Ashaway Line and Twine Manufacturing Company
Home
Squash Strings
Badminton Strings
Racquetball Strings
Tennis Strings
Racket String Catalogue
PEEK Performance Center
Distributors
Racket Stringing Tips
Ask the Racket String Expert
Non-Sterile Suture Thread
Custom Cords
History
What's New
Contact Information
Follow Us on Twitter
Steve Crandall's Squash Stringing Tips

Take The Racquet String Pop Quiz and Improve Your Squash Game

By Steve Crandall
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Ashaway Racket Strings


One of the points I have been making all along in this column is that knowing a little bit about squash strings and stringing techniques can actually improve your squash game. Now for the moment of truth. Take the pop quiz below and find out how much you know or actually need to learn.

If you want to "turn in" your quiz to Ashaway and receive a "grade," please complete this Quiz, or print out a copy, online at Ashaway's website (ashawayusa.com), and either fax or snail mail the Quiz to Ashaway. If you include your name and address, you will receive the answers to each question with your grade (5 points per question), along with a complimentary set of Ashaway SuperNick XL Titanium squash string. Entries must be postmarked by 04/01.

Here's the Quiz:


  1. The larger the gauge number, the thicker the string.

    True _____    False _____   


  2. String tension should be in proportion to head size, with larger heads calling for more tension.

    True _____    False _____   


  3. The standard length for squash string sets is . . .

    26 feet _____    30 feet _____    35 feet _____   


  4. If you want the ball to explode off your racquet with greater power, you should string your racquet at higher tension.

    True_____    False_____   


  5. Braiding, rather than twisting, of the nylon jackets on squash strings produces a textured surface which enhances ball control.

    True _____    False _____   


  6. Which of the following is the acronym for the only national Racquet Stringing Association?

    USRSA _____    USSRA _____    USRA _____   


  7. Multifilament string construction is the most common for squash string.

    True _____    False _____   


  8. Which of the following is the most commonly accepted range in millimeters for a 17-gauge string?

    1.10 - 1.15 _____      1.20 - 1.25 _____       1.30 - 1.35 _____   


  9. A device to measure string gauge is called a . . .

    Thermometer _____    Dynometer _____    Micrometer _____   


  10. Which of the following countries is not home to a racquet string manufacturer?

    USA _____    Canada _____    Japan _____    France _____   


  11. What was the first synthetic material used for manufacturing racquet strings?

    Polyester _____    Nylon _____    Rayon _____   


  12. Which of the following raw materials used in racquet string has the least elasticity or stretch?

    Polyester _____    Nylon _____    Kevlar _____   


  13. Which of the following is not a type of stringing machine?

    Electronic _____    Drop weight _____    Chemical combustion _____   


  14. Which of the following elements is not used in racquet strings?

    Titanium _____    Copper _____    Carbon _____   


  15. The normal tension range for stringing squash racquets is 45-50 lbs.

    True _____    False _____   


  16. The core of the string is the source of the racquet's playability and strength, while the jacket of the string aids in durability and ball control.

    True _____    False _____   


  17. Which one of the following fiber properties does not affect squash string performance?

    Elongation _____    Creep _____    Denier _____    Moisture absorption _____   


  18. At a lower tension, a string is more apt to add control to your game.

    True _____    False _____   


  19. The first synthetic Ashaway string was produced in . . .

    1945 _____    1949 _____    1952 _____   


  20. Steve Crandall's first squash tips column appeared in Squash Magazine in what year?

    1993 _____    1995 _____    1996 _____    1999 _____   


It is surprising, I think, how much thought, effort and technology goes into designing squash strings that can optimize player performance and enhance the players' enjoyment of their favorite sport. If you think the same way after taking this quiz, then this column has been a success. And if you score high on this quiz, then it will mean we've been doing a great job. If not… I look forward to receiving your answers.

This article previously appeared in Squash Magazine.


Back To Badminton Stringing Tips Index