Racquetball Strings: Key to Your Game

As a long-time racquetball enthusiast, I have spent countless hours on the court, but I will admit, I never really paid much attention to the nitty-gritty details of racquetball strings. However, now that my kids are diving into the sport and experimenting with their racquets, techniques, and shot selection, restringing has become a regular activity in our household. So, I thought of sharing some insights I have picked up along the way.

Understanding the Strings Basics

Racquet strings are more than just a minor detail; they can significantly impact your game. They come in various materials, each with its own unique characteristics. Each string material affects 4 key aspects of your game differently: power, control, spin, and durability. Choosing the right string can help you fine-tune your play style and get the most out of your racquet.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main Strings materials:

String Material	Characteristics	Power	Control	Spin	Durability
Natural Gut Strings	Made from cow or sheep intestines; offer superior playability.	High	Moderate	High	Low
Kevlar Strings	Extremely durable; provide added control	Low	High	Low	Very High
Nylon Strings	Popular for their affordable price and versatility; cater to different playing styles.	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Polyester Strings	Durable and offer good control and spin, making them a favorite among advanced players.	Low to Moderate	High	High	High
Multifilament Synthetics	Made from multiple fibers, they offer playability similar to natural gut with added durability.	High	Moderate	High	Moderate

Racquetball Strings Composition

Next, choosing the right string composition can significantly impact your play. I have come to appreciate the importance of understanding string construction types. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

String Gauges (Thickness Levels):

Racquetball strings come in 3 main gauges, each affecting the feel and performance of your racquet:

• 16 Gauge: The thickest option, measuring about 1.35 millimeters. These strings are durable and offer great longevity.
• 17 Gauge: Slightly thinner at approximately 1.25 millimeters, striking a balance between durability and playability.
• 18 Gauge: The thinnest, around 1.15 millimeters, providing excellent feel and spin but sacrificing some durability.

String Construction Types:

The way strings are constructed plays a crucial role in how they perform on the court. Here are the 3 common types:

Monofilament Strings	Made from a single, solid strand or filament. These strings are stiffer and have a firmer feel, which can transmit more shock to your arm. They prioritize control due to their lower resiliency.
Multifilament Strings	Composed of many smaller fibers woven together, these strings offer a softer, more arm-friendly feel by absorbing more shock. Their multi-fiber construction provides an inherent resiliency advantage, leading to more power and better tension maintenance.
Kevlar Strings	Known for their extreme durability, Kevlar strings provide excellent control but can feel quite stiff.

In this short video, Ashaway’ Steve Crandall discusses choosing strings for your racquet and several important aspects to consider.

Here’s some popular string brands and their standout features:

Gauge	Brand	Construction	Price Range	Pros	Cons	Website
16	Ashaway Kevlar	Monofilament	$15 – $20	Extremely durable, recommended for frequent string breakers	Poor playability, very stiff	https://www.ashawayusa.com/
16	Gamma Synthetic Gut	Monofilament	$5 – $10	Affordable, good durability	Less playable than thinner gauges	https://www.gammasports.com/
17	Python Atlas	Multifilament	$10 – $15	Excellent playability, pop and power	Less durable than 16 gauge	https://www.pythonracquetsports.com/
17	Ashaway Ultrakill	Multifilament	$5 – $10	Great control and playability	Less durable than Superkill	https://www.ashawayusa.com/RacquetballIndex.php
17	Ashaway Superkill	Multifilament	$5 – $10	More durable than Ultrakill	Stiffer than Ultrakill	https://www.ashawayusa.com/RacquetballIndex.php
17	HEAD E-force Oxygen	Multifilament	$10 – $15	Designed specifically for racquetball, used by pros	–	https://www.head.com/
17	ProKennex Liquid 17	Multifilament	$10 – $15	Soft, comfortable feel, backed by #1 player	–	https://www.prokennex.com/
18	Ashaway Kevlar	Monofilament	$15 – $20	Extremely durable	Very stiff, poor playability	https://www.ashawayusa.com/
18	Klipper Synthetic Gut Ultra-Fibre	Monofilament	$5 – $10	Excellent playability	Less durable than thicker gauges	https://klipperusa.com/

When should you restring your racquetball racquet?

Generally, if you play once a week with your racquet, string it once a year. However, if you play twice a week, restring the racquet every six months. Remember, strings will gradually lose their resilience with time. Generally, stringing at higher tensions results in greater ball control and lower tension results in more power. 

If you are interested in having a more complete list of stringing instructions for all brands, we recommend that you consider joining the US Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA).  For more information about the US Racquet Stringers Association, visit their website: www.RacquetTECH.com.

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So next time you are selecting strings for your racquet, consider experimenting with different materials, gauges and constructions to find the perfect fit for you or your budding racquetball athletes at home. Happy playing!