Ashaway Powerkill Meta ZX + Cover

Lighter frames around 110 to 120g are quicker through the ball and easier to manoeuvre at the front of the court, which suits attacking play and quick hands. Heavier frames around 140g and up are more stable and generate more power from the back. Most club players do well between 120 and 135g.

Head light helps with racket preparation and volleying at the front, so it suits players who like to take the ball early. Head heavy puts more weight behind a length drive from the back. If you are unsure, even balance is the most versatile.

They set the speed and the amount of bounce. Double yellow is the slowest with the least bounce and is the professional standard, single yellow is slightly faster, red faster again and blue the fastest. Most club players below county level enjoy the game more on a single yellow than a double, because the rallies actually last.

It is mandatory for juniors in most competitions and strongly recommended for everyone. Squash injuries to the eye are uncommon but severe when they happen, and a squash ball is exactly the size to fit the eye socket.

Squash strings take a lot of abuse from the walls as well as the ball. If you play weekly, once or twice a year is sensible even without a break. A frame that has gone dull and unresponsive is usually a string problem rather than a racket problem.