Time for a new racket
Do I want a squash racket just like my tennis racket? If you’re considering a new racket this season or looking for a gift for your favorite squash player, here are some helpful tips.
Do I want a squash racket just like my tennis racket? If you’re considering a new racket this season or looking for a gift for your favorite squash player, here are some helpful tips.
Squash and tennis rackets generally come in three flavors; aluminum, a combination of aluminum and graphite, and all graphite. Aluminum is the lowest price point, but the heaviest. As the amount of graphite goes up, so does the price – but, the racket gets lighter. Woven graphite is used in most light weight, top of the line squash and tennis rackets as well as other top of the line sports equipment such as hockey sticks and golf club shafts.
For most squash player, a light weight racket is a plus. You can get the racket around quickly in a fast paced match. However, lighter does not always translate to better performance when it comes to tennis. Tennis pros use relatively heavy rackets compared to the average recreational player. Heavy rackets tend to absorb more vibration resulting in less stress on the arm; not a major concern with a light weight squash ball. For most squash players, light is a good feature, amateur or pro.
Extremely light weight rackets run about 110 grams. Anything between 120 and 140 grams is considered light and perform very well. However, be prepared to put out a few bucks if you want a light racket; anywhere between $140 and $250. Also, when you buy a light racket, you’re not necessarily getting a more durable racket; something to keep in mind if you’re getting an expensive racket for someone who hits the walls on occasion.
The other thing to consider when buying a racket is balance. Like their tennis counter parts, squash rackets can be head heavy, balanced or head light. This is a personal preference. Head heavy racket have more power - head light, better control. Wilson is famous for their powerful Hammer line of head heavy rackets. The trick is to work towards your weakness. If you’re 6’-4”, 250 pounds and can crush the ball, you don’t need anymore power; find a head light racket to help control your 150mph shot. If you have trouble getting the ball to the back wall, you may want to consider a head heavy racket.
Lastly, there’s the strings. Most high end rackets are manufactured with quality strings. But more important then the string quality, is the string pattern. Relatively tight string patterns offer better control - a wider pattern, more power. Unfortunately, on wider string patterns, strings tend to break sooner. Tennis players are well aware of this.
When it comes to rackets everything is a balance between power and control. Most players know what they like and have no idea if the racket is light weight, head light, wide patterned, tight patterned…whatever. “We know what we like when we find it.” So, it pays to demo a racket before you buy it. Many clubs have demo rackets or if you’re buying off the internet, try to borrow a friend’s racket and try it out - not in a match; you don’t want to buy a new racket for you friend also. Find a racket that’s comfortable and works for you.
Once you’ve found your perfect racket, get two or three if you can afford it; it’s always nice to have backup.
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