[Updated on 1 August 2023] Squash training sessions are very intense and you don’t want your racquet to break after only a few minutes in the gym. The time you spend in the gym should not be wasted because you have to pay lots of money to be there in the first place.
The thing is that there is not just one HEAD racquet but several with different weights, head shapes, and more. We know just how hard it is to research every single HEAD racquet that is why we have done the job for you and singled out 5 best head racquets. Let us look at what we have.
Contents
Best Head squash racquets 2023
1. Head Microgel 125 Squash Racquet
The MicroGel™ is a special type of silicone-based material that is combined with strong composite fiber to create a racquet that delivers well on responsiveness. This technology has the ability to evenly distribute the impact load across the frame to give the best possible touch and feel in the game.
This squash racquets is particularly good for players that like to play a lot of drops and volleys. It is easy to handle because of its lightweight construction at just 125 grams. Plus, this racket is able to give a stiff performance with little to no vibration.
The negative of this racquet is that it isn’t a great two-way option. This racquet is definitely made for singles squash. Another point of concern for some players is the construction of the handle and grip. Rather than a traditional “square” handle, this racquet is more “rectangular” which can feel different in your hands.
- Microgel Technology- The racquet incorporates Microgel technology, a lightweight and robust material that provides excellent shock absorption upon impact. This enhances the racquet’s feel and responsiveness while minimizing vibrations, allowing for better control during shots.
- Head Shape- The racquet features a traditional head shape that combines a smaller head size with a slightly larger sweet spot. This configuration allows players to balance control and power, making it suitable for precise shots and powerful drives.
- Weight Distribution- The Microgel 125 is designed with a slightly head-heavy balance. This promotes more power in your shots, enabling you to hit the ball with greater force and speed, especially during offensive plays.
- String Pattern- The racquet typically employs a dense string pattern, often around 14×18 or similar configurations. This tight string pattern enhances control over the ball and lets players put spin on shots more easily.
- Grip and Handle- The racquet has a comfortable grip with excellent feel and maneuverability. The handle is designed to minimize vibrations, enhancing your overall playing experience and reducing the risk of arm discomfort.
- Frame Construction- The Microgel 125 frame is meticulously crafted with premium materials, guaranteeing exceptional durability and resilience even during the most intense gameplay sessions. The combination of Microgel technology and robust frame construction makes the racquet capable of withstanding powerful shots while maintaining its performance over time.
- Power Channels- Some versions of the Microgel 125 may incorporate power channels or grommet technology around the frame. These channels increase the trampoline effect upon ball impact, translating into enhanced power without sacrificing control.
- Racquet Length- The standard length of the Microgel 125 squash racquets is typically around 27 inches. This length provides players with a good balance of maneuverability and reach.
- Aesthetics- The racquet often features a sleek and stylish design, combining visually appealing color schemes with the Head logo and branding elements.
- Suitable for Advanced Players- The Microgel 125 is commonly favored by experienced players looking for a racquet to offer them control and power. Its features cater to those who have developed a strong foundation in their squash gameplay and are seeking to fine-tune their performance.
- Great for attacking players who are great at drop shots and lobs
- Lightweight
- Durable and stiff
- MicroGel technology leads to no vibration in softball singles squash
- Not great for doubles squash as a lot of times the racquet felt like it would break hitting the ball hard
- Handle and grip. Rather than a traditional “square” handle, this racquet is more “rectangular” which can feel different in your hands.
2. Head MicroGel 145 – Heavier Singles Racquet
This is similiar to the Head Squash Racquets above, and if you used the Microgel 125 before, then you will quickly feel at home with the MicroGel 145. These are Head’s best selling racquets and it is a good all round racket with an above average weight and a mild head light balance.
Construction is of matrix of carbon fibers and a crystalline metal alloy. The alloys grain size is 1000 times less than that of most natural metals. While I don’t know what that exactly means or why it works, but what I’ll tell you is this: It does work. Apparently the smaller grains means a stronger material, due to what is known as the Hall-Petch effect. This increase in strength and rigidity results in a lighter, stronger and very powerful racquet.
The Head stabilizer included removes the majority of racquet vibration resulting in a very comfortable hit. Matched with a thick over grip, this is a very comfortable racquet to play with. The bridge section has also been lowered resulting in a unique throat design. This means that the main string is now longer, creating a larger sweet spot.
So what you have at the end of the day with the Head Microgel 145 is a comfortable, hard hitting racquet. As for finesse, it’s pretty impressive, but it was not a stand out. It was improved vastly with the addition of an overgrip for that extra bit of control. All in all, this is a great racquet. It is an expensive racquet and rightly so. This is definitely for the intermediate to advanced player!
- Comfortable to hold
- Strong frame
- Durable and stiff
- MicroGel technology leads to no vibration in softball singles squash
- Expensive
- Handle and grip. Rather than a traditional “square” handle, this racquet is more “rectangular” which can feel different in your hands.
3. Head Graphene Xenon – Large Sweet Spot
Weighing in at only 4.76oz the Graphene Xenon is a light and lethal machine that will help you step your game up to the next level. Not only is it light, the Graphene Xenon is weighted, unlike most other racquets.
The Head Graphene Xenon Squash Racquet is head heavy, which may take some players some getting used to, but once you’re comfortable with the weighting and balance, you’ll see the true power of this racquet.
All in all, the Head Graphite Xenon Squash Racquet is a great racquet for players all across the spectrum. There are some aspects of it that some players may not find to their liking but, hey, everyone is different, especially when it comes to squash. If you’re looking for a great gift or are just looking for an affordable way to step up your squash game, look no further than the Head Graphite Xenon racquet.
- Construction- The HEAD Xenon 135 uses advanced materials to balance power, control, and stability during play.
- Weight- The racquet is moderate, making it suitable for an extensive spectrum of players, from intermediate to advanced levels.
- Head Size- The racquet features a slightly larger head size, offering a more prominent sweet spot and enhancing forgiveness on off-center hits.
- String Pattern- It comes with a dense string pattern that contributes to improved ball control and precision shots.
- Balance- The racquet has a slightly head-heavy balance, which can generate extra power in your shots.
- Grip- Equipped with a comfortable grip that provides excellent control and feel for the ball.
- Xenon Technology- The Xenon technology in the frame enhances the racquet’s stability, reducing vibrations upon impact for better comfort.
- Lightweight
- Unique weighting
- Little to no vibration
- Stronger and less brittle than another similar racquet
- Though it has a lot of power for such a light racquet, some stronger players may prefer a heavier weight for even more power
- The head-heavy aspect of the racquet may take some getting used to, which some players may not like
4. Head Graphene XT Cyano 110 – Singles Power Player
- Weight 110 g / Beam 20 mm
- Head size 500 cm
- String pattern 12/17
- Only the racquet is inclu
The graphene technology called Graphene XT. Graphene XT technology uses the world’s lightest material to enhance weight distribution, power and swing speed. This enables a lighter weight without sacrificing the racket’s power. Compared to previous versions, the large head and head heavy balance stayed the same, but now the frame is even lighter.
This racquet is definitely a singles-focused racquet and many reviews on the web note the brittleness of the frame, as it is susceptible to breaking. Just don’t hit the wall!
- Graphene XT Technology- This racquet incorporates HEAD’s innovative Graphene XT material, strategically placed in the racquet’s frame for optimized weight distribution and improved power and control.
- Head Shape- The racquet features a traditional teardrop head shape, which balances power and control. This design allows for a more prominent sweet spot and more excellent maneuverability.
- String Pattern- With a 14×17 string pattern, the racquet enables more significant spin potential and better ball control. This pattern also helps players put varying degrees of spin on the ball for more deceptive shots.
- Weight- The Cyano 110 is medium weight, balancing power and control well. This weight facilitates swift swing motions, allowing for effective shot placement and quick reactions on the court.
- Balance- This racquet is known for its slightly head-heavy balance. This balance distribution aids in generating more power in your shots, especially when hitting drives and smashes.
- Graphene XT Bridge- The racquet incorporates a Graphene XT Bridge, which enhances torsional stability and minimizes energy loss on impact. This technology contributes to a solid and stable feel during play.
- Dynamic String Pattern- The dynamic string pattern of the racquet’s strings helps create a more prominent sweet spot and improves the ball’s power and touch.
- Anatomic End Cap- The racquet’s anatomic end cap enhances comfort and grip stability, allowing for a more secure hold on the racquet during intense rallies.
- Open Throat Design- The open-throat design facilitates better ball control and improved access to different shot angles. This design also aids in generating spin and accurate shot placement.
- Power Channels- Integrated power channels in the racquet’s throat increase the frame’s stiffness, enhancing power transmission to the ball on impact.
- Grip- The Cyano 110 has a high-quality grip that offers comfort, tackiness, and durability. A good grip is crucial for maintaining control and precision during gameplay.
- Aesthetics- The racquet features a modern, visually appealing design with vibrant colors and sleek graphics.
- Ultra-lightweight for more power
- Head-heavy for more power
- Because it is so lightweight, it requires excellent shot control
- Not ideal for doubles and somewhat brittle frame
5. Head Graphene Xenon 140 Squash Racquet
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The material used to make this HEAD squash racquet is Graphene, which is an ultra-light and ultra-strong substance.
- Graphene Technology- The racquet incorporates Graphene technology, which strategically distributes the weight to enhance the racquet’s maneuverability and power potential. This technology optimizes the balance between weight and strength for improved performance.
- Xenon Frame Construction- The Xenon frame construction provides stability and durability while minimizing unwanted vibrations upon ball impact. This contributes to a more comfortable and controlled feel during play.
- Lightweight Design- Weighing in at 140 grams, this racquet offers exceptional maneuverability, allowing players to react quickly to shots and make swift movements across the court.
- Mid-Plus Head Size- With a mid-plus head size, the racquet balances a more prominent sweet spot and increased control, making it suitable for players who value accuracy without compromising power.
- String Pattern- The racquet features a string pattern that enhances control over the ball and facilitates shot placement. This pattern ensures that the strings interact optimally with the ball, aiding in spin and accuracy.
- Balanced Feel- The racquet’s balance between head-heavy and head-light ensures a balanced feel, combining power and control. This balance enables players to execute both offensive and defensive shots effectively.
- Comfort Grip System- The handle incorporates a comfort grip system that reduces the impact of vibrations, enhancing comfort and minimizing the risk of discomfort or injury during extended play sessions.
- Stylish Aesthetics- The racquet boasts a modern, visually appealing design combining sleek aesthetics and functional elements. This attention to design adds a touch of personal style to your on-court presence.
- Strung Performance- The racquet comes pre-strung, allowing players to enjoy its performance right out of the box. The included strings complement the racquet’s characteristics, providing a balanced playing experience.
- Suitable for All Skill Levels- The versatile features of the Head Graphene Xenon 140 Squash Racquet make it ideal for players of varying skill levels, from intermediate to advanced. It accommodates different playing styles and preferences.
- Full-Cover Racket Cover- A comprehensive racket cover is provided to safeguard the racquet during transportation and storage, effectively prolonging the racquet’s lifespan.
- Evenly balanced racquet as advertised
- Powerful racquet
- Durable racquet and not brittle
- Paint chips easily
- May want to consider getting the factory strings restrung
6. Head Graphene Touch Speed 120 Squash Racquet
The racquet’s HEAD Amplified Fiber Technology (AFP) provides extra stiffness, which makes the racquet extremely fast and powerful. You will experience great touch and solid feel because of the racquets new Graphene Touch technology.
- Graphene Touch Technology- The racquet incorporates Graphene Touch material, providing a unique power and control combination. This innovative technology optimizes the weight distribution for improved maneuverability.
- Pre-Strung- The racquet comes pre-strung, saving you time and effort. It ensures consistent string tension, offering a balanced and responsive feel right out of the box.
- Head Shape- The racquet features a traditional head shape that balances power and precision. It offers a more prominent sweet spot for improved accuracy on your shots.
- Lightweight Construction- The racquet is designed with lightweight materials and offers quick and agile handling. This allows for faster reaction times and greater control over your shots.
- Balanced Feel- The weight distribution and balance of the racquet contribute to an even feel during gameplay. This balance enhances your ability to adapt to various shot types and court positions.
- String Pattern- The racquet’s string pattern is tailored for squash play, providing optimal power and control. The design also influences the amount of spin you can impart on the ball.
- Comfort Grip- The racquet handle is designed for comfort and control. It minimizes vibrations and discomfort during gameplay, reducing the risk of strain on your wrist and arm.
- Sleek Design- The racquet boasts a modern, attractive design that adds to its appeal. The combination of aesthetics and functionality makes it a standout choice on the court.
- Durable Construction- The racquet is constructed with quality materials to withstand the demands of intense squash matches. This durability ensures that the racquet remains in top condition over time.
- Player Type- The racquet suits players of varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Its versatile characteristics make it adaptable to different playing styles.
- Enhanced Power- The combination of the Graphene Touch technology and the racquet’s construction contributes to enhanced power in your shots, allowing you to hit the ball with greater force.
- Controlled Precision- The racquet’s design and technology also facilitate controlled shots, enabling you to place the ball precisely where you intend it to go.
- Improved Stability- The stability of the racquet aids in minimizing unwanted vibrations, resulting in cleaner hits and improved shot accuracy.
- Strung Tension Customization- While the racquet comes pre-strung, you can customize the string tension to match your playing style and preferences.
- Complete Package- As a pre-strung racquet, it offers a complete package ready for use, eliminating the need for immediate stringing or setup.
- Squash racquet cover is included
- Head-light racquet provides enhanced racquet manuervability
- Because the racquet is head-light, you need to ensure you can generate enough power
How to choose a Head squash racquet
Now that you know the best HEAD racquets out there, it is important to know how to pick the racquet that will work best for you. Just because a racquet has a high rating or costs a lot of money does not mean that it will enhance your performance in the court. Remember that not all squash players play the same and so not all racquets work the same for all players.
Maybe testing a specific HEAD squash racquet before you use it is the best way to judge whether it can work for you. Let us look at some things you need to consider before you buy a racquet:
Weight
You can choose racquets that weigh 125 grams or lighter, or 130-140g or settle for heavier ones that weigh 15 grams and over. Weight is very important because it determines the amount of power a racquet can deliver and also swing speed. A racquet’s weight can also put a lot of stress on your wrist and forearm.
Light Squash Racquets
They often weigh 125 grams or less. You should only use these types of racquets if you are an advanced squash player.
- Easily maneuverable
- Great for drop shots and flicks
- Quick racquet swing
- They are not as powerful as heavier racquets
- May have lower durability
- Expect lots of miss hits
Medium Weight squash racquets
They weigh 130-140g, a weight range that most players go for. This is because you get both power and maneuverability with such racquets. This racquet starts feeling lighter once your wrists and forearm become stronger.
- You get increase power
- Increased follow through
- Make it harder to perform flips and delicate drop shots
- Not as maneuverable as light racquets
Heavy Weight squash racquets
These weigh 145 grams and over. A lot of cheap racquets like beginner squash racquets fall within this category. Your coach may recommend the ones with a heavier frame to help build up strength in your wrist and forearm.
Try not to use them too frequently because they may make you develop bad playing habits that may be hard to break later.
- Cheap
- Helps to build arm and wrist strength
- Very hard to do drop shots, flicks, and quick-reaction shots
- Easy to over-hit straight drives
- May injure player if the swing is not solid
Head shape
The head shape of a racquet can affect power, control and even sweet spot size. The different racquet head shapes are:
The Teardrop
These racquet sets may give you more power in your shots but they sacrifice some control. They require great skill to use and so are not recommended to beginners. Intermediate and advanced players use these racquets most of the time. With this equipment, you get a perfect balance between good power and a large sweet spot.
Open throat
Most HEAD squash racquets fall into this category. These racquets are preferred by many advanced players because you get more feel and control in your shots. Unfortunately, they do not provide as much power as that offered by Teardrop and elongated Teardrop racquets. Some people may also not like the racquet’s lower string area, which just means they have a smaller sweet spot.
Elongated Tear Drop
If you are looking for a racquet that provides more power, then this is the equipment for you. It has a great shape with a big sweet spot on its face. But that means that there is a drop in control and that makes it harder to make accurate drop shots. Intermediate players and beginners struggle to make soft touch shots with this racquet.
Advanced players with strong flexible wrists are more capable of using this racquet successfully.
FAQs
Q1. What is the importance of the head size in a squash racquet?
The head size of a squash racquet affects the racquet’s power, control, and maneuverability. Larger head sizes generally offer more ability, while smaller ones provide better control.
Q2. How do I choose the correct head size for my playing style?
Players who prefer power and less precise shots might opt for a larger head size (over 500 sq cm), while those who prioritize control and precision might choose a smaller head size (around 470-480 sq cm).
Q3. What is the significance of the racquet’s weight in squash?
The racquet’s weight impacts the player’s ability to generate power and maneuverability. Heavier racquets offer more control, while lighter ones are easier to maneuver quickly.
Q4. Which head shape is better: teardrop or traditional?
Teardrop-shaped racquets offer a more prominent sweet spot and more power, making them suitable for beginners and power players. Traditional head shapes provide better control and are favored by advanced players.
Q5. How does the balance of the racquet affect my game?
A racquet’s balance can be head-heavy, even-balanced, or head-light. Head-heavy racquets offer more power, while head-light racquets provide better maneuverability and control.
Q6. What string tension should I use in my squash racquets?
String tension affects the racquet’s feel and control. Lower strains (below 25 lbs) provide more power, while higher tensions (above 27 lbs) enhance control. The ideal pressure varies based on player preference.
Q7. Are expensive racquets better than budget options?
While expensive racquets might offer advanced technologies and materials, the “best” racquet depends on individual preference. Players should consider their skill level, playing style, and budget.
Q8. How can I determine the grip size that’s right for me?
The grip size should allow you to hold the racquet’s handle comfortably. A simple way to measure your palm is by measuring the distance from your ring finger’s tip to the second crease. Most racquets come in standard grip sizes (usually 3 5/8″ or 3 7/8″).
Q9. Can I play squash with a tennis racquet?
Squash and tennis racquets are designed differently due to the distinct requirements of the sports. Using a tennis racquet for squash will significantly affect your gameplay and might lead to injury.
Q10. Should I demo racquets before purchasing one?
Demoing racquets allows you to assess how a racquet suits your playing style before buying. Many retailers offer demo programs, allowing you to try different racquets and find the best option.
Conclusion
If I were you, I would go for the HEAD Graphene Touch Speed 120
If you are just starting out, go for a balanced racquet because it will help you figure out what type of player you are.
Hi..
If i were to choose between Head Microgel 125 and Head Extreme 120, which one should i choose?
I am a decent intermediate player, male and aged 44. I play with peers and really dont indulge in tournaments.. I have been using the Technifibre Dynergy 117 and Prince Air Lite Tour 125
Thanks for your advice in advance..
Regards
I’d go with the Head Extreme 120 – it’s a newer racquet (best tech). If you are worried about accuracy/control, go ahead and just get the Head Extreme but in a heavier set (130g).