Ashaway Line & Twine Manufacturing Company

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:

The larger the gauge number, the thicker the string.

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

True _____ False _____
The standard length for squash string sets is . . .

26 feet _____ 30 feet _____ 35 feet _____
If you want the ball to explode off your racquet with greater power, you should string your racquet at higher tension.

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

True _____ False _____
Which of the following is the acronym for the only national Racquet Stringing Association?

USRSA _____ USSRA _____ USRA _____
Multifilament string construction is the most common for squash string.

True _____ False _____
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 _____
A device to measure string gauge is called a . . .

Thermometer _____ Dynometer _____ Micrometer _____
Which of the following countries is not home to a racquet string manufacturer?

USA _____ Canada _____ Japan _____ France _____
What was the first synthetic material used for manufacturing racquet strings?

Polyester _____ Nylon _____ Rayon _____
Which of the following raw materials used in racquet string has the least elasticity or stretch?

Polyester _____ Nylon _____ Kevlar _____
Which of the following is not a type of stringing machine?

Electronic _____ Drop weight _____ Chemical combustion _____
Which of the following elements is not used in racquet strings?

Titanium _____ Copper _____ Carbon _____
The normal tension range for stringing squash racquets is 45-50 lbs.

True _____ False _____
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 _____
Which one of the following fiber properties does not affect squash string performance?

Elongation _____ Creep _____ Denier _____ Moisture absorption _____
At a lower tension, a string is more apt to add control to your game.

True _____ False _____
The first synthetic Ashaway string was produced in . . .

1945 _____ 1949 _____ 1952 _____
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.