Squash Strings Explained: Gauge, Tension and When to Restring (India Guide)
The cheapest real upgrade in squash is not a new racket — it is fresh string at the right tension. Here is how to choose.
Squash strings explained: the cheapest real upgrade in your bag
Squash players in India replace rackets long before they replace strings, which is exactly backwards. A ₹640 string set at the right tension changes how the ball comes off the face more than a ₹3,000 jump in frame price will. Strings are the only part of the racket that touches the ball — and they are the part everyone ignores until one snaps mid-rally.
Here is what actually matters: gauge, tension, and knowing when to restring.
Squash string gauge: 16g vs 17g vs 18g
Gauge is thickness, and the numbering is counterintuitive — higher number means thinner string.
| Gauge | Thickness | What you gain | What you give up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16g / 16L | Thicker | Durability, control | Some feel and bite |
| 17g | Middle | Balanced compromise | Nothing much; the safe pick |
| 18g | Thinner | More bite, spin and touch | Breaks noticeably faster |
The practical read for Indian club players: if you break strings more than once a season, go thicker. The Head Perfect Power 16L Single Squash String at ₹640 is a durable, straightforward choice for someone who plays twice a week and wants the string to last. If you are a touch player who lives on drops and boasts and you accept restringing more often, the Dunlop Silk Black 18g Squash String at ₹675 gives you the extra bite.
The Head Reflex 16L Squash String at ₹960 is a multifilament — softer on the arm than a stiff synthetic, which matters if you have had elbow trouble.
What tension should you string a squash racket at?
Squash tensions run roughly 20–30 lbs, far lower than tennis. The trade-off is simple and it is the opposite of what most people assume:
- Lower tension (20–24 lbs) — bigger trampoline effect, more power, more forgiveness. Suits beginners and anyone struggling to get length.
- Mid tension (24–27 lbs) — the club-player default. Enough control to place the ball, enough power not to fight for it.
- Higher tension (27–30 lbs) — more control and feel, less free power. Only worth it if you generate your own pace.
If you are unsure, string at 25 lbs and adjust from there. And know this: tension drops from the moment it is strung, faster in Indian heat and humidity. A racket strung at 26 lbs in April is not at 26 lbs in July.
When should you restring a squash racket?
The old rule of thumb still holds: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Play three times a week, restring roughly three times a year. Most Indian club players restring only when the string snaps, which means they spent months playing on dead string without noticing the decline — because it happens gradually.
Signs it is overdue:
- Notching — visible grooves where the strings cross
- The string bed feels dead; the ball does not spring off
- Strings move out of position and stay there
- You are hitting harder to get the same length
Humidity accelerates all of this. If your racket lives in a car boot through a Chennai or Mumbai summer, expect to restring more often than a player in Delhi winter.
Shop the gear
- Head Perfect Power 16L Single Squash String — ₹640
- Dunlop Silk Black 18g Squash String — ₹675
- Dunlop Silk 18G Squash String — ₹934
- Head Reflex 16L Squash String — ₹960
Related reading
- How to Choose a Squash Racket: A Beginner's Guide for India
- Squash Balls Explained: Dot Colours and Speed (India Buying Guide)
- Squash Gear Starter Guide for Beginners in India
Frequently asked questions
What tension should a squash racket be strung at?
Most club players are well served between 24 and 27 lbs. Lower tension around 20–24 lbs gives more power and forgiveness for beginners, while 27–30 lbs gives more control but less free power. If unsure, start at 25 lbs.
Is 16 gauge or 18 gauge squash string better?
Neither is universally better. 16 gauge is thicker and lasts longer with more control; 18 gauge is thinner and gives more bite and touch but breaks faster. Choose 16g if you break strings often, 18g if you prioritise feel.
How often should I restring my squash racket?
A common guideline is to restring as many times a year as you play per week — so three sessions a week means about three restrings a year. Heat and humidity in India accelerate tension loss, so err on the frequent side.