Consider individual preference, playing style and skill level when comparing racquetball racquets according to Ed Turner and Woody Clouse in "Winning Racquetball." An individual player's strategy may rely on power or finesse. She may have a price point in mind. The needs of the player affect comparison and evaluation of the racquet.
History
When Joe Sobek invented the game in 1950, he named it paddle rackets after the oval or round strung paddles he designed. As the game grew in popularity in the 1970s, additional manufacturers offered a wider variety of design improvements, technology and materials that emphasized particular aspects of the sport such as power, control and playing styles.
Size and Shape
The larger the racquet the more stability it has because it will twist less in the hand when hitting balls off-center. A longer racquet enhances power and extends reach at the expense of control. Most racquets today are either tear drop shaped or nearly rectangular to help in returning balls hit along the wall or low to the floor. Thicker and stiffer frames allow more power and control but can result in sore elbows and arms. All racquets must have a safety hand loop on the handle to securely fasten it to the player's wrist.
Grip
Choosing the appropriate grip size is the most important consideration for a beginner because a grip too large or too small for the hand negatively affects both power and control of the ball. With the fingers wrapped around the handle, the two middle fingers should barely touch the meaty base portion of the thumb according to Stan Kittleson in "Racquetball: Steps to Success."
Price
Popular sporting goods manufacturers offer a selection of quality racquets. In 2010, prices varied from about $25 to $300 depending on quality. A good quality metal racquet on the low end of the price scale will last several years. A beginner may wait to purchase a high end racquet since her preferences may change as her skill sets and strategies develop.
Materials and Weight
Racquets may be made of wood, fiberglass, metal alloys or graphite. Intermediate to advanced level players often choose graphite or a composite including graphite, fiberglass, ceramic, boron or Kevlar according to Ed Turner and Woody Clause in "Winning Racquetball."
The lighter the racquet the more control a player has but with some loss of power. A light racquet ranges from 195 g to 224 g and a medium weight racquet ranges from 230 g to 245 g. Keep composite racquets out of extreme heat or cold to avoid warping the racquet and stretching the strings.
Strings
Racquetball strings, made of nylon or gut, vary in texture, thickness and resiliency. Gut strings, made from cattle, pig or sheep intestines give a more resilient rebound action than nylon strings but cost more. String tension ranges from 24 lbs. to 45 lbs. Looser strings offer more power and less control. Tighter strings expose the hand and arm to more shock. Stringing techniques also vary from evenly spaced to elaborate variable spacing designs that may affect the action of the ball in the same way that tension does.
Sweet Spots
Although most people think of the sweet spot as the place on the strings where the ball rebounds with the most power, racquets actually have three separate sweet spots. A second one, called the center of percussion, minimizes shock to the hand and arm. The third, called the node, has the least vibration after impact with the ball.
References
- "Winning Racquetball: Skills, Drills and Strategies;" Ed Turner and Woody Clouse; 1996)
- "Racquetball: Steps to Success;" Stan Kittleson; 1992
- USA Racquetball: Rulebook
- "Learn Squash and Racquetball in a Weekend;" Jahangir Khan; 1993
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