The Best Strings for Squash Players
There are only a few pieces of equipment needed to play squash. One of these is your racket. But with every shot, something takes the blows from the ball- your strings. Often, the racket you purchase will come fitted with poor-quality strings. So it’s a good idea to consider which strings you should use.
You may use squash strings for various things, from tennis to racquetball. The squash strings you should pick are based on your demands. You might be searching for power, durability, control, comfort, and the ability to put a spin on the ball.
Some people find that the default strings with their racket are good enough. But, with experience and trial and error, you might perform better with different strings. It can be frustrating, but knowing your best options and other details is good.
Product Name | Product Image | Store |
|---|---|---|
Tecnifibre 305 | ||
Tecnifibre X-One Biphase | ||
Tecnifibre DYNAMIX VP | ||
Ashaway SuperNick ZX Micro |
Which Squash Strings Should You Use?
There are similarities between squash racket strings and other types of equipment. For example, car tires made from softer natural rubber offer more grip and better comfort than artificial tires. The same can be said about boxing gloves; genuine leather gloves are often preferred over synthetic strings.
The strings in your squash racket might come pre-strung with thicker, artificial strings. The upside to this is that the lifespan of the strings is typically longer, but you lose some comfort and control over the ball while playing.
Some people don’t care, and we want to be clear that this is a guide to help you find what strings work best for you. You get to choose what string works best for you. It usually comes down to your preference and how often you play. However, some strings are more popular and used more often.
Most squash string brands on the market are Tecnifibre and Ashaway. They tend to be more expensive than some other manufacturers. Still, they are well worth the investment, especially if you enjoy squash or intend to do so seriously.
Most professional squash players use the Tecnifibre 305 squash string. This brand and type of string are popular because they provide comfort and control. Comfort is vital since it enhances the enjoyment of the game. Control is important because it allows players to produce better shots.
The Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is a good option if you want more power. Below we will discuss these strings and others from both Tecnifibre and Ashaway. Both of these brands offer good strings that come in different thicknesses. However, the Ashaway is often slightly cheaper or offers cheaper alternatives, which still provide excellent performance.
Tecnifibre 305
This premium string is popular with many professional players. If you watch pro squash, you will see that many of them use this type of string. It offers comfort and control, which are essential features for many players. Additionally, it is easy to put a spin on the ball with this string.
This string offers excellent performance but is not as durable as some other strings. If you choose this string, be prepared to have your racket restrung more often – every month or every other month.
Tecnifibre X-One Biphase
The X-One Biphase is one of the best squash strings for power performance. This string was designed to help you hit the ball harder. We recommend stringing the racket at 25 pounds, but you can lower or increase the tension depending on your preferences.
This string has more power but also helps you control the ball better. But getting used to it can take some time. You might need to use a shorter backswing (or the same stroke length). This string is about 18 gauge, or 1.18mm thick.
Tecnifibre DYNAMIX VP
It is a decent all-rounder and maybe the string you’re looking for if you want something with more than one or two primary characteristics. This material is an excellent combination of control and power and is quite a durable string.
This string is available in three different thicknesses. The middle size is the one we recommend trying out first. This thickness is 1.20mm. The factory tension default for Tecnifibre’s top-of-the-line rackets is this string. However, the consistency of the stock string is slightly thicker and sits at 1.25mm. If you purchase one of these rackets and intend to restring it, opt for the 1.20mm
Ashaway SuperNick ZX Micro
This Ashaway string has more “grit.” It means you can put more spin on the ball. It also offers a greater level of control. There is a difference in power between this string and other strings, like the Tecnifibre X-One Biphase. The Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is known for its power output.
This string is thinner than the Tecnifibre DYNAMIX VP, which is durable. The Ashaway SuperNick ZX Micro is 1.15mm thick, which means it isn’t as durable as other strings.
Ashaway SuperNick XL
This option is a good choice because it has been around for a while, is reliable, and is affordable. It also has a lot of spin and “grit.” However, it is not as advanced or crisp as newer strings on the market. It also does not provide as much power but is more durable because it is thicker.
Things That Can Impact Your Choice Of Strings
We have already discussed the things that will help us choose the correct squash string. But other things matter when you are selecting a string. We will talk about these things below and keep them in mind. You will also be looking for certain performance strings aspects.
Your Racket Type Must Be Taken Into Consideration
There are different opinions about what type of strings are best for playing squash. Some think the brand of strings you use matters more than the racket you use. That is untrue. The racket and frame it has an impact on the strings you choose.
You should pick tighter strings if you want more power. It might give you more control over the ball, especially if you are a beginner. As you continue to play, you will learn about the trampoline effect. The strings with more stretch offer more power as the ball is “thrown” forward when hit.
More elongated racket frames will give you more power. You will have more flexibility in the type of strings you can use with this frame. However, rackets with more rounded frames will cause the strings to be tighter. It means you won’t have as much power behind your shots, but they will be easier to control.
The Weather And Climate Of Your Area Are Relevant
You would not think that the weather or climate in a region could affect an indoor sport such as squash. There may be cases where the squash courts have air-conditioning in the building. Still, it is unlikely, as most squash centers are rather large buildings. The indoor temperature will not be much warmer or cooler than the outdoors.
The nature of the squash ball is essential to understand if you want to play the game well. The weather, climate, and temperature affect how the ball plays. If you have ever hit a squash ball or played a full game, you know it needs to be warmed up before playing. To do this, you need to hit it hard enough to get it primed for play.
You will play badly if you don’t warm up your violin correctly. You need to get strings that produce more power if you reside somewhere where the temperature is typically frigid. If you live in a place with warm weather, strings that offer better control might be better for you.
How Much Tension Should Your Squash Strings Have?
If you want your racket to have more power, you should choose to have less tension on the strings. When a string is under low tension, it will stretch more, and this will help the ball go farther when you hit it.
On the other hand, if you have strings strung at a higher tension, they will stretch less. It gives you more control over the ball and makes it easier to hit it where you want.
If you are playing singles squash, the ideal string tension is between 29-30 pounds. It will give you good power and control. A lower spectrum for string tension is 25 pounds, which can be suitable for skilled players.
How Thick Should Your Squash Strings Be?
Thinner strings offer a boost in power and are more efficient. They also have more “bite” and allow you to place more spin on the ball. However, they are less durable and have a higher chance of breaking.
What Is String Gauge?
A string gauge is how thick a string is. The number tells you how thick the string is. The smaller the number, the thicker the string will be. You have three standard strings: 16, 17, and 18 gauges. 16 gauge (1.3mm) is thicker than 17 gauge (1.2mm). 17 gauge (1.2mm) is a comfortable medium thickness, and 18 gauge (1.1mm) is the thinnest of these three strings.
Unless you are a skilled player and don’t mind changing your strings regularly, we recommend avoiding the 18 gauge. The 16 gauge string will last longer but offers less “bite” and power. The 17 gauge string is a good option because it gives you the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
There are some great brands of strings, and we have given you some recommendations. The best strings for you may not be the most expensive ones. It would help if you considered the effect racket shape has on your string selection. The tension of your strings, the climate, and the temperature can also affect your choice and the strings’ thickness.
This article tells you what to do if you want power or spin when hitting the ball or if you’re going to control and have durability. If you wish to pull, use thin strings and an elongated racket. If you want to maintain durability, use thicker strings at a higher level of tension.
Read more: Do You Have a Sublet Available for a Squash Legend?
Frequently Asked Questions About Squash Strings
A common misconception is that when you choose squash racket strings, the higher string tension will give you more power. The opposite is true; a higher or tighter string tension provides less power but increases control. It is because the string works like a trampoline.
Tecnifibre and Ashaway are two string brands that are popular among squash players. These brands provide strings of exceptionally high quality, which, when strung on your racket, will improve its playing abilities. The well-known green Tecnifibre 305 squash string provides you with high comfort levels and outstanding control over the ball.
A squash racket usually costs around $30 to have restrung. Most shops that sell squash rackets or other sports equipment can do this for you. There are many factors to consider when getting your rackets restrung, such as the type of string and the amount of tension you want.
Stringing a squash racquet can be confusing the first time or two. But after you do it a few times, it becomes easier. The hardest part is getting the first few main strings done. Once they are in, the rest is pretty straightforward and makes sense.
If you play frequently, you should restring your racket at least three times per year (three or more times per week). It will ensure that your racket is performing at its best. All strings lose their elasticity over time, so it is essential to replace them regularly.
A tennis racquet can break if a player hits the ball too hard. When this happens, the racquet might break because the force of the ball overpowers it.
