• Pick the Right Racquetball Racquet

• Choose a Squash Racquet

• Select the Right Racquetball & Squash Balls

• Protect Yourself on the Racquetball Court

• Find Racquets on eBay

• Buy Racquetball & Squash with Confidence

Pick the Right Racquetball Racquet

Pick the Right Racquetball Racquet

Popular racquetball racquets such as Head racquets, Ektelon racquets, Wilson racquets, Pro Kennex racquets, and E-Force racquets come in a variety of styles. To find the racquet that suits you, look at weight, grip, head shape, materials, and the string bed.

Weigh in your racquetball racquet

Racquetball racquets generally weigh between 175 grams and 245 grams. Beginners should start with a heavier racquetball racquet that generates more power than lighter racquets and allows for precise shots. Once you know the game, you can switch to a lighter racquetball racquet. Lighter racquetball racquets require greater accuracy, and allow for a quicker swing and more maneuverability.

Get a good grip on your racquetball racquet

Racquetball racquets typically have a super small (3-11/16 inches) grip or an extra small (3-15/16 inches) grip. Smaller grips allow for more control and a stronger wrist snap, and buying on the smaller side doesn't usually pose a problem; you can always increase the size of the grip with tape. Determine your grip size by the size of your glove:

Size up racquetball racquet heads

When choosing the shape of your racquetball racquet, start with a rectangular head that will help you hit balls closer to the wall. If you're ready for something a little different, choose a different shape, such as the angular Quadraform-shaped head used by E-Force.

Also, start out with a larger racquetball racquet that has a large sweet spot that allows for a greater margin of error and generates more power. If power is your strong point, get a racquet 98+ square inches. Those playing for fun or who want an edge over the competition should look into racquets 102+ square inches.

Smaller racquetball racquets increase control. If your game relies on control, choose a racquet between 94 square inches to 98 square inches.

Get a good string bed

Racquetball racquets that have a longer string bed with strings in a fan-shaped pattern provide a more lively string bed and maximum power throughout the shot.

Look at racquetball racquet materials

Racquetball racquets made with stiffer materials, such as graphite, will generate more power because they transfer more power to your shot.

Choose a Squash Racquet

Choose a Squash Racquet

Squash racquets such as Dunlop racquets, Browning racquets, Black Knight racquets, Prince racquets, Head racquets, and Slazenger racquets look similar to racquetball racquets, but you need to evaluate them in a different way.

Weigh in your squash racquet

The lightest squash racquets weigh about 120 grams and the heaviest squash racquets can weigh more than 210 grams. Lighter racquets, preferred by skilled control players, touch players, junior players, and women, are easier to swing and give you a better feel for the ball. Heavier squash racquets generate more power.

Watch squash racquet weight distribution

Squash racquets are handle-weighted, head-weighted, or evenly balanced. A head-weighted racquet creates a more powerful shot; a handle-weighted racquet is more maneuverable and allows for quicker racquet movement.

Size up squash racquet heads

Choosing between a squash racquet with a rounded teardrop head, such as Black Knight racquets, or a rectangular head like those featured on Prince racquets, is a matter of personal preference. Larger head sizes have larger sweet spots. Smaller head sizes increase control and are preferred by more experienced players.

Look at squash racquet materials

Stiff squash racquets, such as Carbon racquets, Boron racquets, Graphite racquets, and Kevlar racquets, generate more powerful shots while flexible racquets absorb impact, making them comfortable to use. The latest Titanium racquet and (Hyper) Carbon racquet lines add power and control.

Beginners looking for an inexpensive way to get started should look at durable and heavy aluminum squash racquets. Just know that aluminum squash racquets vibrate.

Select the Right Racquetball & Squash Balls

Select the Right Racquetball & Squash Balls

Racquetballs are made of rubber compounds and come in different colours, often blue or green. Faster balls are used for a more serious level of play. Some brands, such as Penn racquetballs, offer various levels of faster balls suitable for more advanced playing levels. Make sure to bring a canister or two to the court. A powerful forehand shot can rupture a ball.

Choose your squash balls

Dunlop balls, Prince balls, and Slazenger balls are designed for different skill levels. Beginners need high-bounce squash balls to rally and can quickly move on to medium-bounce balls. Most manufacturers use a dot colour system, but Dunlop uses its own naming conventions.

• High-bounce squash balls: Beginners should use high-bounce blue dot squash balls or Dunlop Max squash balls.

• Medium-bounce squash balls: Intermediate and recreational squash players should use medium-bounce red dot squash balls or Dunlop Max Progress squash balls.

• Low-bounce squash balls: Advanced players need low-bounce white dot squash balls or Dunlop Revelation Competition squash balls.

• Extra low-bounce squash balls: About 80 percent of squash players around the world use yellow dot squash balls or similar Dunlop Revelation Pro XX squash balls. They're good for experienced players.

Replace your squash balls every two to three months to maintain good bounce.

Protect Yourself on the Racquetball Court

Protect Yourself on the Racquetball Court

Wear the proper protective gear when you hit the racquetball court.

• Racquetball gloves: You aren't required to wear racquetball gloves or squash gloves when you play, but they'll definitely help your game. To get the best ventilation while keeping your grip, purchase gloves with open holes on the back, or mesh ventilation. Racquetball gloves are usually made of leather, sheepskin, or synthetic materials.

• Eye protection: Eye guards and goggles protect your eyes, but you also need a full range of vision on the court. Open guards provide an unrestricted field of vision, but do not protect you from frontal hits. Closed guards offer the best protection, but can restrict your range of vision. Whatever you choose, buy eye protection with a strap instead of hinges. Straps increase comfort and decrease the chances of your eyewear falling off during play.

• Racquetball shoes & squash shoes: Light- to medium-weight racquetball shoes and squash shoes from Wilson and Adidas provide good traction for quick starts and stops. Their soles, made of a gummy, rubbery material are strong, yet breathable, and will not leave marks on the court floor.

Find Racquets on eBay

Find Racquets on eBay

Once you know what type of racquet you want, go to the Sporting Goods portal, click Racquetball & Squash, and start searching for item listings on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Protective Gear, Racquetball Racquets, Squash Racquets, and Other. As you dig deeper into the site you'll also be able to narrow down your choice by brand.

• Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find a titanium squash racquet, type "titanium squash racquet" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Racquetball & Squash with Confidence

Buy Racquetball & Squash with Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to C$1,250.

• eBay Security & Resolution Centre: Visit the Security & Resolution Centre to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.