The Complete Handbook of Squash Racquets
A Practical Reference for Players, Coaches, Retailers, and Facilities
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
The practical reference for squash racquets: specifications, selection, maintenance, and business. No hype, just usable knowledge.
About this book
Squash racquets may look simple, but their design involves specific materials, weight distributions, string tensions, and grip systems that dramatically change how the ball plays. This handbook examines those variables with precision. It explains how frame geometry, material stiffness, and string type interact, and what those interactions mean when you are hitting a shot under pressure. Whether you are choosing a first racquet or restringing a rack for a professional client, this book gives you the criteria and the numbers to work with.
The book also covers the entire lifecycle of the product. You will learn how to assess a racquet before purchase, how to string it to match a playing style, how to recognize frame fatigue and handle common failures, and how to extend the useful life of both frames and strings. For those operating in the trade, there is detailed guidance on supplier positioning, wholesale margins, private-label programs, and service-based revenue such as restringing, customization, and rental fleets for clubs.
Finally, the handbook looks forward. It examines emerging materials such as graphene composites and bio-based resins, regulatory changes from international governing bodies, and shifts in the retail market as direct-to-consumer brands grow. Expert resources are described generically, so you know where to look for standards, certifications, and continued education without relying on promotional material.
Reader Reviews
Jessica Clark
★★★★★I bought this hoping for a deeper technical look at squash racquets, and it delivers on that. The frame material analysis and the chapter on balance point were genuinely useful. However, I found the business section somewhat out of place for a handbook that otherwise feels aimed at players and coaches. It is a solid reference, just not what I personally needed in a few places.
Jonathan Taylor
★★★★★The maintenance chapter alone was worth the price for me. I have been stringing my own racquets for years, but this laid out the process more clearly than the videos I have watched. I only wish there were more diagrams or photo references, since some of the written descriptions of grip wrapping and grommet repair were a bit hard to follow on the first read. Still, a serious, well-written handbook.
Melissa Wilson
★★★★★As a club coach I have recommended this book to a few newer players already. The chapter on choosing the right racquet is practical and avoids the usual 'feel good' nonsense you get in magazines. My main criticism is that the writing can be quite dry, more like a technical manual than something you want to read cover to cover. It is a reference, not a page-turner, which is fine if that is what you expect.
Jason Wilson
★★★★★This is the handbook I wish I had when I opened my pro shop. The chapter on suppliers and business opportunities is grounded in real market logic, not filler. I appreciated the specific margins and the explanation of how private-label programs work. The only minor issue is that some brand references may date quickly, but as a business guide it is excellent.
Joseph Hill
★★★★★I have played squash for fifteen years and considered myself knowledgeable about equipment. This book still corrected me on a few things, especially regarding string tension and how it interacts with frame stiffness. The troubleshooting section for common frame noises and string wear patterns was very helpful. I gave it four stars because I think the FAQ chapter could have been longer, but overall, it is a very serious reference.
Donna Nguyen
★★★★★I run a small squash facility and purchased this for my staff to reference. The sections on court temperature effects and rental racquet maintenance have already saved us from a few bad decisions. It is not flashy, but it is reliable and well structured. I do wish it had stronger binding - it is a paperback that is already showing wear, but that is a physical issue, not a content problem.
Matthew Miller
★★★★★A very thorough, no-nonsense handbook. The comparison of frame materials and the balance point tables were exactly what I needed to have a conversation with my coach about upgrading my racquet. I initially thought the price was a bit high, but given the depth of the information on day-to-day usage and long-term maintenance, it is worth it. Recommended for players who like to understand the details.