Best Squash Strings
for Beginners 2026
The best squash string for beginners is the Dunlop Silk — soft, comfortable, and forgiving. For maximum durability on a tight budget, choose the Dunlop Max Plus or Ashaway Zyex Monster 28. String at 24–26 lbs for the most power and forgiveness while you develop your game.
Squash strings take more punishment than almost any other racket sport — the ball is hard, the court is fast, and the angles are unforgiving. Beginners need strings that survive mishits, deliver power at lower swing speeds, and don't demand a restring every other session. This guide ranks the 8 best options for 2026.
Top 8 Squash Strings for Beginners (2026)
Every string below is rated for beginners in the StringMatch database of 35 squash strings. They prioritise durability and power — the qualities that matter most when you are still developing consistency.
The Dunlop Silk is the standout choice for beginner squash players. Its multifilament construction — hundreds of micro-fibres bundled together — delivers a soft, cushioned response that absorbs ball impact and protects your arm. It generates natural power from a slower swing and feels lively and responsive even when you're not hitting from the sweet spot. Widely available and priced at budget.
Ashaway's Zyex Monster 28 is built to last. Zyex is a high-performance polymer that resists notching and maintains tension better than standard nylon — giving this string exceptional durability without the stiffness of a traditional nylon. The 1.30mm gauge adds extra robustness. A top choice for beginners who break strings regularly or want to restring as infrequently as possible.
Tecnifibre are renowned for multifilament strings across all racket sports, and the Triax brings that expertise to squash. Its triangular cross-section gives extra grip on the ball for better control, while the multifilament core delivers the soft, arm-friendly feel Tecnifibre are known for. It is the most technically refined string on this list — ideal for beginners who want a performance edge without sacrificing comfort.
The Dunlop Max Plus is one of the most durable squash strings available at any price — a thick 1.30mm nylon built to outlast the competition. If you find yourself restringing every few weeks due to breakage, this is the string to stop that happening. It sacrifices some feel compared to multifilaments, but the consistency and longevity more than compensate for a beginner who needs reliability above all else.
Ashaway's SuperNick XL has been a staple of club squash for decades — a reliable, balanced nylon string that does everything reasonably well. It is a dependable choice if you want a trusted, widely available string without having to think too hard. Suits all court positions and playing styles, and holds tension well over multiple sessions.
Head is one of the most trusted names in racket sports, and the Prime 17 delivers solid entry-level performance at a budget price. It is comfortable for a nylon string, holds tension consistently, and is widely stocked in sports shops and online. A reliable option if you are looking for a recognised brand name without paying a premium.
The Pro Competition is Dunlop's mid-tier nylon offering — a step up from the Max Plus in feel and control, while retaining solid durability. It offers the best control score of any nylon string on this list, making it a good pick for beginners who favour precision and placement over raw power. A popular choice at club level for players who want to start developing a consistent game.
Black Knight is a well-respected Canadian squash brand, popular in North America but underrated in the UK. The Helix is their all-round beginner string — reliable, consistent, and surprisingly comfortable for a nylon. It is an excellent option if the other strings on this list are out of stock or if you want to try something less mainstream. Equally suited to all playing styles and court positions.
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Find my string in 90 seconds →Side-by-Side Comparison
All eight strings at a glance. Scores from the StringMatch database (0–100 scale).
| String | Material | Comfort | Durability | Control | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop Silk | Multifilament | 80 | 65 | 70 | Budget |
| Ashaway Zyex Monster 28 | Zyex | 75 | 82 | 72 | Budget |
| Tecnifibre Triax | Multifilament | 80 | 66 | 74 | Mid |
| Dunlop Max Plus | Nylon | 74 | 82 | 72 | Budget |
| Ashaway SuperNick XL | Nylon | 74 | 76 | 74 | Mid |
| Head Prime 17 | Nylon | 74 | 76 | 72 | Budget |
| Dunlop Pro Competition | Nylon | 72 | 76 | 76 | Budget |
| Black Knight Helix | Nylon | 73 | 75 | 73 | Budget |
What to Look For in a Beginner Squash String
1. Durability
Squash strings take more impact than tennis or badminton strings. The rubber ball is heavy and fast, and the court angles mean you'll hit the frame and walls more often as a beginner. Use a 1.25mm or 1.30mm gauge string — thin strings (1.10–1.15mm) snap quickly and are designed for experienced players hitting with precision.
2. Comfort over control
A soft string absorbs the ball's impact better, reducing shock transmitted to your wrist and elbow. Multifilament strings like the Dunlop Silk and Tecnifibre Triax are noticeably more comfortable than nylon. If you have had any arm discomfort, a multifilament is the right choice.
3. Power at lower swing speeds
As a beginner, you won't always hit with full pace. A softer, more elastic string generates power even from slower swings — giving the ball enough pace to reach the back wall. Stiff control strings require fast, precise hitting to work effectively.
4. Budget price
Squash strings need restringing 2–3 times per year for a regular player. All eight strings on this list are budget or mid price — keeping your annual restringing cost low while you develop your game.
Squash String Materials Explained
Multifilament — best comfort for beginners
Multifilament strings are made from hundreds of micro-fibres, similar in structure to natural gut. They are soft, elastic, and absorb shock well — making them the most arm-friendly choice. They deliver natural power from slower swings and feel lively at lower tensions. The trade-off is slightly lower durability compared to nylon.
Best picks: Dunlop Silk, Tecnifibre Triax
Nylon — the durable standard
Nylon is the most common squash string material. It is firmer than multifilament, more durable, and cheaper. Most club strings are nylon. It suits players who want a reliable, consistent response without spending too much. Slightly less comfortable than multifilament on mishits.
Best picks: Dunlop Max Plus, Head Prime 17, Ashaway SuperNick XL
Zyex — the durable alternative
Zyex is a high-performance polymer developed by Ashaway that offers better tension maintenance and notch resistance than nylon. It feels slightly livelier than standard nylon and lasts longer. A smart choice for players who break strings often or want the longevity of nylon with a little more feel.
Best pick: Ashaway Zyex Monster 28
What Tension Should Beginners Use?
Squash string tension typically ranges from 24 to 32 lbs. Lower tension = more power and a bigger sweet spot. Higher tension = more control and feel, but requires faster, more accurate hitting.
For beginners, string at 24–26 lbs. This gives you:
- More natural power — the string acts like a trampoline
- A larger sweet spot — more forgiving on off-centre hits
- Better feel at slower swing speeds
As you develop consistency and start hitting harder, you can increase tension toward 27–29 lbs. Most competitive club players string at 27–30 lbs. Anything above 30 lbs is for advanced players who hit with pace and precision every shot.
StringMatch analyses 157 strings across 9 factors — sport, level, swing speed, budget, and more — and gives you a personalised ranked list in 90 seconds. Free, no sign-up.
Find my perfect string →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best squash string for a complete beginner?
The Dunlop Silk is the best squash string for complete beginners — soft, comfortable, and forgiving. For maximum durability on a budget, choose the Dunlop Max Plus or Ashaway Zyex Monster 28.
What gauge squash string should a beginner use?
Use 1.25mm or 1.30mm gauge. Thicker strings are more durable and forgiving. Thin strings (1.10–1.15mm) snap quickly and are designed for experienced players who hit with consistent precision.
What tension should a beginner string their squash racket at?
String at 24–26 lbs. Lower tension gives more power and a bigger sweet spot. Increase tension gradually as your swing speed and accuracy improve. Always check the maximum tension rating printed on your racket frame.
How often should a beginner restring their squash racket?
2–3 times per year for someone playing 1–2 times per week. Squash strings take heavy ball impact and lose tension quickly. Restring when shots feel flat or the string bed moves around, even if nothing has snapped.
Is nylon or multifilament better for beginner squash players?
Both work. Nylon strings are more durable and cheaper — best if you break strings frequently. Multifilament strings are softer and more comfortable — best if you have arm or wrist sensitivity. For the most forgiving feel, go with a multifilament like Dunlop Silk or Tecnifibre Triax.
Can I use a tennis string in my squash racket?
No. Tennis strings are too thick (1.20–1.38mm) for a squash racket's tight string pattern and will not perform correctly. Always use squash-specific strings, which are thinner and designed for the smaller racket head and the dynamics of a rubber squash ball.