How to Choose a Squash Racket: Weight, Balance, and Head Shape Explained

Head Shapes: Teardrop vs Round

The head shape is the single most visible difference between squash rackets, and it has a direct impact on your game. Two dominant shapes exist on the market today — teardrop and round — each with a distinct feel on court.

Teardrop Head

Teardrop heads are elongated, with the widest point sitting higher on the frame. This geometry stretches the string bed, creating a larger sweet spot. For Indian club-level players who may not always strike the ball dead centre, that forgiveness is invaluable. Teardrop rackets tend to deliver more raw power because the longer main strings act like a trampoline. The trade-off is a slight reduction in manoeuvrability — the wider profile catches more air and can feel sluggish on rapid volleying exchanges at the front wall.

Round Head

Round (or "traditional") heads are more compact and symmetrical. The smaller head concentrates power into a tighter sweet spot, demanding precise shot-making but rewarding it with exceptional control. Advanced players who consistently hit clean, centred shots prefer round heads because they can place the ball with surgical accuracy. If you watch PSA tour matches, you'll see many professionals favouring round-headed frames for exactly this reason.

Open Throat vs Closed Throat (Bridge)

The throat — the area where the shaft meets the head — comes in two designs. An open-throat racket has a visible V-shaped gap. This allows the lower strings to stretch longer, adding flex and power. Most modern squash rackets use an open throat because it also enlarges the effective hitting area.

A closed-throat (or bridge) design fills that gap with a solid piece of material. The result is a stiffer frame that transmits energy more directly, giving you better feedback on every shot. Some control-oriented models still use a bridge construction, and they tend to suit players who prioritise placement over pace.

Weight Ranges and What They Mean

Squash rackets are categorised by unstrung weight. The weight you choose affects power, control, swing speed, and fatigue over a long match. Here is the breakdown most brands follow:

Most rackets sold in the Indian market sit in the 125-150 g range. If you are just getting into squash, start at the heavier end and work your way down as your technique improves. Lighter rackets reward clean technique but punish mishits with vibration and instability.

Balance Points: Head-Heavy, Head-Light, or Even

Balance is measured as the distance from the butt of the handle to the point where the racket balances on a fulcrum. A standard squash racket is about 68.5 cm (27 inches) long, so the midpoint sits at roughly 34.25 cm.

Head-Heavy (balance above 35 cm)

More mass in the head means more momentum on drives and hard lengths. The downside is slower recovery between shots — you'll feel the extra weight when you need to flick the racket up for a volley off a hard serve. Head-heavy setups suit baseline-oriented players who hit from the back of the court.

Head-Light (balance below 33 cm)

Weight concentrated in the handle makes the racket feel nimble. You can whip it through tight angles for drops and volleys. Court-coverage-focused players who rely on speed and deception benefit most from head-light frames. The trade-off is that you need to generate your own power through swing speed and timing.

Even Balance (33-35 cm)

The best of both worlds — or the master of neither, depending on your perspective. Even-balance rackets are the safest choice if you are unsure of your playing style. Many coaching professionals recommend even-balance frames for developing players because they do not bias any particular shot type.

String Patterns: 12x17 vs 14x18 and Beyond

String pattern describes the number of main (vertical) and cross (horizontal) strings. The two most common patterns in squash are:

• 12x17 (open pattern): Fewer strings means each string moves more on contact, generating extra spin and a livelier response. Power players and spin-heavy shot-makers prefer this layout. The downside is reduced string life — the increased movement causes strings to notch and break faster.
• 14x18 (dense pattern): More strings mean a flatter, more controlled response. The ball sits on the string bed for a shorter time, so you get predictable placement. Strings last longer because movement between them is minimised. Most club-level Indian players find 14x18 the more practical choice.
• 16x17 and other variations: Some manufacturers experiment with non-standard patterns. These are niche and not widely available in India, so unless you know exactly what you want, stick to the two main options.

For stringing, multifilament strings at around 26-28 lbs tension offer a good starting point. If you want more control, increase tension by 1-2 lbs. For more power, drop it by the same amount.

Frame Materials

Modern squash rackets use a range of composite materials. Understanding what goes into the frame helps you gauge durability, feel, and price.

Graphite (Carbon Fibre)

The standard for serious rackets. Graphite is light, stiff, and strong. Nearly every racket above INR 3,000 in India uses a graphite-dominant layup. Higher-modulus graphite (like Dunlop's Hyperfibre+ or HEAD's Graphene 360+) adds stiffness without adding weight, but it also increases cost.

Aluminium

Budget rackets under INR 1,500 are often aluminium or aluminium-graphite blends. They are heavier and less responsive than full-graphite frames. Fine for hitting around casually, but not suitable for competitive play.

Kevlar, Basalt, and Other Composites

Some premium rackets add Kevlar for vibration dampening, basalt fibre for shock absorption, or titanium mesh for added stiffness. These are marginal upgrades — graphite quality and layup design matter far more than exotic additives for most players.

Choosing by Skill Level

Beginners (0-1 Year of Play)

Go for a teardrop head, open throat, even or slightly head-heavy balance, 140-155 g weight, and 14x18 string pattern. At this stage, forgiveness and durability matter more than precision. Budget: INR 1,500-3,000. Check out our best squash rackets under INR 3,000 roundup for specific recommendations.

Intermediate (1-3 Years)

You can start refining your choice. If you play an aggressive power game, stay with teardrop and head-heavy. If you are developing a control game with drops and boasts, consider moving to a round or slightly smaller head. Weight range: 125-145 g. Budget: INR 5,000-10,000. See our best squash rackets under INR 10,000 guide.

Advanced / Competitive

At this level you know your game. Most advanced players lean towards lighter frames (110-135 g) with head-light balance for maximum court coverage. Head shape is a personal preference — some touring professionals use teardrop, others use round. Budget: INR 10,000-20,000+. Browse our best squash rackets under INR 20,000 list for premium options.

Grip Size and Overwraps

Squash grips are thinner than tennis grips. Most rackets ship with a standard grip that suits the majority of adult hands. If the grip feels too thin, add an overwrap — Karakal PU Super Grip and Tecnifibre X-One are popular choices in India. If it feels too thick, you can remove the base grip and apply a thinner replacement.

A proper grip should let you hold the racket firmly without squeezing. If you have to death-grip the handle to stop it from rotating, the grip is too thin. If your fingers cannot wrap around comfortably, it is too thick. Getting this right reduces the risk of wrist and elbow strain — an often-overlooked factor for Indian players who play multiple sessions per week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying the lightest racket available: Ultra-light rackets demand excellent technique. If you mishit regularly, a heavier frame will be more forgiving and more comfortable.
• Ignoring string tension: A racket strung at factory tension may not suit your game. Ask your stringer about your options — a small tension change can dramatically alter feel.
• Choosing based on brand alone: Dunlop, Tecnifibre, HEAD, and others all make excellent rackets at every price point. Focus on specs, not logos.
• Skipping a demo: If your local club or shop offers demo rackets, always try before you buy. Online specs only tell part of the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

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