The strings are the only part of your racket that touch the ball, yet they are the most overlooked upgrade in squash. The right string and tension can transform how a frame plays — often more noticeably than switching racket entirely. Here is how to choose.
Quick answer: For more control and feel, choose a thinner string and a higher tension; for more power and comfort, choose a slightly thicker string at a lower tension. Most club players suit a mid-range tension, and fresh strings matter more than the exact setup — restring regularly as strings lose tension and bite over time.
Why strings matter so much
A racket's marketed feel assumes decent strings at a sensible tension. As strings age they lose tension, go dull and stop gripping the ball, so an expensive frame with tired strings underperforms a modest frame freshly strung. Restringing is the cheapest meaningful performance upgrade in the sport.
String gauge (thickness)
- Thinner strings bite the ball more for extra spin, control and a crisper feel, but are less durable and break sooner.
- Thicker strings last longer and offer a slightly more powerful, cushioned feel, but with less bite.
Squash strings are thinner than tennis strings and are almost always a synthetic multifilament or similar construction designed for feel and repeated wall contact.
Tension: the control–power dial
Tension is measured in pounds (lbs) and is one of the biggest levers you can pull:
| Setting | Feel | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Higher tension | More control, precision | Less power, can feel harsh |
| Lower tension | More power, comfort, larger sweet spot | Less pinpoint control |
| Mid tension | Balanced, versatile | The safe default |
A useful rule: higher tension for control, lower tension for power. If you are unsure, start in the middle of the racket manufacturer's recommended range and adjust from there.
Matching strings to your game
- Control players and shot-makers: thinner string, higher tension for maximum feel and precision.
- Power seekers and beginners: slightly thicker string, lower tension for easy pace and a bigger sweet spot.
- All-rounders: a quality multifilament at mid tension.
Brands such as Tecnifibre, Karakal, Head and others produce well-regarded squash strings across these needs. As a racket specialist, Central Sports can string frames to your preferred tension.
How often should you restring?
A common guideline is to restring as many times per year as you play per week — but for squash specifically, restring whenever the strings feel dead, have lost tension, or have moved and frayed. Frequent players may restring every few months even without breakage, because tension loss dulls performance long before a string snaps.
String and racket together
Strings work with the frame, not in isolation. A control-oriented, head-light racket paired with a thin string at higher tension doubles down on precision, while a powerful frame with a lower tension maximises pace. If you are still choosing a frame, see how to choose a squash racket.
FAQs
Does higher string tension give more control?
Generally yes. Higher tension reduces the trampoline effect for more control and precision, at the cost of some power and comfort.
What tension should I string my squash racket at?
Start within the racket manufacturer's recommended range — the middle is a safe default — then go higher for control or lower for power.
How often should I restring my squash racket?
Whenever the strings feel dead or have lost tension, even if unbroken. Frequent players often restring every few months.
Are thinner squash strings better?
Thinner strings give more bite and feel but break sooner. Thicker strings last longer with a slightly more powerful, cushioned feel.
Upgrade your feel
Fresh strings at the right tension can make your current racket feel brand new. Browse the squash rackets collection at Central Sports, and ask our stringing team to set up your frame for control or power to suit your game.