The Best Racquetball Racquets in 2023
Choosing the best racquetball racquet is one of the most important decisions for every racquetball player, both professional and amateur. It can also be a time-consuming process.
With that in mind, we’ve prepared a list of our favorite racquetball racquets. Hopefully, we will be able to help you make the right decision without having to spend hours looking at all the options.
Contents
Best Racquetball Racquets
HEAD Intelligence i.165 Racquet
The Best Racquetball Racquet for Intermediate Players
- Head Size: 103 Square Inches
- Racquet Length: 22 Inches
- Racquet Weight: 5.8 Ounces
- Grip Size: 3 5/8 Inches
One of our favorite racquets, this model is perfect for intermediate players but it can also be used by beginners. Made by HEAD, a company with experience in racquet manufacturing for different sports, this racquet offers a great balance of power and control thanks to its medium swing weight.
The racquet is only available in one size and color but the racquet’s features are purposely developed to suit the average racquetball player. The racquet is head-heavy, which gives it more power. It is also a rather stiff racquet that uses proprietary Intellifiber technology to improve power. However, that means that it’s not the best choice for players who like to use a lot of spin.
This racquet is fairly light and it feels even lighter than it is when you hold it. It comes in standard, 22-inch size. With a grip size of 3 5/8’’, the racquet is suited for people with small to medium hands. Since the racquet has a tear-drop head, it doesn’t have the widest sweet spot.
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Excellent Control/Power Balance
- Powerful
- Suitable for Beginners and Intermediate Players
- Comfortable Grip and Handle
- Only Available in One Size and Color
- Not Good for Spin
- Fairly Narrow Sweet Spot
- No Case or Head Cover Is Included
Wilson Striker Racquetball Racquet
The Best Beginner Racquetball Racquet
- Head Size: 107 Square Inches
- Racquet Length: 22 Inches
- Racquet Weight: 7.2 Ounces
- Grip Size: 3 5/8 Inches
If you are just starting your racquetball adventure, Wilson Striker is a great racquet to get you into the swing of things, pun intended. This racquet comes in one size and color but it has a great design for a racquet that falls into the low-price category. Featuring the recognizable Wilson red, it is one of the official racquets of USA Racquetball.
The racquet is standard in many ways, suitable for both beginners and intermediate players. The racquet length is 22 inches, the grip size is 3 5/8 inches, and the head size is 10 square inches. The only unusual thing is the racquet weight – at 7.2 ounces it falls into the heavyweight category. This is unusual since heavier racquets favor accuracy over power and that is not ideal for beginners.
On the other hand, the proprietary V-Matrix aluminum alloy frame in combination with the V-Matrix cross-section ensures that you have enough power by keeping the strings tight and stiff. This creates a nice balance of power and control.
The racquet also includes a wrist strap but it doesn’t include a racquet case or head cover. Overall, this racquet offers a great value for money but don’t expect the same quality and durability as you would with a more expensive racquet. The biggest problem is the grip, which may come off the handle after some time.
- Affordable
- Great Looks
- Good Power/Control Balance
- Suitable for Beginners and Intermediate Players
- Comfortable Grip and Handle
- Includes a Wrist Strap
- Only Available in One Size and Color
- No Case or Head Cover Is Included
- Not Very Durable
- Grip Breaks Easily
HEAD Graphene Radical Racquetball Racquet
The Best Racquetball Racquet for Professionals
- Head Size: 106 Square Inches
- Racquet Length: 22 Inches
- Racquet Weight: 5.64–6.34 Ounces
- Grip Size: 3 5/8 Inches or 3 7/8 Inches
This is another racquet by HEAD on our list but it is very different from our previous entry since it is made for racquetball professionals instead of beginners. This is reflected in the racquet’s features and quality, but also in the higher price.
The racquet comes in three different weights and two grip sizes, making it more customizable than most racquetball racquets. However, it is only available in one design and color. The unique thing about this racquet is the Graphene frame, which is a very resilient material that is more commonly used in tennis rackets.
In addition to this, the racquet is extremely light (if you go with the lightest option) and has a very fast swing speed. The power is not in focus but the racquet is still very powerful. With the emphasis on accuracy and flair, this model is perfect for professionals who are aware of their strengths and know what they want from a racquet.
- Comes in Different Weights and Grip Sizes
- Great Power/Control Balance
- Good Spin
- Ideal for Professionals
- Comfortable Grip and Handle
- Very Resilient and Durable
- Expensive
- Only Available in One Color
- No Case or Head Cover Is Included
E-Force Bedlam-170-lite
Most Advanced Racquetball Racquet
- Head Size: 108 Square Inches
- Racquet Length: 22 Inches
- Racquet Weight: 6 Ounces
- Grip Size: 3 5/8 Inches
When discussing the most innovative racquetball racquets, it is impossible not to mention this particular model that includes various advanced technologies to improve your game. The racquet is available in one size and color but it has a very modern design.
The racquet’s frame is made from carbon graphite, which is a very sturdy and durable material. The head is tear-shaped and has a big sweet spot located in the center of the head. This offers more power, along with two innovative Hi-Octane power boosters placed beside the sweet spot.
Another impressive technology is the use of Zero-Richter tubes that reduce vibrations to provide more control and minimize injuries. One potential issue with the racquet is the strength of the strings. We didn’t play long enough to experience this but some players complained that strings are not very durable and may break after a couple of months.
- Great Power/Control Balance
- Power Boosters
- Reduced Vibrations
- Good for Players of Any Experience Level
- Comfortable Grip and Handle
- Very Resilient and Durable Frame
- A Bit Pricey
- Only Available in One Size and Color
- No Case or Head Cover Is Included
- Strings Could Be Stronger
Python Intro 5000 Racquetball Racquet
The Best Budget Racquetball Racquet
- Head Size: 106 Square Inches
- Racquet Length: 22 Inches
- Racquet Weight: 8 Ounces
- Grip Size: 3 5/8 Inches
It can be very difficult to find a good racquetball racquet if you are on a tight budget. With that in mind, we selected this model to review since we firmly believe it is the best racquetball racquet under 50 dollars and a great choice for beginners. With that in mind, it’s not surprising that the racquet is only available in one color and size, and doesn’t include any cover or case.
The racquet’s frame is made of aluminum allow, which is not the most durable material but it is still sturdy enough to provide many playing sessions. This model is 22 inches long and weighs around 8 ounces, although it feels much lighter when you hold it and it can even be a great choice for kids. Grip size is 3 5/8’’, which suits most people.
Of course, the racquet does come with a few issues. We would appreciate a bit larger sweet spot, for example. Still, this racquet can hold its own against many expensive options available on the market.
- Extremely Affordable
- Nice Design
- Plenty of Power
- Perfect for Beginners
- Feels Lightweight
- Comfortable Grip and Handle
- Only Available in One Size and Color
- No Case or Head Cover Is Included
- Small Sweet Spot
How to Choose the Best Racquetball Racquet
Whether you are looking for the racquetball racquet, or you want to find the best racquetball glove or racquetball goggles, it is important to do your research first and know what features to focus on before you make your decision.
If you have experience with tennis or pickleball, you may think that the search for the right racquetball racquet is the same. However, there are significant differences between tennis, pickleball and racquetball, so the features that make the best tennis rackets or pickleball paddles will be different from those related to racquetball racquets.
When it comes to racquetball racquets, we will discuss a few important factors that you need to consider and explain how they relate to your experience level and your style of play.
Racquet Weight/Swing Speed
The racquet weight and swing speed are closely related – the lighter the racquet the faster the swing speed is.
Heavier racquets are more suitable for beginners since they offer more control but keep in mind that a medium-weight racquet might be a better choice if you aren’t strong enough to repeatedly swing with a heavy racquet.
Heavy Racquet (Slow Swing) – Around 7 Ounces (More Than 185 Grams)
Heavy racquetball racquets are usually used by beginners or veterans who decide to make a transition to a more controlled game. These racquets come with slow swing speed and provide better control on account of power.
Medium Racquet (Moderate Swing) – Around 6.5 Ounces (170-185 Grams)
This type of racquet is the most common since the majority of players use it due to its moderate swing and a nice balance of power, control, and maneuverability. It is also the most comfortable racquet to use for extended periods of time.
Light Racquet (Fast Swing) – 6 Ounces or Less (150-165 Grams)
These racquets are suitable for players who prefer power and maneuverability over control. Don’t choose lightweight racquets if you struggle with shoulder or arm ailments, such as tennis elbow for example.
Racquet Balance
Some racquetball racquets are heavier towards the head, while others have the weight focused towards the handle. Choose the balance that suits your style of play. Also, never change the racquet balance before a match – you’ll need some time to practice and adjust to the change.
- Head-Heavy Racquets – These racquetball racquets have added weight at the head. This makes the racquet feel heavier but also provides more power and swing speed.
- Head-Light Racquets – The weight is concentrated in the handle or the neck of the racquet if it is head-light. This type of weight distribution provides more control and makes the racquet lighter, but it also lacks power.
- Evenly-Balanced Racquets – These racquets have an evenly distributed weight across the racquet, which means that the center of balance is located in the middle. That provides players with both control and power in moderation.
Head Size and Shape
In addition to the balance, it is also important to pay attention to the racquet’s head shape and size. While the differences here are not as evident as they might be in tennis, there are main racquet head types:
- Quadroform racquets have a wider sweet spot, located a bit lower on the racquet.
- Tear Drop racquets have a higher and narrower sweet spot.
When it comes to head size, larger racquets have a larger sweet spot, which can be beneficial to beginners. While there are no official regulations regarding head size, the maximum length of the entire racquet is 22 inches (55.5 centimeters), according to the International Racquetball Federation rulebook.
With this in mind, most racquetball racquets fall in the range between 93 and 135 square inches (0.06 and 0.087 square meters). The most common head sizes are between 97-100 square inches (0.062-0.065 square meters).
Grip Size
Another important component to take into account is grip size. Racquetball racquets come in three different sizes:
- 3 5/8 inches (9.2 cm)
- 3 7/8 Inches (9.84 cm)
- 3 15/16 inches (10 cm)
While these grip sizes might seem too similar to make a difference, they certainly do. The grip has to be comfortable and fit perfectly in your hand. The most common grip size is 3 5/8’’, which is the smallest grip size. However, it is the size that best fits the average hand, while the other two sizes are better suited for people with larger hands.
You should also consider changing the standard, factory grip. Sometimes, buying a new grip can significantly improve the feel and appearance of your racquet. The most common types are wrap grip and rubber grip.
- Wrap grip is similar to the tape wrapped around the bat in baseball. These are usually faux letter straps that you wrap around the handle, which can improve absorption and prevent your racquet from slipping out of your hand.
- Rubber grip looks like a large rubber tube that is placed over the handle. The grip is held in place with an adhesive, which provides a stronger stick in regular conditions. However, it can become slippery when wet and it is more likely to break down compared to wrap grips.
Strings
Choosing the best racquetball strings for your racquet is not an easy task and it is often mistakenly overlooked during the selection process.
That being said, most racquetball racquets come threaded. Professional players might want to use their own strings, while beginners usually start with default, factory strings. The perfect time to make a change might be when the strings become too loose after a while and you need to get the racquet restrung.
There are a few important things to focus on when it comes to racquetball strings:
String Tension
String tension defines how tight the strings are. Strings with higher tension are much stiffer, which adds control. Meanwhile, lower tension strings are looser and provide more power.
String Length and Width (Gauge)
The length of your strings will also affect the power and control of your racquetball racquet. Longer strings generate more power, while shorter strings offer better control and accuracy.
Additionally, thinner strings provide more power, while thicker strings are better for control. Of course, thicker strings are more durable and won’t break as often as thinner strings. The width of the strings is also called a string gauge – lower gauge means thicker strings, while higher gauge means thinner strings.
Core Materials
Most strings have nylon core (usually nylon multifilaments) but there are other options out there. Some manufacturers use polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which is stiffer than nylon and generates more power. It is also a very durable and resilient material.
Price
While the price shouldn’t be the main driving factor in your decision, it certainly needs to be taken into account. This is particularly true if you are a beginner or amateur player or if you buy on a budget.
Most racquetball racquets fall in the range between $50 and $100, while the higher-end racquets can go for more than $100. However, it is also possible to find solid, more affordable racquets under $50.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect racquetball racquet that will suit your playing style and experience may not be easy but it is worth your time and effort.
We hope that our buying guide was helpful and that you were able to speed up the process with our suggestions for the best racquetball racquets.