Choosing the right squash racquet for you can be a difficult task. Which one to select? Save the money and buy a cheap one or invest into some more expensive gear? Which brand to choose?
I would like to make it easier for you – share all the tips I have learned from that time and help you select the best racquet for you. Believe me,
it`s not difficult at all.
1. First off, start with the price range
You can find racquets that are very cheap and also extremely expensive ones. It depends mostly on your budget, how much you are comfortable to spend on your equipment.
While it is certainly better to invest into high quality racket, you should remember that it is just a tool – what matters is your skill and how you enjoy the sport. So don`t rush into the most expensive gear if you are a beginner.
Beginner class racket will cost you from 25 to 50 dollars – if you are just trying squash out and don`t want to spend a lot of cash, go for this one.
Advanced class comes in a higher price range of course – but will offer you much better performance so if you want to play more often, go for some advanced gear right away.
2. Characteristics of the racket
There are many attributes that affect the behavior and characteristics of every racket – the main are weight, balance, material which it is made from (graphite, titanium,…) and size and shape of the head.
Of course you don`t have to fully understand all parameters to the full detail – just having an overview what a particular variable affects is completely enough.
Weight
This one is really easy to understand. The weight of squash rackets lies on a scale from about 120 grams to more than 200. Lighter ones are usually more expensive as it requires higher quality materials.
Heavy racquets (180 gram and more) are great for beginners. You can concentrate just on controlling the strike because weight works for you and delivers enough power. The disadvantage is that you can never achieve such control as with a lighter racket.
Medium-weight (140 – 180 gram) are better suited for experienced players. Why? Because it is more difficult to hit the ball hard, a player must combine his own strength with the right control of the ball to achieve the right power – which can be really difficult for players who are still learning the sport. These are also more expensive.
Light racquets (120 – 140 gram) – for very experienced players.
So my advice is – if you are starting with squash, try a cheaper, heavier racquet and upgrade to more expensive, lighter one after you get some experience and skill.
Material
There are many types of various materials and alloys used, for example:
Aluminium – the cheapest squash rackets are often made of aluminium. They are heavy (around 200 gram) but also very durable and difficult to damage. Their disadvantage are vibrations generated when hitting the ball.
Graphite composits – titanium and carbon are often added to the graphite base. These racquets are lighter and better for playing – but when used carelessly they can break.
Balance
Or – the distribution of weight. We distinguish three types:
Head heavy – they weight lies more towards the head and the racket feels heavy in your hand, it`s easier to deliver powerful strokes.
Head light – more towards the handle so it enables better control of the ball.
Evenly balanced
Note that this is really a matter of personal preference, some people like head heavy raquets, some others prefer evenly balanced…
Shape and size of the head
Larger heads (500 sq cm) give you a bigger sweet spot so it`s easier to hit the ball with them and they also offer more power.
Smaller heads offer you more control.
3. Brand
And finally – the brand. Many players have their favorite which they stick to, others compare the sortiment of each manufacturer closely and then decide which one has the best offer for them. It`s up to you.
