NEW Platform Tennis, Paddle Tennis & Beach Paddles for 2013

You've been asking and now we're telling!  Here's the listing of the new Viking and Wilson Paddles for Platform Tennis, Paddle Tennis and Beach tennis coming out this month for the 2013 paddle season.

Order them from Bell Racquet Sports and be the first to get them!  We'll have the full lineup of 2013 paddles from Wilson and Viking as well as the latest balls, paddle sneakers and accessories.

In summary, Wilson has two brand new Oversized Paddles called the Big Stick BLX and Ugly Stick BLX as well as a redesigned oversized head Hope Paddle 2013.  The ProStaff 2013 has a new cosmetic for this year.  The Viking Paddles for 2013 showcase new weights in similar designs as the past season and the addition of a new Junior or children's paddle called the Viking Blast Jr.

NEW 2013 Wilson Paddles

Wilson Ugly Stick BLX 2013 Paddle
Play tester comments:  Soft & comfortable, nice on the arm, HUGE sweet spot, easy to swing
for an oversize head

Wilson Big Stick BLX 2013 Paddle
Play tester comments:  Powerful, stick it out there and you can't miss...a bit head heavy...very
solid feel and very stable

Wilson ProStaff BLX 2013 Paddle
Play tester comments:  Very light to swing...a bit less stable than some...great for ball accuracy,
gives more feel

Wilson Hope BLX 2013 Paddle
Play tester comments:  It was interesting that we had an even split between women who missed the
old lighter Hope and those who felt this one looked pretty and was easier to use because of
the added weight in the head that made it more stable.  Super soft...
nice on the arm.

NEW 2013 Viking Paddles

Viking O-Zone 2013 Paddle

Viking Re-Ignite+ Paddle

Viking Re-Ignite Lite+ Paddle

Viking Synergy II Paddle

Viking Blast Junior Paddle

CALL 1-800-724-9439 with any questions
or to order by phone.

Not sure which paddle is for you?
Use our convenient paddle selection guide...just select
your paddle sport below:
Paddle Tennis - Paddle Selection Guide
Platform Tennis - Paddle Selection Guide
Beach Tennis - Paddle Selection Guide

Not sure which paddle sport you play?
Find the differences between Paddle Tennis, Platform Tennis and Beach Tennis here.

Viking Low Bounce warm weather platform tennis ball now available!

Welcome to the newest platform tennis ball on the market! Designed for a more controlled bounce in warm weather conditions, the Viking Low Bounce summer ball will extend your paddle season!




Viking Low Bounce Ball for warmer weather

Racquetball Grip Review - Rubber Grips versus wrap style grips and more

When it comes to regripping your racquet there is a definite thought process to go through to determine the racquetball grip that will be best for you.  Even once you narrow it down it may take a couple of different installs until you get the grip that feels best in the hand and performs best even once the hand starts perspiring.

Grips can be broken into two main varieties:

• Slip on racquetball grips - one piece rubber tube style grips that slide over the handle with the use of glue or other lubricant.  Very good for durability.
• Wrap style racquetball grip - typically made of a synthetic leather type material and wrapped around the grip of the racquet.  These grips tend to wear more quickly than slip-on grips.

The first consideration is whether or not you wear a glove when you play.  If you do, you can go with either a wrap style grip or a rubber grip.  If you do not wear a racquetball glove or are not willing to we recommend you stick with a wrap style (non-rubber) grip.  Holding a rubber grip with a sweaty hand just doesn't work.  The use of a racquetball glove however helps provide the tackiness needed to keep hold of a rubber grip.


If you've decided a wrap-style grip is the way to go the decision is fairly easy as grips vary mostly by finish.  They are either textured with some sort of tread pattern or non-textured for a flat, smooth feel.  Our best seller is a patterned grip for better hold called the Gamma Ultra-Cushioned Textured Grip.

If you've decided on a slip-on rubber grip, it comes down to both size (grip thickness) and texture / pattern.  Below are some key differentiators and racquetball grip reviews that will help you decide which racquetball grip to try:

• Ektelon Original Grip - Our #1 selling rubber grip is a textured, black grip that is the thinnest rubber grip on the market for players who like to keep the smallest feel in the hand.  It includes a large flare at the base of the grip & our standard installation includes removal of the flare for a smooth curve of the grip around the bottom of the handle.  (If you want the flare kept on, just let us know)
• Head Tacki-Mac IRT Pro Grip - firm thin rubber with a sandpaper-like gritty texture.  Above average durability has made this popular with some customers.
• Head Tacki-Mac Serrated Grip - firm thin rubber with a subtle texture of zig zag patterned lines.  Above average durability and a nice feel in the hand.
• Python Racquetball Grip - Color options.  A thicker grip with wavy textured grooves for a decent grip.  Customers dislike the "rings" around the bottom of the grip so in 99% of our Python installs we cut the rings off so the grip conforms to the racquet handle and better fits in the hand.

One other consideration is whether you are having your grip professionally installed or doing it yourself.  Wrap grips are much easier for the home installer.  There is definitely a learning curve with the installation of rubber grips but if you are somewhat handy you should be able to successfully install one.

More questions?   Read more about Maintaining your Racquetball Racquet.