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

Walk into any club and you will see players using rackets that look almost identical. On court they can feel completely different. Four things make the difference: weight, balance, head shape and grip. Get these right and the racket works with your game instead of against it.

1. Weight

Squash rackets usually weigh between about 110 and 150 grams without strings. Lighter rackets are quicker to swing and easier to manoeuvre at the front of the court and on the volley. Heavier rackets feel more solid through the ball and help with depth on drives, but they tire the arm faster in long rallies.

As a rough guide, juniors and players who rely on touch and speed often prefer the lighter end. Players who hit hard from the back of the court may like a little more mass. If you are unsure, a mid-weight racket is the safest starting point.

2. Balance

Balance tells you where the weight sits. A head-light racket has more weight towards the handle, so it feels fast and easy to control; it suits quick volleys, deception and attacking play at the front. A head-heavy racket carries more weight in the head, which adds power to each swing but makes the racket feel slower. An even balance sits in between.

Many modern players choose head-light rackets because squash is played at such a high pace. Our VELNUZ Apex, for example, is a head-light racket built for fast rallies and clean drives.

3. Head shape

Squash rackets come in two main head shapes. Teardrop (open-throat) heads have strings that run all the way down into the shaft, giving a larger sweet spot and more power. Traditional (closed-throat) heads have a bridge at the throat, giving a smaller head and a more precise, controlled feel. Most club players find a teardrop head more forgiving; players who like to shape the ball may prefer a closed throat.

4. Grip

A grip that is too thick or too thin makes it hard to hold the racket relaxed, which costs you control. Most players build the handle to the size they want with an overgrip. Replace overgrips regularly, especially in humid conditions like Singapore and Malaysia, where a tacky grip makes a real difference.

Quick checklist

Beginners and juniors: a light to mid-weight, head-light racket with a teardrop head.

Improving club players: mid-weight, head-light or even balance, teardrop head, fresh overgrip.

Hard hitters from the back: slightly heavier or even balance.

Whatever you choose, always wear protective eyewear on court, especially juniors and anyone playing doubles.

You can browse our squash rackets, balls, overgrips and protective eyewear in the Squash section of the VELNUZ shop.