Choosing a squash racquet is not an easy task, especially not knowing what criteria are to be considered. The racket should be selected according to the style of each player and his level of practice.
This feature tends to change over time. Therefore the racket should also be changed. It is not unusual for more experienced players to have several rackets!
We Crazy For Fitness have prepared this purchase guide to explain the different criteria to be analyzed and thus help you choose the squash racket that best suits your needs. Our main advice, however, is always to try the racket, since the choice will depend on your style and the comfort of the racket.
Here we had listed out the best quality pairs of squash racquet that are given below.
How to Choose Squash Racquet?
There are numerous types of squash rackets on the market; after all, it is a sport practiced all over the world. But be careful! It is not the same thing to practice squash on a professional level or to play on an amateur level. In this article, we will try to answer the most frequently asked questions about the rackets used in this sport.
What Is Squash?
Squash is a sport played in a rectangular field bordered by walls, in which two people or two couples alternately hit a rubber ball with tennis-like rackets. The goal of this game is to bounce the ball on the front wall so that the opponent cannot hit it later.
What Are the Parts of A Squash Racquet?
In a squash racket, you can identify different parts, on which the effectiveness of our game will depend. For example, for more power and control of the ball, we will need a small head. Below, we will describe all the parts that make up a squash racket with its functions.
- Head: This part has an oval shape and, unlike the tennis racket, it has a flattened tip. The size of the head influences the style of play: a significant impact zone generates more power, while a reduced surface guarantees more precision and control.
- Stringing: The head of the racket houses small holes in which the strings are introduced. Gut strings are available (the most expensive, used by professionals), in monofilament nylon (longer duration, but less pleasant to the touch) or in multi-filament nylon (they are the most versatile and, consequently, the most used).
- Throat: This is the connection between the handle and the head of the racket, and determines the trajectory of the ball. If you are a beginner, an “open throat” is recommended, as it is easier to impact the ball with a larger surface. The closed throat design is preferred by more experienced players, to whom it gives more power.
- Handle: There is only one type of handle on the market. To get different grips, you can change the ribbon. The tape absorbs sweat, and it is therefore used to prevent the racket from slipping into the hand, but also to make the grip thicker, and therefore more comfortable. Be careful, though, and the excessive thickness can adversely affect the control of the racket.
What Is String Tension in A Squash Racquet?
The tension of the strings can really make a difference, and it is essential to consider this aspect which is often underestimated. Strings with lower tensions guarantee greater control and high precision, while when the strings are very tight, it will be easier to hit the ball with power and depth.
You can, therefore, vary the tension of the ropes (between 10 and 20 kg) according to your personal needs, to increase control or power. In addition, it is good to remember that the strings must be pulled often, as they lose tension with the passage of time.
How Should You Take Care of The Squash Racquet?
On many occasions, we strive to improve the service, the blows, or our physical form, and to be able to play better, undoubtedly a vital result when we practice squash at a competitive level. But it is not enough. We must remember that in racket sports, the latter is a fundamental component. T
Some parts of the racket, such as the strings and the grip, wear easily. To prevent them from being damaged, we must, among other things, store and protect the racket correctly. The best way to do this is to keep it in a special bag or backpack. Also, avoid leaving the racquet exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures.
Why Does the String Tension on My Squash RacquetChange?
As we have just seen, temperature also has an effect on the racket, especially on the stringing. For example, if we leave the racket in the car in the summer, the stringbed is very likely to deform and lose tension.
On the contrary, if we leave the racket at low temperatures, the tension of the strings will increase, as will the risk of their rupture. We advise you to use a thermal lining for the squash racket.
Which helps to maintain the temperature and avoids blows and scratches during transport. Also, for players who play squash at least three times a week, it is recommended to change the strings every five months.
What Is the Bumper Guard of A Squash Racquet?
The bumper guard is the protection that covers the head of the racket, and it is a plastic part that protects the frame in the event of blows or falls. We must be cautious, and in fact, if this part is excessively damaged, the racket may break at the first hit. There are adhesive tapes to cover it and make it less sensitive.
What Kind of Squash Racket Will I Have to Choose if I’m a Beginner?
A healthy dynamic when we go to buy our first squash racket is to look for the cheapest option until we are really sure we want to continue with this sport.
We advise you not to make this mistake because then you will have to change it and buy a better one, which possibly does not vibrate with each stroke. You can try playing by borrowing a racket and then decide on what to do.
Strings Plate
The stringbed is another decisive factor in the purchase of a squash racket since it influences its responsiveness. A large surface makes the racket more manageable, but it limits the reaction speed. Mid plus rackets, now the most common, guarantee greater string tolerance. Racquets with a smaller stringbed offer greater precision and control.
Caliber
When we refer to the caliber of a squash racket, we are actually talking about the thickness of the strings. The thinner strings are less intense but guarantee more exceptional softness and sensitivity. In addition, the quality of the rope is essential; in fact, a good quality thin rope will have a longer duration than a thicker rope, but of low quality.
Material
Squash rackets can be made of different materials. The choice of material is directly linked to characteristics such as weight, maneuverability, and price. Usually, the rackets are in graphite and carbon fiber; those produced with more precious materials are more robust and lighter. The choice of material will depend on our level of play and budget.
Conclusions
All players, both experienced and those who are starting to practice this sport, need the right accessories for a comfortable and complete workout. The racket is undoubtedly the fundamental component – together with the ball – to be able to practice squash and therefore it cannot be missing in your bag!
Nowadays, squash is a fashion sport, so there are very many squash rackets on the market. You can find rackets of different colors, materials, models, and brands. Choose the one that best suits your needs, and there are really many designed for professional players and beginners!