How To Choose The Right Squash Racket?

Choosing a squash racket can sometimes be quite difficult. With so many rackets to choose from and the huge differences between them, it is not easy to make a choice. But once you know what to look for, choosing becomes a lot easier. In this video I therefore explain step by step how to select the racket that fits your level and playing style. The 3 most important things to look at are the racket throat shape, the weight and the balance point.

1. Racket shape

There are 2 different types of throat shapes: Open throat (also called teardrop-shaped) and Closed throat.

With an open throat, also called teardrop, the main strings run all the way down to the shaft and this allows the string bed to move more freely. These kind of rackets are therefore more powerful and also come with a bigger sweet spot, which is the area of the strings in which you have good ball control. Tear-drop shaped frames tend to be more forgiving.

Rackets with a big opening in the throat area have shorter main strings and a more compact racket head as a result. These rackets offer better control but have a smaller sweet spot and it is therefore important that you are able to hit the ball correctly all the time in order to benefit from this extra precision that closed-throat rackets provide.

2. Frame weight

The 2nd point that you need to think about is frame weight. I can really recommend players of all levels to choose a racket that is made entirely from graphite. The frame weight of these rackets is normally somewhere between 110 and 150 grams. In general the weight that is stated on the racket is only the frame weight. The total weight of the racket including the grip, strings, bumper etc. is therefore slightly higher.

A light racket is more agile and therefore perfect for offensive play. You can react faster and attack the ball.

The slightly heavier frames are more suitable for players with a traditional playing style with a slower swing.

3. Balance of the frame

The balance indicates how the weight is distributed. Rackets can be head light, evenly balanced or head heavy. A head light frame has most weight located in the bottom which makes them easy to manoeuvre. Volleying the ball is simple and also playing flick shots, changing the direction of your shot at the very last moment, is easy. A disadvantage of head light rackets is that they can be a bit harder to control at speed.

With a head heavy racket, more weight is located in the top. As a result you have more weight behind your shots and this makes it easier to hit hard. You also have more control over your strokes because you can feel the racket head better.

If you have any further questions about choosing a squash racket, feel free to contact us. Have fun on court!

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How to choose the right squash ball? 
Stringing your racket – this is what you should know
The difference between the Dunlop Pro and the Dunlop Competion Squash balls