Salmings racquet range has a frame to suit your game! Choosing a racquet can be a tricky and highly personalised thing. A frame that may have suited you when you were younger or perhaps had a different game style may now not be the best for you. On the pro tour, we're seeing a shift away from traditionally shaped racquets towards teardrop shapes. This shift is largely due to their forgiving nature, making volleying and retrieving easier under pressure.
That being said, a traditional or hybrid shape can be perfect for players looking to win points quickly and emphasise control. Ultimately, it all comes down to how you play. This blog is designed to help you choose your next racquet by highlighting key factors to consider.
1. Why Your Squash Racquet Matters More Than You Think
Having the right gear forms the foundation for success. While technical skill, tactics, and fitness are crucial, your equipment plays a significant role in helping you become the best player you can be. Your squash racquet acts as an extension of your arm, directly influencing your game style.
If you're a precision-focused player, you might gravitate toward a traditional head shape or a denser string pattern for increased control. Alternatively, you might prefer a teardrop-shaped racquet with an open string pattern if you seek a combination of control and effortless power. Even two players with similar styles might need entirely different racquets to suit their specific strengths and preferences.
2. Understanding Squash Racquet Weight: Lightweight vs Heavy
Racquet weight can be deceptive. Lightweight doesn't always mean better, and what manufacturers advertise as weight can often differ from real playing conditions (many brands list weight unstrung, without grip or paint!). While weight is significant, it’s the balance that ultimately defines how a racquet feels during play.
Generally, most squash players perform best with racquets weighing between 120-145 grams. This range offers an excellent balance, providing sufficient manoeuvrability without becoming overly flicky or difficult to control. Very lightweight racquets (110g or less) suit players with fast reflexes and attacking styles, while heavier racquets provide extra stability and power, especially suitable for beginners.
3. Balance Points Explained: Head-Light, Even, or Head-Heavy?
Balance refers to where the weight of the racquet is concentrated. It significantly influences how the racquet moves through your swing and impacts the feel during play.
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Head-light racquets: Designed for quick reactions and deception. Perfect for players who like rapid volleying and aggressive, attacking shots.
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Even balance: Offers the best of both worlds, providing versatility and balance. Great for all-round players who need adaptability across various match scenarios.
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Head-heavy racquets: Provide additional power and stability, especially during longer rallies. Ideal for players who favour a more classic, powerful playing style.
4. Frame Shape: Open Throat vs Closed Throat
The frame shape greatly impacts your play style, feel, and overall performance on court.
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Open throat (teardrop shape): Offers a larger sweet spot, providing more power and forgiveness. Beginners and intermediate players typically prefer this shape as it’s forgiving during off-centre shots.
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Closed throat (traditional oval shape): Provides pinpoint precision and superior control, suited for advanced players with consistent shot accuracy and well-developed technique. Similar to the Fusione.
If you're aiming to develop a precise and highly technical game, a closed throat racquet might be perfect. However, if you're seeking a forgiving, powerful option, the teardrop shape could be the way to go.
5. Choosing the Right Head Size
Head size significantly affects playability. A larger head means a bigger sweet spot, offering more forgiveness and power. Beginners and developing players benefit greatly from racquets with larger heads, such as the Salming Aero Forza, which provides an expansive sweet spot and easy power generation.
Conversely, smaller head sizes offer precision and control, suitable for highly skilled, technically proficient players. Racquets with smaller heads reward accuracy and are favoured by players who rely on precision to dominate their opponents.
6. String Pattern: Control or Power?
Your racquet’s string pattern greatly influences the way you strike the ball and feel during play.
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Dense string patterns: Provide excellent control and precision, like the Salming Fusione. Ideal for players looking for consistent ball placement and superior touch.
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Open string patterns: Offer increased spin potential and power, exemplified by models like the Aero Forza. Ideal for players who prefer aggressive play styles and enjoy generating heavy spin.
String type also impacts feel significantly. Soft strings, like Tecnifibre’s 305 Green, enhance touch and comfort, appealing to finesse players. Meanwhile, stiffer strings such as Ashaway strings cater to hard-hitters who enjoy cutting the ball for maximum effect. Fan-shaped string patterns, like the Powerray Powerlite, amplify power for accurate, strong hitters, giving a boost to aggressive shots.
7. Swing Feel: Trust Your Instincts
"Swing weight" combines racquet weight and balance distribution, directly affecting how your racquet feels during play. The ideal swing feel varies significantly between individuals, making it crucial to trust your instincts and test racquets whenever possible.
When testing, perform both short and long swings. Pay close attention to how comfortable and natural the racquet feels, ensuring it complements rather than compromises your game style.
8. Comfort and Fit: Grip, Balance, and Feel
The importance of comfort can't be overstated. Even if a racquet meets all your theoretical criteria, it needs to feel right in your hand. Grip size is especially critical; too small, and you'll lose control; too large, and your hand can fatigue quickly.
Always test racquets when possible, ideally under match-like conditions. Over time, small discomforts can become major issues, particularly in extended matches. Prioritise a racquet that feels comfortable, stable, and aligned with your natural playing style.
9. Still Not Sure? Here’s What to Try First
If you're still uncertain, consider crowd favourites from Salming’s range, like the Aero Forza or Grit. These racquets are easy to use, forgiving, and provide a balanced experience suitable for various skill levels.