Squash Racket String Patterns Explained: What Do the Numbers Actually Mean?

If you’ve ever looked through the specifications of a squash racket and seen something like 14×18, 16×19 or another combination of numbers, you might have wondered what they actually mean. They refer to the racket’s string pattern, which is simply the number of vertical and horizontal strings running across the racket head. So a 14×18 pattern means there are 14 main strings running vertically and 18 cross strings running horizontally. It sounds technical, but once you understand it, it becomes another useful way to compare how different rackets might feel.

The important thing is that string pattern does have an influence on the way a squash racket plays, but it isn’t something you should look at in isolation. Weight, balance, head shape, string tension and the type of string all matter too. Two rackets can have the same string pattern and still feel completely different, which is why it is better to think of string pattern as one part of the overall design.

Open and dense string patterns

A racket with fewer strings generally has what is known as a more open string pattern. Because there are fewer strings filling the racket head, the gaps between them are slightly larger, which gives the strings a bit more room to move and flex when you make contact with the ball. For some players, that creates a livelier, more responsive feel and can make it easier to generate a bit of extra power or bite on the ball.

A denser string pattern is the opposite. More strings are packed into the same area, so there is less space between them and usually less string movement when the ball hits the racket. That can make the string bed feel firmer and more stable, which some players prefer because it gives them a more predictable response. Neither is automatically better — it really comes down to the type of feel you like from a racket.

Does string pattern affect power?

It can, although probably not as dramatically as some people assume. A more open pattern can allow the strings to flex and move a little more, which can make the racket feel livelier and can help some players generate easier power. You may also notice a little more feedback from the string bed because the strings are doing more of the work when the ball makes contact.

That said, power comes from far more than just the string pattern. A head-heavy racket, for example, may generate more momentum through the ball even if it has a relatively dense string pattern. Likewise, a more open pattern strung at a very high tension can still feel firmer than a denser pattern strung more loosely. This is why it is always better to look at the full racket specification rather than assuming one number tells you everything.

What about control?

This is where the usual explanation of “open means power, dense means control” becomes a little too simple. A denser pattern can feel more predictable because the strings move less, which may give some players a stronger sense of control. If you like a firm and stable response, you may naturally prefer that type of feel.

For other players, an open string pattern can actually feel easier to control because there is more feedback from the racket. They may feel the ball better on the strings and have more confidence when playing touch shots, cuts or changes of pace. Control is very personal, so the best option is really the one that gives you the response you trust most.

Does string pattern affect durability?

Yes, it can. With a more open string pattern, the strings generally have more room to move against each other when the ball is struck. Over time, that extra movement can create more friction between the mains and crosses, which can lead to notching and eventually breakages.

A denser string pattern can sometimes help strings last longer because there is less movement and the impact is spread across more strings. Even then, durability also depends heavily on the string you use, the gauge of the string and the tension. If you like the feel of an open pattern but regularly break strings, you may simply need a slightly more durable setup rather than a completely different racket.

Is 14×18 better than 16×19?

No, and this is probably the biggest misconception around string patterns. A 14×18 pattern might suit someone who likes a more open, responsive feel, while a 16×19 pattern may appeal to a player who prefers something firmer and more stable. But those numbers alone do not tell you whether one racket is better than another.

Put those same two string patterns into different frame shapes, different weights and different balances and they can feel nothing alike. A teardrop frame with an open pattern may play very differently to a closed-throat racket with a denser setup. The better question is not “which pattern is best?” but “which overall racket suits the way I play?”

Should beginners worry about string pattern?

Probably not too much. If you are buying your first squash racket, things like weight, balance and head shape will usually make a much bigger difference to how the racket feels in your hand. Those are the areas most players will notice straight away, particularly if they are moving from a basic or heavier racket.

String pattern becomes more useful once you already know what you like. If you have played with a racket for a while and really enjoy the way the string bed feels, checking its pattern can help explain part of the reason why. It can then be useful when comparing future rackets because you have a better idea of what type of response suits your game.

If you are still choosing your first racket, our guide to what to look for in your first squash racket is probably the better place to start.

What else should you look at alongside string pattern?

String pattern should always be considered alongside the rest of the racket. Weight affects how easy the racket is to move, balance changes where that weight is felt, and head shape can influence the size and feel of the hitting area. String tension then adds another layer, with lower tensions usually feeling livelier and higher tensions generally feeling firmer.

The string itself matters as well. A thinner, softer string can feel very different from a thicker, more durable one, even in the same racket. That is why two players using identical frames can still end up with rackets that feel completely different depending on how they have them strung.

So, does string pattern really matter?

Yes, but it should be used as a guide rather than a deciding factor. A more open string pattern will generally give you a livelier and more responsive feel, while a denser pattern will usually feel firmer and more stable. Those differences are useful to understand, especially once you already know what type of racket you enjoy using.

The main thing is not to get too hung up on the numbers. String pattern is just one part of the overall package, and the best racket is the one where the weight, balance, head shape, strings and pattern all work together for your game. Once you understand that, those numbers on a racket specification stop looking quite so mysterious.

For more help choosing the right racket, have a look at our guide to the best OLIVER squash rackets for different players.