Squash Grips and Grip Size: A Buying Guide for Indian Players
Grip size is the cheapest performance upgrade in squash and the one nobody adjusts. How to check your fit, choose between replacement grips and overgrips, and pick a material.
Squash grips and grip size: a buying guide for Indian players
Squash grip size is the cheapest performance upgrade in the sport and the one almost nobody adjusts. A grip that is too thin makes you squeeze harder than you need to, which kills wrist snap and tires your forearm by the third game. Too thick and you lose the fine control that squash lives on. And in Indian court conditions — humid, warm, often poorly ventilated — a worn grip is not just uncomfortable, it is a safety issue.
Here is how to check your grip size, choose between replacement grips and overgrips, and pick a material that survives an Indian summer.
How to check your squash grip size
Squash rackets, unlike tennis rackets, are effectively made in one handle size. You adjust from there. The standard check:
- Hold the racket as you would to play and squeeze the handle as firmly as you would at contact.
- Look at your fingertips. They should be barely touching the palm below your thumb.
- If your fingertips press hard into your palm, the grip is too thin — add an overgrip.
- If they cannot reach your palm at all, the grip is too thick — strip a layer.
If you have small hands, err thinner. Most Indian club players are running one layer thinner than they should be, largely because nobody ever told them to check.
Thicker or thinner: what it actually changes
| Grip thickness | Helps | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Thicker | More force per swing, less grip pressure needed, easier on the forearm | Slower racket-face changes, less deception and touch |
| Thinner | Faster wrist action, better feel, sharper deception | More grip pressure required, quicker forearm fatigue |
Power players generally prefer a slightly thicker build-up. Players who live on drops, boasts and disguise prefer thinner. If you get tennis elbow symptoms, a slightly thicker grip usually helps — though that is general guidance, not medical advice.
Replacement grips vs overgrips
Two different products that people routinely confuse.
- Replacement grips go directly onto the bare handle when the original wears out. They are thicker, more cushioned, and last much longer. This is what you fit once or twice a season.
- Overgrips wrap over the existing grip. They are thin, cheap, add a little thickness, and are meant to be changed often — every few weeks for a regular player.
The sensible system: one good replacement grip as the base, then overgrips on top that you swap whenever they go slick. Never build past two or three overgrips or you lose the handle bevels entirely.
Grip materials for Indian courts
Most Indian squash courts run warm and humid, and many have limited air conditioning. That pushes the choice firmly towards absorbency.
- PU grips. The best all-round balance of tack and moisture absorption, and durable enough to last. The default recommendation for most players here.
- Towelling grips. Maximum sweat absorption and the choice of heavy sweaters. They need changing more often and get heavy when saturated, so carry a spare.
- Tacky grips. Excellent stickiness in dry, air-conditioned conditions. They turn slippery once wet, so they suit fewer Indian courts than you would expect.
Whatever you use, carry a small towel and dry your hand between rallies. It extends grip life more than any material choice.
When to change your grip
Change it when any of these are true: the surface has gone shiny, you can see the underlying handle shape through it, the edges have lifted, or you find yourself re-gripping the handle between rallies. For a player on court three times a week in Indian conditions, that is roughly every four to six weeks for an overgrip.
Rackets where grip size matters most
Lighter, faster rackets reward a thinner grip because you want speed of face rotation. Heavier, power-oriented frames are more forgiving of a thicker build-up.
- The Cosco LST 125 Squash Racket (₹1,499) is a light frame that suits a thinner, faster grip setup and is a common first racket in India.
- The Cosco Power 175 Squash Racket (₹1,599) is the heavier, power-leaning sibling — comfortable with an extra overgrip layer.
- Stepping up, the Prince Axel Response 450 Squash Racket (₹7,149) is a club-level frame where dialling in grip thickness makes a genuine difference to control.
And while you are restocking, check your balls. A dead ball trains bad habits. A Head Tournament Squash Ball (₹183) is a single-yellow-dot option that suits club-level play better than the double-yellow most beginners wrongly buy.
Shop the gear
- Cosco LST 125 Squash Racket — ₹1,499
- Cosco Power 175 Squash Racket — ₹1,599
- Prince Axel Response 450 Squash Racket — ₹7,149
- Head Tournament Squash Ball (Pack of 1) — ₹183
Related reading
- How to Choose a Squash Racket
- Squash Balls Explained: Dot Colours and Speed
- Squash Racket Weight and Balance Explained
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my squash grip size is right?
Hold the racket and squeeze the handle as firmly as you would at contact. Your fingertips should barely touch the palm below your thumb. If they press into your palm the grip is too thin; if they cannot reach it, it is too thick.
What is the difference between a replacement grip and an overgrip?
A replacement grip goes directly onto the bare handle, is thicker and cushioned, and lasts much longer. An overgrip wraps over the existing grip, is thin and cheap, and is designed to be swapped every few weeks.
Which grip material is best for humid Indian courts?
PU grips give the best all-round balance of tack, absorbency and durability for warm, humid conditions. Heavy sweaters may prefer towelling grips, but should carry spares as they saturate quickly.
