Best Squash Rackets for Beginners Under £100 (2026)

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Best beginner squash racket for most new players: the Wilson Hammer Light 120 PH. Its 120g frame, head-heavy balance and generous 499cm² head make it a practical choice when you want easy handling and help generating depth. Prefer an even balance? Compare the Karakal Raw 120. The best first racket still depends on how it feels in your hand and how you swing.

Checked Sweatband offer (28 September 2026): The Wilson Hammer Light 120 PH was £44 (60% below its £110 RRP) and in stock. Check the Wilson Hammer Light 120 PH price and stock at Sweatband. Confirm the live price and delivery terms before ordering.

We compared five beginner squash rackets under £100 from a UK retailer. The shortlist includes an affordable first graphite frame, two fast lightweight options, an easy-power all-rounder and a forgiving racket with room to progress. The prices below are UK retailer prices in pounds sterling, checked on 23 September 2026. Racket Life’s euro catalogue figures may differ; always check the final retailer price.

Head Cyano2 price refresh, 28 October 2026: Sweatband lists the single Head Cyano2 115 at £49 and available to order. This replaces its earlier £45 reference price. Confirm current stock, postcode eligibility, delivery charge and final GBP total before paying. Other dated offers below retain their stated check dates.

Best beginner squash rackets under £100 at a glance

Budget for the complete purchase: The Karakal Raw 120 listing was £51 GBP and in stock on 22 October 2026, supplied strung with a full cover. Table prices are item prices, rather than guaranteed delivered totals; delivery charges and postcode restrictions may apply. Check the exact model, supplied extras and final GBP total before paying. Orders, delivery and returns are handled by Sweatband.

Compare before buying: Use the table to shortlist by frame weight and balance, then open a racket’s Racket Life product page to follow its Sweatband offer. Check the final GBP price and stock at the retailer.

Quick recommendation: Start with the Wilson Hammer Light 120 PH for a versatile mix of accessible power and manoeuvrability. Choose the Karakal Raw 120 if you want a light, evenly balanced graphite racket, or the Wilson Hammer Ultra Light 110 PH if minimum frame weight is your priority.

How these beginner squash rackets were selected

We compared the retailer-listed frame weights, balances, head sizes, supplied strings and GBP prices, then chose distinct options for a first racket and early progression. These are specification-based recommendations; they are not claims that we play-tested every model. Open a product link to confirm today’s retailer price and availability before buying.

1. Wilson Hammer Light 120 PH — best overall beginner squash racket

The Wilson Hammer Light 120 PH combines a 120g unstrung frame with a head-heavy 380mm balance and a large 499cm² head. That gives a new player quick handling without removing useful momentum for generating depth. Its hybrid head shape and Power Holes design are intended to improve response away from the centre.

Choose it if: you want an affordable, versatile racket that can remain useful as your technique improves.

Check the Wilson Hammer Light 120 PH retailer price and availability.

2. Karakal Raw 120 — best affordable graphite option

The Karakal Raw 120 is designed for beginners and recreational players moving to a graphite frame. Its 120g frame weight, even 350mm balance and 480cm² head create an all-round setup rather than an extremely head-heavy feel.

It comes strung in a 14×18 pattern, uses Karakal’s PU Super Grip and includes a full cover. This makes it a practical first purchase for a beginner who wants low weight and balanced handling.

Choose it if: you want a light, evenly balanced graphite racket at a modest price.

Check the Karakal Raw 120 retailer price and availability.

3. Head Cyano2 115 — best for comfort and easy handling

The Head Cyano2 115 uses a 115g frame, 500cm² head and head-heavy 365mm balance. Its Innegra construction is intended to reduce shock and vibration, while CT2 shaft construction adds stiffness for useful power.

Choose it if: you want very light handling, a generous head and a more damped feel.

Check the Head Cyano2 115 retailer price and availability.

4. Wilson Hammer Ultra Light 110 PH — best lightweight beginner option

At 110g unstrung, the Wilson Hammer Ultra Light 110 PH is the lightest racket in this shortlist. Its head-heavy 370mm balance helps restore momentum, while the 490cm² head, 12×18 fan string pattern and Power Holes provide a generous response.

Choose it if: you value fast preparation and an attacking, power-oriented feel.

Check the Wilson Hammer Ultra Light 110 PH retailer price and availability.

5. Tecnifibre Carboflex Team V2 — best beginner racket to progress with

The Carboflex Team V2 combines a 130g graphite frame, head-heavy balance and large 500cm² head. The generous hitting area adds forgiveness, while its construction is designed to support accessible shot speed and power. It comes strung with Dynamix VP string in a 14×18 pattern and is supplied without a cover.

It is a sensible step-up option for a regular beginner or developing club player who wants more frame mass than the very light Wilson and Head choices without moving above £100.

Choose it if: you want forgiveness and easy power in a racket with room for progression.

Check the Tecnifibre Carboflex Team V2 retailer price and availability.

For a closer look at its 130g frame, head-heavy balance and player fit, read our Tecnifibre Carboflex Team V2 review before choosing.

How to choose your first squash racket

Weight and balance

A lighter frame is easier to prepare quickly. A head-heavy balance can add momentum and power, while an even balance offers a more neutral response. Compare both measurements rather than choosing from weight alone.

Head size and forgiveness

A larger head usually provides a more forgiving hitting area. Beginners who do not yet contact every ball centrally may benefit from the 499–500cm² Wilson, Head and Tecnifibre options.

How much should a beginner squash racket cost?

Every racket in this comparison was below £100 at the UK retailer when checked. A suitable £44–£70 racket can be enough for a new player; spend more only when the design clearly suits how you swing and how often you expect to play.

Our verdict

For most new players, the Wilson Hammer Light 120 PH offers the strongest mix of handling, forgiveness and price. The Karakal Raw 120 is an affordable graphite alternative, while the Tecnifibre Carboflex Team V2 gives a committed beginner more room to progress.

If rapid preparation is your priority, compare our best lightweight squash rackets for fast swings. If you already play regularly and want more control or speed, compare our intermediate squash rackets under £100. You can also browse the Racket Life squash collection.

Frequently asked questions

What weight squash racket is best for a beginner?

Many beginners are comfortable with an unstrung frame around 120g–140g, but balance and head size matter too. Very light rackets move quickly; heavier or head-heavy frames may help a slower swing produce depth.

Should a beginner use a head-heavy squash racket?

It can help create momentum and power, particularly with a compact swing. It is not compulsory: an even-balanced option such as the Karakal Raw 120 may suit a beginner wanting a more neutral feel.

Do these prices include strings?

All five rackets are supplied strung. Prices and stock can change, so check the current retailer page before ordering.