No racket sport sweats like squash. Forty-five minutes in a sealed court means grips fail faster here than anywhere — and a slipping grip does not just cost points, it causes the over-squeezing that feeds squash elbow. The fix costs pounds.
The two grip philosophies
Tacky (PU) grips — smooth, sticky synthetic grips with maximum initial adhesion. Brilliant feel for the first weeks; the tack dies with sweat exposure and they need frequent replacement in squash conditions.
Towelling grips — cotton grips that absorb rather than resist sweat. The traditional squash choice for exactly this sport's conditions — heavy sweaters swear by them. See the towel grip range, and add grip powder if your hands run truly wet.
Overgrip or replacement grip?
Squash handles are slim by design — most players run a single replacement grip, or base grip plus one overgrip. Stacking multiple overgrips (fine in badminton) fattens a squash handle fast and blunts the wrist action squash's short game depends on. If you like a bigger handle, build deliberately, not accidentally. Stock up in the grips collection.
Sizing: smaller than you think
Squash rewards wrist freedom — the flicks, holds and cut that win front-court exchanges all come from a mobile wrist on a slim handle. The finger test still applies (index finger of the free hand fits between fingertips and palm heel), but when in doubt, go slimmer in squash.
Replacement schedule — the honest one
- Tacky grips: every 3–6 weeks of twice-weekly squash. Shiny = done.
- Towelling: when compressed flat and crusty — typically monthly for regulars.
- Any grip: immediately if the racket twisted in your hand on a mishit. That twist is the warning.
The elbow connection
A dying grip makes you squeeze; chronic squeezing overloads the forearm tendons that already work overtime in squash. Players managing tennis elbow should treat fresh grips as physio equipment — alongside sensible string setups (see our string tension guide) and a frame that fits (our racket guide).
FAQs
What grip do squash professionals use?
Split field — many run towelling for sweat, many run fresh tacky grips replaced constantly. The common factor: nobody plays an old grip.
How do I stop my hand slipping in long matches?
Towelling grip, grip powder, wristbands to stop forearm sweat reaching the handle, and a spare grip in the bag for between-game changes.
Can I wash towelling grips?
They are cheap enough to replace instead — washing kills the pile that does the absorbing.
A fresh grip is the cheapest upgrade in squash: grab spares here.