Buying a squash racquet can be intimidating, especially for new players. That’s why we wanted to give you some insights into the best squash racquets available. We’re also going to provide you with an idea of what specifics you should be looking for when making your buying decision.
In our list, we’ve included racquets from all the best squash brands. We’ve also covered the best squash racquets for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players.
These are the products we’ve included in our review.
- Head Graphene XT Cyano 110
- HEAD Nano Ti 110
- Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 Series
- Black Knight Bandit 3
- Dunlop Hyperfibre+ Evolution Pro
- Dunlop Hyberfibre Precision HF
- SquashGalaxy Intro 5000
7 Squash Racket Reviews
We’ve compiled a list of the best squash racquets out on the market today. We’ve included the top squash brands, from Tecnifibre to Dunlop, Head, and Black Knight, so you’ll have enough options to make an informed decision.
Head’s Cyano series has been very popular with squash players, especially more advanced ones. Now they’re also made of graphene, which allows the racquet to be very low weight and reduces vibration.
At 3.9 ounces, this racquet allows for more control and means you won’t have to use as much energy in your swing. Given that it’s very head-heavy, it’ll still give you enough power for your swing.
A 12 x 17 string pattern could be challenging since it can give you less control. However, this racquet’s head is quite big, and the teardrop shape gives you a nice, big sweet spot.
This racquet is for aggressive players who are sure about their swing and fast in their movements.
Keep in mind that lightweight racquets are less durable than heavier racquets. They can also be harder to handle for newer players, and if you’re a beginner, you might have some trouble with precision.
PROS
- Lightweight.
- Amazing power, thanks to the weight distribution.
- Great maneuverability.
- Low vibration.
CONS
- Light racquets may not be as durable as heavier ones.
If you’re not looking to spend a lot on your racquet, you should look into Head’s Nano Ti 110. It’s from a reliable brand but with a lower price point than many of the professional racquets. However, it has some interesting characteristics that make it more suitable for intermediate players.
It’s advertised as lightweight at 3.9 ounces, but with strings included, it’s closer to 4.9. The strings are in a fan pattern, which makes this a more tactical racquet and less for a power player. Still, It’s more head-heavy, to give you an additional boost for your power shots.
As a light racquet, it’s not the most durable if your playing style is very aggressive, and you hit the walls.
Also, as with many racquets in this price range, the original strings aren’t the best quality. Many people end up changing them before they start using their racquet. That will easily add another 30 to 40 bucks to your purchase. On the other hand, these days it’s hard to find a racquet this wouldn’t apply to.
PROS
- Lightweight.
- An affordable option.
- Good intermediate option.
CONS
- Might not be as durable, depending on style.
- The original strings are not good quality.
This is a very lightweight racquet for those who have been playing for a while and want to take their game to the next level. You’ll get more speed but won’t have to sacrifice too much on power thanks to the teardrop shape.
Tecnifibre uses a lot of teardrop shapes and tends to have balanced racquets. This one is a little head-heavy but not too much to lose balance. They also have fantastic strings, so you don’t have to replace them right away.
If you’re a beginner, you might have some trouble getting enough power out of this racquet if you don’t have a strong enough swing.
It comes in different weights, from 4.4 to 4.9 ounces. The heavier ones will give you a little more control if you’re a newer player.
PROS
- Lightweight and allows for fast attacks.
- Durable, excellent quality racquet.
- Tecnifibre strings are of top quality.
- A professional quality racquet.
CONS
- Not the best option for beginners.
Black Knight is a good brand for beginners to medium players. This one, especially, has a lovely teardrop shape with a wide sweet spot and good power. Still, it’s not heavy or uncomfortable to handle at 4.9 ounces.
The Bandit 3 is a well-balanced racquet, maybe a little heavier at the head. The frame looks very sleek. Still, it’s nice and thick, made of high modulus graphite and beryllium.
This racquet is reported as medium stiff, which makes it a good option if you’re not sure of what your playing style is yet.
One thing to pay attention to is the grip size on this model, as it’s pretty wide. If you have smaller hands or you’re a fan of personalizing a smaller grip with tape, this might not be your first option.
The Bandit is probably not the most durable racquet, but at this price, it doesn’t necessarily have to be. All in all, it’s a great, affordable racquet.
PROS
- Big sweet spot.
- Well-balanced.
- Affordable.
- A brilliant, safe option for new to intermediate players.
CONS
- Not the most durable.
- Wide grip, not universally pleasant.
Dunlop is one of the most popular brands, and it’s used by many professionals as well. This racquet is in that pro group, used by Nick Matthew (world rank number 13), and has a slightly higher price point.
The Hyperfibre+ Evolution Pro has an almost full-teardrop, hybrid shape, which adds some stability to an otherwise lightweight racquet. It’s lightweight and balanced, with the balance point at 17.8 inches. In your hand, it feels a bit more head-heavy than advertised, so you’ll be able to get some beautiful shots with it.
The frame is solid and stiff even though at 4.2 ounces without strings, it’s a lightweight racquet. The 14×18 string pattern gives you a lot of power and space, and they’re pretty good quality to start off with.
PROS
- Stable.
- Large sweet spot.
- Lots of power.
- Tight string pattern.
CONS
- A pricier option.
- Not easy to control for beginners.
Our second Dunlop racquet is traditional-shaped and easily maneuverable. The head size is quite large, though. Overall, the Precision HF is a model that will give you a lot of control, but not as much power.
The frame is graphite and hyperfibre and weighs 4.6 ounces, which is a decent medium weight. It has a 14.1-inch balance point, so it’s pretty balanced, but feels a little on the head-heavy side. The tight 14 x 18 string pattern gives you a lot of control.
It’s a smooth-hitting racquet for medium to advanced players, depending on your personal style and preference.
PROS
- Lots of control and easy to maneuver.
- Great string pattern.
- Smooth swings for advanced players.
CONS
- Small sweet spot.
- Not a lot of power.
If you’re looking for a very affordable racquet to start trying out squash, this might be the right one for you. It’s made for beginners, with a heavier weight to help you learn your swing.
It’s a classic shape, with a 16×8 string pattern to give you a better optimal impact area. The head is heavy, too, so you’ll get some extra power when you don’t have the technique right yet.
It’s a great racquet to start playing on, especially if you’re not yet sure if you’ll stick to squash. With this racquet, you won’t have to make a big investment before committing. You’ll also probably hit a few walls before you get the hang of it, so it’s better to have a stronger racquet.
PROS
- Affordable.
- Sturdy quality.
- Ideal for beginners.
- Head-heavy.
CONS
- Strings could be of better quality.
- You’ll need to replace it when you improve.
Buying Guide
Squash is an intense sport that requires a good level of fitness. The last thing you want is to have a racquet that makes you work harder than necessary for your style and skill.
In this section, we’ll review some of the specifics you’ll need to pay attention to when making your buying decision.
What Are the Advantages of the Right Racquet?
There’s no one universal racquet that’s suitable for all players, but there’s a right one for your style. The right buy will give you more control, power, and agility in your attacks. A wrong purchase will most likely not make playing impossible but will make you frustrated.
How to Choose the Best Squash Racquet
The technical specifications can get a little hard for most of us. We’ll walk you through the most important attributes, so you’ll know what you’ll need to pay attention to.
Most of these specifications are a matter of personal preference. If you’re not sure about what you’ll need, see if you can try a couple of racquets at your local club or sporting goods store. That way, you’ll know what kind of a racquet feels right in your hand before making your purchase.
Throat Shape
As far as the racquet’s throat shape goes, you have three different options.
First, you have the classic shape with a closed-down throat; the strings don’t go all the way down to the shaft, which gives you a smaller hitting zone. That also means you have a smaller sweet spot, the area with the best control.
Your second option is a teardrop shape. It will make the sweet spot of your hit larger and give you some added power. However, they’re harder to control, which makes them better for more advanced players.
The hybrid shape looks almost like a teardrop but is closed down near the bottom of the frame. This option gives you the best of both worlds, offering a big sweet spot and some extra control.
Weight
The weight is a matter of personal preference, depending on your playing style and level. Here are some pointers to help you choose.
A light racquet can weigh as little as 3.5 ounces and is excellent for fast play and precise touches. It’s lighter to maneuver but requires some skill. If your style is quick and you already have the added strength to handle it, it can be the best option.
If you’re a beginner, a really lightweight racquet can be a challenge. It can teach you how to swing too hard to compensate for the lack of power. If you don’t have the technique down yet, this might not be the best choice.
A heavier racquet can be 4.9 ounces or over and is great for giving your shots more power. It’s often easier to handle for beginners but can also get heavy if you’re not used to playing.
They’re a good way to develop strength if you’re just starting out. It’s better not to use one that’s too heavy, as this might hinder your speed and accuracy.
Most racquets you’ll see people choose are somewhere in between, from 4.6 to 4.9 ounces. Medium weight models are the best squash racquets for intermediate players, letting you add more speed and precision. If you’re just getting used to the game, pick one at the heavier end of this range.
Center of Gravity
When you start searching for squash racquets, you’ll notice they’re often referred to as either head-light, balanced or head-heavy. This helps you define the center of gravity of the racquet and what kind of a game they’re best suited for.
You should be able to determine the center of gravity when holding the racquet on your palm. When you’re buying online, the balance point is usually expressed in millimeters. A typical racquet is around 27 inches, or 680-690 mm, so a balanced racquet’s balance point would be at about 340 mm, or 13.4 inches.
Head-light racquets have their weight mostly in the grip area. If you’re a touch player or like a slower game, you might find this the best option for you. They’re easier to maneuver, especially for beginners.
Head-heavy racquets give you more power and allow you to feel the head better. They can be harder for players who are just starting to get used to the game.
Especially if you’re playing with a light racquet, you might find this a good option. A little extra weight on the head will give you some added control over your shots.
If you’re not sure, you can get a balanced racquet. It will help you handle both the control and the power of your shots.
Does Stringing Matter?
Stringing matters. Some issues, like tension or the exact type of string, can be modified later. The string pattern cannot.
The basic thing to know about string patterns is that the more strings there are, the more powerful the racquet. More strings add to a bigger sweet spot, and it will be more comfortable for you to hit.
Good string patterns go from 14 x 18, a very standard design, to 16 x 16. Less than that, you might have some trouble finding control.
Another thing to pay attention to is whether the pattern is straight or fan-like. The fan pattern is less common and gives you a smaller sweet spot and a little less power. However, some people swear by the extra control it gives them.
How Important Is the Right Grip
The technical specifications usually include the grip, but it’s not the most critical factor in a racquet.
It’s important that the grip feels right in your hand. However, it’s not easy to find a grip that’s 100 percent comfortable. This is why most players end up personalizing their grip either by replacing it or adding tape.
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Conclusion
Out of all these great choices, we found the best racquet to be the HEAD Graphene XT Cyano 110. It’s the option chosen by many pro athletes, and it’s not hard to understand why.
The racquet is super light enough to allow for some fast movements. Thanks to the graphene frame, you won’t have to sacrifice on power, and it’s more durable than other lightweight racquets.
This model also has a teardrop shape, so you’ll have a wider sweet spot. The head-heavy distribution will give you some extra power. Overall, it’s a great option if you’re intermediate to advanced in your game.
If you’re not convinced or need something a little different, give one of our other options a shot, like the HEAD Nano Ti 110, that only just missed out on being number one. They’re all solid products from quality brands.