Check out our expert selections for the best value and performance rackets for the coming year.
PrinceTeXtreme Hyper Pro 550
Karakal pdhsports Crystal 120
Dunlop Sonic Core Ultimate 132
Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 Airshaft
Unsquashable James Willstrop Gold
Are you struggling to choose the best squash racket? Our team of squash experts have picked our Top 10 squash rackets of 2023 to help you to find the most suitable squash racket for your level and style of play.
Whether you're new to squash or an experienced player, we can make it easy for you to find the perfect racket for your game!
1. Tecnifibre Carboflex 125X-Top
Used by Mohamed El Shorbagy!
- Weight: 125g
- Balance: Even
With the design inspired by Mohamed El Shorbagy, the Carboflex X-Top uses a new revolutionary design. Tecnifibre removed the plastic bumper from the top of the racket and replaced it with aramid fibres (the same materials used in bullet-proof vests) and addedPTFE (Teflon) within the frame for maximum shock resistance. This racket cuts through the air quicker than its predecessors for even more power and playability. The X-Top also comes pre-strung in Tecnifibre's premium Dynamix V.P string as standard for maximum power. This racket is also available in130, 135 and Junior models.
“This racket is a gamechanger! Watch my full review on YouTube here to hear more. Consistently one of our topsellers, this iconic racket is used by many top pros!”
Reasons to buy:You're looking to improve your performance on court with one of the best squash rackets on the market.
Reasons not to buy:You're a beginner or more budget-conscious.
PDH Offer
£149.95£175.00
2. Head Graphene 360+ Speed 120 Slimbody
So good it's used by the former World no.1 Paul Coll!
- Weight: 120g
- Balance: Even
As used by the 2021 British Open Champion and World No.4 (January 2023), Paul Coll, this racket is a rival to the Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 X-Top. It gets 10/10 for style too with its striking black and gold cosmetic. Squash Gear Reviews called it "one of the best looking squash rackets on the market today". The updated Graphene 360+ technology offers an enhanced feel over its predecessor and the improved frame design allows the strings to move more resulting in extra power. The Adaptive Fan Stringing Pattern also allows you to string for more power or more control (it comes strung for power from factory).
“A very cool choice! I absolutely love the look of this racket and it performs equally well”
Reasons to buy:You want one of the best looking and highest performance squash rackets available for 2023!
Reasons not to buy:You're looking for an awesome racket but would prefer not to spend more than £100. Why not check out its brilliantly-priced predecessor theHEAD Graphene 360 120 Speed Slimbody instead?
PDH Offer
£112.50£150.00
3. Dunlop Sonic Core Revelation 125
Maximum power and performance!
- Weight: 125g
- Balance: Headlight
Looking for great power? Check out the Dunlop Sonic Core Revelation 125 which has a larger head size than other Sonic Core Revelation models to help you hit with raw power. The Sonic Core and Infinergy technologies help to reduce hitting vibrations for a greatfeel off every ball.
“Dunlop have invested heavily in the Sonic Core range and you can really notice the quality of the construction. No wonder this racket is the choice of some of Dunlop's leading pro players!”
Reasons to buy:You're looking to add power to your shots and you're happy to pay for the most advanced technologies.
Reasons not to buy:There are other powerful rackets on the market which suit your budget better.
PDH Offer
£103.99£130.00
4. Karakalpdhsports Crystal 120
A pdhsports.com exclusive design!
- Weight: 120g
- Balance: Even
We're excited to have a new collaboration with Karakal in the pdhsports Crystal 120, which is a great choice for players looking to improve their game. With a lightweight and even balance frame, this racket offers a great combination of power and manoeuvrability whilst still having a large sweet spot to offer forgiveness on off-centred shots. It also comes pre-strung in Karakal's Hot Zone Braided 120 string from factory!
“Take your game to the next level with this fantastic addition to the bestselling Raw Series. We're super proud of this Karakal X pdhsports.com exclusive. It also comes with performance strings making it superb value for money!”
Reasons to buy: You're an improving intermediate player seeking one of the best and latest rackets on the market which will offer you both power and control.
Reasons not to buy:You're an advanced player looking for a premium racket to match. Why not check of the racket used by Karakal-sponsored pro Joel Makin, the Raw Pro 2.0.
PDH Offer
£69.99£140.00
5. Dunlop Sonic Core Ultimate 132
For high precision players!
- Weight: 132g
- Balance: Head light
As used by Diego Elias, the Dunlop Sonic Core Ultimate 132, offers exceptional control thanks to the classic head shape but still allows you to hit with great power from a larger head size. The latest Flex Touch Resin, in the throat of the racket, offers superb vibration dampening properties as well as a more flexible hitting feel for enhanced comfort.
“For me this is the best choice for precision players!”
Reasons to buy: You like to play highly controlled shots and are looking for a racket to match.
Reasons not to buy:You're more budget conscious, why not check the popular Dunlop Aerogel 4D Elite.
PDH Offer
£135.99£160.00
6. Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 Airshaft
One of our most successful rackets ever!
- Weight:125g
- Balance:Even
The flagship racket in the Carboflex line up previously used by Mohamed El Shorbagy, along with many other top players. One of the most-spotted rackets in squash clubs around the world! An updated frame design offers a dynamic response and increased frame stability compared to previous versions of the hugely successful Carboflex range. Don't just take our word for it! Leading squash blogger Pierre Bastien of Squash Source cites the Airshaft 125 as the "top squash racket on the Pro Tour".
“Since we first tried this racket at the New York launch, it's been a bestseller! Watch my full review on YouTube here to hear more!”
Reasons to buy:You're looking to improve your confidence and performance on court with one of the best squash rackets on the market.
Reasons not to buy:You're a beginner or more budget-conscious.
PDH Offer
£109.95£165.00
7. Unsquashable James Willstrop Gold
For all-round performance!
- Weight: 120g
- Balance: HeadLight
Developed to commemorate James Willstrop's seventh Commonwealth Gold medal. It has a large 500cm sq. head size and concave cross section to maximse the sweet spot which makes it an ideal choice for intermediate to advanced players. The head light balance offers great manoeuvrability whilst the 14 x 18 stringing patterns helps players to generate extra power. Check out our review of the James Willstrop Gold here.
“This racket is simply brilliant in design and feel and is used by one of the world's most respected players! We're delighted to offer this as an exclusive. Check out our multibuy deals for even more value!”
Reasons to buy: You're looking for great power from ahigh performance racket.
Reasons not to buy:You prefer a classic head shape for increase control, check out the Dunlop Sonic Core Iconic 130.
PDH Offer
£100.00£160.00
8. Head G.110
Great choice for getting into squash!
- Weight: 110g
- Balance: Head heavy
The perfect upgrade for the topselling Head i110, the G.110 is easy to manoeuvre from its light frame weight so is a great choice for any player looking for an easy to use racket. The head heavy balance and PowerFrame technology still allow you to hit with devastating power when needed.
“The latest iteration of a tried and tested customer favourite which suits players of all levels. This upgraded model is great fun to use and one of my top recommendations for juniors and intermediate players!”
Reasons to buy:The great price, ease of use, consistently good performance!
Reasons not to buy:You're looking for a Tour level racket with the latest technology and are happy to pay a little more to get this.
PDH Offer
£79.99£125.00
9. Prince TeXtreme Hyper Pro 550
Our most powerful racket!
- Weight: 120g
- Balance: Head heavy
Prince's Hyper Pro 550 features the hugely successful Power Ring stringing for power. Prince rackets have a unique feel and with the latest Textreme X Twaron construction in this racket makes it hard to beat if you want more power. All Prince rackets have a disctinctive feel, so why not check out the other available models here.
“If you're looking for power, this is a clear frontrunner!”
Reasons to buy: You're looking for extra power.
Reasons not to buy:You're looking for more control. Take a look at the Head Radical 135.
PDH Offer
£118.99£140.00
10. Ashaway Powerkill 120 ZX
Improve your control with a classic headshape!
- Weight: 120g
- Balance: Head heavy
The Ashaway Powerkill 120 ZX offers great power and playability from a classic head shape. It comes pre strung in Ashaway's top selling Supernick ZX string, which grips the ball for greater control.
“This racket offers great feel and control from a classic head shape, whilst still being able to generate power! The performance strings are an added bonus which helps it to stand out from the competition!”
Reasons to buy:You're a control player looking for a great deal!
Reasons not to buy:You prefer the feel and power from a tear drop head shape, take a look at the Ashaway Powerkill Ice 125.
PDH Offer
£89.99£150.00
Prices may vary from the time of publication.
24 January 2023
FAQs
What squash rackets do pros use? ›
Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 Airshaft Squash Racket
Absolutely iconic, the Carboflex 125 Airshaft racket is one of the most common models on the Tour as it's used by the world's best players like Mohamed El Shorbagy. Top in performance, it's perfect for amateur and competitive players looking for th...
The Carboflex X-Top racquet is one of the most played racquet on Tour by the world's best players, including Mohamed El Shorbagy. The top-of-the-line performance racquet, it is perfect for the regular and competitive player looking for the best combination of power, accuracy and spin.
What is the best squash doubles racquet? ›Harrow M-140 for Doubles, Best Doubles Squash Racquet
Best Squash Racquet the Harrow M-140 is one of Harrow's top-selling doubles frame of all time and is the ideal racquet of several SDA pro tour players, and current world #2 team of Scott Arnold and John Russell.
For singles racquets, a high squash racquet string tension (for more control) is 29-30 pounds, an average is 27-28 pounds, and a low tension (for more power) is 25 pounds or less. Hardball doubles racquets are strung at higher tensions (32 or more pounds).
Is a heavier squash racket better? ›Squash Racket Weight:
Lighter rackets generally offer better manoeuvrability and are therefore suited to more attacking players and junior players. Heavier rackets are generally suited to players with a more traditional playing style player and slower swing.
A head-light squash racket is best for players who look for quick volleys or like to flick the ball. They'll also suit someone with established upper body strength (Such as the Head Youtek IG Tour 120). A head heavy racket adds power to shots, making it easier for players to hit the ball harder with a larger swing.
Are lighter squash rackets better? ›A lighter racket, about 110 to 125 grams, is more manoeuvrable and so can be moved faster making it better for attacking play. By contrast heavier framed rackets, starting from 140 grams, are at their best when used by a player with a slower racket swing who perhaps favours a more defensive traditional style of squash.
How do you pick a good squash racket? ›- Racket shape. There are 2 different types of throat shapes: Open throat (also called teardrop-shaped) and Closed throat. ...
- Frame weight. The 2nd point that you need to think about is frame weight. ...
- Balance of the frame. The balance indicates how the weight is distributed.
Gael Monfils switched to Artengo for 2022 and now his racket is available at retail. Gaël Monfils took his tennis gear sponsorship in a decidedly French direction in 2022, signing with Decathlon's tennis brand, Artengo, for all his gear, including apparel, shoes and rackets.
What racket did Taufik Hidayat use? ›YONEX Arcsaber 200 Taufik Hidayat Multicolor Strung Badminton Racquet (Pack of: 1, 85 g) Super!
What racket does Naomi use? ›
She pairs her EZONE with POLYTOUR STRIKE string in blue. Yonex professional players may play with a customized racquet with different specifications to the model displayed.
What is the hardest racquet sport? ›Squash is the toughest – and the healthiest – racket sport in the world and among the toughest of all sports. When you watch it live you realize why, not to mention when you play yourself.
How often should you restring a squash racket? ›Racket strings don't necessarily have to break to need replacing. If you're playing frequently (three or more times per week) we recommend that you restring your racket at least three times a year to ensure optimum performance as all strings will lose their elasticity and deteriorate with constant use.
Why squash is the hardest racket sport? ›The intensity of squash rallies and the average time of one makes squash the hardest racquet sport when it comes to rallies. Rallies are energy-sapping points that will test your fitness and stamina, pushing your body to the limits. Limits that squash seems to push a little more than other racquet sports.
How long should a squash racket last? ›If you are a regular player and consider yourself an intermediate or skilled sportsman, playing a couple of times per week, your racquet should last you between 1-2 years. If you play casually now and then and consider yourself a beginner or novice player, your racquet should last you for at least 2-3 years.
Which squash ball is bouncier? ›The ball with a white dot or 'Start Squash Ball', is designed for beginners. The Start has up to 40% more bounce than the 'Prime Squash Ball'. This makes it easier to keep a rally going and also gives the highest bounce.
Is squash more physically demanding than tennis? ›Squash and badminton are far more physically demanding than tennis at all levels. The reasons have to do with how hard you need to hit the object, the length of the rallies or exchanges, the percentage of time the object is in play, and the nature of the movement in the games.
What is the lightest squash racket in the world? ›The Karakal SN-90ff is the Worlds lightest squash racket. To keep the weight of this racket down the design is kept very simple, with minimal decals and no paintwork.
Can you throw your racquet in squash? ›It is not all right to throw your racket on the squash court, and if you do so, you are breaking the Rules—just as if you had hit the tin or failed to clear out of your opponent's way. The Rules of Squash contain 20 rules, and they are all of equal value.
Why do pros use heavy racquets? ›Higher swingweight is one of the reasons that pros can hit the ball so hard without swinging their racquets at absurdly fast speeds (which, granted, in many instances they do). Skill and training obviously account for a lot, but the additional mass on their frames helps to propel their balls at much higher velocities.
Is 285g racket too light? ›
Light weight tennis rackets normally weigh less than 10.5oz (or 285g) and are ideal for beginner tennis players. These rackets will give you a lot of power but little control. They are also not considered to be very maneuverable.
What head size do most pros use? ›Racquet heads range between 85-125 square inches. The spectrum is often broken down into mid-size (85-90), mid-plus (95-100), over-size (101-110) and super-oversize (111-125). Many touring pros play with mid-size and mid-plus racquets because of the level of control that they get.
What is the ideal squash racket weight? ›Squash racquets range in weight from 135 grams to 170 grams. The appropriate weight of the racquet typically depends on personal preference, however there are advantages to both a lighter racquet and a heavier racquet.
Are Wilson or head rackets better? ›Both Wilson and Head offer a broad range of fantastic rackets. They both cover all of the bases well, although it has to be said that Head's racket line up is perhaps a little better differentiated than Wilson's.
Are expensive rackets worth it? ›As a rule the more expensive the racket the better the string job. Less expensive rackets will likely not have great strings however if your strings feel good and you can play with them then certainly do not cut them out. Remember strings are the only thing that make contact with the ball, they are worth investing in.
Do pros use head light racquets? ›Head Light Tennis Racquets
You will find that 99.99% of ATP pros use a head light racquet and to my knowledge, there isn't a single player in the top 100 that is not using a head light (or at the very least evenly balanced) frame.
Harvesting Summer Squash
Zucchini, crookneck, and straightneck summer squashes are best when harvested at a small size, about 6 inches long. Pattypan or scallop squashes are best when they are 3 inches in diameter. Check plants daily because the squashes grow quickly in warm weather.
Squash & Zucchini
Smaller is better when it comes to summer squash! Pick zucchini no larger than 6 or 7 inches. Pick patty pan squash at two to three inches, pick round zucchini at 3 to 4 inches, and pick longer trombetta squash at 12 to 14 inches.
Harvest zucchini, crookneck, and yellow squash when they are 6 to 8 inches long. Harvest scalloped varieties when they are 3 to 6 inches in diameter. You can harvest zucchini and yellow summer squash as baby squash when the fruit is 4 to 6 inches long. Baby summer squash will be tender and tasty.
What racket did Agassi use? ›Agassi used a couple of different racquet setups during his career – all of them oversized. He started with the Prince Graphite Oversize, a heavy weapon with a 16×19 string pattern. Then played with Donnay Pro One OS. He moved over to HEAD in 1993 with the HEAD Radical Tour Trisys 260 OS.
What racket did John McEnroe use? ›
Dunlop launches the revolutionary and iconic Maxply tennis racket. A model that would become the world's most famous racket for the next 50 years and was used by some of the game's true legends, including Rod Laver, Virginia Wade and John McEnroe. Dunlop launches the revolutionary and iconic Maxply tennis racket.
What racket did Chris Evert use? ›“Pro Staff Midsize” Tennis Racquet used by Chris Evert
The racquet frame is black with red and yellow accent lines, an oval head, and an open throat. The outside of the head is grooved where the strings are cushioned. The grip is faceted with a tan leather cover, and black tape at the top.
Best badminton rackets: Loh Kean Yew's recommendation
The Li Ning Turbocharging 70C or any racket from the Li Ning Turbocharging series for that matter. While it is relatively heavier at 89g (3U), this Li Ning racket is built for speed.
Yonex Voltric Force Lin Dan Badminton Racket (Crystal Red)
What racket does Chen Yu Fei use? ›The Astrox 77 Pro is the weapon of choice for Olympic singles champion Chen Yufei.
What racket does Carolina Marin use? ›Yonex Nanoflare 700 Badminton Racket.
What racquet is Serena using? ›Serena's Racket
Serena Williams plays with the Wilson Blade SW 104 Autograph v7.
So, Which is Petra Martic's Racquet? Petra Martic, who used to use the Wilson Tour BLX tennis racket at an earlier stage of her career, now endorses the Wilson Blade 98 V7 racquet, a piece of equipment which is known for its excellent control, great balance and a good feel.
Why isn t squash more popular? ›Squash courts are scarce and in many cases expensive. The game is difficult and even playing partners can be hard to find in matched skill-levels. Pickleball is fun, easy to learn and can be played outdoors and indoors anywhere there is a tennis court.
What is the top 3 hardest sports to play? ›Degree of Difficulty: Sport Rankings | ||
---|---|---|
SPORT | END | RANK |
Boxing | 8.63 | 1 |
Ice Hockey | 7.25 | 2 |
Football | 5.38 | 3 |
How far do squash players run? ›
Data captured shows players covering distances upwards of one kilometre per single game, with matches played in a best-of-five-game format, comprising hundreds of changes in direction and multiple complex movements, with player heart rates regularly registering upwards of 190 bpm – at times almost hitting 200 bpm.
How much should it cost to restring a racket? ›The average cost to restring a tennis racket is $40, but it can range from $15 to $75. Costs are split between labor ($10-25 per racket) and strings ($2-50 per set). Players should string their racket as many times per year as they play per week. Stringers can be found at your local club, sports shops, or online.
How much does it cost to restring a squash racquet? ›How much does it cost to restring a squash racket? It will normally cost around $30 to have a squash racket restrung. Most squash or racket shops and retailers provide this service. There are many features to consider, such as the type of string to use, and the tension.
How do I know if my racket needs restringing? ›The appearance of the strings – The easiest way to know when it's time to restring is by noticing how your strings look. If your strings are fraying or look shaggy, the strings are starting to come apart and you're not going to get as much spin or power when you hit the ball.
How tall is the average squash player? ›The mean height for male players is 179 cm and 167 cm for female players. Once again we can come to the conclusion that female squash players are shorter and lighter than male players, which is what would be expected.
Are squash players the fittest athletes? ›The magazine Forbes conducted another detailed study based on three aspects, namely calorie consumption, the risk of injuries and the physiological benefits that a sport can have. Also in this study squash was named the healthiest sport, leaving swimming, rowing and climbing behind.
Why is squash called the healthiest sport? ›Squash came out on top in Forbes Magazine's list of the Top 10 Healthiest Sports based on its scoring in cardio endurance, strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, calories burned in 30 minutes, and injury risk.
Is Dunlop a good brand for squash? ›Dunlop Sonic Core Revelation Pro Lite
While it's not the most powerful, nor the most manoeuvrable racket on the market, it still manages to deliver in all areas, and helped produce some of the most precise, consistent shots out of all the squash rackets we've tested. A real favourite for us in 2022.
#3 – Wilson Blade 98 v8
Serena Williams and many other pro tennis players use the Wilson Blade tennis racquet. Wilson made this racquet for players who want control and comfort. In 2021, Wilson released the 8th version of the Blade.
A head-light squash racket is best for players who look for quick volleys or like to flick the ball. They'll also suit someone with established upper body strength (Such as the Head Youtek IG Tour 120). A head heavy racket adds power to shots, making it easier for players to hit the ball harder with a larger swing.
Is a lighter squash racket better? ›
A lighter racket, about 110 to 125 grams, is more manoeuvrable and so can be moved faster making it better for attacking play. By contrast heavier framed rackets, starting from 140 grams, are at their best when used by a player with a slower racket swing who perhaps favours a more defensive traditional style of squash.
How often should you change your squash grip? ›If you play on regular basis 3 or 4 times a weeks you should probably change your grip every two weeks or even more often. Of course you can play with the same grip for longer but the racket starts to slip in your hand in crucial moments of the game, especially when you want to hit the ball hard.
Is it worth restringing a squash racket? ›Racket strings don't necessarily have to break to need replacing. If you're playing frequently (three or more times per week) we recommend that you restring your racket at least three times a year to ensure optimum performance as all strings will lose their elasticity and deteriorate with constant use.
Is Dunlop a Chinese brand? ›Dunlop Tires are well known throughout the world. The company is a partnership between two different companies, the Japanese company Sumitomo Rubber Industry owning twenty five percent, and the British company, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company owning seventy five percent.
Should squash shoes be tight or loose? ›They should fit relatively snug and secure, not too tight across the top of your foot and you should be able to wriggle your toes comfortably. Try shoes on while wearing the types of sock you normally would, as well as any orthotics, to get the perfect fit.
What pros use Dunlop? ›Some of the tennis greatest legends used Dunlop racquets at their prime: Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Rod Laver, and John McEnroe. Currently, the most successful players who use Dunlop racquets are Kevin Anderson in singles and Jamie Murray in doubles.
Which is the No 1 racket brand? ›Best Overall – Yonex Nanoray Light 18i Graphite Badminton Racquet. Yonex Nanoray Light 18i Graphite Badminton Racquet (77g, 30 lbs Tension) is the best overall badminton racquet among the rest of the list and has an overall rating of 4.3/5.
What is the most popular racket? ›- Wilson Ultra 100v4. ...
- Babolat Pure Aero 2023. ...
- Head Extreme MP 2022. ...
- Yonex EZONE 98 2022. ...
- Tecnifibre Tempo 298 Iga. ...
- Head Boom MP 2022. ...
- Prince ATS Textreme Tour 98.