The fast-paced game of racquetball is yours to try with just a few pieces of equipment! Only 4 are required, but there are optional pieces to really boost your performance. Originally designed as a racquet game that can be played indoors in the winter, racquetball's popularity skyrocketed and it's now played indoors or outdoors by a growing number of players. Read on to learn all about the gear needed to play and protect you in a racquetball game.
Table of Contents
1. Required racquetball equipment
2. Oakley Half Jacket 2.0
3. Tifosi Veloce
4. Optional racquetball equipment
Required racquetball equipment
As we mentioned, there are 4 essential items needed to play racquetball. Lightweight and relatively inexpensive, these pieces of equipment can either hinder your progress, or advance it. Stay with us to learn which factors matter when choosing your racquetball gear.
1. Racquet
Arguably the most important piece of equipment, selecting the right racquet is vital not only to have fun, but to improve your game. The 4 main components to consider are head size, grip, weight, and power.
- Head size: Also called head shape, this component deals with whether your racquet is quadroform or tear drop. The key is to try both types to find your personal preference. A quadroform hits well lower and wider on the string bed than a tear drop.
- Grip: There are 3 grip sizes. The most popular is 35/8 inches, and it will enhance wrist snap and power for the average person. For people with larger hands, try out a size 37/8 or 315/16 inches.
- Weight: The heavier your racquet, the more power behind your swing, but you also have to remember that you'll be holding it throughout the entire game. You'll want to find a balance that works for you; a racquet heavy enough to give you a nice swing speed, but light enough not to tire you out too fast. A 170g swing weight is a popular middle-of-the-road option.
- Power: There are 3 balance points that determine where most of the weight lies on the racquet; heady heavy, head light, and even balance. The average racquetball is head heavy, which is also recommended for beginners because it will add some power to your swing.
2. Eyewear
One unique aspect of racquetball is that protective eyewear is mandatory. This is because the speed with which the ball flies around the court can reach above 100 mph! You'll need to keep your eyes well protected with glasses made from strong, durable materials; safety-certified is even better! Check out 2 pairs we recommend for racquetball, both available in prescription.
Oakley Half Jacket 2.0
Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 with Polished Black Frames & Black Iridium Lenses
Shop Oakley Half Jacket 2.0
Packed with all the performance features you could ever want in your sport sunglass, Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 will keep you on top of the competition. The O-matter frame is light and durable, and the Unobtanium temples have more grip the more you sweat.
Tifosi Veloce
Tifosi Veloce with Crystal Clear Frames & Light Night Fototec Lenses
Shop Tifosi Veloce
Tifosi Veloce has semi-rimless lenses for obstructed vision, adjustable nose pads, and rubber temples for a comfortable and secure fit.
3. Ball
Racquetball balls are rubber and measure 2.25 inches in diameter. They come in an assortment of colors, and it's certainly not random! Each color indicates a specific purpose; let's take a look.
- Black: Designed to encourage longer rallies, black balls are the slowest of all racquetballs. They're more durable than some of the faster balls.
- Blue: With medium speed and decent durability, blue is the most common indoor racquetball ball. This is a great choice for amateur players.
- Green: For fast and intense rallies, choose a green ball. They're one of the fastest balls for indoor play and more durable than the even faster purple ball.
- Purple: Even faster than the green ball, purple is most commonly used in professional tournaments. Due to extreme wear, they don't last as long as other colors and can break frequently.
- Red: Designed for outdoor use, red balls are the fastest racquetball balls overall. Although you can use them indoors, their red color is easier to see in sunlight against concrete.
- Pink: Pink balls are as fast as the red, but provide better visibility indoors. They're only made by Wilson HOPE Racquetballs and part of the proceeds are donated to breast cancer research.
4. Court Shoes
Characterized by quick, lateral movements, racquetball requires shoes with ample traction and cushioning in the front of the foot. This necessitates even more grip when playing at an indoor racquetball court. Shoes are equipped with gum rubber soles that grip the floor, preventing slipping or even injuries.
Optional racquetball equipment
For better grip and control, players can choose to wear a glove on the hand holding the racquet. This also helps keep blisters from forming. Another optional piece of racquetball gear is a sweatband worn on either the wrist or the head to prevent sweat from dripping into your eyes or onto your hands. Racquetball is a high energy game, and it's likely you'll work up a sweat in no time!
Prescription racquetball glasses at SportRx
Need prescription racquetball glasses? Done. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tooltips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, Contact Us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription racquetball glasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your racquetball glasses for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription racquetball glasses at SportRx today!
