E-Force Invasion X Racquetball Racquets available to order now!

With some exciting reengineering, the new Invasion X is the most powerful and stable racquetball racquet series E-Force has ever launched.  A slight tweeking to the Power Boosters (red grommets) has made them larger in circumference and a couple frame modifications add to the improved overall feel of this Invasion X racquet series.  BUY YOUR INVASION-X TODAY!

www.BellRacquetSports.com


E-Force's most advanced and powerful racquet yet!

• Entire racquet is a hitting -power kill zone!
• Massive power on on-center hits
• Massive power on off-center hits

The Invasion X is all about power!  With new Power Boosters and technology from over 15 patents on this frame you get a highly engineered stick for your buck.  E-Force inventions on this model alone include:

• Extreme LongString
• PowerHouse Shaft
• Dual Cylinder
• Zero Richter Tubes
• Launch Pad
• Hi-Compression Wing
• By-Pass Stringing System
• Fiber Alignment (FAT) Zones
• Tri-Carbon Frame
• Total Carbon Head

More on Power Boosters:
By creating an incredibly stable string bed, power and points are easy to come by.  How?  The Invasion X is loaded with 24 Power Boosting tubes covering approximately 32 inches of hitting surface strings.  Each "boostered" string is stabilized, thereby stabilizing the entire string bed and generating power at every point on the string bed.  They also serve to reduce vibration for that nearly perfect racquet feel.

New Power Boosters Lead to New Graphite Design:
The Power Boosters add power, but also weight.  Up to 5 grams of weight needed to be eliminated from the graphite frame in areas where all the excess weight had already been eliminated to make way for earlier E-Force inventions.  E-Force engineering solded the problem by further redesigning the approximately 50 graphite piece frame structure.  The result is a new graphite frame that adds the Invasion X's New Power Boosters without increasing weight or sacrificing balance and any other playing characteristics.

How to select a Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball is a fun game that is played on a badminton sized, hard surface court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic baseball (similar to a whiffle ball) and graphite or composite paddles. It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

Pickleball is quickly sweeping the nation and becoming a favorite pastime for folks of all ages.  As a premier dealer of pickleball paddles and gear, we have become experts in the sometimes slight, sometimes more pronounced variations between pickleball paddles. 

Shop at www.BellRacquetSports.com and use our paddle selection tools to filter by paddle weight, core materials, size etc.

Tips for Selecting Pickleball Paddles:

A heavier paddle has more mass so it can provide more power to a player with a slower swing.

A lighter paddle is easier to get where you want it quickly and is easier for a faster swing.

Graphite paddles provide added touch & ball control.

Composite paddles provide more power.

Each paddle is manufactured in a single grip size.

Many, many more selection guides on our web site.  Or phone us at 1-800-724-9439 to discuss paddle options.  We really answer the phone and are passionate about our products!

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.

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!!!)