You have Squash in Berlin discovered for yourself?
That makes us very happy!
There is hardly any other sport that makes you sweat so quickly, clears your head and is so much fun at the same time as a quick duel in the „cage“.
After the first few matches in the Sportcenter Wittenau However, many of our guests are faced with a classic question: Should I continue to rent a racket every time or is it time to invest in my own equipment?
Is the difference really that big or is it only for professionals?
In this article, we will help you decide.
We take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both options and tell you when the purchase is worthwhile for your wallet and your gaming experience.
Phase 1: The „trial phase“ - cheers to the rental racket
If you are just starting to play squash, the rental racket is your best friend. And for good reason.
- No barriers to entry Maybe you've only been on the court once or twice before. Squash is intense - you may find that badminton suits you better after all or that your knees need a break. At this stage, buying a racket would be an unnecessary expense. Our rental service at Counter allows you to try out the sport completely risk-free. Simply drop by, pay a small fee and you can get started straight away.
- Quality instead of „supermarket beaters“ A common mistake made by beginners is to buy the cheapest racket from the discount store just to have „something of their own“. These rackets are often extremely heavy, vibrate a lot and have poor strings. Our rental rackets at Sportcenter Wittenau are robust, well-maintained models that are specially designed for recreational use. They almost always play better than a cheap 20-euro racket from the department store.
Phase 2: The turning point - when you should switch
So when is the right time to change? You can usually tell for yourself if you play regularly. There are three clear indicators that speak in favor of a purchase:
The cost factor (the math) Let us do the math. The rental fee for a racket with us is €4.00. That's a fair price for occasional games. However, when you start, once a week these costs quickly add up.
- 4 € x 4 weeks = 16 € per month.
- In half a year, that's almost €100 in rental fees.
For this amount, you can get an excellent beginner to mid-range racket that will give you years of pleasure. From a financial point of view, the purchase is usually worthwhile as soon as you play the sport regularly (at least 2-3 times a month).
The hygiene factor Squash is a sweaty sport. Of course, we regularly disinfect and maintain our rental rackets. Nevertheless, the grip is a wearing part that absorbs a lot of moisture. Having your own racket gives you the comfort of having the grip exactly the way you like it - and you know that only you had it in your hand.
Phase 3: Why having your own racket improves your game
In addition to the costs, the Constance the most important argument.
Squash is a game of muscle memory. Your brain memorizes how heavy the racket is, how it lies in your hand and how tight the strings are.
- Rental clubs vary: Even if we make an effort, rental racket A may have been played a little more often than rental racket B. The string tension decreases over time and the grip feels different.
- Your own racket is always the same: If you have your own equipment, eliminate these variables. You will get used to the weight and balance. You will notice that you hit the ball cleaner and develop more confidence in your shots, simply because the tool feels familiar.
What you should look out for when making your first purchase
You've made up your mind: you need your own racket. But the market is huge. Don't be dazzled by the most expensive professional models. Here are the most important criteria for your first purchase:
- The weight: Professional clubs are often extremely light (less than 120 grams). This is not always ideal for beginners, as a light club has less inherent power - so you have to generate the swing technically cleanly yourself. A racket in the medium weight range (approx. 130 to 150 grams) is often better for beginners as it is more stable in the swing.
- The head size: Look for a large clubface (often called a „teardrop“ shape, as it looks like a teardrop). The larger the head, the larger the „sweet spot“ - i.e. the area in which the ball is optimally accelerated. This forgives mistakes if you don't hit the ball perfectly in the middle.
- The balance: Some rackets are head-heavy (more weight in the racket head), some are grip-heavy. Top-heavy clubs help you to get more power into your swing, which can be very helpful for beginners.
Our conclusion: Let us advise you!
Buying your first racket is a small milestone in your squash career. It is a commitment to the sport and motivates you to come to training regularly.
Are you still unsure which model suits you best? Just get in touch with us! Our team at Counter at the Sportcenter Wittenau deals with players of all levels on a daily basis. We are happy to give you tips on what to look out for or show you which balls are suitable for your level (because the ball also makes a huge difference!).
Whether with a rental racket or your own brand new racket, we look forward to seeing you on the court at your next match.
See also:
- Squash etiquette: the do's and don'ts on the court
- Understanding squash balls: What the colored dots mean
- The right shoes: Squash
- The basic rules of squash - simply explained for your start
- Squash Doubles: Double the fun on the court?
- Tennis, badminton or squash: which sport suits you best?
- Squash: Dominate the „T“