How To Buy A Squash Racquet
Many newcomers make the mistake of purchasing a racquet because it is either the most or least expensive. Make
sure that you purchase the right racquet for you by using the guidelines below. And remember, it is always a good idea to keep a spare of the racquet with which you're most comfortable playing.
Contents:
Weight
The average racquet weight is between 140 and 170 grams, with the lightest
available weight at 115 grams. Most players prefer a mid-weight, evenly
balanced racquet.
- Racquets vary greatly as to where the center of balance falls. When
held by the handle, a head-heavy racquet will feel heavy overall, while a
head-light racquet will feel light overall.
- Lightweight racquets are favored by experienced, aggressive players for
their manueverability. They require a powerful swing because they deliver less
force, but a slightly head-weighted model may compensate for this.
- Because of the enhanced feel and easy swing, control and touch players,
juniors, and women often use lightweight racquets. These players shouild choose
a slightly head-weighted model if they cannot deliver a powerful swing.
- Heavier racquets deliver a powerful swing, but are not as easy to
conterol.
- Avoid racquets that are overly head-heavy or head-light
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Size and Grip
Though you should avoid racquets that are uncomfortably head-heavy, the
size of the head affects both power and sweet spot. A customized grip can also
help you balance out the extra weight of a larger head.
- Racquets with a narrow profile, or beam width, are flexible with a
maneuverable feel.
- A wide-profile racquet offers increased power and a larger sweet
spot.
- Novices should choose a mid-profile racquet that balances power and
control.
- Every player has an individual preference for grip feel. If you play
with regularity, expect to perform some modificaitons to your grip to attain
maximum comfort.
- Grip modificiations are as minimal as adding some extra tape around the
butt, to building it up in certain areas to contour to your hand. Tape, gauze,
and towels have all been used to customize the grip of squash racquets.
- Talk to other players for tips on how to customize your grip.
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Stringing
Squash players have some control over how the racquet plays by adjusting
the stringing. High-quality multifilament set at the proper tension offers
desirable precision and power.
- Look for textured, multifiliment, 17 or 18-gauge strings specifically
designed for squash.
- Proper string tension is also important; 28 PSI is average.
- Increased tension improves touch; decreased tension improves power.
- It is important to restring your racquet whenever fraying becomes noticable.
- Regular players will need to restring approximately every 2
months to maintain reliable, effective tension.
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Stiffness
Stiff wood squash racquets eventually gave way to racquets made of
fiberglass. Today's racquets are made of innovative reinforced fibers and metals for both non-brittle rigidity and controlled give.
- The more "whippy," or flexible, the racquet, the easier it is to control.
- More experienced players who can control a stiffer racquet may find that is is better for power and shot making.
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