How to choose your first Squash Racket?

There are two types of people - some try to play squash first and then buy a racket, others buy a racket first and then try to play squash.

It doesn't matter what type of person you are, anyway sooner or later you will need a racket.

Which racket should you choose? What parameters should you check? What is the ideal racket? Let's figure it out.

There are several factors to look for when choosing a racket - manufacturer, weight, balance, color, racket head shape, racket material and reviews / recommendations.

Let's start with the material - there are aluminum, composite and graphite rackets, but we can forget about aluminum and composite rackets and look only at graphite if you want to buy a good racket for yourself. Despite the fact that aluminum and composite racquets are very durable, they are quite heavy (weighing closer to 200 grams and up). Means it won’t be very comfortable to play. These rackets are good for trying the squash game, but no more.

Weight - is one of the most important parameter for racquets. By the way, when we are talking about the weight of the racket, which is indicated in the technical characteristics and on the racket itself, is the weight of the racket frame, means, without strings and without a grip. Therefore, do not be surprised if the actual weight of the racket is a bit more than the declared weight. When choosing your first racket, we advise you to pay attention to rackets from 125 to 150 grams. By the way, the lightest racket in the world weighs only 90 grams and this is the Karakal SN-90 FF racket.

Balance - there are head-light, head-heavy and evenly balanced rackets. Head-light rackets offers great maneuverability - it is good for volley and flick shots. Head-heavy rackets are good for power.

Head shape - there are two types - Teardrop and Round (classic) racket shapes. Teardrop rackets have a larger sweet spot, so they are more gentle in the game and offers more power. Classic racquets have a slightly smaller sweet spot, so they are more suitable for experienced players who looking for control.

Manufacturer - the following racket manufacturers are popular among squash players - Karakal, Tecnifibre, Dunlop, Prince, Unsquashable, Head, Wilson, Ashaway, Black Knight, Eye Rackets - any of these rackets are an excellent choice for both club level players and professionals.

Color or appearance is the most important thing to look at when buying a racket, especially your first racket. It should deliver you positive emotions every time when you take it on court.

Reviews and recommendations - on the one hand - you don't need to listen to anyone, on the other hand, it's nice to play with the racket played by your favorite professional player. After all, this is also a kind of recommendation.

To summarize - choose several visually attractive rackets weighing from 120 to 150 grams. If you really like a 110-gram racket, do not dismiss it right away, check it too. If there is an opportunity to test, for example if the store is in a squash club, then go to the court and make a couple of hits with each racket. If not, take a closer look at the players, maybe someone is already playing and can give you test the racket. In any case - our opinion regarding first racket - visual appearance is more important than technical characteristics.