Squash: What do I need from my squash racket?

Let's be honest: on the court, what matters is speed, reflexes, and endurance. But why do you so often rely on gut feeling or optics when choosing your most important tool? A squash racket is more than just carbon and strings. How weight distribution, materials, and frame shapes interact often decides between victory or defeat. As racket pioneers, we at OLIVER know: every single gram and millimeter changes your playing feel. Today, we're taking things apart technically—from the butt cap to the top of the frame—and clearing up which setup actually helps your game.

1. Weight: Fine-tuning grams for handling vs. a clean drive

The unstrung frame weight of a modern squash racket usually ranges between 110 and 150 grams. That might not sound like a huge difference, but on the court, it's worlds apart. It's often generally claimed that "lighter is better." But that's not necessarily true.

A very lightweight frame (110–120g) is indeed super agile. It allows you to react fast at the T-line and volley the ball early. The downside: it barely forgives off-center hits. You need clean technique to transfer power into the ball.

On the other hand, a slightly heavier racket (135–145g) brings more swing momentum. This means it absorbs inaccuracies much better and naturally adds depth to your drive without requiring full effort on every swing. Handling is a bit slower, but the hit feels solid and controlled.

• OLIVER Expert Tip: If you're looking for maximum maneuverability, check out the Apex 720. It's precision engineering for handling specialists.

2. Balance: Why distribution matters more than the scales

Balance describes the weight distribution and is almost more critical for your swing feel than the actual number on the scale. It's usually categorized as head-heavy, head-light, or even-balanced.

Head-heavy: The weight sits at the top of the frame. This generates immense swing momentum (power), helping you drive the ball deep into the back corners. However, you can feel the leverage, which tires the arm faster and requires wrist strength.

Head-light: The weight is closer to the grip. The racket feels agile, making it ideal for quick deception shots and fast volleys. Downside: you have to hit harder to generate deep court coverage.

Even balance: The classic choice for all-rounders seeking a compromise between power and control.

• OLIVER Expert Tip: Looking for more power on long drives? The Dragon series features a head-heavy setup.
• OLIVER Expert Tip: For tactical players accelerating the racket from the wrist: the Pure series is head-light and precise.

3. Frame shape & bridge: Closed heart or teardrop?

The fundamental question is: does the racket have a crossbar in the heart (classic shape) or do the main strings run straight down into the shaft (teardrop shape)? Both have completely distinct characteristics.

Teardrop shape

The frame has no crossbar; the main strings are very long. This creates a massive "trampoline effect." The result: maximum power and a highly forgiving sweet spot. These shapes are ideal for players looking to generate pace without applying immense physical effort.

• OLIVER Expert Tip: If you're looking for maximum ball acceleration, the Supralight models utilize this shape perfectly.

Classic closed heart (With Bridge)

A bridge across the heart shortens the main strings, making the frame significantly stiffer and more torsion-resistant. The shorter strings provide less trampoline effect, but offer unmatched ball control. You need a clean point of impact, but in return, you get incomparably direct feedback.

• OLIVER Expert Tip: The Orc-A with its bridged construction is the ultimate weapon for precision.

Conclusion: There is no "one" racket that does it all

There's only the one that fits YOU best. Think about what you need: agility (lightweight, head-light) or power (teardrop, head-heavy)? We offer the right racket setup for every style of player. Explore OLIVER squash rackets and find your partner for your next victory.