Squash Rackets Guide

Materials:

Graphite is the most common material in quality modern squash rackets. The use of graphite greatly reduces the weight making it more maneuverable and better for speed. It is also rigid meaning the frame flexes less and hence there is less energy loss and your shots are more powerful. Graphite rackets are also highly shock absorptive.

Titanium is often used in rackets on its own or as part of a hybrid due to its strength, durability and rigidity making meaning it delivers great power. It is usually used in conjunction with graphite.

Aluminium is often used in beginner rackets as it is very durable and relatively heavy making the racket more controllable. They, however, aren't as shock absorptive or maneuverable.

Shape:

Squash rackets come in two main shapes: open throat (or teardrop) and closed throat. Open throat rackets are more powerful as the strings are able to run all the way down to the shaft. This also means that they have larger sweet spots and hence are more forgiving. Rackets with closed throats are generally easier to control but will have a reduced sweet spot

Weight:

Frame weights usually lie between 110 and150g. Lighter rackets are more maneuverable and great for speed, whereas heavier rackets are better for control. 

Balance:

If a racket is balanced at around 340mm then it is considered to be evenly balanced, however most players will prefer their racket to either be head heavy or head light. Head heavy rackets, rackets balanced at notably higher than 340mm, deliver more power as more of the weight is located toward the head. They also have a better sense of feel meaning they may be easier to control. Head light rackets, on the other hand, are more maneuvarable and are easier to play fast shots with. Conversely, they may be harder to control in fast paced matches.

Beam thickness:

Racket beam widths tend to be between 16 and 21mm. Thinner beamed rackets are usually more maneuverable, whereas thicker ones will produce more power

Head Size:

Larger head sizes, those approaching 500 sq cm (the maximum legal size), are better for beginners as they have larger sweet spots allowing for more shot forgiveness

Smaller head sizes (generally under 460 sq cm) have much smaller sweet spots but are better for touch, accuracy and precision power