Anyone play squash?

[muddyfox470]

Ok

Well I am currently in the new market for a squash racquet and I don't really know what I am looking for, there are a lot of racquets on ebay that seem pretty cheap, despite their over inflated RRP prices.

I enjoy playing squash and I am not great at it but I just want to be able to get a new racquet that is a bit lighter than my current one, which is becoming a bit of a burden.

With racquet prices so low I imagined I might as well buy an okish new racquet etc etc. I am ideally not looking to spend much more than £40.

If anyone could give me a few pointers I would appreciate it greatly. I don't want a super light racquet, but something more around the 140-160g. The seller: racketworld has caught my attention on ebay.

Thanks in anticipation

Ian

[dave87]

I'm not an expert squash player, but I found I didn't really like the superlight rackets, just didn't feel right to me.

I'd personally try the local sports stores, if you're not in a rush they can have some good deals on, though how they'd compare to eBay prices, I'm not sure.

Hope this helps,

Dave

[IBM]

I used to play squash with the old wooden frame rackets, not that the lighter carbon alloy rackets weren't available, just that my dad is a cheap bugger...My uncle gave me one of his semi-pro rackets when he bought himself something ridiculous, and I have to say Dave is right, the super light ones just don't feel right.

Let us know what you get though...I've been thinking about getting back into squash, but haven't had the time...

[muddyfox470]

I know what you mean about super lights, I have tried one or two before and they are a bit disconcerting to use.

I'll pop down to my local sports shop to get a feel for some racquets (rackets?) as you can't beat a good hands on

Cheers everyone

Ian

[Kezzer]

I prefer super light ones, although be careful with them, I broke mine. I was using a really heavy one for training because it builds up your arm muscles nicely when playing, but when you start getting quite good you shift to a lighter one (or for competitions).

I haven't been able to play squash though as I don't have a regular squash partner anymore. I used to be pretty good at it and have played it for years.

[HyeongSeong]

You could try the local Tx-maxx store. Some time they have very good racket with huge discount. Got a light one from the m ( was £150 but paid £50) and it had served my well.

[autopilot]

I just broke my racket an hour ago

Such is the risk with very light weight rackets, one reason why new players might be better with something a bit more substantial and stronger - there is always a risk of hitting one of the walls, but you should never be afraid to go for those shots. Learning squash is a lot of trial and error.

I have played Squash for a while now. I am not an expert, but this is my personal take on racket weights;

If you are new to the game, the most important aspect of your game that needs to be developed is you swing/stroke. I found it easer to learn with a heavier racket because you get more 'feedback', in other words the weight of the racket helps carry it though the swing. The racket does more of the work and you can knid of 'feel' the shots more. You dont need to hit the ball as hard either - this is the one thing that most people new to the game do wrong - try and hit the ball to hard (dont hit the ball hard to send it to the back of the court, hit it higher up the front wall).

But as you improve, you might want a lighter one (like the one i broke today). They are less tiring, easier on the wrist and will allow a wider range of shots. Its also easier to make that quick switch from forehand to backhand, and visa versa with a light one. If its a fast moving game you will really appreciate the light weight.

I would say buy a cheapish racket at first. See how you get on and as you improve maybe go for a better and lighter one.

The main thing when you are very new to squash is to use the right balls. Most people start off with the 'wrong' ball. A single yellow might be what most people use, but learn with an easier ball. Thats more important to new players than racket choice IMO.

Great game Squash, so much fun and so good at getting you fit quickly. Its really become very popular again recently, it went out of fashion a bit in the 90's after being so a big yuppies game in the 80's. Im not sure why its suddenly back in fashion.

[Dareos]

I used to play a bit years ago as a kid, have to say i did enjoy it, but was more of a badminton fan myself. I really could do with getting back into a sport to get fit again, kick this nasty smoking habit and start feeling healthy again.


Anyone in the partick area fancy starting something? =)