The Complete Guide to Squash Equipment — Rackets, Shoes, Balls, and Court-Ready Gear

The Racket — Weight, Balance, and Head Shape

The squash racket is the piece of equipment that most directly affects your game. Modern rackets are made from graphite, carbon fibre, and composite materials — a long way from the heavy wooden frames of the past. They are light, responsive, and varied enough that choosing the right one makes a genuine difference to how the game feels in your hand.

For beginners: A lightweight, teardrop-shaped racket with an even or slightly head-heavy balance is the standard recommendation. It provides a forgiving sweet spot, manageable weight, and enough power to develop your game without demanding advanced technique.

Head Shape — Teardrop vs Classic

Teardrop (open throat) rackets have a larger head and string bed. The beam separates into two arms that flare out to form the head, creating more string area and a larger sweet spot. This design is more forgiving on off-centre hits and generates more power with less effort. Teardrop rackets are the dominant choice for beginners and recreational players.

Classic (closed throat / bridged) rackets have a traditional shape with a bridge connecting the throat to the head. The string bed is smaller, the sweet spot is more compact, and the racket provides greater control and precision. Classic shapes suit experienced players who consistently hit the sweet spot and want the ability to place the ball with accuracy rather than relying on raw power.

The honest advice: Unless you are a confident, experienced player who specifically wants the precision of a classic frame, a teardrop shape will serve you better. The larger sweet spot alone makes it the practical choice.

Racket Weight and Balance

Weight is measured in grams, typically referring to the unstrung frame weight. Modern squash rackets range from approximately 110g to 170g.

Light rackets (110–130g) are fast to swing, allow quick wrist adjustments, and promote deception. They are popular with advanced players who generate power through technique rather than racket mass. For beginners, very light rackets can feel insubstantial and may not provide enough momentum to drive the ball deep.

Medium rackets (130–145g) offer a balance of speed and substance. They are the versatile middle ground and suit most players, from developing beginners to competitive intermediates.

Heavier rackets (145g+) provide more mass behind the ball, generating power with less effort. They can be slower to manoeuvre and more tiring over long matches. Some beginners benefit from a slightly heavier racket because the additional weight helps drive the ball to the back of the court — an essential skill in squash.

Balance describes where the weight is concentrated. Head-heavy rackets put more mass in the head, adding power. Head-light rackets concentrate mass in the handle, improving manoeuvrability. Even-balanced rackets distribute weight evenly. For beginners, an even or slightly head-heavy balance provides the most accessible combination of power and control.

Strings and Tension

String tension is measured in pounds (lbs). The standard tension for squash is approximately 24–30 lbs, with 26–28 lbs being a common starting point.

Lower tension (24–26 lbs) produces more power — the strings act like a trampoline, launching the ball with less effort. The trade-off is reduced control and feel.

Higher tension (28–30 lbs) produces more control — the strings deform less, giving a more precise response. The trade-off is that you must generate power through your swing rather than relying on the strings.

For beginners: The factory-strung tension (typically around 26–28 lbs) is perfectly adequate. Do not adjust tension until you have developed enough consistency to notice the difference.

String material: Synthetic multifilament strings are the standard for most players — durable, affordable, and providing a good balance of power and feel. Natural gut is softer and more responsive but expensive and less durable. Beginners should not spend extra on premium strings until their game demands it.

Restringing: Strings lose tension and responsiveness over time. As a general rule, restring your racket as many times per year as you play per week. If you play twice a week, restring approximately twice a year. If strings visibly fray or notch, replace them promptly — a snapped string mid-rally ends your game.

Grips

The grip is the material wrapped around the handle. It determines comfort, moisture management, and how secure the racket feels in your hand.

Replacement grips are the base layer. They are thicker and provide the foundational feel of the handle. Replacing a worn grip restores the handle to its original dimensions and tackiness.

Overgrips are thin wraps applied over the existing grip. They are inexpensive, quick to replace, and useful for adjusting handle thickness or adding a fresh, tacky surface when the base grip starts to feel smooth.

Replace your grip when it becomes smooth or slippery. A worn grip reduces control and forces you to grip tighter, which causes forearm fatigue and can contribute to elbow problems. Fresh grips are cheap and make a noticeable difference.

Squash Balls — Understanding the Dots

Squash balls are categorised by coloured dots that indicate their speed and bounce. This system exists because different skill levels require different ball characteristics.

The key principle: Slower balls (fewer/smaller dots) bounce less and require more skill to keep in play. Faster balls (blue, red) bounce higher and stay warmer, making rallies longer and the game more accessible for learners.

Beginners should start with a blue or single-yellow dot ball. The double-yellow dot ball is the competition standard, but it requires powerful, accurate hitting to warm up and maintain playable bounce. A beginner using a double-yellow ball spends most of the time chasing a cold, dead ball around the court — frustrating and unproductive. Start with a bouncier ball and progress to double-yellow as your hitting power and consistency develop.

Squash balls need to warm up. Unlike most sports balls, a squash ball performs differently when cold versus warm. Before play, rally gently for a few minutes to warm the ball. A cold ball barely bounces; a warm ball plays as intended.

Court Shoes

Squash court shoes are designed for the specific demands of the sport — rapid lateral movement, sudden stops, explosive acceleration, and constant direction changes on a smooth indoor court surface.

Non-marking gum rubber soles are mandatory on squash courts. Black-soled shoes leave marks on the court and are typically prohibited. Court shoes use gum rubber that grips the polished floor without marking it.

Lateral support is critical. Squash involves aggressive side-to-side movement that places enormous stress on the ankles and feet. Court shoes provide reinforced sidewalls and a low profile that stabilise the foot during lateral cuts.

Cushioning absorbs the impact of lunging, jumping, and rapid deceleration. Adequate forefoot and heel cushioning reduces joint stress over the course of a match.

Running shoes are not suitable for squash. Their raised heels and forward-motion tread design increase ankle sprain risk during the lateral movements squash demands. If you play more than occasionally, invest in proper court shoes.

Protective Eyewear

Squash is played in a confined space with a small, hard ball travelling at high speed and an opponent swinging a racket in close proximity. Eye injuries in squash are a documented risk.

Protective eyewear is mandatory in many leagues and strongly recommended for all players. Squash-specific goggles or glasses with polycarbonate lenses protect against ball impact and accidental racket contact. They should fit securely, not fog excessively, and not restrict peripheral vision.

Standard glasses and sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. They can shatter on impact and the frames do not cover the eye adequately. Use squash-specific protective eyewear.

Clothing

Squash generates significant heat and sweat. The enclosed court and intense movement make breathable, moisture-wicking clothing essential.

Shorts and a moisture-wicking shirt are the standard. Avoid cotton — it absorbs sweat, becomes heavy, and dries slowly. Synthetic fabrics or merino blends wick moisture and keep you more comfortable.

Squash skirts and skorts are popular in women's play, offering freedom of movement with a practical design.

Socks should be cushioned, moisture-wicking, and well-fitted. Squash involves constant foot movement — blisters from poorly fitting socks are common and avoidable.

Bags and Accessories

Racket bags protect your racket during transport. A padded bag prevents frame damage and keeps strings protected from temperature extremes (heat loosens strings; cold makes them brittle).

Wristbands and headbands manage sweat, keeping hands dry for a better grip and keeping sweat out of your eyes.

A spare grip and spare ball in your bag ensure you are never unprepared for a session.

Choosing Your Equipment

The Honest Limitations

A more expensive racket does not make you a better player. Technique, movement, and court awareness determine your squash level. The racket is a tool — the right tool helps, but it does not compensate for fundamentals.

Double-yellow dot balls are for experienced players. Using the competition ball as a beginner makes the game harder, not more authentic. Match the ball to your level.

Strings wear out. Factory strings on a new racket are adequate to start but deteriorate with play. Budget for periodic restringing as an ongoing cost.

Eyewear fogs. Anti-fog coatings help but do not eliminate fogging entirely, particularly in hot, humid court conditions. Some players apply anti-fog spray; others accept occasional wiping. It is a manageable inconvenience, not a reason to skip eye protection.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

Playing with a double-yellow dot ball as a beginner. The most common and most frustrating equipment mistake in squash. Start with a bouncier ball.

Wearing running shoes on court. Running shoes increase ankle sprain risk and may not be permitted. Use non-marking court shoes.

Skipping protective eyewear. A squash ball to the eye can cause permanent damage. Goggles are a small investment against a serious risk.

Buying a racket that is too light for a beginner. Very light rackets require advanced technique to generate power. A medium-weight racket helps beginners drive the ball deep with less effort.

Not replacing worn grips. A smooth, slippery grip forces a tighter hold, wastes energy, and can contribute to elbow strain. Replace grips regularly.

Your Pre-Purchase Checklist

• [ ] Is the racket head shape and weight appropriate for your skill level?
• [ ] Is the ball dot colour matched to your ability (blue or single yellow for beginners)?
• [ ] Do you have non-marking court shoes?
• [ ] Do you have squash-specific protective eyewear?
• [ ] Do you have moisture-wicking clothing?

Why Buying Through Amazon Makes Sense

Amazon carries squash equipment from all the major brands. Customer reviews are particularly valuable for rackets (real-world weight accuracy, string quality, and how the racket performs at different levels), shoes (grip performance on court surfaces, lateral support), and goggles (fog resistance and comfort during extended play). The returns process is useful for rackets where balance and feel can only be assessed through hitting.

Squash rewards the player who moves well, thinks quickly, and controls the ball — not the player with the most expensive racket. A mid-range racket in the right weight and shape, a ball that bounces at a level your game can sustain, court shoes that grip when you lunge, and goggles that protect what matters most. Get those four things right, and the court is yours to explore.