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Guide to Squash Strings


String Type

Synthetic Gut Monofilament Multifilament
Pros:
  • Cheap
  • Reasonable feel
  • Reasonable durability
  • ‘All-round’ option
Example:
Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex		 Pros:
  • Durable
Cons:
  • Quite stiff
  • Loses tension quickly
Example:
Salming Instinct		 Pros:
  • ‘Soft’, resilient feel
  • Great playability and comfort
  • Good dynamic elasticity
Cons:
  • Quite costly
  • Less durable than other string types
Example:
Ashaway SuperNick XL

How to Choose Your String

PictureWith so many strings available on the market, choosing a string that compliments your game can be a daunting task. Cost and durability vary greatly between strings and may or may not be important factors depending on whether you are a beginner or an advanced player.

The best performing strings are manufactured by Ashaway and Tecnifibre, but these are also the most expensive and are typically less durable than cheaper options. There are plenty of mid-range options available from other reputable manufacturers.

Our recommendation is to first establish your budget and then decide how regularly you are willing to have your racket restrung. Whether you’re looking for more power, more control or an ‘all-round’ performance, we can then help you select a string that’s right for you.

The ‘string selector’ below gives our recommendations for the squash stings kept in stock.

Squash String Selector

Tension

A higher tension will give you more control over the direction the ball takes off your stringbed.

A lower tension will give greater power, but with less control.

Very Loose Tension
(21 lbs or under)		 Uncommon and typically only used by very particular players or professionals.
Loose Tension
(22-24 lbs)		 At lower tensions, the ball will go deeper onto the strings. However, because it takes longer to go into the string bed, you can lose ball control. Low tension is subject to more abrasion failures, where strings are worn out from sawing back and forth against each other.
Medium Tension
(24-27 lbs)		 The most common string tension is usually around 26 lbs, which is a good middle-ground.
High Tension
(28-32 lbs)		 28 lbs is typically the highest you want for a squash racket. Most rackets have a recommended maximum tension around 30 lbs. High stringing tension is more susceptible to ‘snap’ (tensile) failures.

Picture‘Power’ players who are physically strong generally don't feel they need more power, so use a higher tension to enhance control. However, if you string at high tension and you're a hard hitter, you're likely to break a lot of strings.

Players who are less powerful tend to go either way. Many of them string tight for maximum control, while others string loose to put a bit more pace on the ball.

If you have any elbow or shoulder issues you shouldn't get your racket strung too high (27 lbs at the highest), nor should you use a monofilament string.

String Gauge (Thickness)

PictureSquash strings are generally available in one of three gauges, or thicknesses: 16, 17 and 18 gauge.

The standard thickness for squash strings is 17 gauge.

Thicker strings (16 gauge) are more durable, hold tension longer, offer greater control but are stiffer.

Thinner strings (18 gauge) tend to be less durable, but are bouncier and stretch back further on impact with the ball. This ‘trampoline’ effect generates more power. Thin strings also dig deeper into the surface of the ball (known as ‘bite’), generating better traction for more spin control.

Frequency of Restringing

PictureRacket strings don’t necessarily have to break to need replacing. All strings will lose their elasticity and deteriorate with constant use, and will gradually lose elasticity even if they are not in use. When strings become looser as a result of tension loss, they become less powerful (not more) and they begin to lose their control properties.

If you play 3 or more times a week, it is recommended that you restring your racket at least 3 times a year.

Even if you play less frequently, you should ideally still restring your racket at least a couple of times a year.

String Suggestions

For beginners, improvers and those on a tight budget:

For intermediate and social players:

For string breakers (maximum durability):

For advanced players (optimum power):

For advanced players (optimum feel / control):

For advanced players (all round performance):

What do the Professional Players Use?

Mohamed El Shorbagy Tecnifibre DNAMX 18 @ 26 lbs
Sarah-Jane Perry Unsquashable Tour-Tec Pro 1.18 @ 26-27 lbs
Joelle King Ashaway PowerNick 18 @ 28 lbs
Tesni Evans Karakal Hot Zone 120 @ 28 lbs
Diego Elias Ashaway UltraNick 18 @ 25 lbs
Gregoire Marche Tecnifibre 305 @ 22/20 lbs
Fares Dessouky Tecnifibre 305 @ 26.5/24 lbs
Nicolas Mueller Wilson Comfort @ 22/20 lbs
Patrick Rooney Ashaway UltraNick 18 @ 23 lbs
Joel Makin Karakal Hot Zone Pro 125 @ 28 lbs