Squash Source

Squash Equipment Blog

Home › Squash Rackets › Best Squash Rackets for Beginners

Best Squash Rackets for Beginners

2 Comments

In this article I’m going to list out some of the best squash rackets for beginners.

  • Head Nano Ti 110
  • Dunlop Blackstorm Titanium 5.0
  • Xamsa Onyx
  • Opfeel SR560
  • Wilson Hyper Hammer 120 PH
  • Dunlop Aerogel 4D Ultimate
  • Dunlop Precision Ultimate
  • Black Knight Reflex

Since I’ve already created a buyer’s guide for the best overall squash rackets, you might be wondering:

What makes a squash racket a “beginner” racket?

Does it come with training wheels? Bumper guards? A safety harness?

No.

Here’s what makes a good beginner squash racket:

  • High quality materials
  • Appropriately lightweight
  • Competitive price
  • Forgiving frame shape

Let me explain each of these for a second.

High Quality Materials

What you’re looking for here can be summed up in one word: graphite. Also known as carbon fiber. Or carbon fibre. That’s the key material that all high quality rackets are made from. You do not want something made from aluminum. You definitely do not want something made from wood, although I hear beech was the bomb wood back in the day.

Some of the high-end rackets these days include trademarked materials with names like “Graphene” and “Hyperfibre” and stuff like that. These are all incremental advancements in the materials that allow rackets to be made slightly lighter without losing their durability. But at the end of the day, they are all just variations on good old graphite.

Appropriately Lightweight

I’m recommending rackets in the range of 110-145 grams. I would stay away from anything heavier than that. You want to be able to swing the racket freely and not feel like you’re wielding a beech tree on court.

A word about racket weights: these are usually the frame weight, meaning the bare graphite without strings, grommets, grip, etc. So don’t worry if you get a 140-gram racket and you put it on a scale and it weighs 160. That’s no problem.

Again, we are looking for an advertised frame weight of 110-145 grams. But as long as you’re within that range, don’t worry too much about the racket weights. They do not tell you the whole story. You can have a 140-gram racket that feels light because it’s head-light, or a 120-gram racket that feels heavy because more of the weight is in the head.

Bottom line: pay attention to the advertised weight, but don’t obsess over it.

Competitive Price

I’m going to try and recommend rackets that are around $100. Right now that’s a good value price point for squash rackets.

Some of the newest squash rackets are selling for over $200. But if you’re a beginner squash player, I don’t think it’s necessary to drop the additional hundred bucks for a top-end frame.

Obviously it depends on your financial situation. If an extra hundred bucks is not much of a concern for you, just get something from my best rackets list, and you’ll have a top-end racket that’s probably used by some pro players and has a cool factor.

For most people though, and especially beginners, you don’t need the latest-and-greatest racket that the pros are playing with. All you need is a racket that’s good enough and gets you playing squash.

If you’re still enjoying squash after a year or two, you can always upgrade at that time and sell your old racket to a friend or put it up for sale on eBay. Or keep the racket and buy a second one. (Stick with what works!)

Forgiving Frame Shape

If you’re a beginner, you probably want a racket with a large head. The larger the head, the more forgiving the racket will be on off-center hits. You’re more likely to have those in the beginning, obviously.

The maximum head size allowed on a squash racket is 500 centimeters squared. I would try to pick a racket close to that size.

The downside of a large head is you lose a little bit of precision. In my view though, you shouldn’t worry about it. The best way for a beginner to progress to an intermediate or advanced player is to work on keeping a rally going, and a forgiving racket gives you the best chance at that.


Head Nano Ti 110

This is a nice all-rounder and my top pick. It features:

  • Light frame weight of 110 grams
  • An ample head size, which is more forgiving for beginner players
  • Fan-shaped stringing pattern, which gives you a little more power on your shots
Head Nano Ti 110 Squash Racket

Product Info

Price: $90 / £58

Sponsored Links ↓

Product ID: 12695

When you buy through a sponsored link, Squash Source receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which supports my efforts on Squash Source — thanks!

You can filter these links with a free login.

Direct link to this product: https://www.squashsource.com/best-squash-rackets-beginners/#12695


Search: Amazon > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | UK | US || eBay > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Netherlands | UK | US

Buy (France): amazon.fr

Buy (Germany): amazon.de

Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | sweatband.com

Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgalaxy.com

Racket Specs chart

Advertised weight (unstrung): 110 grams
Head size: 493 cm sq
String pattern: 14x18
Measured weight (all-in): 149 grams
Measured balance: 37 cm

Here’s a video review I put together for this racket:


Dunlop Blackstorm Titanium 5.0

This is from Dunlop’s Blackstorm range, which usually has a few good mid-price options. They keep releasing new versions of this racket every year. Right now we’re on version “5.0” but any of the prior models (4.0 and lower) will be about the same and a good choice as well.

Dunlop Blackstorm Titanium 5.0

Product Info

Release year: 2021
Price: $100

Sponsored Links ↓

Product ID: 78636

When you buy through a sponsored link, Squash Source receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which supports my efforts on Squash Source — thanks!

You can filter these links with a free login.

Direct link to this product: https://www.squashsource.com/best-squash-rackets-beginners/#78636


Search: Amazon > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | UK | US || eBay > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Netherlands | UK | US

Buy (Australia): amazon.com.au

Buy (Canada): controlthet.com

Buy (Germany): amazon.de

Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk

Buy (US): amazon.com | squashgalaxy.com

Racket Specs chart

Advertised weight (unstrung): 135 grams
String pattern: 14x18


Xamsa Onyx

The Onyx is a powerful and forgiving frame. It’s got a large teardrop shape and fan stringing pattern, similar to the Head Nano Ti 110.

Xamsa is a brand born in Canada and available in North America mostly.

Xamsa Onyx Squash Racket

Image via xamsa.com

Sponsored Links ↓

Product ID: 62659

When you buy through a sponsored link, Squash Source receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which supports my efforts on Squash Source — thanks!

You can filter these links with a free login.

Direct link to this product: https://www.squashsource.com/best-squash-rackets-beginners/#62659


Search: Amazon > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | UK | US || eBay > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Netherlands | UK | US

Buy (Canada): xamsarackets.com | xamsasquash.com

Racket Specs chart

Advertised weight (unstrung): 151 grams
Measured balance: 36 cm

Here’s a video review of the Onyx:


Opfeel SR560

I played with the model prior to this and was impressed by how nice this racket felt, especially considering the low price point.

This is a UK / Europe option.

Opfeel SR 560

Product Info

Release year: 2019
Price: £35

Sponsored Links ↓

Product ID: 69198

When you buy through a sponsored link, Squash Source receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which supports my efforts on Squash Source — thanks!

You can filter these links with a free login.

Direct link to this product: https://www.squashsource.com/best-squash-rackets-beginners/#69198


Search: Amazon > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | UK | US || eBay > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Netherlands | UK | US

Buy (UK): decathlon.co.uk

Racket Specs chart

Head size: 500 cm sq
String pattern: 14x18

Here’s my video review of the prior model, which should give you a good idea of this racket:


Wilson Hyper Hammer 120 PH

This is a nice option from Wilson at a competitive price point. This racket has a hybrid frame shape — meaning it has a small throat. That will give the frame more stability and rigidity through your shots, making the racket feel nice and solid.

Wilson Hyper Hammer 120

Sponsored Links ↓

Product ID: 11563

When you buy through a sponsored link, Squash Source receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which supports my efforts on Squash Source — thanks!

You can filter these links with a free login.

Direct link to this product: https://www.squashsource.com/best-squash-rackets-beginners/#11563


Search: Amazon > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | UK | US || eBay > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Netherlands | UK | US

Buy (Australia): ebay.com.au

Buy (France): amazon.fr

Buy (Germany): amazon.de | dlsports.de

Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | sweatband.com

Buy (US): amazon.com

Racket Specs chart

Advertised weight (unstrung): 120 grams
Head size: 497 cm sq
String pattern: 14x21


Dunlop Aerogel 4D Ultimate

This is the first racket I’m recommending with a traditional frame shape, but the Ultimate has a large string bed that’ll be very forgiving for beginner squash players. The nice thing about the Aerogel 4D brand is it’s been around for a really long time and at this point you can get some good deals on it. The Ultimate frame is still in Dunlop’s lineup to this day, so you know it’s a proven head shape.

Dunlop Aerogel 4D Ultimate

Sponsored Links ↓

Product ID: 9805

When you buy through a sponsored link, Squash Source receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which supports my efforts on Squash Source — thanks!

You can filter these links with a free login.

Direct link to this product: https://www.squashsource.com/best-squash-rackets-beginners/#9805


Search: Amazon > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | UK | US || eBay > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Netherlands | UK | US

Buy (Australia): amazon.com.au

Buy (Canada): amazon.ca

Buy (France): amazon.fr

Buy (Germany): amazon.de | dlsports.de

Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | sweatband.com

Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com


Dunlop Precision Ultimate

Didn’t I tell ya the Ultimate frame shape has been around for a while? Well here’s a later model of the Ultimate that is a bit more expensive but also a bit more current of a design.

Dunlop Precision Ultimate 2018 Hyperfibre

Image via Dunlop

Product Info

Release year: 2018

Sponsored Links ↓

Product ID: 50482

When you buy through a sponsored link, Squash Source receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which supports my efforts on Squash Source — thanks!

You can filter these links with a free login.

Direct link to this product: https://www.squashsource.com/best-squash-rackets-beginners/#50482


Search: Amazon > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | UK | US || eBay > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Netherlands | UK | US

Buy (Australia): amazon.com.au | ebay.com.au

Buy (Canada): amazon.ca | controlthet.com | racquetguys.ca | racquet-science.com

Buy (France): amazon.fr

Buy (Germany): amazon.de | dlsports.de

Buy (Italy): amazon.it

Buy (Spain): amazon.es

Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk

Buy (US): amazon.com | racquetguys.com | squashgalaxy.com | squashgear.com

Racket Specs chart

Advertised weight (unstrung): 132 grams
Head size: 500 cm sq
String pattern: 16x19
Measured weight (all-in): 153 grams
Measured balance: 36.25 cm

My video review:


Black Knight Reflex

Last but not least we have the Black Knight Reflex Black Knight’s biggest presence is in North America, so you’ll mainly find availability there.

Black Knight Reflex

Image via amazon.com

Product Info

Release year: 2018

Sponsored Links ↓

Product ID: 56006

When you buy through a sponsored link, Squash Source receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which supports my efforts on Squash Source — thanks!

You can filter these links with a free login.

Direct link to this product: https://www.squashsource.com/best-squash-rackets-beginners/#56006


Search: Amazon > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | UK | US || eBay > Australia | Canada | France | Germany | Netherlands | UK | US

Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com

Racket Specs chart

Advertised weight (unstrung): 135 grams
Head size: 475 cm sq
String pattern: 14x18
Measured weight (all-in): 140 grams
Measured balance: 36 cm
Factory strings: Ashaway MultiNick 18

And my video review:

Filed Under: Squash Rackets Tagged With: _Hide

REMOVE ADS

Remove ads, get your own login for commenting, and support Squash Source, all at the same time.

Comments

  1. Jay says

    (November 14, 2018)

    Not a beginner but have been away from the game for a number of years ie., kids, job, injuries etc. previously played in college but have lost touch with the game and now hoping to get back into it. My last racquet was the dunlop hotmelt pro. It seems like there are so many new options out there. Any suggestions on a good frame to utilize during my comeback to the game. In my youth played more of an attacking game but after putting on a few pounds and losing quickness I wonder if a different frame would be better.

    Reply
    • Pierre says

      (November 20, 2018)

      It’s true there are so many options now, including the Hotmelt Pro itself, which come to think of it, I should add to the post above.

      My suggestion is to pick up a Hotmelt again so that you have something that feels familiar. As you get back into the game, try to hit with the rackets of your opponents to see if there’s any you like. Teardrop rackets, such as the original / “Heritage” Tecnifibre Carboflex 125 and its imitators, are a huge slice of the market now. Those might give you a little more power, but not everybody loves the teardrops, so my advice is start with what you know.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Log in to your Squash Source account

This site uses cookies. Chomp. You can learn more about it in the Privacy Policy.

OK

x

 

x

Click here to get the Squash Source newsletter!

I send out an email about once a month. The newsletter contains a rundown of the latest squash equipment news and reviews from Squash Source.

WELCOME

Hi, I’m Pierre and I’ve been playing squash since I was a teenager. Here on Squash Source, you can get recommendations and reviews on squash equipment and find out what other players are using. Enjoy!

SUPPORT US

Support Squash Source and remove ads at the same time.

Squash Source Newsletter 😎

Subscribe

QUICK LINKS

  • Squash Rackets
  • Squash Shoes
  • Squash Bags
  • Squash Balls
  • Squash Strings
  • Squash Goggles
  • Squash Grips
  • Squash Clothing
  • Squash Activity Trackers
  • Squash Gifts 🎄

© 2023 Pierre Bastien · All Rights Reserved · Impressum · Privacy Policy