Racquetball is a fun cardiovascular exercise that will also refine your hand-eye coordination. It has regularly been compared to squash and tennis although the ball, racquet, and rules are different. A racquet ball is bigger than a squash ball, but smaller than a tennis one. The best racquetball racquet generates powerful, accurate shots and gives you greater control and maneuverability. To play the game, a server bounces the ball off the front wall and it rebounds on the floor. The receiver has to strike it back to the front wall before it touches the floor again. Racquetball is played by people of all ages. It is important to choose a racquet carefully because it will affect your balance, power, speed, and control. The wrong choice can even cause injury.
We have broken down the essential features that will determine the effectiveness of your racquet. Weight will dictate the racquet power, swing speed, and control. The racquet material, balance and grip size will affect overall swing power, control, maneuverability, and weight. The frame shape and strung surface directly impact the size of the sweet spot which is responsible for optimal shots. We’ve made a list of top 5 picks, and the Gearbox 50 Racquetball Racket is truly the best one.
More features: strings are Gearbox 16g monofilament
This model from Gearbox is made of 7000 grade aluminum which is combined with copper, zinc and magnesium to create a tough and durable aluminum alloy. The slightly heavy weight of 190g makes it suitable for older players and novices whose slow swing may require heavier racquets and higher swing weight to generate more power. The durable aluminum alloy frame is designed to withstand power-slamming and the roughness of amateur play. The strings are made of long-lasting 16-gauge monofilament which improves control and balance, as well as durability.
The 106 square inches of the strung surface and the quadraform shape of the frame create a large sweet spot to optimize the aim and reduce wayward shots. Wrist flicking for powerful shots is made possible by the small size of the grip which is about 3-⅝ inches. The head light balance makes the racquet relatively lighter because it focuses the weight towards the handle to improve control and maneuverability and reduce vibrations.
More features: V-Matrix cross section for stiffness
This is an ideal choice for beginners who are looking for a quality and affordable racquet to help them shine on the court, and players who are getting back into the swing, pun intended, after an extended hiatus. Are you trailing behind and your rivals are taunting you to get a grip? Well, the 3-5/8-inch grip size, ergonomic handle, and the wrist strap that is added to the package will help you do exactly that.
The aluminum alloy frame is sturdy enough to take a beating and tame those erratic shots. Its V-matrix shape allows extra-string bed movement that will add power, increase responsiveness upon impact, and minimize vibration. The teardrop-shaped frame and the racquet’s slightly heavy weight, 205 grams, add power and speed to your swing with little effort. The stiffness attributed to the V-Matrix cross section strengthens the racquet. Majority of buyers found it a decent choice for the money, although opinion was divided on its weight, with some considering it too light, and others finding it too heavy. A few buyers also expressed disappointment with the strings which broke prematurely.
More features: comes with three racquetballs, clear kit case and protective glasses
This starter kit is not only a complete set, but it also comes with extra goodies like an eye guard, three Dunlop Atomic racquetballs, and a transparent cover. Once you receive the package, it is all systems go because you will have everything you need, including a pre-strung racquet. The racquet is designed to give you maximum control through its modified teardrop frame shape and 106.5 square inches of the strung surface. The shade of blue on the racquetballs caught our attention because their improved visibility helps keep an eye on them while playing.
The graphite infused frame is stiff for additional strength. The Python Intro 2000 protective glasses have straps for a perfect fit. The grip size of 3-5/8 inches provides a comfortable clasp and steady control while the head-light balance increases maneuverability and stability to match the fast-paced game. This is a racquet that beginners can grow with and continue to enjoy its solid performance as they hone their skills. Customers praised this racquet for its powerful features and reasonable price.
More features: available in four different weights and two grip sizes
This high-tech racquet is just what you need to play tirelessly in the intense, fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping world of racquetball. Aptly named the Apocalypse, it is loaded with technological features that make it lethal, despite its light weight of 160 grams. The weight is evenly balanced to optimize power, speed and accuracy. Power is magnified by the integrated powerhouse shaft technology and G2 power boosters. It utilizes bypass stringing fitted into Zero Richter tubes to improve responsiveness and reduce vibrations upon ball impact. The racquet is available in four various weights – 160, 170, 175, 190 – and two grip sizes. The frame is made of durable graphite, and the light weight gives you better control and more accurate shots.
The sweet spot is sizeable, owing to the expansive 108-square inch surface area, quadraform-shaped frame, and Launchpad technology. This racquet is suitable for intermediate players because you need a fair amount of experience to fully utilize the technology and techniques this model is capable of. Buyers and reviewers have been unanimous in their approval of the Apocalypse racquet for its powerful performance, with only a handful wishing it cost less. However, I can assure you that it is worth every dime.
More features: features a string pattern of 16/19
The Head i.165 racquet may fool you with its 165 g lightweight design. Dynamite comes in small packages, but in this case, it is graphite and titanium that will make you knock the ball out of the park. This pre-strung racquet boasts a combination of power, control, responsiveness, and accuracy. Due to its light weight, its features are particularly formulated for experienced players who prefer using more skills and techniques than power. The innovative Intellifiber technology adds force to your shots by tightening the string tension while the 103 square-inch head size creates an optimal sweet spot. Stiffening is also achieved by the string pattern of 16/19 which gives you a competitive edge when it comes to controlling.
The teardrop frame shape enhances the accuracy of the shots the power of which is boosted by the heavy head balance. The ComfortTac 3-5/8-inch grip is sticky to give you a firm hold, even without gloves, and your wrist and elbow will thank you for the vibration dampener. If you are prone to scraping the floor, the racquet’s durable material will help to mitigate the damage. The racquet has received overwhelmingly rave reviews from buyers, reviewers, and experts. Few hard-hitters disliked its light weight and the subsequently broken strings from heavy hits.
Racquetball is the most intense sport involving racquets. You have to react quickly to a ball that is moving unpredictably every second in a confined space, and skills alone won’t cut it. You will need the right equipment that can cope with the speed and pressure. Your racquet can see you sail through the game or seal your fate. This buying guide explains how racquets work and the features they utilize to accomplish that.
Racquetball involves more than thwacking the ball back and forth. You need power, control, spin, and accuracy to swing for the fences. This can only be achieved if you choose a good racquetball racquet. It will determine your overall performance, including speed, swing weight, and wrist flexibility. Playing with the wrong racquet will wear you out at best, or cause an injury at worst.
Having established how essential a good racquet is, let’s now proceed to the most critical factors to base as a guideline when selecting the best racquetball racquet.
A racquetball racquet appears fairly small with negligible weight, but swinging it countless times to hit the ball in the fast-paced game can soon have your hands and arms protesting in pain. That is why it is essential to choose the right weight which will give you higher power, higher speed, more control, and easy flexibility.
Racquetball racquets are mainly grouped into three weight categories; light, medium, and heavy. These categories are designed to accommodate the various skill levels, techniques, and individual preferences of the players. The light weight category appeals to professional players who prefer racquets that grant them more control and techniques than power. Medium-weight racquets are the most common because they balance both power and control. Heavy racquets generate tons of power with the least amount of effort. This makes them a better option for novices and older players who have slower speed and are yet to develop adept maneuvering skills.
Majority of racquets are 22 inches long, the maximum length in racquetball, but other dimensions differ according to the shape of the frame. The shape determines the size of the sweet spot, the point that is designed for optimal hitting of the ball. The two shapes available for racquet frames are quadraform and teardrop.
Quadraform-shaped racquets are the most common. The frames resemble an inverted teardrop due to their V-shaped base and tapered top. This design maximizes the strung surface while still abiding to the maximum length of 22 inches. The large head size generates more power and increases your chances of hitting the ball. Power is also boosted by the long main strings and a stiffer frame. Having a big striking surface increases the size of the sweet spot, but reduces its power. This shape is suitable for heavy-hitters and rookie players.
Teardrop-shaped frames feature a triangular shape with a wide top and a narrowing base. While the sweet spot in teardrop frames is smaller, it has more power. Its location at the top of the strung surface makes it easier for you to hit true shots. Teardrop frames appeal to players who prefer speed and strategic ball placement to sheer power because it helps them maintain control.
Racquetball racquets should be made of a material that is tough and durable to mitigate damage because your racquet will come into contact with walls, floors and other racquets during the game. A sturdy racquet will also handle the constant thrashing of the ball. Additionally, you will need a racquet that is light enough to control the ball without straining your arm. Manufacturers use aluminum, like in Wilson Striker Racquetball Racquet, and graphite for racquet construction due to their durability and light weight. Others use foam for its shock absorbency capacity. High grade graphite is also used to stiffen the frame for additional power, as seen in the Python Racquetball Deluxe Racquetball Starter Kit Series.
Grip in a racquet can never be overrated. Since you will literally be holding onto the racquet for the duration of your play, you might as well ensure that it feels comfortable. It should feel like an extension of your arm and survive through the spins, swings, and smacks without slippage. Grip sizes range from 3-5/8 inches for small hands to 3-15/16 for a larger grip. Some models, such as E-Force Apocalypse, come in two grip sizes.
Wear gloves for a firmer grip and added protection.
This refers to the hitting area where the strings are laid out. A large strung surface has a bigger sweet spot which minimizes missed hits. Most of the racquets are pre-strung by manufacturers. The strings vary in thickness, also known as gauges. Lower gauges have thicker strings which are durable, but higher gauges give you more power and control. The Gearbox 50 Racquetball Racquet features 16-gauge monofilament strings for improved balance.
String tension refers to the tightness of the string. It has a direct impact on control, power, response, spin and vibration. High tension will yield a stiffer strung surface and more control while low tension generates more power through the extra bounce.
In racquets, balance is dictated by the distribution of weight and its point of concentration. Your choice of balance will depend on your style of play. Balance is classified in three forms; head heavy, head light, and evenly balanced. Head heavy racquets have the weight concentrated at the head. This generates more power in the shots and higher swing speed and swing weight. Head light racquets have the weight concentrated towards the handle, which makes them easy to spin and maneuver because they feel light in your hand. They also have less vibration. Evenly balanced is just as the name suggests. Weight is evenly distributed throughout the head and handle, with the main concentration at the center of the racquet, for power and control.
Accessories provide additional comfort, convenience, and protection. This will vary from one model to the other. Glasses protect your eye from injuries during a racquetball game. Considering the speed of the ball, glasses would be a wise investment. Look for the ones with anti-fog feature. Python Racquetball Deluxe Racquetball Starter Kit Series includes python Intro 2000 protective glasses in the package.
Dampeners reduce vibrations that occur when you strike the ball. Head i.165 Racquetball Racquet features one.
Since most racquets are already strung up, it is easy to assume the same applies to all models. However, some might require you to do it yourself. Identify the best gauge and tension for your needs. Our guide will help you with that.
Warranties can replace your damaged racquet, depending on the circumstances. Most racquetball racquet manufacturers offer a warranty that is valid for six months to one year. Find out the terms and conditions from the seller or manufacturer.
Gearbox 50 Racquetball Racquet was our best choice because it is durable in every way, from the tough aluminum frame to the 16-gauge monofilament strings. Head light balance gives more flexibility, and the large strung surface reduces missed shots.
The Wilson Striker Racquetball Racquet is an aluminum head-heavy model is the official racquet of USA racquetball being also a budget-friendly choice.
The Python Racquetball Deluxe Starter Kit comes with extra goodies like an eye guard, three Dunlop Atomic racquetballs, and a transparent cover. The racquet gives you maximum control through its modified teardrop frame shape and 106.5 square inches of strung surface.
