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Strings can change the game. When it comes to choosing the best racquetball string, it literally comes down to your personal preference.
Depending on your playing style, you can either go for more power or more control. That being said, you can also try out what others are playing with. That way you can find out which one will suit you the most.
If you want to take your game up a notch, I’ll suggest you spend a few minutes and read the rest of this article.
This is the only guide you’ll probably ever need for your next string upgrade. If you want to avoid all the technical details, just get the best-selling one.
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Best Racquetball Strings Top 5 Picks & Know-How’s
Before I actually get to the reviews, there are some basic equations that you need to know. In general, more tension means more power.
However, a lot of new studies indicated that lower tension means more power on impact. Racquetball balls aren’t like tennis balls. So that rule won’t apply here because of the nature of racquetballs.
Concerning string types, Monofilament strings will give you more control and Multifilament strings will provide you with more power. If you want to know more about these strings, head over to the buying guide section at the end of this article.
In racquetball, the ball tends to compress in an instant. While a lot of pros do tend to opt for lower tension because they prefer power over control. But, new guys who just started playing won’t actually feel the difference.
Here are my top 3 picks for the best racquetball strings on the market.
1. Python Atlas Deluxe Racquetball String
[amazon box=”B01B3MAR6U”]
2. Ashaway Superkill XL Racquetball String
[amazon box=”B0009T0174″]
3. Head Mega Blast Racquetball String
[amazon box=”B002LGJ1LA”]
4. E-Force Oxygen Racquetball String
[amazon box=”B0002DSGJM”]
5. Tourna Dura Power 17g Racquetball String
[amazon box=”B00196LGHU”]
(READ MORE: Step-by-step Guide for choosing the Best Racquetball Grips, Best Racquetball Shoes, Best Racquetball Goggles, Best Racquetball Glove, Racquetball Balls, and How To Choose Racquetball Racquets).
Things To Know About Your Racquetball Strings
They say strings are the soul of any racquet. Well, it literally is. Strings can have a huge impact on your gameplay. That’s why it’s important that you know the basics beforehand.
String Gauge
You’ll notice that there are numbers (16,17,18) indicated at the end of each string. It determines the gauge. The most common string gauge is 17. It’s on the safe side.
The higher the number goes, the thinner the string gets. Thinner strings will give you more feel of the ball while thicker strings will give you more durability.
As you increase the gauge number, the string will be more playable. But you’ll lose durability. For example, say you want to go for an 18-gauge string, it’ll be more playable than a 17-gauge string but won’t last long.
If you already broke your string, you should probably go for the 16-gauge string. If you are not sure, go for the 17-gauge string because it’s right in the middle of durability and power.
String Construction
There are basically two types of strings. One is the multifilament string which is made up of a lot of small filaments put together.
And, the other one is the monofilament. It tends to be stiffer, harder with less feel of the ball.
In most cases, I’d say 95% of the racquetball players choose multifilament strings because of the playability.
Multifilament (No Wraps)
This string is soft and comfortable. It’s also the most commonly used string in the game. A lot of microfibers are twisted together to make this string. Which kind of looks a lot similar to natural gut.
These types of strings are more comfortable than solid core strings due to the fact that these are made using hundreds or even thousands of microfibers.
The only downside would be fray. Multifilament strings fray even at normal use. You might be in for a shock if you recently switched from solid core to multifilament core.
Some of the popular Multifilament Racquetball Strings (No Wrap) are:
- Dunlop Silk 16 Racquet String
- Tecnifibere NRG2 16 Tennis String
- Ashaway Superkill XL Racquetball String
- E-Force Oxygen Racquetball String
Multicore with wraps
More durable than the “No Wrap” version. It consists of one or more outer multifilament layers and a smaller multifilament core.
Solid core with one outer wrap
Most of the “Synthetic Gut” strings are solid core. It’s also the most popular nylon string construction with the benefit of tension maintenance and a crisp feel. Size, nylon center core, and outer wraps can influence your feel and comfort.
Solid core with multi wraps
Same as before with the additional cushioning and feel over the traditional core strings.
Tension Difference
Lower tension means more power while higher tension means more control. That’s the rule of thumb with string tension. With higher tension, you can hit hard serves and shots as long as there is no string movement. You’ll also get more speed behind the ball and your swing.
If you are more of a control guy and care more about ball placement, the lower string tension will likely be more suitable for you. More experienced players like higher tension in their strings for power.
String Length
Longer strings will generate more power. It’s also the same case with less dense strings. You are more likely to prefer control and accuracy over sheer power. Most professional players like to do so.
Vibration
Tighter and harder strings will vibrate more than softer strings. You can really feel the difference when you maneuver the racquet. For beginners, consider playing for a while to determine the amount of vibration you need in your racket.
Elasticity
Elastic strings are for power users. Rather than absorbing the energy of the ball, it sends the ball flying off at a higher speed. Elastic strings can provide the energy needed for capture and rebound without making the ball bounce weakly off the racket.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about what string tension is the best, which racquetball strings do I use, how I string them etc.
Who do I go to string or do I use my own machine to do so and stuff like that. Instead of replying to them one by one I’ve decided to make this entire section dedicated to answering these questions.
For example: If you choose to go with the Ashaway Ultrakill @30lbs, it will work best on all E-Force racquets. I prefer Superkill over Ultrakill because of the stiffness.
Ultrakill is more playable than the Super kill.
If you want perfection and durability, go for the Head Megablast Racquetball Strings. This is the best head string from their line-up.
1. Why do you need to change strings once in a while?
And, old strings won’t absorb vibration like they used to which will most likely affect your performance.
Strings are also considered the soul of your racquet. The right string can drastically improve how you feel the racquet while making power shots.
One problem with old strings is that they won’t be as elastic as they used to be. Meaning that they won’t be able to absorb vibration, lose bounciness and reduce power.
Even power shots will take up more of your energy than they used to. It’s also one of the quickest ways to get injured. Dead strings can be the reason for your injury in your elbow, wrists, or shoulders.
2. How often should you change strings?
The answer is different for everyone.
If you play racquetball two times a week, you should restring your racquet at least two times a year. That’s just the general rule of thumb for restringing. Likewise, if you play three times a week, change them at least three times a year.
Don’t wait for your strings to become completely dead. Change them as soon as you start to feel some strain in your arms.
Other signs are when you feel you aren’t making those power shots like you used to make, or you need to put more pressure on making shots, etc.
Restringing can also save you money in the long run. How?
You can improve the performance of your racquet without changing the racquet. You can’t do anything about the weight though. But, adding quality strings can improve the overall performance.
Restring your racquet with appropriate strings to suit your playing style. Even if you make a mistake in choosing your racket, you can still improve it. At first, you won’t feel the difference. But over time as you gain more and more experience, that difference in the string can mean a lot.
To be able to send the ball back at the opponent at the same speed, to make some whooping smash you would need a set of strings that has a perfect combination of power, control, and durability.
Other factors also come into play like string tension, gauge, one-piece stringing or two-piece stringing, etc.
3. One-piece stringing or Two-piece stringing?
Both One-piece and two-piece stringing have their advantages and disadvantages. Two-piece stringing limits frame distortion and keep the strings stiffer. It will make your shots more stable and powerful.
4. Why is Racquetball String Different From Tennis String?
Most of the core differences are in the construction. An average consumer won’t give a shit to them. Neither will I. It’s better I take the words of the pros for it.
Braid angles, nylon polymers, coating thicknesses, yarn diameters produce different end products with different physical properties.
From a player’s standpoint, there is a difference in the feel, power, and control. Tennis racket and racquetball racket don’t have the same frame construction, and thus they both require a specific type of string for them.
The racquetball game is more “pop”! Quick shots here and there, sudden power shots fast-paced. There is a different feel to it.
There is also a tension difference between tennis string and racquetball string. Textile engineers have been able to make racquetball string perform optimally at 20 to 55 lbs. of tension. Where the 45-75 lb. Range works best in tennis.
Sweet spots are also different for both types of rackets. On a racquetball frame, the sweet spot is usually very close to the head. That’s because players are constantly diving and grabbing shots right next to the wall.
On the other hand, Tennis strings are highly resistant to “notching.” Because of spin shots, long volleys, and cross shots. There are also environmental differences. One is played outdoor and the other indoor. Different ball material.
Final Thoughts
Let’s put all the technical details aside and think for a moment. What’s truly important for selecting a racquetball string?
It’s how you feel that’s truly important. Not these technical mumbo jumbos. Your strings should give you the pop off the racquet face. Most of the time you would want to overpower your opponent.
Speaking of “feel”, why not check out my pick for the best racquetball gloves, click on the link to see what’s trending.
That’s how racquetball is. Because of power rules in this game, the strings are normally strung loose. Now, which one of them would be the best racquetball string?
I guess that depends on you. How you want to play will determine which racquetball string will be the best for you.