Squash Facts: Basic Considerations Before Buying a Racket 

There are many variables when considering squash rackets. There are choices in racket materials, choices in racket shapes, sizes, weights, balance and design. Rackets are designed for many levels of skill, from the novice player to the pros. Finding the right racket with the right combination of string will be sure to have you standing in the winner's circle.

 Design Considerations

Squash rackets come in many shapes and designs. Open-throat rackets are more aerodynamic and more flexible. Closed-throat rackets are easy to maneuver but tend to be stiffer. Some squash racket manufacturers have grommet designs with large holes, which tend to increase the sweet spot and make the racket more aerodynamic. Grommets are the holes where the string is fed through the frame of the racket. The sweet spot of a racket is the location on the string bed where hitting the ball feels perfect, with no jarring or vibration. There are rackets with a more oval head shape and those with a more teardrop design, which can change the location of the sweet spot.

Composition Considerations

Different materials in squash rackets will result in different racket performance. Some of the materials used in the making of squash rackets are graphite, high modulus graphite, titanium, copper, tungsten and carbon. Materials such as high modulus graphite will produce a firm, stiff racket frame and other materials will produce a more flexible frame. Firmer rackets tend to be more powerful and will do more work for you, while flexible rackets will require you to provide the power behind your shots.

String Considerations

Each squash racket has a certain stringing pattern and string tension. A wide string pattern will tend to "bite" the ball better, but strings may break sooner. With a tight string pattern, you will not break strings as often and you can also use a lower string tension as it tends to play as if it were strung tighter. A softer, multi-filament string is a nice string to use for comfort and playability. A single core string will not be as playable but will last longer.

The most important factor to consider is the design of the racket.  There are closed-throat rackets that offer maneuverability,open throat rackets that offer better aerodynamics and flexibility and grommet rackets that offer less vibration and jarring. Depending on the racket of choice, some are more oval shape and others are more of a teardrop design. Your best option would be to try several squash rackets out and compare different brands and models to make sure you get the right feel and performance. For amateur players, try out the lightweight and firmer rackets first.