In this article I’m going to tell you about the 15 best squash rackets available on the market today.
- Best overall squash rackets
- Best squash racket for beginners
- Top squash rackets on the pro tour
- Best squash racket on a budget
- Most durable squash racket
- Best squash racket for power
- Best squash racket for control
- Best squash racket for women
- Lightest squash racket
- Best hardball doubles squash racket
- The racket I use personally
FAQ
Before I tell you which rackets I think are best, I need to confess something.
There is no “best” squash racket.
Let me explain 👇🏼
Most squash rackets made today are high quality. They’re made of graphite. They are 27 inches long. They’re all within a fairly narrow band of specs. There are only a few different head shapes to choose from.
Really, there are dozens of good options. Maybe even hundreds of good options.
So if you’ve already got a squash racket that you’re happy with, and it doesn’t appear on this list, don’t worry about it. Your racket is probably great. You don’t need to snap it over your knee and rush out to buy one of the rackets mentioned on this page. If you’re happy with it, just keep playing with it. In fact, if you like your current racket, buy a few of them!
You know Greg Gaultier, the former World #1 and World Champion? He used the exact same squash racket for decades. Even as newer models were coming out, he kept using — and winning major titles — with his old racket. The reality is that squash racket technology hasn’t changed too much over the last few years.
At this point you might be wondering: If most squash rackets are good, why am I writing out this list of rackets?
It’s for my friend Peter.
One day not too long ago, Peter asked me which squash racket was best. And I told him the words that nobody wants to hear:
IT DEPENDS.
It depends on what kind of racket you like best. After I had blabbed on for a while about various nuances of squash rackets, Peter looked me dead in the eye and said:
“Just tell me which racket to buy.”
So I’m writing this page for all the Peters out there. This is for the people that need a racket, and just want my opinion on a few good options.
Ready then? Here we go.
Best Overall Squash Rackets
Whenever possible, I try to recommend one squash racket that’s available worldwide at a good price. But these days, things are a little weird.
You probably heard all about supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. Well that definitely had an impact on the supply of squash rackets. There was a time when most people around the world couldn’t even play squash because of Covid restrictions. Squash racket sales dropped nearly to zero.
Eventually things started to bounce back, but it hasn’t been so easy for the squash racket manufacturers to get the supply of rackets back to where it once was. And I’ll be honest, things are still a bit of a mess.
Bottom line: I’m going to recommend different rackets depending on the region you live in.
Fact is, the best “bang for the buck” deals are sometimes different country by country. I don’t want to recommend a single squash racket to everyone globally if it’s only a good choice in certain countries. For now I’ve added recommendations for the US and UK and I will add other regions soon.
Best squash rackets (USA)
Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 S
Classic Mohamed Elshorbagy racket
Product Info
Release year: 2015
Price: $150
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (UK): sweatband.com
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgalaxy.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 125 grams
Advertised balance: 35 cm
Head size: 500 cm sq
String pattern: 14x18
Measured weight (all-in): 153.5 grams
Measured balance: 36 cm
Prince Airstick 130
Classic Ramy Ashour racket
Product Info
Price: $150
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (US): squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 130 grams
Head size: 480 cm sq
String pattern: 16x17
Measured weight (all-in): 142.5 grams
Measured balance: 37 cm
Right here I’m naming two rackets that are several years old and are absolute classic frames. Even though these are not the latest-and-greatest models, they are:
- Still great rackets
- Priced great
- Still cool
First up we have the Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 S. This one was made famous by Mohamed Elshorbagy and he was using it during a long stretch of dominance in the sport. It was also used by many other Tecnifibre-sponsored pros at the time. At the moment, this frame is sold exclusively by Squash Galaxy, either through their website or via Amazon.
Next up we have the Prince Airstick 130. This one’s even older than the Carboflex 125 S but it’s been brought back as an exclusive frame at Squash Gear. Ramy Ashour used this racket when he dominated the sport, which was just before Shorbagy came on the scene.
Best squash rackets (UK)
Tecnifibre Carboflex Airshaft 125
Top-end recent bestseller
Product Info
Release year: 2020
Price: £110 / $220
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Australia): ebay.com.au
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com | racquet-science.com
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de | dlsports.de
Buy (Italy): amazon.it
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | decathlon.co.uk | squashituk.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 125 grams
String pattern: 14x18
Measured weight (all-in): 153.1 grams
Measured balance: 36.25 cm (54% in the head)
Dunlop Biomimetic GTS 130
Bargain classic control frame
Product Info
Release year: 2013
Price: £70 / $95
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | decathlon.co.uk | sweatband.com
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 130 grams
Head size: 470 cm sq
String pattern: 14x18
Measured weight (all-in): 161 grams
For UK visitors I’m going to first name Tecnifibre’s Airshaft 125. This was released in 2020 and is actually a successor to the Carboflex 125 S that I mentioned above. Right now in the UK it costs over 100 pounds but it was the top-of-the-line Tecnifibre racket until the X-Top models came out recently.
If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, I’ve featured the Dunlop Biomimetic GTS 130. This model is several years old but is one I played with and liked. At £70 it’s a good deal right now. It has a smaller head size and traditional bridged throat, so more of a control racket than the Airshaft 125.
Best Squash Racket for Beginners
Head Nano Ti 110
Product Info
Price: $90 / £58
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | sweatband.com
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgalaxy.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 110 grams
Head size: 493 cm sq
String pattern: 14x18
Measured weight (all-in): 149 grams
Measured balance: 37 cm
I put together a page for Best Squash Rackets for Beginners, which you can check out for a bunch of options from around the world.
If I had to pick one off that list, it would be the Head Nano Ti 110. One thing I like about this one is its teardrop shape. That will give you a little extra power, and the racket will be a little more forgiving. I have been playing with teardrops for years, and I definitely recommend them for beginners as the default option.
Another nice thing about this model is it comes with a fan stringing pattern (the strings fan up and outward from the throat). I find that that stringing pattern provides a little additional power, which is useful when you’re getting started.
While the Nano Ti is one of Head’s older models, the build quality is still good, and the cosmetics are also nice.
Top Squash Rackets on the Pro Tour
Tecnifibre Carboflex X-Top 125
Tecnifibre pro favorite
Product Info
Release year: 2022
Price: US $240
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Australia): ebay.com.au
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com | racquet-science.com
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de | dlsports.de
Buy (Italy): amazon.it
Buy (Netherlands): amazon.nl
Buy (Spain): amazon.es
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | decathlon.co.uk | squashituk.co.uk
Buy (US): holabirdsports.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 125 grams
Dunlop Sonic Core Revelation Pro Lite
Dunlop pro favorite
Product Info
Release year: 2021
Price: $200
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com | racquetguys.ca | racquet-science.com
Buy (Germany): decathlon.de | dlsports.de
Buy (US): holabirdsports.com | racquetguys.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 125 grams
Head size: 490 cm sq
String pattern: 14/19
Alright, you’ve heard my opinion on the best all-around squash rackets, but which racket is best in terms of popularity amongst professional squash players on the PSA World Tour?
Right now, I’d say that title goes to the Tecnifibre Carboflex X-Top 125. It’s the signature racket of Mohamed El Shorbagy and replaces the Airshaft 125 (which I mentioned earlier) at the top of Tecnifibre’s lineup. It’ll ultimately be used by many other top pros, on both the men’s and women’s tours, as has been the case with all of Tecnifibre’s Carboflex 125 models.
Because this is the latest-and-greatest racket that the top pros are using, it’s also one of the most expensive rackets on the market. In the US right now it’s $240, and in the UK it’s £150.
Since at this point I have mentioned three Carboflex models, I will name one more top model of the pros and that is the Dunlop Sonic Core Revelation Pro Lite. The Pro Lite model has been popular with the pros for a few years now and I used to recommend a prior version of it as my top overall squash racket, until stocks ran out. It’s a good balance of power and control.
Best Squash Racket on a Budget
Head Nano Ti 110
Product Info
Price: $90 / £58
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | sweatband.com
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgalaxy.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 110 grams
Head size: 493 cm sq
String pattern: 14x18
Measured weight (all-in): 149 grams
Measured balance: 37 cm
Recognize this one? That’s right, I already recommended it above as the best option for beginners. I would love to recommend a different one here but I’ve been scouring stores around the world for an hour now and I really can’t find a better suggestion than this. It’s currently £60 in the UK or $90 in the US.
I think what’s happening is the supply chain issues that I mentioned at the top of this article have meant fewer rackets getting into circulation, which means fewer “hidden gems” that are decent rackets for a steal. In other words most of the good cheap rackets have been scooped up already. It’s a shame for squash players’ budgets but it’s the world we’re in today.
Most Durable Squash Racket
Tecnifibre Carboflex Airshaft 130
Product Info
Release year: 2020
Price: £110 / $200
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com | racquetguys.ca | racquet-science.com
Buy (Germany): dlsports.de
Buy (UK): squashituk.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com | racquetguys.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 130 grams
Head size: 500 cm sq
String pattern: 14x18
Measured weight (all-in): 157.8 grams
Measured balance: 36.25 cm (53% in the head)
Recommending a high-durability racket is a bit tricky because any racket can break if you clip the sidewall or the floor a little weirdly. There’s always the possibility of a freak accident like that, even among players with a high level of racket skill. And of course the risk is higher for beginner or intermediate players.
That said, right now, I would say Tecnifibre is the brand with the best reputation in terms of durability. That’s my gut feel from testing the rackets, talking to squash players and reading the Squash Source comments. Granted, that’s not totally scientific, but it’s the advice I would give right now to anyone who asked me.
If you’re looking for a durable racket, I’d recommend the Tecnifibre’s Airshaft 130. I know, I know, it’s the fourth Carboflex on this page, but not without reason.
The reason I picked the Airshaft 130 model specifically is because it’s 5 grams heavier than the Airshaft 125, and that’s 5 extra grams of graphite holding the frame together. I know it’s just a small difference, but every bit helps.
Best Squash Racket for Power
Black Knight Hex Blaze LT
Product Info
Price: $155
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 130 grams
For power, I’m going to recommend the Black Knight Hex Blaze LT. In my testing the Hex Blaze LT felt very light in the hand, with a slightly head heavy balance. This allowed me to get a lot of power behind the shots because you can swing through the ball quickly, but without losing control of the racket.
This racket also comes pre-strung with a premium string, the Supernick ZX Micro, which adds to the power of the frame.
Best Squash Racket for Control
Harrow Vapor
Product Info
Release year: 2019
Price: $215
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Australia): ebay.com.au
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com | racquet-science.com
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk
Buy (US): squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
For the most control, I’m going to recommend a traditional head shape racket, the Harrow Vapor.
I generally recommend a traditional head shape for control because the bridged throat makes the racket more stable through the shot. In other words the racket is less likely to wobble as you make contact with the ball.
While a teardrop racket is nice for additional power, that comes with a little more unpredictability on the shot. For greater precision I like the bridged throat of a traditional head shape.
There are two more qualities of the Harrow Vapor that I feel offer additional control.
First, it has a slightly smaller string bed than some of the other traditional-head-shape rackets out there.
Second, the Vapor has a slightly stiffer frame than many other rackets with traditional head shapes.
Both of these features give the racket more predictability in terms of your shotmaking, thus additional control.
Best Squash Racket for Women
Tecnifibre Carboflex Airshaft 125 NS
Product Info
Release year: 2020
Price: US $220
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 125 grams
String pattern: 14 x 18
Measured weight (all-in): 156.2 grams
Measured balance: 36.25 cm (53% in the head)
Factory strings: Tecnifibre DYNAMIX V.P. 1.25
I’m going to mention a racket for women. Most of the time, women just use the same rackets as men. Any racket mentioned on this page is a good choice for both men and women.
For a while, some manufacturers were trying to market squash rackets to women just by making a pink version of a racket that was already in their lineup. Of course that works for some players, but obviously it’s just cosmetic and not a meaningful difference.
Enter the Tecnifibre Carboflex Airshaft 125 NS. This is world #1 Nour El Sherbini’s racket (hence the “NS” in the name). The 125 NS actually has a difference compared to the regular Airshaft 125:
It has a smaller grip.
A subtle change, but an important one.
Obviously this works for anyone with smaller hands, or anyone who just wants a smaller handle. It doesn’t have to be for women. And the cosmetics, mercifully, are not pink.
I’ve tested the Airshaft rackets myself and I actually prefer the smaller grip of the NS over the normal-sized grips of the other Airshaft models.
Lightest Squash Racket
Karakal SN-90 FF 2.0
Product Info
Release year: 2022
Price: £134
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Germany): dlsports.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 90 grams
Head size: 455 cm sq
String pattern: 14x19
Factory strings: Karakal Hot Zone 120 Squash String - Black
The lightest squash racket on the market is the Karakal SN-90 FF 2.0, with an advertised frame weight of 90 grams. I’ve never actually played with this racket myself, just wanted to include it for the curious-minded.
Best Hardball Doubles Squash Racket
Harrow M-140
Product Info
Release year: 2019
Price: $205
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com
Buy (US): squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
Advertised weight (unstrung): 139 grams
String pattern: 16x19
My personal favorite hardball doubles racket is the Harrow M-140.
Harrow is certainly the top brand in the doubles space and has been for years. I believe the M-140 is one of the top-selling Harrow rackets and one of the most popular amongst pros on the doubles pro tour.
I like it for a few reasons.
- Medium-size head. While a larger head would seem more forgiving, actually any off-center hits in doubles are going to result in a poor shot. I think you’re better off with a slightly smaller head and gaining the extra control.
- Dense string pattern. This is another important factor for me in being able to control the harder doubles ball. An open string pattern allows you to put more cut on the ball but that’s really more applicable to a (softball) singles situation.
- Concave frame. The M-140 has a concave shape, as opposed to a convex one, at the point where the grommets pass through the frame. In my book this makes the racket stiffer, which is another important factor in being able to control a fast-moving doubles ball.
The Racket I Use Personally
Harrow Vapor Misfit
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgear.com
Racket Specs chart
String pattern: 14x19
Measured weight (all-in): 140 grams
For singles squash, the racket I’m using right now is the Harrow Vapor Misfit.
A couple months ago I was rewriting this article and included the Harrow Vapor as my best squash racket for control. I remember it fondly, but it had been years since I played with it.
Around then, I also noticed the Harrow Vapor Misfit, which is just the Vapor mold with a different cosmetic, was going for just $150 at Squash Gear. Now that may not sound like a great price to everyone, but it’s a nice discount off of the usual Harrow Vapor price of $215.
On top of that, I just love the cosmetics. I’ve been writing this blog for many years, and this is one of my favorite cosmetics of all time. I’m gonna get myself some pink headbands just to accentuate it.
Top Squash Racket Brands
Here are quick links to some high-quality brands I’ve covered so far on Squash Source:
305Squash | Ashaway | Black Knight | Decathlon | Dunlop | Eye | Gracelyne | Grays | Harrow | Head | Hit | Karakal | Manta | Mantis | Oliver | Prince | ProKennex | Salming | Stellar | Tecnifibre | Unsquashable | Victor | Wilson | Xamsa
Squash Racket Basics
Here are the parts of a squash racket:
Grip: where you hold onto
Head: where the strings are
Shaft: connects the head to the grip
Throat: where the racket starts to form a V shape
Fun fact: adult rackets are 686 millimeters (27 inches) long, according to the official specs published by World Squash. You can also get shorter junior squash rackets for young players.
Aside from the price, here are a few other factors you might want to consider about squash rackets:
Weight: How much the racket weighs in total.
Balance: Whether the racket is weighted towards the head (“head-heavy”), weighted towards the grip (“head-light”), or evenly balanced.
String pattern: How many cross and main strings it has.
Throat shape: Whether there’s a bridge across the throat of the racket (“conventional” head shape, as in the first picture above) or the strings go all the way down (as in the picture below).
Graphic Design: How cool it looks.
Durability: This can be a bit subjective, because it depends on how often you smack the wall with your racket, but it’s a factor.
Squash Racket Reviews
Squash Source has a growing collection of squash racket reviews.
- Squash Source readers have left valuable comments around the site.
- I’ve personally done a number of video reviews over the years — check out my YouTube channel for the latest videos
- I try to also include reviews done on other squash equipment sites.
Do you have any feedback on your current squash racket? Please search for your racket and leave a comment about it!
Here’s a video from the Squash Source YouTube channel that delves into some of my favorite rackets from the past few years. These are all rackets that worked for ME personally and (unsurprisingly) they are all pretty similar so don’t worry if you like different types of rackets or don’t have access to these particular models. The point is you should try and find what works for YOU:
Why Trust My Opinion
My name is Pierre and I’m the founder of Squash Source. I’ve been playing squash since I was a teenager, starting out in US junior tournaments and continuing on to play in college at Princeton and more recently in squash leagues and masters tournaments.
I’ve been reviewing squash rackets for Squash Source since about 2012, and over the years I’ve tried dozens, perhaps hundreds of squash rackets. The opinions on this page are based on the rackets I’ve actually tried, and are also informed by the hundreds of comments that have been left on Squash Source over the years by readers (thank you all!).
If you made it all the way down here, I want to leave you with one closing thought. The best squash racket is the one that gets you playing squash. That’s the most important thing. So grab a racket and go play!
Lloyd says
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https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWlvFo8X0AIc1Yg.jpg
Turns out it is Oliver, have they got a new lineup coming through?
Pierre says
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Hi Lloyd that is called the Oliver Inflamed 4CL
Lloyd says
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Awesome! Thanks
Lloyd says
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https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DbFO3ZrX0AA-CqE.jpg
Any idea what lucas serme is playing with? It looks like it could be an oliver or artengo racket to me?
AbdelHamid says
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Hi ,
I’m very confused which racquet shall I buy for my kids, they are beginners and around 7-9 years old.
I did some searches online, and I’m confused between Dunlop Apex Infinity and Head 115 YouTek. Also, someone I know told me about Feather racquets, I need your advice keeping in mind their age and racquets durability.
Ashish says
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Hi,
I currently play with the old Dunlop Biometric Ultimate racket (134g). I am looking to upgrade to a newer racket. I am currently 32 years old and have been playing 20 years. What model do you recommend?
Any experience with the Dunlop precision ultimate, TF carboflex 130S, or Carboflex 135 X-speed ?
I am not able to generate enough power with the carboflex 125 which is very popular at my club.
Rod says
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Black Knight Ion PSX Element. I recommend this racket whole heartily. Tremendous power in a control shaped frame, little to no vibration, thin beam for picking tight balls off the walls and amazing durability (I’ve broken 1 in 3 years playing 3-4x a week). Good strings in the thing too. I’ve tested bunches of rackets and nothing else I’ve tried is as good.
Seb says
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Hello
Would you recommend a good Squash Racket for beginner?
I know its personal choice but there need to be some good budget choices for beginners from which you can start your journey and build up your experience
Thanks
Stephen says
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Hi
I’ve been using Technifibre NG 130s for quite a few years now, but have broken my last frame. With the racket no longer produced I’m looking for a replacement. Any help you can offer would be most appreciated please. I have used the carboflex 125S, but didn’t particularly get on with it – I felt it offered less control/feel. I’d say the same for a dunlop 130 biomimetic. I usually string them a little lower as I don’t generate that much power.
Thanks for your help and time.
Stephen
Matt says
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I’ve got a spare if you’re interested. Would sell it for £55 + postage.
Nick says
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hello , can you tell me which racket would you prefer between the tecnifibre carboflex 125 or dunlop hyperfibre +revelation pro ali farag racket and why ?
Lawrence says
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Hi Nick
It really depends on your personal choice and which racket makes your game better…. To me, the Carboflex 125 is an even balance racket while the Dunlop Revelation Pro is head-heavy. And depending on what strings you use and the tension you string them at, both can also give lots of power and/or touch. Because of its balance, I find the Carboflex feels lighter. So if you are used to an even balance racket, go for the Carboflex; but if you like head-heavy rackets then choose the Dunlop. Can’t really go wrong with either one.
Andy says
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Hi Pierre, I’m thinking about getting the head graphene neon 130 replacing the dunlop hotmelt pro. What is your opinion about this racket?
Pierre says
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I’ve tried that one, it was years ago but I remember liking it. And it has a larger head size like I was suggesting. I think it’s a good choice
Eamon says
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If you are checking out a new Racket, read this article first. It is a very informative article that may help you choose what the right type of Racket is for you.
https://thesquashcompany.com/racket-i-buy-2/?v=79cba1185463
Andy says
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Hi Pierre, I’ve been playing squash for 6 months now and have got to a high level. I play with dunlop hotmelt pro but getting tired with that racket. don’t get the strong shots I want. So I’m looking for a new powerful racket and thinking about the wilson hammer 120. What do you think about it? Any suggestions for other rackets?
Lloyd says
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If you’re wanting power, go for a different wilson or tecnifibre i’d say. Wilson hammer 120 is apparently a bit wild, lacks a lot of control.
Pierre says
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Hotmelt is a nice racket, I used to use that. First thing I’d try before buying a new racket is restring your current one (if you haven’t already) at 25 pounds with some nice string, anything from Tecnifibre or Ashaway. Failing that, I’d hit with some of your friends’ rackets around the courts and see what you like the feel of. That’s usually a better outcome than trying to pick one off the internet. I’d look for traditional shape rackets (as opposed to teardrop) because they will feel familiar to the Hotmelt, except try a slightly larger string bed (the Hotmelt is smallish). The larger bed will feel bouncier.
Chinmay says
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I am kinda confused between head extreme 120/tecnifibre carboflex 135 blue, I’m looking for a balanced racket with a good durability, I tend to keep my grip nearer to the shaft, which one should I buy?
*I have no access to both of these to give them a try
Vijay Trivedy says
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Hi guys, great blog! I’ve been using a Head i.110 racquet in the U.K. towards the end of last year and the strings have gone three times in one month (replacing grommets and strings). I do really like the racquet but not its durability.
Are there any racquets at a similar price range and with similar performance (but better durability) you would recommend?
Prasad Hegde says
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Hi , I have been using Head i.110 from last 3-4 years. I had strings breaking 3 times in a month but those mainly because of my mistakes such as bad grommets , too high tension , bad knots. I am not sure whether you string your racquet. I learnt that the string breaking is mainly because of user error. That said I really like my i.110 , you can try Head Ti 110 or IX120 , Nano 120 , these are in similar price range in USA. I guess it could be similar in UK
Rod says
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Pierre, given that you get to hit with so many more rackets than the rest of us I think many of us would be interested if you gave us a small list of your favorite rackets of 2017!
Michel Goulche says
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Hey Rod i just ask the same question in the members area. Can’t wait for the 2017 Pierre’s top ten.
Pierre says
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The year has been a blur! I will think about it. For now I can tell you my favorite racket was the Dunlop Hyperfibre+ Evolution, which is the racket I switched to. I previously played with the Salming Cannone Pro for a year or two but felt like switching it up to something a little more solid this year.
Jonathan says
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Morning
After a bit of advise regarding getting a new racket. I played at county level whilst a junior and haven’t played properly for a good 13 years however have still kept my fitness to a decent level.
I’m about to join back upto a new local club and start the game again but have no idea where to start racket wise….
Is it common for clubs to let you borrow a racket from the shop to get a feel for what you like? I don’t want to buy something that I think is suitable then in say 2/3 months time be wanting a new racket to better suit my game etc?
Can anyone also recommend where they’re finding the best place to buy? There are a few websites about that seem to be offering huge discounts etc but don’t really know where to start!
Many thanks
Pierre says
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Yes, many clubs have demos and that is a great way to try things out. Also, try and hit with rackets your fellow players are using. You can sometimes find deals online (less so in the US) but buying through your club is a good way to support them if you can afford it
Hendrik says
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Hi there!
I just broke my Dunlop Biomimetic Elits GTS racket, which I used for the past three years. It has been great on me, but I’d like to try some new stuff now.
Friend of mine recently bought a Prince TexTreme Pro Phantom, I think.
I played a couple of rallies with it, and it feels lighter than my Dunlop, and with a lot more feel.
I do think the Elite GTS could do with a bit more feel, however never had to complain about the racket.
Play style: like to play long rallies along the line, both attacking and defending. Heavy hitting when necessary, love to play a good volley or drop shot too.
Any tips?
Lloyd says
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Going to prince could be a bad move as the durability has not been that good for a while!
I would recommend sticking with what you know? Some people i know (and also some pros like elias) upgraded from the elite gts to the precision elite? Maybe give that racket a hit!
Rod says
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I’d seriously consider giving the Black Knight Ion Element PSX a try. The durability is outstanding (I’ve broken 1 in 3 years and that was due to a stupid mid court collision) and the performance is just great. Incredible power for a bridged racket, nice balance and top notch Ashaway strings. It’s not a flashy or buzzworthy racket but the performance is special.
tiago says
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I´m starting with squash and i´m looking to buy a used raquet. I´ve been looking a HEad comp VCB used.
Is it a good choise?
Pierre says
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I’ve never heard of that one – do you have a link to it (if it’s posted online)?
Falak says
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Hi,
I’m looking forward to buy a 100$ racket ,can u suggest me one?
In the past I’ve used Dunlop Biomimetc ultimate and evolution . But now both are broken. So suggest me one.
Thanks
Rod says
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Check out the Xamsa range. Well made rackets at a reasonable price. I haven’t played with them myself but know plenty of people who do.
Ryan says
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Pierre.
What do you recommend as alternative to techniber 125s?
Thanks
Pierre says
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Hi Ryan, what are you looking for? (what is it about the 125 S that you don’t like?)
Ryan Aucott says
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Hi pierre. I like the 125s just eager to try something new but not to far from the norm – if that makes sense 🙂
Jonathan Hope says
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Blade Katana, same frame also 125g. Better value
Lloyd says
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I agree with Jonathan, Blade is a great brand, I use them!
Lloyd says
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Tom richards has changed his racket. Anyone recognise it? Its in the qualifying folder
Pierre says
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Mysterious!
Niklas says
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I still think it looks like a Salming Forza, but painted black. Apparently he has been sponsored by Salming in the past.
Rod says
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It’s most likely a prototype Salming. Prototypes tend to be left all black.
Lloyd says
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I just thought it was a bit odd that the salming logo wasn’t on the strings!
Pierre says
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Maybe they stopped sponsoring him so he’s blacked out the branding
hassan says
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alternate of warrior 600 … which racket u recommend…its not easily available
in our site, its great racket with excellent movement, plz recommend me technibre or dunlop option
Neha says
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Hi Pierre,
Wonderful website! I have just started playing squash at 36 primarily to get fit but also because I really felt the absence of a regular sport in my life. Squash fits the bill in terms of schedules, location etc.
It’s only been 3weeks but I feel I should invest In a racquet of my own. What would you recommend? Really confused with all the blogs and comments.
My coach has offered to get me the Head extreme 120 for a very good price, but not sure what I should be playing with. What would you recommend for a complete beginner like me?
– N
Pierre says
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I’ve never come across the Head Extreme 120 but if it’s a good price and it supports your coach, I think you should go with what s/he recommends. Get good with that racquet, and over time also try hitting with other peoples’ racquets and see what you like. It takes a while to figure out what you like (and even then your racquet references will evolve)
Neha says
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Thanks! First day with the racket today and I couldn’t be happier. The extreme range I think is basically based on the head speed rackets but dumbed down for club level players. So I guess pretty perfect for me. Just started the game so I am pretty sure I will develop my own preferences with time.
Niklas says
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I found something interesting yesterday when I bought an old secondhand matte black Wilson Hyper Sledge Hammer 120 (probably 10-15 years old). Same frame shape as the Hyper Hammer 120, which I’ve previously also owned. That racket had an all in weight of 155g.
I’ve never seen this racket before but it is the lightest racket I’ve come across. I cut out the old strings, removed the worn out grip and the grommets and weighed it. It had a frameweight of only 103 grams! I shaved off the broken bumper( a la Gaultier), restrung it with 305 1.1 and put a new grip and crashtape on. It weighs only 127 grams all in, albeit with a head heavy balance. That’s about 30 grams lighter than most other lightweight rackets. Has anyone come across a lighter racket before? I certainly haven’t.
Pierre says
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That is super light!
Andrew says
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My harrow jp spark weighs 133 grams all in!l very quick head speed,strung with green technifibre 1.1 at 24 lbs tension,great balance of power and control.
JB says
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The Karakal 90…