How-tos
Best beginner squash racket
- England Squash
- 5 min read
New to squash and looking to buy your first racket?
Good news: you don’t need the most expensive model or the latest technology to get started.
You just need a racket that feels comfortable in your hand, light enough to swing and helps you enjoy learning the game.
Before you buy, try a few rackets if you can. Ask someone at your club or venue for advice, and see if you can have a quick hit with a racket they suggest.
A few hits can tell you a lot straight away: what feels comfortable, what feels too heavy, and what feels easiest to swing.
Wondering what type of squash racket to buy, or how to choose the right one? Keep it simple. Focus on a few basics first, rather than getting caught up in every technical detail early on.
What to look for in a beginner squash racket
Focus on racket weight
Weight is one of the most important things to consider when choosing your first squash racket.
As a guide, we recommend beginners start with a lighter racket – often under 130g because it can feel easier to swing and move around the court.
Try to avoid anything that feels too heavy to swing – if the racket feels like hard work, it can make learning the basics feel harder than it should.
Check the grip
Most rackets come with a manufacturer’s standard grip, but it still needs to feel comfortable in your hand. If the handle feels slippery, too small or too bulky, you can adjust the feel with an overgrip or replacement grip.
Recommended beginner squash rackets
You don’t need to spend a lot on your first racket. Once you’ve tried a few rackets and have a better idea of what feels right, you can explore options through specialist racket retailers such as PDH Sports, England Squash’s official retail partner.
You might also want to look at good quality second-hand rackets through trusted second-hand selling sites. This can be a more affordable and more sustainable way to get started, especially if you’re still working out what feels right for you.
These are good examples of beginner squash rackets that are light, easy to swing and good value for new players:
Beginner racket recommendations
Beginner squash racket FAQs
Choose a racket that feels light, comfortable and easy to swing - that’s what matters most when you’re starting out.
Most beginners start with a lighter racket (often under 130g), rather than worrying about advanced features or specifications.
Start with the basics: weight, grip and feel. You don’t need to understand every technical detail straight away. Look for a racket that feels comfortable in your hand, light enough to swing (under 130g) and suitable for learning the basics.
As a guide, a racket under 130g is a good starting point for many beginners.
It should feel light enough to swing comfortably, while still giving you enough power to learn the basics and enjoy learning.
Most rackets come with a standard manufacturer’s grip. Over time, the grip will start to wear down - it might fray, feel slippery or feel less secure in your hand - and that’s when it’s time to replace it.
We recommend Karakal grips, the official grip partner of England Squash. Their Karakal PU Super Grip can help the racket feel more secure in your hand thanks to its tacky feel, helping you maintain better control.
An overgrip is a thin layer wrapped over the racket’s existing grip. It can make the handle feel more comfortable by slightly increasing the grip size, adding tackiness or helping with sweat absorption.
You should change your grip when it:
- Feels slippery or less secure in your hand
- Starts to fray, peel or wear down
- Looks smooth, shiny or worn in patches
A fresh grip can make the racket feel more comfortable to hold and help you keep better control of the racket during play.
We recommend players new to the game stick with the manufacturer’s standard string tension, which is usually between 20–30 lbs, depending on the racket. This provides a balanced mix of power and control without overcomplicating things early on.
Many recreational players only change their strings when they snap, but if the racket starts to feel less responsive, it may be worth restringing.
Either shape can work well when you’re starting out.
For your first racket, weight and feel matter more than shape. As a guide, focus on a racket that feels comfortable to swing - often under 130g for beginners. You can always refine your preferences later as your technique and playing style develop.
