Sometimes readers ask me whether they should switch from their current squash racket to a new or different model.
My general advice is if you’re happy with your current racket, stick with it. You’re better off buying a second copy of your current racket, so you have a backup in case your primary breaks.
Anytime you switch to a new racket, there’s always an adjustment period. Why suffer through that? Especially when most squash rackets made today are good quality, which means you’d likely just switch from one good racket to another. As a very rough guideline, if you’ve paid more than $100 for your racket, it’s probably good quality.
If you REALLY want to try out some hot new model, then by all means go for it. I understand the impulse — after all, I’m running a squash equipment blog here — but what I’m trying to say is that the new racket probably won’t improve your performance all that much. It’ll look cooler though, and there’s nothing wrong with that!
If you don’t like your current racket, or it has gone out of print, then you’ll have to get a new one. I’ve put together a list of my top recommended squash rackets here.
If possible, when looking for a new racket, try and get your hands on a demo to hit with. That’s a good way to get a feel for different racket designs without actually having to buy the rackets up front. Many pro shops have demos, and some online retailers have a demo program. You can also try and borrow your friends’ rackets for a hit.
David says
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I’m bad for this… I own a few nice bats but always wonder how I will get on with something else
Santa Claus says
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Switch as often as possible and mix up the balance and weight and strings. This will be beneficial 100%
John says
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I think most squashers should first be adviced about changing grip (in time). Will all ‘wappies’ and ‘clean performers’ think about this thing? Keeping grip and hygiene are first on thoughts when you think; ‘i’ll take this racket for my lifetime experience’.
And going further … I use 2 rackets a two years and try other rackets in case of personal improvement. And, for advicing starting squashers about qualities needed for ‘trampoline’ and ‘direction’.
Also found re-string possibilities fitting to specific rackets (small range of brands) in terms of durability and playability (combination of strings in combination of kg/lbs strung).
So, keeping stick to a racket is totally okay when you play once a week with a steady partner. But when you and play with different partners, different training circumstances, more times a week, you need specs to you’re performance.
Or does everyone think that all the PSA players are playing with brand X or Y with a brand new fabric example?
D says
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This is great advice, Pierre! The one thing I might add is that if you’ve been using a traditional frame, it may be worth exploring a teardrop frame, especially as you age. It can make a significant difference with respect to generating a bit more power and getting a bit more forgiveness while maintaining a light frame. At the top end where the athletes are more fit and precise, the traditional frame has its own advantages, but for this old guy, the teardrop keeps me relatively competitive as the years go on.