Anyone play Raquetball? What to get? (1 Viewer)

[KyleS]

I have been playing Raquetball with a buddy a couple of times and really enjoy the game. So I have been thinking about buying a raquet instead of renting one and wanted to get ideas from some of you who play on what I should get. What is good in a raquet and what is not? Brand= HEAD, Ektelon, Wilson, E-Force?? I would like to stay at or under 125-150 (less then 100 if possible). Best to get one on Ebay or is their an online discount sports store that I can go to? Is the grip preference or is leather the best in your opinion?

KyleS

 

[John_E]

I'm an average B player and I use an E-force Bedlam racquet. It's a few years old, but I paid about $90 new. I've used other Ektelon models, but the E-force model was lighter and more powerful in that price range. I am friends with a pro player who is ranked in the Top 5 in NY, and he uses an E-force Bedlam 170. The 170 is the weight (in grams). My racquet is similar, but it weighs about 210 grams. I've been to several pro tournaments over the past few years, and I've really only seen E-Force and Ektelon racquets being used. Check out www.playpro.com for great prices & service.
Also--I would highly recommend getting some racquetball shoes with gum soles. I bought a pair made by Head for $50. I've worn them once a week (on the court only) for almost three years and they still look brand new. One more thing--BUY A DECENT PAIR OF GOGGLES!! While playing with a friend, I was hit with the follow-through of his racquet across the bridge of my nose. The goggles were smashed into a million pieces, but I escaped with only 2 black eyes. If I weren't wearing gogggles, there was a good chance I'd have permanent eye/nose damage. I even wrote a letter to Ektelon thanking them, and told them I gladly purchased another pair. I included some of the pieces to show them how hard I was hit. A few weeks later, I received a new pair from them with a letter thanking me for my business.

 

[AllenD]

BUY A DECENT PAIR OF GOGGLES!!

I second that! I'm a casual player. I play the sport for exercise mainly. (I use an Ektelon, BTW.) My friends and I are pretty competetive, but we keep it friendly, so it gets a little rough. I took a shot from my friends racket after his followthrough directly at my right eyebrow and I wasnt' wearing goggles. They rushed me to the emergency room, (It was not as bad as we thought. :b ) and I got 4 stitches. If I had been wearing goggles I would've saved myself a trip to the hospital and medical bills. And if the racket hit me just a few inches lower, I might've lost an eye.

 

[Mike Broadman]

Racquetball is my game, man!

I use a Head racquet that is labeled as "titanium," which probably sounds more impressive than it is. I got during a close-out sale.

I don't wear goggles. They're uncomfortable and get foggy and sweaty. I also don't wear the racquet loop around my wrist, use a glove, wear special shoes, etc. I'm not necessarily recommending any of this, it's just what I do.

 

[Michael*K]

I use a Wilson "titanium" racquet that I picked up at Sportmart for about $50. Don't wear special shoes or a glove, but after getting nailed on a follow-through, I did go out and pick up a pair of safety goggles. I think the goggles are a more important piece of equipment than the racquet.

 

[KyleS]

Thanks guys any other specific Raquets that I should be looking at?

As for the goggles we dont really have much of a choice the club requires them and the straps on the raquet at all times. For goggles I am using a pair of smith and wesson sp? high impact safety glasses that we use at my work. Great thing is even though I work in IS I get them for free and they are great glasses. Thanks for the help guys just didnt know between the brands which to get. John thank you for the tidbit about the 170 being the weight I wasnt sure when they were talking about with the numbers of the racket. Is lighter always better? I know it would allow you to swing faster but is the weight a good thing?

I own a pair of MJ basketball shoes from 3 years back that I never even used until playing raquetball and they worked pretty darn good so I dont think I will need to go there.

Thanks and any other info is greatly appreciated.

KyleS

 

[John_E]

I wouldn't worry so much about the weight. I would buy what feels good to you. I only wanted to pass along my good experiences with Ektelon, E-Force, and Head. If you stick with those companies, you can't go wrong.

 

[Mike Broadman]

Kyle, I personally like a lighter weight racquet, as it allows for a more free, smoother motion. The key is faster hits, not stronger.

I could see using a heavier racquet if you're particularly strong or large and we want a little more power, though.

 

[Edwin-S]

It has been a long time since I played so I don't know if they still make them or not but avoid aluminum raquets. You smack those things against a wall trying to get at the ball and the head can be bent out of alignment. Graphite is best.

 

[John_Bonner]

Alright, some other racquetball players, cool!

I use an Ektelon racket which I got at Sports Authority for about $60. About two months ago I started using a glove and it does make a difference (especially later in the workout when you're very sweaty).

I play every week with some co-workers at the Classic Athletic Club in Fairfield, NJ where they hold Pro tournaments. Nice club but very expensive (thankfully my boss plays so he charges the memberships and court fees to our company).

I don't currently use goggles but will get some next trip to Sports Authority.

Anyone have any tips on practicing? It seems the only way to practice is to actually play. And since court time is hard to come by (and expensive) what are some alternatives?

 

[Mike Broadman]

Hmm, practice. That's a tough one.

In order of most effective methods, IMO:

1. Playing

Yep, like being thrown in the deep end when learning how to swim.

I play once or twice a week, and I like to alternate between focusing more on my technique- that is, being conscious of my form and stance- and just trying to win. Of course, the two overlap, and the better I am at the former, the more success I have with the later.

2. Solo court time.

Just you on a court alone. This is very good for practicing serves. Of course, who the heck can get a court all by themselves?

3. Just swinging the racquet around off the court can help to get yourself used to he proper swinging motions.

But, yeah, nothing beats actually playing. Ideally, you want someone of equal or slightly better playing ability. Unfortunately, I consistently beat the person I play regularly.

 

[KyleS]

Well I purchased an Ektelon Triple Threat Hornet racket from playpro.com and will let you know how it works out when I get it. By the way thank you John for that Link the pricing was superb especially when I compared it to my local shops which charge next to retail. That website saved me a good $200 on the racket alone, or at least allowed me to get a much nicer racket since I wouldnt spend over $200 on any racket.
KyleS

 

[Greg_R]

When I started I got a cheap

 

[John_E]

That's a great price for that racquet!! One other thing-you were asking about the grip...use the one that comes with it for a bit. Personally, I used the original grip for a while. Later,I added one of those wraps to make it a little bigger since my hands are fairly large. I don't like wearing a glove, so I like the wrap because it's a little "spongy" and it absorbs any sweat. I can't remember the brand for the wrap, but I think that I paid about $2 for it.

 

[KyleS]

John,
I actually got the 3 11/16th inch handle and then ordered and extra wrap to go over the top. I figured that I would use the one that came with it and if I didnt like it, or wanted a larger grip then I would simply put the additional grip over the top. Its killing me waiting for it to arrive so that I can use it and now wish that I would have paid the slight extra for 2 day shipping.... DOH
KyleS