Tennis Racket Vs Racquetball Racket
Have you ever felt confused when browsing the selection of rackets at a sporting goods store? You’re not the only one who wonders about the distinct shapes and sizes of tennis and racquetball rackets.
So, what is the difference between a tennis racket vs racquetball racket?
Well, the larger, oval-headed tennis racket is designed for powerful swings on a big court, while the smaller, teardrop-shaped racquetball racket allows for quick maneuvers in a compact space.
In this article, we will explain the specifics of each racket type in much detail. We will examine their specialized designs, how they feel to grip, the different string configurations, and why those details matter for gameplay.
Tennis Racket Vs Racquetball Racket
In spite of the fact that tennis rackets and racquetball rackets initially appear similar, there are several key differences between them. From the shape of the head to the string pattern, these two racket types are customized for their specific sports in terms of power, control, and handling.
Let’s look at their differences!
Shape and Design
Among the main differences between tennis rackets and racquetball rackets, one of the most noticeable is their overall shape and profile.
Tennis rackets have a smooth, oval head shape. The top edge of the racket head is gently rounded, as are the corners where the head meets the throat. It gives tennis rackets a fairly open and rounded appearance. The oval design offers a larger sweet spot for hitting tennis balls with power and control.
Racquetball rackets have a more angular, teardrop-like shape. The top edge of the racket head is flat rather than rounded. The bottom corners pinch in sharply to meet the throat, giving racquetball rackets their distinctive profile. This compact head shape is ideal for generating speed and maneuverability in the tight confines of a racquetball court.
Tennis Racket | Racquetball Racket |
Oval head shape | Teardrop shaped head |
Rounded edges | Flat top edge |
More open appearance | Angular profile |
Size and Dimensions
Racket size is another area where tennis and racquetball equipment diverges. Compared to tennis rackets, racquetball rackets are significantly smaller.
According to racquetball’s official rules, legal racquetball racket length cannot exceed 22 inches. Tennis rackets are quite a bit larger, generally measuring between 27 and 29 inches long.
The compact size of a racquetball racket makes it ideal for quick maneuvers and power-hitting within the confined racquetball court space. Tennis rackets are sized to provide better reach and leverage for covering distance on a tennis court.
Beyond length, other dimensions like head size, beam width, and weight also differ between the two sports rackets:
Dimension | Tennis Racket | Racquetball Racket |
Length | 27-29 inches | Up to 22 inches |
Head Size | 90-100 sq. in. | 70-90 sq. in. |
Beam Width | 18-28mm | 19-25mm |
Weight | 9-12 oz | 150-190 g |
Grip and Handle
Tennis and racquetball rackets also differ in their grip and handle construction.
One unique feature found only on racquetball rackets is a wrist strap that attaches to the bottom of the handle. It provides an extra measure of control and safety, preventing the racket from flying out of a player’s hands during intense rallies in close quarters.
Tennis racket grips do not have this additional strap feature. However, tennis racket handles are often built up with more absorbent, cushioned grip material to reduce vibration and shock on the hand.
Racquetball rackets usually have a thinner grip overlay since play is so fast-paced that thick cushioning is not necessary.
The shapes of the handle and grip areas also vary slightly between the two sports:
- Tennis rackets have a more rectangular handle with rounded or octagonal edges. This shape gives a bit more lateral stability.
- Racquetball rackets normally have a slimmer oval or teardrop-shaped handle for easier wrist flexion.
String Bed and String Pattern
The string bed area on each racket type also differs when it comes to pattern, string gauge, and string material.
In general, tennis rackets have a more open string pattern with 16-20 main strings and 18-20 cross strings. This open pattern helps generate spin on tennis shots. Racquetball rackets usually have a denser string bed with 20-22 mains and 16-20 crosses. The tighter pattern ups power and control for racquetball’s speedy exchanges.
Tennis rackets often use softer synthetic gut strings or multifilament strings to increase dwell time and spin potential. Racquetball strings are typically stiffer monofilaments that produce extra snap and power.
Racquetball string beds are strung at much higher tensions than tennis rackets, sometimes over 40 lbs. Tennis strings are usually in the mid-20s to low-30s tension range.
Tennis Racket | Racquetball Racket | |
String Pattern | More open | Denser pattern |
String Type | Softer synthetic guts or multifilaments | Stiff monofilaments |
String Tension | Mid 20s to low 30s lbs | Over 40 lbs |
Performance Characteristics
The design differences outlined above translate into specialized playing characteristics that suit either tennis or racquetball:
- Tennis rackets offer more power and leverage for covering distance. The larger head size also provides more forgiveness on off-center hits.
- Racquetball rackets excel at quick maneuvers in tight spaces. Their compact shape and dense string pattern enhance control for handling racquetball’s high speeds.
- The spin potential is greater with tennis rackets thanks to more open string spacing, longer main strings, and gut/multifilament string materials.
- Racquetball rackets generate extreme pace and snap-on hits to overpower opponents with flat, hard shots. Their stiff strings really maximize ball speed potential.
Conclusion
While tennis and racquetball rackets appear similar at first glance, they are specifically engineered for their respective sports. From the larger oval head optimal for power hitting on a tennis court to the compact teardrop shape that allows quick maneuvers inside a racquetball court, each design is customized for its purpose.
The differences in string pattern, string type, and grip construction also cater to the unique demands of each fast-paced racket sport. When choosing a racket, carefully consider whether tennis or racquetball is your game.