Your squash racket is more than just a tool; it's your partner on the court. Just as you'd choose a doubles partner who complements your skills and playing style, your racket should do the same, so it's an important decision. Making the choice can be hard, but hopefully, with a little guidance from us, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect match.
The first step: watch your weight
Heavier rackets (150g+): These rackets offer increased power and sturdiness that are ideal for players with an aggressive style. An excellent example of this type of racket is the Dunlop Blaze Pro (180g unstrung), which can greatly aid your balance and power as you strike the ball.Lighter rackets (90g - 120g): Lighter rackets such as the Ashaway Powerkill 115 Meta (115g unstrung), give you greater control on the court. Using this racket will help you to be lighter on your feet, so it is ideal for a player with an offensive style looking to boost their agility.
Medium weight (125g - 145g): A hybrid style of racket that gives a good balance of power and agility around the court. These are perfect for an all-round player who has an adaptive style of play. The Black Knight Ion X-force (140g) and Head Speed 135 Slim Body 2023 (135g) fall into this category.
The racket head: does size matter?
There are two different types of squash racket heads – open and closed throat. The throat of a squash racket is the area where the handle joins the head.
Open throat: This style has smaller racket-head size, which means a bigger sweet spot and shorter strings, meaning less power and more control. Therefore, open-throat rackets are generally more appropriate for beginners. The Dunlop SR Sonic Core Pro 130 HL (left) is a good example of this.
Closed throat: These rackets, such as the Karakal 130 (right), have a bigger racket-head size. This is known as the classic racket style. A smaller sweet spot is found on this style of racket, making it more difficult to perfect, however it gives you more power when used correctly. Closed throat rackets are best for experienced players who want to dominate the court and showcase their skill and power.
Finding balance
Different balances offer certain advantages which players can utilise for their specific playstyle.
Head heavy point: A racket that has a high balance point such as the Karakal Air Power 2022 is ideal for the hard-hitting player. Having the weight at the top of the racket increases its swing speed offering both power and stability.Even balance: Rackets such as the Black Knight Oblivion TC fall into this category. The weight of the racket is spread evenly, offering a combination of power, control, and manoeuvrability. This makes it a versatile choice for different playing styles and the safe pick for the all-round player that wants a bit of everything from their racket.
Head light balance: This racket style has more weight towards the handle, which can make the racket feel lighter and more manoeuvrable. This type of racket is good for touch players who play a slower game. The Dunlop SR Sonic Core Evolution is a great choice for racket with a head light balance.
The price debate: Is it worth paying more?
When it comes to squash rackets, higher prices often mean higher quality materials and technology. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you need to break the bank to get a good racket.The Head Speed 120 SB 2023 is a prime example of a premium racket with features like Adaptive Fan Pattern (AFP) and Graphene 360+ technology. While it's more expensive, you're investing in a high-performance product.
On the other hand, the Karakal Raw 120 is a great option for those on a budget. It offers excellent value for money and is one of the best-selling rackets on the Central Sports Website.
Ultimately, the best racket for you depends on your playing style, budget, and experience level. If you're a beginner, a more affordable option might be a good starting point, and if you're a seasoned player looking for the best performance in competitive matches, investing in a higher-end racket could be worth it.
