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.

Tip: Easy way to install your Racquetball Wrist Tether

We are often asked how we install a wrist tether into the handle of a racquetball racquet.  It can be a bit fussy, especially on certain racquetball racquets like E-Force racquets where there is a tiny opening for the tether.  Here are a couple of tips that will help you get that tether in, out and tied off in no time. 

Use a thin tether
Some wrist tethers are very thick.  If you begin with a narrower tether it will make the process easier.  We like the E-Force Skinny Wrist Tether.  Pick up a couple and keep them on hand so you have them when you need to change yours out.

To install the tether into your racquet handle
Unfold a paperclip until it is straight; then bend one end into a tiny U shape. Insert the end of the tether without the slip knot into one side of the opening in the butt cap.  Use an awl or another narrow tool to poke the tether down into the hole a little ways.  Insert the bent end of the paperclip into the opposite side to "hook" the tether and gently pull it out the opposite side. Pull roughly two inches through and tie it off using a "self-tightening" knot. Finally, we like to tuck the tail end back down into the hole for a finished look.

New Ashaway PowerNick 19 - the thinnest squash string ever

Ashaway Racket Strings has introduced PowerNick19, the thinnest string ever to grace a squash racquet. The new 1.05 mm string utilizes a monofilament core, based on a special formulation developed for Ashaway by Zyex Limited. Designed to provide improved power and performance for both amateur and professional players, PowerNick 19 provides excellent resilience and response, along with a dramatic increase in the ability to grip, cut, slice, and work the ball.

"Ashaway PowerNick 19 is an evolution of the core construction we developed for its popular stablemate, PowerNick 18," said Ashaway's Steve Crandall. "Unlike our UltraNick series, which uses a multifilament Zyex core to provide softer feel, PowerNick strings use a specially constructed core of multi-stranded Zyex monofilaments. PowerNick strings, and especially this new 19 gauge, are designed to provide superior power and playability."

PowerNick 19's Zyex monofilament construction prevents tension loss while the ultra-thin 1.05 mm gauge maximizes ball control. The specially designed outer spiral braid provides good gripping action—enhancing spins and slices—while a proprietary outer coating improves stringing and enhances durability.  "However," added Crandall, "in order to make a string this thin perform the way we wanted, we had to do some real magic in the lab. And we had the help of Zyex Limited, which developed a special proprietary monofilament material just for PowerNick 19."

And perform it does, according to David Palmer, a long-time Ashaway string user who used the glossy black PowerNick 19 to good effect in September's prestigious British Grand Prix and October's Commonwealth Games in India, as well as in a number of other recent PSA tournaments. "This new PowerNick 19 string gives me the power to play hard and fast, but also gives me nice touch and control at the front of the court. So depending on my opponent and how I am physically, I can use it to my advantage."

Gloss black in color, Ashaway's new PowerNick 19 is available in 30 ft sets or 360 ft reels. Ashaway recommends stringing PowerNick 19 only up to 30 lbs tension and about 10–20 percent less than you would string a standard squash string.
 

Buy it Now:

Ashaway PowerNick 19 - 30 foot set
Ashaway PowerNick 19 Reel - 360 foot Reel

Show me all Squash String

 Send us your squash racquet to have us install Ashaway Powernick 19 for you!

7 Tips for a Healthy Week on and off the Court

Could you use a few simple techniques to help you feel more refreshed from Monday to Sunday? Couldn’t we all?

Tip 1 – Start your day with a stretch in bed!
Before getting out of bed in the morning, lie on your back and gently pull one knee into the chest. Work slowly and smoothly, as the muscles and nerves are not yet fully awake and are often stiff and more vulnerable at this time. Hug the knee to your chest to begin opening up the leg and back, do a few squeezes of your upper body towards the leg (i.e. on your exhales), then lie back, relaxing your neck while you do ankle circles both clockwise and counterclockwise. Repeat on the other side.

Tip 2 – Learn to use your eyes to measure your meals
At meal time, nutritionists recommend that you cover at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Fill the remainder with high protein items including lean meats, seafood, grains or legumes.

Tip 3 – Keep moving!
A recent report from Epidemiologists finds that sitting for extended periods shortens your life span. Standing, walking or otherwise moving burns calories, helps insulin lower glucose and activates an enzyme that sucks fat out of the bloodstream. For those of you with “standing” jobs you’re automatically helping prolong your life…wow!

Tip 4 – Bring that good luck charm with you
Good luck charms give you an advantage – if you believe they work. Experiments have shown that those who carried such a charm set higher goals and felt more confident. It’s that confidence (not magic) that makes the difference. Psychologists agree that it can really make a difference in sporting event or other test of our endurance and will and studies have proven the outcome!

Tip 5 – Laugh a little (or even better, a lot)
Laughter has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Also, for those coming off a cold or illness experiencing a loss of appetite, laughter can trigger a rise in the “hunger” hormone ghrelin which may help you get your appetite back so you can get your body back in working order. So if you can’t get to the court or the gym today, at least laugh it up a bit with your pals at the office or your family and you should all feel a bit better!

Tip 6 – Check your shoes
Are you wearing the right shoes for your sport? Are they in good condition? Research has shown that amateur athletes playing court sports are some of the worst offenders by not wearing appropriate court shoes for their sport. Especially noted for this violation: Pickleball and tennis players in their sixties and seventies wearing old fashioned “tretorn” style shoes with little or no padding or wearing running shoes on a court and thinking they’re protected? Think again!

Tip 7 – Wash your hands
Often, and for 20 seconds minimum to remove pathogens that cause colds and flu. Use standard soap (antibacterial is NOT more effective at reducing bacteria in the long run).

Playing in pain? Is it tennis elbow?

Read about tennis elbow and other common conditions affecting players of court sports and what you can do about it. Can tennis injuries be prevented?

What is tennis elbow?

Recommended stretches for tennis elbow

Shop for elbow supports and tennis elbow bands

See full selection of sports aids and braces

Platform Tennis Shoe Review - K-Swiss Ultrascendor

Updated 4.21.15...like all great shoes, the Ultrascendor came and went and is no more.  It has (fortunately) been replaced by a new K-Swiss model called the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express LTR and you can read about it here:

Men's K-Swiss Hypercourt Express LTR
Ladies K-Swiss Hypercourt Express LTR

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Original K-Swiss Ultrascendor Review:

What makes this shoe such a great platform tennis shoe & paddle tennis shoe?

The fact that the Ultrascendor has been our top-selling platform tennis shoe and paddle tennis shoe the last five years for both men and women gives us plenty of customer feedback to share (as well as our own 2 cents!). The most important criteria for most customers seeking platform tennis sneakers are comfort and durability. Cushioning for comfort to both the foot and the knee is important with all the short, fast movements the sport requires. This shoe offers it without having the heavy feel of many super padded shoes. Great traction with durability on the abrasive court surface is another key requirement. This shoe satisfies both very well and offers a fit that works for SO MANY of our customer's feet (even the tricky ones!). Want more details? Read on...

Cushioning
This shoe offers K-Swiss' Shock Spring technology for superior cushioning in the heel and forefoot. Our customers often comment on the comfort (yet supportive) cush-i-ness they feel as soon as they put the shoe on.

Durability
K-Swiss 7.0 System is a combination of technologies to deliver the highest level of performance from the outsole. It uses a special Aosta 7.0 rubber compound for unsurpassed durability from the front of the shoe to the heel. With Durawrap which extends up and across the front of the toe box for toe-dragging protection. Lastly, Dragguard is a technology located in the high wear areas of the heel and toe for increased abrasion resistance.

Fit
This is considered an average width shoe from K-Swiss. However, with a generous toe-box and great lacing system, it offers plenty of fit for most wider feet (even up to 3E) but can be snugged up nicely to fit narrow to average feet comfortably without looking bunchy. This is one of, it not the most adaptable fitting shoes we sell.

Other:
The inside of the heel area is lined with a material called "Heel Grip" which is made of interlocking fibers that grip the sock to minimize heel slippage. And lastly, the funky looking, wavy laces are called "Stay-tied" laces. The waves act as a "catch" to keep the lace from coming untied (and they really work!!!)

Platform Tennis Ball & Paddle Ball Review

Hmmm, which platform tennis ball should I buy?

For those of you who are new to platform tennis, you should know that the balls are sold in sleeves of three. They are heavier than a tennis ball, with a rubber core and a very short pile layer of felt-like fuzz called flocking. You will typically use 1 ball per session of play and this ball will be discarded at the end of the match (because it will be "balding"). The combination of the grit on the paddle faces (for enhanced spin) and the grit on the courts result in the flocking being torn from the ball's surface during play.  We sell a fairly even balanced mix of each brand and for 2012 both brands have had no quality issues to speak of.

PLATFORM TENNIS BALL CHOICES:

For tournament or league play, you have a choice between Wilson Platform Tennis Balls and Viking Platforma Tennis Balls.  Yellow has always been the standard color, but pink balls and Viking's Orange ball have both gained traction in the past year as they are also certified for league play.  Wilson's yellow ball has been getting a bit of added buzz for their brighter optic yellow color making them easier to see which several of our players have commented on.

Wilson Tournament Ball - comes in a bright neon fluorescent yellow both of which provide great visibility. Wilson's ball is engineered from a unique rubber compound that provides a consistent bounce, point after point and a scientifically developed flocking adhesive that is exclusive only to Wilson. 

Viking Extra Duty Ball - Termed Extra Duty (but really no more so than Wilson), this ball claims to have longer lasting flocking and durability. Advanced flocking process provides the perfect surface texture for maximum ball spin and control. Now available in Pink (Viking Extra Duty Pink Ball) or Orange (Viking Extra Duty Orange Ball).

BEACH TENNIS BALL:

Check out the Pro Penn QST60 ... This is a foam core tennis ball that plays somewhat like a depressurized tennis ball but with a softer, less "dead" feel and more consistent bounce.

Get your Pickleball Gear Here!

NEW at Bell Racquet Sports...Pickleball paddles, balls and gear. Featuring S-Type paddles made in the USA! Check it out

Come in and demo one today with our try before you
buy DEMO program!  Sign out up to 3 at a time and give them a test run to help you find the right paddle for you!

Babolat RPM Blast string review

What is it and who should use it?

Why all the hype??? Rafa uses it!!! Here's what Racquet Sports Industry Magazine says...RPM Blast (Revolutions Per Minute) is a monofilament string that gives players more spin, more power and a unique feel at ball impact. “With this new string, I have more spin, and it helps me hit deeper. We have worked hard with Babolat,” explains Rafael Nadal. Read the full article at RSI.com

We're getting bombarded with inquiries about this string. Our advice...this string is not for everyone! It should be used only by those accomplished tennis players who seek maximum control and who hit consistently with topspin form (no this string is not going to increase ball spin if you don't know how to hit with spin in the first place). Keep in mind that this string is Polyester, therefore in general it is not going to help you hit with power, is very stiff and not very comfortable on the arm.

Still want it? Get RPM Blast here, or bring your racquet in for us to string so you can try it for yourself.

Want your racquetball racquet supercharged? Get in line!

With a 24 hour turnaround, our service department is always hopping! Never had your racquet professionally serviced? Maybe it's time you consider it. If you've just gotten by with your factory strings, grip etc. and are ready to optimize your racquet's performance, send it in to us. Not sure what you need done? We're here to help. Use the following resources to get you started...

Why have BRS service your racquet?

What are my options and what does my racquet need?

Printable Service Order Form

Link to Print Address Label

Questions? Call us at 1-800-724-9439