Squash Gear Review: Racquets, Shoes, and Strings

Having the right gear for playing squash sport is essential for maximizing performance, preventing injury, and ensuring overall enjoyment of the game. A good squash racquet can help players generate more power and control in their shots, while the right shoes can provide proper traction and support for quick movement on the court.

The right strings can also greatly impact the feel and playability of a squash racquet. Investing in quality gear can also prolong the lifespan of the equipment, saving players money in the long run. For beginners, having the right equipment can make it easier for them to pick up the sport and progress faster.

I. Racquets

There are several types of squash racquets available for squash players, each with its own unique features and characteristics.

Beginner squash rackets: These squash racquets are designed for players who are new to the game, and are typically lighter and more forgiving than other racquet types. They have a bigger sweet spot, which makes it easier for beginners to hit the ball with more control.
Intermediate squash rackets: These squash racquets are designed for players who have some experience playing squash and are looking to improve their game. They are typically more powerful and have a smaller sweet spot, which can help players generate more speed and spin on the ball.
Advanced squash rackets: These squash racquets are designed for experienced players who want maximum control and/or power in their shots. They are typically the most expensive and have the smallest sweet spot, making them less forgiving than beginner or intermediate racquets.
Head-heavy squash racket: These squash racquets have more weight at the head of the racquet which gives more power to the shots.
Head-light squash racquets: These squash racquets have less weight at the head of the racquet which gives more control and manoeuvrability to the shots.
Graphite squash racquets: These squash racquets are made from Graphite material, which makes them lightweight and more durable.
Aluminium squash racquets: These squash racquets are made from Aluminum material, which makes them more affordable and less durable than graphite racquets.
Hybrid squash racquets: These squash racquets are made of a combination of materials such as graphite and aluminium, which gives them a balance of power and control.

It’s important to note that players should choose the racquet according to their skill level and playing style.

There are also several factors to consider when choosing a racket for squash:

Weight: The weight of the squash racquet can greatly impact the feel and playability of the racquet. A heavier racquet can provide more power and stability but may be more difficult to control for some players. A lighter racquet can provide more speed and manoeuvrability but may lack power.
Balance: The balance of the squash racquet refers to the distribution of weight in the racquet. Head-heavy racquets will have more weight at the head of the racquet, while head-light racquets will have more weight at the handle. The head-heavy racquet will give more power to the shots and the head-light racquet will give more control and manoeuvrability.
Frame Shape: The frame shape of the squash racquet can also affect the playability of the racquet. A teardrop shape frame will provide more power and control, while a box shape frame will provide more speed and manoeuvrability.
Head Size: The size of the head of the squash racquet can also impact the playability of the racquet. A larger head size will have a bigger sweet spot and will be more forgiving for beginners, while a smaller head size will have a smaller sweet spot and will be more challenging for advanced players.
Flexibility: The flexibility of the squash racquet can also impact the playability of the racquet. A stiffer racquet will provide more power, while a more flexible racquet will provide more control.
Material: The material of the squash racquet will also affect its playability of the racquet. Graphite racquet is lightweight and more durable, while Aluminum racquet is more affordable and less durable.
Grip Size: The grip size is also an important factor to consider, as it can affect the comfort and control of the racquet.
Brand and Model: It’s also important to look at reviews, ratings, and recommendations for different brands and models of racquets.
It’s important to try different racquets and find the one that feels most comfortable and suits your playing style.

Best Squash Racquets to Buy Online

There are several top racquet brands and models in the Australian market. One of the most popular brands is Head, which offers a wide range of squash racquets for players of all skill levels and you can purchase them online from Squash Everything, an online store for squash products!

Some of the top Head racquet models in the Australian market include:

HEAD Graphene 360+ Radical 135: Recommended by Laura Massaro, it features the new Adaptive Fan Pattern (AFP) technology, which allows you to choose between the straight string pattern to maximize your power game and the special fan-shaped pattern to optimize your ability to control the ball. In addition, the innovative Graphene Touch technology ensures an incredible touch and a solid dampened feel.

HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed 120: Ultimate Speed. Play an even faster game with the refreshed Speed series. Upgraded with Graphene 360+ technology for a power boost, extra flex and a clean impact feel, these racquets offer an ultra-modern blend of speed, maneuverability and power.

HEAD Extreme 135: Slightly heavier than the 120, the EXTREME 135 is an even all-rounder perfect for the club player who feels at home on all parts of the court. It comes with the Innegra™ technology, a hybrid-composite structure integrated into the racquet for advanced shock absorption and enhanced stability. A durable racquet with a new frame construction and thinner shaft for better power transfer, the EXTREME 135 also comes with an entirely new and very bold asymmetric colour-blocking design that truly stands out.

HEAD Cyber Elite: This one will make your first squash lesson or recreational training session elite. The CYBER ELITE is a head-light racquet whose heavier weight provides more stability for even more control. The racquet also gets some power from the stiffness provided by HEAD’s Amplified Fibre Technology. With an entirely new and very bold asymmetric colour-blocking design, this racquet is perfect for the occasional back court player.

Head racquets are known for their quality, durability, and advanced technology.

Head’s Graphene 360+ technology provides excellent stability and energy transfer, making it one of the best racquet brands in the Australian market.

Head racquets are a bit expensive compared to other racquet brands in the market, but they are worth the investment as they will last longer and will help players to perform better.

Tips on how to maintain and care for your squash racquet

Properly maintaining and caring for your squash racquet can help prolong its lifespan and improve its performance. Here are some tips on how to maintain and care for your racquet:

Clean your racquet after each use: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the frame and strings of your racket after each use. This will remove dirt and sweat, which can cause damage over time.

Store your racket in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing your racquet in damp or humid environments, as this can cause the racquet to warp or the strings to rust.

Use a racquet cover: A racquet cover can provide added protection for your racquet when it’s not in use.

Don’t leave your racket in your car: The temperature changes in a car can cause the racquet to warp or the strings to lose tension.

Keep your racket strung: When your racket is not in use, make sure it is strung, as an unstrung racquet can lose its shape.

Regularly check the strings: Check the tension of the strings regularly, and adjust or restring as necessary. Loose strings can affect the playability of the racquet and increase the risk of injury.

Be gentle when playing: Avoid hitting the ball too hard or too often, as this can cause damage to the frame or strings of your racquet.

Handle your racquet with care: When picking up and putting down your racquet, be sure to use two hands to avoid damaging the frame or strings.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your racquet stays in good condition and performs well over time.

II. Shoes

When choosing squash shoes, it’s important to consider the following factors:

Traction: Good traction is essential for quick movement on the court. Look for shoes with a rubber sole that provides a good grip on the court surface.
Cushioning: Cushioning helps to absorb shock and protect your feet and joints from impact. Look for shoes with good cushioning in the heel and forefoot.
Support: Support is important for preventing injury and providing stability on the court. Look for shoes with a sturdy upper and good arch support.
Durability: Durability is important for prolonging the lifespan of the shoe. Look for shoes with high-quality materials and construction.
Fit and Comfort: Make sure that the shoe fits well and is comfortable to wear. Try them on and walk around the store, or test them on the court to make sure they feel good.

Some top shoe brands and models in the market are:

HEAD Grid 3.5 Indoor: Made from comfortable, flexible synthetic leather and breathable mesh materials, the shoe features an EVA midsole for great cushioning. The HEAD Hybrasion non-marking gum rubber outsole is perfect for all indoor courts. When squash meets weekend, take the GRID 3.5 and go.
Adidas Adizero Feather Pro: This shoe is designed for squash players and features good traction, cushioning, and support. Pros of this shoe include its lightweight design and its comfortable fit. Cons of this shoe include its higher price point.
Salming Race R1: This shoe is designed for squash players and features good traction, cushioning, and support. Pros of this shoe include its good grip on the court and its comfortable fit. Cons of this shoe include its higher price point.
Prince T22: This shoe is designed for squash players and features good traction, cushioning, and support. Pros of this shoe include its good grip on the court and its comfortable fit. Cons of this shoe include its higher price point.

Breaking in new squash shoes can take some time, but there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:

Wear them around the house: Before taking them to the court, wear them around the house to break them in.
Walk around the court: Start by walking around the court with the new shoes, before playing a game.
Gradual increase in time: Gradually increase the time you spend playing in the shoes, until you’re comfortable playing a full game.

To prolong the lifespan of your squash shoes, it’s important to:

Clean them regularly: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the shoes after each use.
Rotate your shoes: Rotate between two or more pairs of shoes, so that each pair has a chance to rest and dry out between uses.
Store them in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing your shoes in damp or humid environments, as this can cause the shoes to deteriorate more quickly.
Replace them when necessary: If you notice any signs of wear and tear, such as holes in the sole or worn-out cushioning, it may be time to replace your shoes.

III. String

There are several types of strings available for squash racquets, each with their own unique features and characteristics:

Natural gut: Natural gut strings are made from the intestines of cows and are considered the best quality strings. They are very durable and offer excellent playability, but they are also the most expensive.
Synthetic gut: Synthetic gut strings are made from synthetic materials and offer a more affordable alternative to natural gut strings. They are less durable than natural gut but still provide good playability.
Multifilament: Multifilament strings are made from multiple fibers and offer good playability and durability.
Polyester: Polyester strings are made from a synthetic polymer and offer good durability and control, but they can be less comfortable than other string types.
Kevlar: Kevlar strings are made from a synthetic fiber and are very durable, but they can be less comfortable than other string types.

When choosing strings for your squash racquet, it’s important to consider the following factors:

Tension: The tension of the strings refers to how tight or loose the strings are. A higher tension will provide more control, while a lower tension will provide more power.
Gauge: The gauge of the strings refers to the thickness of the strings. A thicker gauge will provide more durability, while a thinner gauge will provide more playability.
Durability: Durability is important to consider, as strings that wear out quickly will need to be replaced more often.
Playability: Playability is also important to consider, as strings that provide good playability will help players to perform better.

Some top string brands and models in the market are:

Luxilon Alu Power: This string is made from aluminum and offers good durability and control. Pros of this string include its durability and control, but it can be less comfortable than other string types.
Ashaway SuperNick XL Micro: This string is made from synthetic materials and offers good playability and durability. Pros of this string include its playability and durability, but it can be less durable than other string types.

Tecnifibre Pro Red Code: This string is made from synthetic materials and offers good playability and durability. Pros of this string include its playability and durability, but it can be less durable than other string types.

To properly string your racquet, you should:

Measure the strings: Measure the strings to ensure that they are the correct length for your racquet.
String the racquet: String the racquet using the proper technique and tools.
Tension the strings: Tension the strings to the desired level.
Cut the strings: Cut the strings to the desired length.

You should restring your racquet when:

The strings are worn out: If the strings are worn out or frayed, it’s time to restring the racquet.
The strings are loose: If the strings are loose, it’s time to restring the racquet.
The playability of the racquet has decreased: If you notice a decrease in the playability of the racquet, it’s time to restring the racquet.

Depending on how often you play, it’s generally recommended to restring your racquet every 2 to 3 months.

IV. Conclusion

We have discussed the various types of gear that are essential for playing squash, including racquets, shoes, and strings. We also discussed the factors to consider when choosing each type of gear and provided information on top brands and models in the market, along with their pros and cons.

For racquets, it’s important to consider factors such as weight, balance, frame shape, head size, flexibility, and material when choosing a racquet. Head is one of the top racquet brands in the Australian market, known for its quality, durability, and advanced technology.

For shoes, it’s important to consider factors such as traction, cushioning, support, and durability when choosing shoes. Brands like Asics, Adidas, Salming, and Prince are some of the top shoe brands in the market for squash players.

For strings, it’s important to consider factors such as tension, gauge, durability, and playability when choosing strings. Brands like Luxilon, Ashaway, and Tecnifibre are some of the top string brands in the market for squash players.

In conclusion, when choosing gear for squash, it’s important to consider factors such as weight, balance, frame shape, head size, flexibility, material, grip size, traction, cushioning

Squash Everything

Squash Everything stocks a full range of head racquets and can ship purchases same day throughout Australia. We offer great prices and service. We are actively looking to stock a broader range of brands including Prince, Dunlop, Tecnifibre, Wilson, Karakal, Eye Rackets, Salming, Oliver, Victor and Black knight. To view our selection of racquets click here.