Racquetball

[Floppyman]

Hi all,

Over the years I've really started to enjoy playing racquetball and now play on a regular basis. Naturally, I have become a little better at the game and I'm thinking that the $10 Walmart racquet I currently use is a) starting to wear out and b) not good enough anymore for my skill level. For those of you out there that play racquetball what are some good racquets to look at that cost less than a $100? I wouldn't mind spending $50 or more on a better racquet, but of course I don't want it to break the bank either. Thanks in advance for your help.

[whubbard]

...Squash is better
:p

[Sunset]

I hate squash and love raquetball. That being said, I don't know if a new racket would be a good move right now. I played raquetball way too long before paying for my first lesson. Had I to do it over again I would have paid for a lesson series, or at least a couple of lessons, before spending the money on a new racket about which you know almost nothing.

Since so many people upgrade rackets to the newest one available, you can purchase a great used one off the bulletin boards in gyms. If you take a lesson from a pro you can also get a recommendation along with a possible purchase from one of his other clients looking to upgrade.

[(51)]

I tried to get my wife involved in racquetball, but my big ass rolled over her too often. I used an Ektelon: http://www.ektelon.com/hasFlash.html

[David M]

I play racquetball and you really have to try out a number of different racquets before you come across one that has the right feel. Its like any other sort of sports equipment where one size does not fit all. My gym has demo racquets where you can try a bunch of different ones. Does your gym have the same thing? Sometimes also, a rep for a particular racquet comapny comes around and lets people demo his line of racquets.

I agree that lessons are a good idea before you sink money into a new racquet.

[Floppyman]

Thanks guys, I agree that lessons are probably the best thing to do, but right now I just want a to replaceme the worn out $10 walmart model. I'm really only planning on spending $50 or less on this anyhow. When I'm done with school (if that ever happens :)), and I'm making money, I'll take some lessons and invest in a more expensive racquet. Again, I'm really only seeking a replacement right now that's a little better than the cheapy I have now.

[SonicVanguard]

Two schools in Racquetball - power (mine) and finesse (not mine). Racquets are made for either or but not both (some of the hybids do allow very good players with average power to get more power without losing much finesse).

As Davd said, you've got to test drive a few to find the one that works for you. If I had you try my Ektelon O3 and you're not a power player, you'd be at a substanial disadvantage because the racquet is simply too stiff for a finesse player. On the other hand, if I played with a Ektelon Ice, I'd be at a serious disadvantage because the racquet although stiff is far too flexible for my game and I would have a load of mis-hits.

If you still have Craig's e-mail addy, send him a note - he has a 5 year old Ektelon Smash that's a graphite-titanium racquet with a power level around 900 (something between power nad finesse). It's in great shape - he got it when he had rotator cuff problems and no longer needs it now that his shoulder's back in shape. I'd bet he's let it go for $10-20 - it's worth well over $100.

[Floppyman]

Thanks Dave, I'll contact him.

[SonicVanguard]

No problem. And per your question to him, yes it does have a cover. Craig's out-of-town and away from the internet for a few days so I thought I'd pass that along.