Is your racquetball racquet good enough for intermediate play on today’s courts?
There’s a good chance it isn’t, not any longer at least.
Your racquet might not feature the latest materials or the best technologies.
Your skills might simply have outgrown whatever helped you get on your feet as a beginner.
In either case, a better racquet may be just what you need, whether your looking to keep your competitive edge in the intermediate tier or looking for gear to match your growing talent.
When looking for the best racquetball racquets, you’ll inevitably discover that there are many things that can make one or another ideal for your use. Starting with this guide is a great way to learn about some of the best of the many options you have to choose from.
So, what do you think? Do you want to get more out of your racquetball game?
If you do, take a look at the five contenders on this list—the five best racquetball racquets for intermediate play. You’ll see that there are many great options below for getting the most out of your game.
More importantly, each of these racquets works suit a variety of playing needs. So, this list has got you covered.
As an intermediate player, you should always take the support of racquetball equipment to be top of your game. It includes Racquetball Shoes and Racquetball gloves.
1. Head Ares 175 Racquetball Racquet (3-5/8)
To start, let’s take a look at this Head model. On the court, you need to keep your grip stable when trying to get a good shot off. This Head Ares 175 racquet solves this issue quite nicely, providing a stiff body that keeps the racquet in your hand.
Head incorporates Corrugated Technology (CT) into the throat of the racquet. The CT system uses corrugated or grooved rails entered into the shaft of the racquet. This creates a stiffer design than other models.
Innegra fibers feature along the body of the racquet. Innegra is an olefin yarn fabric that enables a dense body that is both durable and flexible. You will feel fewer vibrations upon impact. And your control over the racquet will be stronger than what you get from other racquets. The risk of the fibers stretching out, while there, is minimal.
The 175g racquet has a slightly larger mass than most other models. This creates a solid feel that you may just love, but it’s not for every player. This is a favored choice among top racquetball racquets, especially among those that need something that does not produce bothersome vibrations.
However, you will have to keep cognizant of how the handle on this racquet works. The handle does not have as many grooves as what you might find elsewhere, making it the weak link in the chain.
Fortunately, the overall stability of the racquet provides a good body overall. You can really make use of the Head Ares 175 to get more out of your game if you’re trying to find something that does not shake much and is easy to carry around on the court.
- Produces very few vibrations.
- Provides more power.
- Assists moving the ball in the desired direction.
- Stiff body creates a good feel.
- A little heavier than most other models.
- Handle is weak.
2. E-Force Apocalypse Racquetball Racquet Series – 3 5/8″ Grip
This second choice for the best racquetball racquet for intermediate player use comes from E-Force. It is available in an extensive variety of sizes. You can order this model at 160, 170, 175, or 190 grams.
Regardless of the size you order, your racquet will feature E-Force’s G2 Power Boosters. These use multiple tubes within the body of your racquet, which cover more surfaces surrounding the string bed. This creates a stable body, thus providing you with a setup will last for a long time.
The strings do not come loose all that easily. E-Force says that a few grams of weight were removed from the graphite frame to include the tubes for keeping the racquet strong.
The Powerhouse Shaft Technology feature uses longer mainstrings within the free space of the racquet. This ensures the strings will stay strong while the length of the handle stays consistent.
The By-Pass Stringing System uses mainstrings that skip every two holes. The ball will not hit two adjacent mainstrings at the same time. Zero Richter tubes ensure vibrations are not an issue.
This all works with a carbon head that contributes to a stiff body along the entire surface. The body does not wear out quickly either. Finally, the added stiffness produces more power off of your shots.
- Stiff body provides a comfortable layout.
- Available in a variety of sizes.
- Detailed body offers a firm layout.
- Soft grip.
- Strings can become loose after a bit.
- May be too small for some players.
3. E-Force Lethal Reload 160 Racquetball Racquet
The third choice to consider is another E-Force model. This racquet shares many of the features of the Apocalypse model. These include the Power Boosters, Zero Richter Tubes, and Powerhouse Shaft.
However, it has its own special features as well. The Hi-Compression Wing, a popular part of this model, gives you more control over your shots. This uses an aerodynamic shape with thick frame tube walls. This helps you swing your racquet faster while having an easier time moving along the court. The 160-gram mass goes well with this feature to provide you with a better hold.
Added graphite is also included in this model. Many plastic materials around the tip have been replaced to create a stiffer body. This keeps frame distortion from being a threat. As such, your racquet becomes more powerful and lasts longer.
The strings on this racquet are carefully woven, but the strings on the sides appear to be a little too widely spaced. This might impact your swing depending on how you contact the ball. Consequently, the racquet is more appropriate model for all-around players.
- Balanced grip.
- Lighter weight creates a better range of motion.
- Can crack apart if misused.
- Some strings on the sides appear to be too far apart.
4. Head Scorpion 170 Racquetball Racquet
Head makes another appearance on this guide with the Scorpion racquet. It is a few grams lighter than the Ares, but it features a distinct body with sixteen mains and sixteen crosses.
The Scorpion 170 uses 106 square inches of head space, just like the Ares. The lighter weight works better for smaller competitors who need a racquet that is not tough to carry around.
This model uses the same Innegra frame that the Ares mentioned earlier features. The corrugated side rails are also featured to add a body that takes in vibrations well.
The Power Channels feature removes the outside string holes and regular grommets. This establishes a larger sweet spot for the best shots possible. The frame is also stiffer to provide a better and more consistent shot every time you use it.
The racquet is suitable for people who struggle with attaining a sense of consistency with their shots. By using this racquet, you will have an easier time with keeping your shots moving along.
- Comfortable in its grip.
- Absorbs vibrations well.
- Stiff enough to help you keep the ball moving in the right direction.
- Frame may break from repeated use.
- Handle is not too large in size.
5. Ektelon Toron Pro 170 ESP Racquetball Racquet
The last of the racquets to look at is this Ektelon model. Its TeXtreme carbon fiber design uses a lighter material within a thicker weave. The composite surface is carefully arranged to create a 170-gram racquet.
The Vision Grip feature provides a layout that users find to be comfortable. The design allows the hand to keep its grip intact without being at risk of slipping off. The grooves around the surface add to a good design. The model is for players who struggle to keep a sturdy grip on their racquets.
The layout is convenient, while the light weight adds a suitable touch. But you must exercise caution when using the racquet. The strings may wear out quickly.
- Frame features a thick design that does not crack easily.
- Strings have an even layout.
- Durable grip.
- Head feels rather top heavy.
- Strings could be strung better.
Final Verdict
Each of these five racquetball racquets are appealing for when you’re planning to take the court in intermediate play. If this widespread quality has something to say, it’s that the market is very competitive.
A racquetball racquet needs to come with a solid body that handles vibrations well and is easy to grip. Anything that is sturdy enough to handle the repeated intense use is always a plus.
Based on those criteria and the reviews here, it is safe to say that the Head Ares 175 racquet is the best choice on the market.
The Ares 175 is the most comfortable to use and offers a smooth grip and handle that gives you extra control.
But all five of these choices have their own special features that deserve to be noticed. Have you used any of these products we’ve just talked about? Let us know and leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
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