Choosing the right racquetball racquet is vital to your game. We've gone over the basics before but now we're going to look at little deeper. If you are new to the sport, you may want to start with our post "Finding the Right Racquetball Racquet" and then come back for more detailed information.
We're still going to pay attention to the racquet weight and balance, but we're also going to look at your individual swing speed and swing weight.
RACQUET WEIGHT
Racquet weight can affect how much power, maneuverability and control you have. Racquets come in three basic weights: , and . How do you know which weight is right for you? Look at your swing speed. Players with a faster swing speed can use since they usually have enough power on their own. Moderate speed swingers should go for a racquet in the . These racquets are good for all types of players as they balance control and power. Slower swingers should try for more power. Beginner players usually have slower swings and benefit from heavier racquets. Remember, these are just general rules of thumb, and there are exceptions; for example, if you have any arm or shoulder issues than a medium or even heavier racquet might be better since they should have less vibrations.
RACQUET BALANCE
You know how some racquets feel very different from others? This is due to the balance of the racquet. are just like they sound, they have more weight at the top. These racquets can help you increase your swing speed and swing weight, and therefore, increase your power. are the opposite—most of their weight is toward the throat, or handle, and they feel lighter in general. If you tend to play in the frontcourt and need more maneuverability, this may be the racquet for you. However, if you want a balance of control and power, look at an , where the balance point is (surprise) in the middle of the racquet.
STRING WEIGHT
You've probably noticed that almost everything comes down to power or control. If you are a seasoned player with a lot of finesse, you might have all the power you need and crave more control for those well-placed pinches and strategic lobs. However, if you're a beginner, and haven't really mastered ball control or strategic angling, you may need something with more power. give you more control and allow you to adjust quickly; generate more power with less effort. Racquetball racquets with offer both power and control whenever you need it. Most competitive or high-level players prefer these racquets.
GRIP SIZE
Grip is pretty easy, you can either choose bigger or smaller. Most players choose smaller but it can be a matter of preference. However, things change when you get into Super Small and Extra small. A much smaller grip, like the Super Small, can provide more wrist snap; if you have the skill, this can translate into increased power. However, it's important to note that too small a grip (such as the Extra Small) can cause pain and injuries due to over clenching the handle. If you aren't sure, it's probably best to go with smaller or bigger.
STRINGING
All racquets, in all racquet sports, lose some string tension over time. If you notice reduced power or response, it might just be that your strings have lost some tension. As a rule of thumb, higher tension offers more control thanks to the stiffer string bed, while lower tension offers more power thanks to the springy effect from the string bed.