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Ever felt like your racquet was working against you instead of for you? The right equipment can be the difference between chasing the ball and controlling the rally. Racquetball and squash are fast, demanding sports that reward equipment tailored to your playing style. From racquet weight to shoe grip, each detail affects your comfort, speed, and injury risk. Think of gear as your toolkit — choose quality, and your game sharpens instantly.
When you’re shopping for racquets, shoes, or eyewear, where you buy matters. Some stores prioritize selection and customization, others win on price or convenience. Below are reliable US retailers that specialize in racquet sports or consistently stock high-quality racquetball and squash items. I’ll highlight what each shines at so you can shop smarter.
Tennis Warehouse is a go-to for stringing options, racquet tech details, and deep product descriptions. Even though they’re best known for tennis, their racquet sections often include squash racquets, strings, and accessories. If you like to compare specs and read player reviews, this is a great place to linger.
RacquetGuys focuses on racquet sports hardware — racquets, strings, and restringing services. They’re a favorite among players who want quick recommendations and good value. If you’re shopping for a racquetball-specific racquet or need a professional string job, check their inventory and service options.
Dick’s is national and convenient, stocking a range of beginner to mid-level racquets and shoes. It’s an easy stop if you want to try on shoes in person or pick up basic protective eyewear and balls. While selection may not be ultra-specialized, availability and returns (subject to store policy) make it beginner-friendly.
Tennis Express caters to racquet sport players who value a mix of expert advice and inventory depth. They carry popular racquet brands and accessories, and they often have promotions that make upgrading gear more affordable. Their team can usually help with string tension advice for squash-specific setups.
Marketplaces like Amazon offer fast shipping and wide selection, especially for accessories: grips, eyewear, replacement balls, and footwear. Look for trusted sellers and verified reviews. You can often find budget-friendly options and last-minute items here, but be picky about seller ratings and product authenticity.
Smaller, niche shops dedicated to squash can be goldmines for specialty racquets, premium balls, and brands not widely available elsewhere. These shops often offer personalized advice and community connections. If you’re serious about squash, support a local specialty store — the expertise often pays off.
New players often ask, “What should I buy first?” Prioritize safety and performance: a racquet, the right shoes, protective eyewear, balls, and a basic bag. After that, think about grips, tape, strings, and apparel. Let’s break down each essential so you can assemble a functional kit without overbuying.
Squash racquets usually measure about 27 inches long and are lighter, while racquetball racquets are shorter and can range in length but are often under 26 inches. Weight matters: beginner squash racquets often fall between 10 and 12 ounces, offering a balance of power and control. Lighter racquets provide maneuverability; heavier ones stabilize shots. Balance (head-light vs. head-heavy) changes swing feel — test a few to find your sweet spot.
Squash and racquetball balls behave differently. A squash ball is roughly 1.5 inches in diameter and gains bounce as it warms, while a racquetball is larger, around 2.25 inches, and feels livelier from the first hit. Beginners should choose balls suited to their pace; recreational players often prefer an intermediate squash ball that’s bouncier until they develop shot precision.
Eye protection is non-negotiable for racquetball and strongly recommended for squash at all levels. Proper eyewear reduces the risk of severe injury. Look for sports-rated polycarbonate lenses and side protection; comfortable padding and a secure strap make them wearable for long matches.
Shoes designed for indoor court play are essential. Rubbery non-marking soles provide traction and lateral support, while cushioning helps with repeated impacts. Fit is personal — make sure your toe has about a thumb’s width (roughly 0.5 to 1 inch) of space and that the arch support aligns with your foot. Swap shoes only from the indoor court category; running shoes lack lateral stability needed for quick side-to-side movement.
Grips can change how the racquet feels in your hand overnight. Replace worn grips to maintain control and to prevent blisters. Overgrips are inexpensive and let you fine-tune tackiness and thickness without modifying the base grip. Change them every few weeks of regular play or when they lose their stickiness.
A decent racquet bag protects your gear, organizes accessories, and simplifies travel. Look for insulated compartments if you live somewhere with extreme temperature swings, and choose a bag size based on how many racquets and shoes you need to carry. Pockets for balls, towels, and tools keep you match-ready.
Racquet selection can be part science, part gut feeling. Key variables are head size, weight, balance, and stiffness. For beginners, a forgiving head size and slightly lighter weight help. If you’re upgrading, consider what you want more of — power or control — and let that guide the balance and stiffness you choose.
A larger head size gives a bigger sweet spot and more power for off-center hits, while a smaller head provides more precision. Squash racquets tend toward a medium head size that blends control and forgiveness. Try to demo models when possible or purchase from retailers that let you compare models easily.
Stiffer frames typically deliver more power but transmit more shock to the arm. Softer frames absorb vibration and can be easier on the elbow and shoulder. String tension also matters: lower tension gives more power and a softer feel, while higher tension enhances control. For squash, many players string around 20–30 pounds depending on preference.
Some players overlook shoes until blisters or slips force the issue. Shoe choice affects footwork, endurance, and injury risk. Prioritize indoor court shoes labeled for squash or racquet sports. Pay attention to outsole patterns — herringbone or multi-directional tread patterns often provide the best grip on wood or synthetic courts.
Replace shoes when the midsole padding compresses or the outsole loses grip — typically every 6 to 12 months for frequent players. If you’re noticing increased foot fatigue, slipping, or visible sole wear, it’s time. Rotating two pairs of shoes can extend life and let cushioning recover between sessions.
Strings are the racquet’s engine. Different materials change feel and durability; multifilament strings are softer while synthetic guts last longer. Regular players should restring based on hours played — a rough guide is once per month for frequent players, less often for casual play. Keep a note of string type and tension so you can replicate setups that work.
Wipe down racquet frames, replace grips when tackiness fades, and keep balls in a cool, dry place. Inspect your racquet for cracks and have high-stress frames checked at a specialty shop. Regular upkeep avoids in-match surprises and keeps equipment performing at its best.
Small items can produce big gains. Dampeners, vibration-absorbing grips, sweatbands, and quality towels enhance comfort. Court tape and overgrip layers help you fine-tune grip thickness and feel. A portable stringing tool or vibration dampener can be handy for players who tinker with setup between matches.
Sales cycles matter. Off-season months or end-of-season clearances often yield discounted racquets and shoes. Big retailers run promotions during major holidays, but specialty shops may have demo or last-year models at good prices. Compare prices across a couple of stores — sometimes the city boutique matches or beats larger chains when factoring in free restringing or bundled extras.
Read product reviews, compare specs side-by-side, and prioritize testing gear in person when possible. For shoes, always try them on with the socks you’ll wear on court. For racquets, see if a shop offers demo programs so you can feel the balance and swing before committing. When in doubt, choose comfort; a comfortable racquet and shoe will keep you playing more and progressing faster.
If you’re just starting, buy conservatively — a mid-range racquet and proper court shoes are the best investment. Focus on technique and consistency before chasing the lightest or stiffest frames. Intermediate players should experiment with balance and string tension to match evolving skills. Advanced players often customize their racquets and strings to eke out marginal gains. Above all, listen to your body — equipment should enable play, not cause pain.
Consider keeping a durable, slightly heavier racquet for practice and a tuned, match-ready racquet for competitions. Practice racquets can take knocks without worry, while your match racquet stays in optimal condition. The same goes for shoes — rotate pairs to prolong cushioning and responsiveness.
Buying racquetball and squash gear is an investment in performance, comfort, and safety. Start with the essentials — a racquet suited to your level, indoor court shoes, protective eyewear, and the right balls — then layer in accessories like quality grips and bags. Shop smart by comparing reputable US stores like Tennis Warehouse, RacquetGuys, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tennis Express, and specialty squash boutiques. Try gear where possible, pay attention to fit and feel, and remember that small choices add up to big improvements on court.
