The Best Squash Rackets for Beginners
If you are new to the sport of squash, you may be wondering what type of racket to purchase. When selecting a racket, you should consider your budget, your degree of playing ability, and the size of the Head. This blog post will cover some of the best squash rackets for beginners. Let’s get started!
Squash is a sport that began in 18th century Britain. It became popular among pupils in the public school system in the following century. Squash then spread across the British Empire and to North America. In the early days of squash, rackets were made of wood. It continued to be the predominant material until the 1980s.
Wooden rackets were very heavy and had a small racket heads. It was because they often broke when the ball hit them. The small “sweet spot” also made it difficult to control the ball, especially for beginners.
Product Name | Product Image | Store |
|---|---|---|
The Harrow Vapor | ||
Prince Triple Threat TT Sovereign | ||
Black Knight Ion Cannon PS Castagnet | ||
Head Graphene Touch Radical 135 Slimbody |
Evolution
New composites such as fiberglass and aluminum began to take control in the early 1980s. This trend has continued with materials like carbon, titanium, and graphite. These materials have made rackets stronger and lighter. It makes the game more accessible for people who don’t have a lot of technique or beginners.
Squash Racket Size
A squash racket must be between 27 inches and 215 mm long and 8.5 inches and 500 cm wide. The racket cannot weigh more than 255 grams or 8 ounces.
Considerations Before Purchasing a Squash Racket
Before making a final racket purchase or upgrading an existing one, there are some essential elements to consider; frequently, they present a balance of power and control.
Weight
The weight of a squash racket can be anywhere from 110 grams (3.88 ounces) to 190 grams (6.70 ounces). Players who play quickly and aggressively often use lighter rackets to control the ball more.
Players with slower swings often prefer heavier rackets to hit the ball harder. Heavier rackets also make the opponent do more running. Heavier rackets can cause the opponent to run more. The player’s age and size must also be considered when selecting a racket. Junior players and smaller players are better suited to use lighter rackets.
Racket weight excludes strings and grommets (the plastic strip that runs along the inside of the racket and protects the strings).
Balance
Balance is important because it affects how the racket feels when you hit the ball. The racket’s weight is not always spread equally, which is done on purpose to make it easier to hit the ball in a certain way. There are three different types of balance:
Head Light
This racket suits people who like to volley a lot and flick the ball. People with strong upper body strength will also enjoy this racket.
Head Heavy
These are designed for players who hit the ball harder and with a bigger swing.
Balanced Racket
These have the weight distributed uniformly across the item. It combines maneuverability and power into a single package. It doesn’t go to the same extremes as the other two.
Strings
Different types of squash racket strings affect how the game is played. Most rackets come pre-strung with basic strings, but more experienced players may want to get them re-strung to suit their playing squash style better. Most strings are nylon, but some manufacturers use other materials like composites or polymers, which can change how the racket plays.
A monofilament comprises a single, substantial nylon fiber that is long-lasting yet relatively inflexible, providing a lower level of control. Alternatively, multifilament cores are composed of extremely thin fibers twisted together. They provide a soft, resilient feel and aid in maintaining control. Still, they are more prone to snapping and must be changed regularly. String tension is also crucial. As a rule, the higher the tension, the lower the power output but, the greater the level of control available.
Throat
Squash racket throats are divided into two categories: Open (teardrop style) and Closed (bridged).
Open Throat
This type of racket has strings that go all the way down to the shaft. It allows the string bed to move more freely. Because the strings can hit the ball harder with these rackets’ more significant surface area and sweet spot, they are more powerful.
However, there are drawbacks. One disadvantage is that the player has less control over the ball since the strings do not constantly flex and snap back in perfect alignment. Another disadvantage of the teardrop head is that it makes the frame less stable than the alternative.
Closed Throat
Rackets with a large aperture in the neck area, known as a bridge, provide superior control due to the shorter length of the string. The reason for this is that the string springs back with less force. However, the smaller the string area, the less power that can be created.
Beam and Grip
The width of a squash racket’s beam generally ranges from 16 mm to 21 mm. Thinner beams are usually for expert players, while thicker beams are more appropriate for less skilled ones. The thinner the beam, the greater the degree of control and angles that may be applied to the ball.
Grips come in a standard size, but they can be altered by adding overgrips to fit the size of the player’s hand or their playing style.
Price
Squash rackets range significantly so that a basic racket can be purchased for a low cost.
However, buying a cheap bat may not be a good idea. It is because it might not be the right style for the player, and they might need to replace it very soon. It is better to consider all the above factors before purchasing a bat so that the buyer can get one that suits their game and skill level.
5 Best Squash Rackets
Here are the top five squash rackets for beginners.
1. The Harrow Vapor
Harrow is not as famous as some other brands, but it is popular among people who know much about squash rackets. This American company makes lighter rackets with better playing characteristics than other companies.
The Harrow Vapor has been a best-selling model for many years. Many top players in the world use it. This model is designed with a closed throat, making it particularly light at just 125 grams (4.4 ounces).
The Vapor has a high balance point. It means that the weight is distributed at the top of the racket. It makes hitting the ball hard easier. Another feature of this racket is minimal vibration when striking the ball. It means that you can control where the ball goes more easily.
The Vapor racket is smaller than most competing models. Its strings are closer together, which gives the player more control over the ball. However, the sweet spot is small, so this racket is best for people with some skill and experience.
The Vapor racket is strung with the Barrage Pro String, which is 1.15 mm thick. It gives you more control over the ball, but it wears out more quickly than some other types of strings.
Pros
Cons
2. Prince Triple Threat TT Sovereign
The Triple Threat Sovereign squash racket has been popular for many years. It continues to sell well, even though it is a little outdated. The three materials needed for its manufacture (copper, tungsten, and titanium) add balance and security while playing. Additionally, this piece of squash equipment helps.
This squash racket is suitable for players who want to hit the ball hard without feeling any shock in their arms. It is light at 135 grams (4.76 ounces) and has a closed-throat design. The beam width is 18-20 mm and uses Sweet Perfection 17 crossed strings. It is 26.97 inches long and has a head size of 480 cm2 (74.4 in2).
Prince uses the patented Power Ring technology in its frames. It allows for all the strings to be wrapped around an inverted ring. It makes the frame more durable and provides greater length and consistency. The racket also features a wall glide bumper, which protects the racket when hitting the wall.
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3. Black Knight Ion Cannon PS Castagnet
The Black Knight Ion rackets have been designed in collaboration with David Palmer, a multiple British Open champions. The rackets use Nano-Crystalline Technology (NCT) to improve the polymer structure of the graphite frame.
This procedure fortifies crucial stress points around the racket, allowing you to fine-tune its balance and weight. Furthermore, when you strike the ball, the combination of BCT and the geometry of the Ion frame lowers distortion and spin, making it easier to manage.
It is the racket that French National champion Mathieu Castagnet uses. It has been developed and made to his specifications.
This tennis racket is designed for people with a head-heavy balance. It has an open throat and a large head area. Weighing 135 grams, it has a beam width of 23 mm and a length of 686 mm. The SuperNickZV string, which is pre-strung in a 14 * 18 pattern, is also used by Castagnet.
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4. Head Graphene Touch Radical 135 Slimbody
It is the successor to the Head Xenon squash rackets, which have been popular for years. It offers more power and is designed for players with a more aggressive technique who want more control over their movement on the court. It weighs 135 grams (4.7 ounces) and has a small 460 cm2 (71 in.2) head with a narrow beam (16.5 – 20.2 mm).
Slimbody is the name of the racket. That implies the racket is built of extra-thin profiles, which makes moving the ball through the air simpler. The open throat design also utilizes Head’s Corrugated Technology (CT2), which has corrugated rails on all sides of the throat.
This racquet will help you hit the ball harder with every shot. It is Head heavy, which gives you more power. It also has improved shock absorption, so the ball won’t bounce as much when it hits the ground.
One special feature of this racquet is the AFP string pattern. AFP that you can string the racquet in two different ways for more pow more control.
The racket has a default string that is comfortable and powerful. The Head Reflex 1.20 mm squash string is a multifilament string with a PU-reinforced outer layer. It affords players a lot of comfort and power. All of Head’s professional models come with their Hydrosorb Pro squash grip, which provides players with even more comfort and power.
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5. Tecnifibre Carboflex 125
The Tecnifibre Carboflex is a squash racket that is 125 grams (4.41 ounces) and slightly heads heavy. It makes hitting the ball easier. It has a teardrop throat and a racket head area of 500 cm2 (77 in.2).
The tennis racket is made from Graphite and Basaltex material. It has an Isomorph shaft mm and uses a Tecnifibre string in a 14*18 pattern. This type of string is designed to fray and develop notches where it comes into contact with other strings. It helps players get cut on the ball and develop a lot of power in their shots.
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Squash Rackets for Beginners
Choosing the right racket from the start is essential if you are a beginner at squash. You can also improve your endurance by changing your squash string. If you are an experienced player, you may want to buy a new racket to help you play better.
Choosing the best squash racket for you can be difficult because there are so many different models on the market. This guide will assist you in determining what to look for in a squash racket and present some of the best options for beginners.
What Qualifies as a Good Squash Racket?
Look at your playing techniques, brands, and what you want in your squash game (such as more power, control, stability, or a combination of all three). Once you have cleared all your questions, you will be closer to picking up your good squash racket.
- The Playing level: If you are only going to play squash casually, don’t spend too much on your racket. But if you play frequently, you will need to spend more money on a better racket.
- Brands: We all have a favorite brand. We remember the best and worst experiences we’ve had with that brand. The best experience might make us buy from that brand again, but the worst experience might make us not want to buy from them again. Choose the brand of squash racket you think is honest and trustworthy!
- Budget: Different brands and models of squash rackets have different prices. Prices for other squash rackets also vary depending on the store you buy them from. Finding an online store that offers high-quality rackets at a reasonable price is essential.
- Looking for: Do you need more power and control when playing squash? You should try a lightweight racket if your arms are not very strong. Are your arms strong enough? Yes, but you might need more power and stability. In that case, you should try a head-heavy racket. If you have power and stability but find it difficult to control the ball, you should use an average-weight racket.
3 Best Squash Rackets for Beginners
1. Nano Ti 110 Racket from Head
The Nano Ti 110 series of squash rackets from Head comes with a full cover to protect it when not in use. The Head of this racket measures 77.5 in2, the frame weighs 110 g, and the head-heavy balance measures 360 mm. It is constructed using nano titanium and has a string pattern of 14 x 18.
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2. Hyper Hammer 120PH Racket from Wilson
Wilson’s squash racket range includes their black 27-inch hyper hammer model.
This model is made with hammer technology which is said to provide the player with greater stability, power, and maneuverability.
The racket is constructed with hyper carbon and graphite and weighs 120 grams. It also has a heavy head measurement of 380 mm.
The head size is 77 sq. Ins, and it comes with a Wilson Sensation stroke string.
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3. Force Evolution 120 Racket from Dunlop
Dunlop’s Force Evolution model is a new racket from Nick Matthew’s Range. It is a highly lightweight model designed to be very maneuverable and has less air drag. It is made from premium graphite and has a hybrid cross-section. This blue model is a strong and stiff squash choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Squash Rackets for Beginners
Most people should not pay more than $40 for a frame, $40 for a string, and $10 for a grip. Good quality used racquets should not cost more than $90 in total. If the frame is a mid-range frame (not a high-end frame), subtract at least $20. If the strings have more than 50 games, remove $20.
The ball with the white dot is designed for beginners. It has more bounce than the other ball, making it easier to keep a rally going and giving you a higher bounce.
The shape of the handle on a squash racquet can be different depending on the manufacturer. You must try out different shapes to see what feels best for you. The grip size can also be changed by using an overwrap or replacement grips.
This part of the paddle is usually not close to the edges. The sweet spot is not always in the blade’s center but is usually something familiar. It would help if you lined up your wrist with the edge’s center to get good performance. It will require less force.
The Dunlop Pro Squash Ball is official at all national and international tournaments. The Pro ball has the lowest bounce, which is best for players with good technique. The Competition Squash ball is the one with just a single yellow dot. For a player with considerable experience, it is the best option.
If you are a defensive player who likes to play doubles, you should use a headlight racket. This type of racket is more maneuverable because it has less mass in the Head and frame.
Select a squash that is large for its size. The stem should be intact, firm, and dry. The color should be rich and deep, with no green spots.
