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The racquetball player guide to choosing a new racquet
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The racquetball player guide to choosing a new racquet
Step 1: Determine Racquet Weight by your Swing Speed
Affects your power, control and maneuverability.
- Slow Swing Heavy Weight Racquet (185+ grams)
Players who fit into this category are relatively new to the sport. Older veterans of the game often transition from a power heavy game to a more controlled game and will also fit into this category.
- Moderate Swing Medium Weight Racquet (170-185 grams)
Most players fall into this category. From the avid tournament player to the weekend warrior, this category includes those players that need a little extra response. These racquets balance both control and power characteristics.
- Fast Swing Light Weight Racquet (150-165 grams)
Maximizing maneuverability, these racquets cater to the player who generates their own power. These are not recommended for players suffering from arm or shoulder ailments.
Step 2: Determine Balance
Affects power and maneuverability. Balance defines the initial feel of the racquet in your hand, before you even hit a ball.
Head heavy racquets have more weight focused at the top (head) of the racquet increasing swing weight and swing speed, which in turn increases power.
Head light racquets have more of the weight focused towards the handle (throat) making them feel lighter overall. These racquets are more maneuverable and ideal for frontcourt play.
The balance point is right in the middle of the racquet (11). This will provide a balance of power and control. These racquets are ideal for customization.
Step 3: Determine Swing Weight
Defined by step 1 & 2, racquet weight and balance. It is the easiest and most efficient way to compare multiple racquets side by side.
Power vs Control - Do you favor one over the other?
- High Swing Weight = High Power (160+)
Higher swing weight racquets generate the greatest amount of power with the least amount of effort/swing speed/stress. A power player opts to hit pass, kill, and down the line shots, often driving from the backcourt. Most new players also fit into this category because they have not yet learned ball control or court angles.
- Low Swing Weight = Control (less than 150)
Lower swing weight racquets carry less momentum in the swing making it easier to adjust quickly and make touch shots. A control player attacks the front wall more often and relies more on strategic ball placement to defeat their opponent. This player will use more lobs, ceiling balls and well placed pinches to keep their opponent guessing and off-balance.
- Medium Swing Weight = Power and Control (150-160)
Medium swing weight racquets are the easiest for anyone to pick up and use. Most of these racquets hover around an even balance +/- 2 points head-light or head-heavy. A balanced player understands and utilizes both passing power and touch placement to their advantage at any point in a match. This should be a goal for all competitive players..
Step 4: Determine your Brand Options
Every manufacturer has their own technologies that affect how the racquets feel and play. We recommend that you demo racquets to find what works best for you.
Step 5: Determine your Grip Size
There are 2 options, bigger or smaller. About 80% of our customers choose the smaller option and it is almost purely preference.
- SS - Super Small (3 5/8):
The smaller grip size allows for maximum wrist snap, which translates to increased power potential based on skill level.
- XS - Extra Small (3 7/8 3 15/16):
The larger grip size accommodates players with larger hands. For some, too small of a grip can cause wrist and elbow pain, often due to over clenching the handle or torsional instability on off-center shots.
Step 6: Determine your String and Grip
Every racquet comes strung and gripped from the factory.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Strings
Replacing your strings can make a big difference in how the racquet feels and plays. Many players do not realize that while their strings havent broken, much of the tension has been lost over time, reducing power, feel and response.
Higher tension creates a stiffer string bed resulting in more control. Lower tension provides more power due to a trampoline effect from the string bed.
A new grip can add control, durability and feel to your racquet, not to mention added style!
A dampener is not required but can help reduce vibration and give your string bed a more solid feel.
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