Almost all sports equipment wears and tears, and racquetball racquets are no less affected. Although the best racquetball racquets can hold on for years, several factors, like hard hits, inappropriate string tightness, racquet material construction, and a weary and teary court surface, lower the lifespan.
How long racquetball racquets last has been an unending debate. The problem arises when racquetball players think their racquets are letting them down when they are the actual problem. Generally, the best time to replace a racquetball racquet is when it wears out. For an intermediate player, it may be after two to three years.
What Are Racquetball Racquets Made Of
Racquets for racquetball are made of a solid, light frame with exclusively made meshed strings. The racquet strings have vibration dampeners, and the racquet shafts include grips that make it easy to play.
Since the days of Joe Sobek, racquetball racquets have been made of wood and gripped with leather wrap. Soon after, manufacturers started making racquets from metal, fiberglass, titanium, or graphite composite. Manufacturers still strive for innovative technology to produce lighter and stronger racquets with better designs for frames.
- Frames were made of aluminum alloy in 1971.
- The industry welcomed fiberglass frames in 1972.
- Graphite frames entered the sport in 1979.
- Oversized frames were introduced in 1984 and have become a game-changer ever since.
Which Racquet Material Lasts Longer
When purchasing a racquet, you always hope to get one of the best and most long-lasting materials. Because your racquet will collide with other racquets, floors, and walls, it needs to be made of durable and sturdy materials. Such a well-made racquet can also handle the constant battering of pressurized rubber balls.
Manufacturers mainly use graphite, fiberglass, and aluminum for long-lasting racquetball racquets due to their lightweight and durability. Today, the most durable composite materials are graphite and fiberglass.
On the other hand, aluminum is still standard in racquetball racquet frames. Though not as durable, it’s still recommended for lesser heights.
How Long Do Racquetball Racquets Last
Logically, there is no accurate data about how long it may take before you throw your stick away. However, this question depends on who you ask. Some players can buy a new racquet every season because their pro players inspired them. Others can celebrate decades of anniversaries with their racquets.
If we consider the racquet of an intermediate player who plays at least thrice a week and restrings their racquets once a month, it may last for about three years. If properly cared for, they will last for the longest time.
How Many Racquets Should You Keep
You may be reading this article with no racket and wondering how many of them you should keep. You should not waste your money on things you’re not sure you want to keep.
If you’ve ever watched a professional tennis match closely, you’ve probably noticed the players carrying several racquets. They may be the same models but with different weight balance, grip, string tension, or just for fun.
Every racquet player should have at least two racquetball racquets, and three would be better. Pro players carry at least five to six racquets. However, your choice of the number of racquets to possess depends on these factors:
- Your seriousness about the game: It doesn’t matter; a less serious player should have more than one racquet.
- How important it is for you to win: You will want more racquets to cover potential emergencies if racquetball is essential.
- How long do your strings last: How often you break strings determines the number of racquets you need.
- Average playing time: How long can the racquet serve you in a week?
- Your options for stringing: Whether you string yourself or a stringer, be accurate on how many racquets you will live to be strung as you play.
- Sensitivity to string aging and loss: Sensitive players care about winning; that calls for many racquets to keep things right.
Do you adjust string tensions based on the opponent, surface, or weather? If so, you will need a bigger bag of racquets.
Are you more of a social, league, or tournament player? Unlike social and league players, tournament players are overwhelmed with matches. So restringing time is limited.
Do you travel as a tournament player? You would need backup rather than be at the mercy of unfamiliar stringers.
When to Replace Your Racquetball Racquet
Once you string them, racquetball racquets are prone to destruction. They may not seem so to beginners since they are usually made of durable materials, but that doesn’t mean they are unbreakable.
A cracked racquet needs replacement. If your frame isn’t performing as you always wanted, it’s time to switch to a better one. The frame does the most in producing lots of energy-returning the ball. As a result, it softens and becomes less stiff over time. Such a frame loses control and power.
Assuming you are a club player playing twice or thrice a week, a new racquet can last for two years without considering replacement. Someone who rarely goes to the racquetball court (probably once a month) can stay for decades without being concerned. However, players who hit balls aggressively need to replace their racquets more often.
How to Take Care of Racquetball Racquet to Last Longer
Taking care of your racquetball racquet will prolong its lifespan. These tips from the experts will help you with the upkeep:
- Cleaning and covering your racquet. Dirt can pile up in the holes of the strings, causing them to wear out.
- Cool your racquet or keep it at room temperature.
- Avoid exposing your racquet to direct sunlight if you are not on the court.
- Don’t store your racquet in the car, truck, attic, or garage. These places with high temperatures can ruin the frame and string job and weaken the grommets.
- Restring your racquet as often as you play—at least once a year.
- Replace the bumper guard once it cracks or wears out.
- Re-grip or replace a worn-out grip as soon as you realize it’s worn.
Restring regularly to make your racquets last longer
Once out of the string machine, racquet strings lose tension even when not in use. It yields around 10% of the tension in 24 hours, and the cycle continues as you play.
So, yes, restringing makes your racquet last longer. It would help if you rested as often as you play. For instance, if you play twice a week, visit the stringer at least twice a year. Restringing is crucial for the game, especially for players whose control depends on the racquet’s tension.
FAQs
Can You Use a Practice Racquet for Tournament Games?
Do Racquetball Rackets Expire?
Final Thoughts
You will benefit significantly from taking good care of your racquets and getting a decent stringer. It’s okay to replace a weary racquetball racquet, but doing it to adapt to the latest style doesn’t contribute to your growth in the game.