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According to market research
, the weight of squash rackets has been reduced over the years, while it simultaneously gained in frame strength. Being aware of this trend in the weight of squash rackets, raised the question if you should opt for a lighter racket as well. Based upon my own research and analysis, I will provide both generic recommendations as well as a guideline to determine a racket weight that suits you best.
As a general rule, adults should opt for a 100-210 g (3.5-7.4 oz) squash racket (unstrung), whereas children benefit from a weight of 130-180 g (4.6-6.3 oz). The weight decreases to the lower end of the range for more experienced players or those with a preference for speed and maneuverability.
Next, I will guide you in your search for the optimal weight for your racket based on your level of experience and playing style.
What weight squash racket should I use?
The recommended racket weight for beginners is on average 180.9 g (6.4 oz), 133.8 g (4.7 oz) for intermediate players, and 121.9 g (4.3 oz) for advanced players. For children, the average racket weight is 155.9 g (5.5 oz). If you prefer more power, pick a heavier racket and for speed a lighter racket.
| Group | Average | Power | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 180.9 grams 6.4 ounces | 190 – 210 grams 6.7 – 7.4 ounces | 150 – 170 grams 5.3 – 6.0 ounces |
| Intermediate | 133.8 grams 4.7 ounces | 140 – 160 grams 4.9 – 5.6 ounces | 110 – 130 grams 3.9 – 4.6 ounces |
| Advanced | 121.9 grams 4.3 ounces | 120 – 140 grams 4.2 – 4.9 ounces | 100 – 120 grams 3.5 – 4.2 ounces |
| Kids | 155.9 grams 5.5 ounces | 160 – 180 grams 5.6 – 6.3 ounces | 130 – 150 grams 4.6 – 5.3 ounces |
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to racket weight. I am of the opinion that this is for the best. Else how can you pick the racket that favors your style and your experience?
In order to find your optimal racket weight, we must start with an average per group. So whether you are a kid, a beginner, an intermediate, or an advanced player, in this overview you will find the average racket weight for you (in both grams and ounces)! From there onwards we can adjust the weight based on your playing style.
According to the WSF regulations, rackets have a maximum weight of 255 grams (9.0 ounces). This is the only weight restriction set for manufacturing a squash racket.
Note that frame weight is noted as the weight for the unstrung racket. You need to add 10-15 grams to approximate the weight of a strung racket. In case you already have put on a replacement grip, you need to factor in an additional 20 grams.
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to racket weight.
Market trends
If squash rackets are to be classified as either lightweight (<150 grams) or heavyweight (>150 grams), then there is a clear distinction in their trends according to market research. The market for lightweight rackets is growing faster than heavyweight rackets and is predicted to consist of 85% of the total market by 2030. Also, many squash racket manufacturers are using lighter materials, this supports the trend towards lightweight rackets.
Best squash racket weight for beginners
On average beginners benefit from a weight of 180.9 grams (6.4 ounces) for their squash racket. When someone favors power they would want to go to the 190 – 210 grams (6.7 – 7.4 ounces) range. For speed, the 150 – 170 grams (5.3 – 6.0 ounces) range would benefit beginners the most.
Aluminum is often used in squash racket frames for beginners, which makes the racket heavier compared to composite rackets made out of carbon or graphite. The main reason beginner rackets are made out of aluminum is the lower cost of the materials. This allows the manufacturers to market these rackets at a lower price, increasing the likelihood of a sale. A beginner or someone who is less into the sport is less likely to spend a lot of money on equipment.
While someone playing squash for the first time does not have a lot of feeling about his/her playing style, style does become more important as one gets more experienced. Nevertheless, the price may be initially the most important factor, not the weight of the racket that may support their playing style.
Best squash racket weight for intermediate players
On average intermediate players benefit from a weight of 133.8 grams (4.7 ounces) for their squash racket. When someone favors power they would want to go to the 140 – 160 grams (4.9 – 5.6 ounces) range. For speed, a racket in the 110 – 130 grams (3.9 – 4.6 ounces) range would benefit them the most.
Rackets for intermediate players are considerably lighter than for beginners while remaining somewhat heavier than advanced rackets. The shift in weight from beginner to intermediate rackets allows the intermediate player to already enjoy the benefits of a lighter racket to support speed in their style. Additionally, the composite rackets make them of greater quality and increase their durability.
Best squash racket weight for advanced players
On average advanced players benefit from a weight of 121.9 grams (4.3 ounces) for their squash racket. When someone favors power they would want to go to the 120 – 140 grams (4.2 – 4.9 ounces) range. For speed, a racket in the 100 – 120 grams (3.5 – 4.2 ounces) range would benefit them the most.
Rackets aimed at advanced players are generally the lightest, using higher quality and more durable materials. Since advanced players have played a lot, they know their style best. This makes them the pickiest type when it comes to choosing a racket. To them, the price seems to play a less dominant factor, while they care more about the used materials and weight of the racket. This makes sense since, in the end, the weight of the racket should enhance their playing style, whether it is power or speed.
Best squash racket weight for children
On average children benefit from a weight of 155.9 grams (5.5 ounces) for their squash racket. When someone favors power they would want to go to the 160 – 180 grams (5.6 – 6.3 ounces) range. For speed, a racket in the 130 – 150 grams (4.6 – 5.3 ounces) range would benefit children the most.
Most squash rackets for children are similar to beginners rackets based on the aluminum construction. Nevertheless, more expensive rackets are made of composite materials. Despite using this heavier material for most rackets, the overall size of the racket is smaller compared to rackets targetted to adults. While most rackets are 68.5 centimeters (27 inches), the length for kids varies between 30.5 – 63.5 centimeters (12 – 25 inches). Next to that, the head size can also be smaller, all making the racket somewhat lighter than an adult-sized racket of the same construction.
Children of different sizes and ages are in need of different racket weights. Unfortunately, the choice for kids’ rackets is much more limited than for adults. Small children (from the age of 4) are in need of a smaller-sized racket, but this does not always result in a lighter racket due to different used materials. Older children (from the age of 10), can also opt for a full-size racket (68.5 centimeters / 27 inches).
That being said, the guidelines for adults regarding the differences in experience level for adults, also apply to kids. As children become more advanced, they are in need of a racket that better supports their style. Again, this makes the weight of the racket more important.
