# Best Racquetball Racquets 2026: Ranked by Playing Style 2026 ranking of the best racquetball racquets by playing style, with weight, balance, head shape and level from HEAD, Gearbox, E-Force and ProKennex. Updated on 10/07/2026 For most players who already sustain rallies in racquetball, the best racquet of 2026 is the HEAD Radical 180 (2025): it has the mass to hold the heavy ball that comes back off the front wall and handle-heavy balance to react in time. But the best racquetball racquets are not the same for everyone. Players who attack from the back, those who live right on the front wall and those who are still working on their swing need different weights, balances and heads, which is why the ranking below is split by profile. ## How we built this list We started from the data in the [Racquet Rank racquetball racquet](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/) catalog: unstrung weight, balance, head area, frame shape, level recommended by the manufacturer, RR Score and buyer reviews where they exist. The RR Score summarizes these criteria and is explained in our [methodology](https://racquetrank.com/us/methodology/). Two filters weighed heavily: - **Current model or still easy to find.** Discontinued lines that only show up in leftover stock were left out of the highlights, even when they are good. - **Fit with the profile.** A 160 g racquet can be excellent and still be the wrong choice for someone with a short swing. Each item in the ranking says who it is for. Racquetball racquet prices move all the time, so we do not cite them in the text: the cards show live offers when a store is selling. ## What changed in the main lines for 2026 Three market movements explain the look of this year's ranking: - **Gearbox changed its top of the line.** The AXS line arrived in 2026 to replace the GX1 as the brand's main racquet, in 165 and 170 g versions, each with a Teardrop or Quad head. The 2024 GX1 models are still on sale and remain good options. - **HEAD renewed the Radical.** The 2025 generation brought Auxetic 2.0 and three weights (160, 170 and 180 g). The Graphene 360+ Radical models from the previous generation are still around and in demand. - **ProKennex updated the Black Ace Pro** for the 2025-2026 season with a new look over the previous year's frame, keeping Spiral Tech and Kinetic System. At E-Force, the DarkStar, Takeover and Sector 5 lines coexist in the catalog, and some versions only show up in leftover stock. That is why we prioritized the ones that still have a complete spec sheet and a clear level recommendation. ## Ranking: the best racquetball racquets of 2026 ### Best racquetball racquets of 2026 by profile - 1 Best overall [Radical 180 2025 HEAD](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/head/radical-180-2025/) - Weight: 180 g RR Score 77 out of 100, Good 180 g unstrung with handle-heavy balance: the mass stabilizes the racquet when the ball comes hard off the front wall, and the weight near the hand lets the head swing fast enough for short rallies. Features Auxetic 2.0 and Power Channels, which lengthen the center strings. Recommended from intermediate to advanced. - [RacquetWorldSee price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8RF29XA8SRKHBDCCE5D) - 2 Bigger head [Takeover 170 E-Force](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/e-force/takeover-170/) - Weight: 170 g - Head: 108 in² RR Score 71 out of 100, Good Teardrop head of 108 sq in, one of the largest in the catalog, with E-Force's Extreme LongString: the center strings run all the way to the hollow handle, and a longer string tends to deflect more on impact. Also features Power Boosters G2 and Zero Richter Tubes. A big head tends to forgive off-center balls more. - [E-ForceSee price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8REJ87EQ21X8T7BVPYK) - 3 With Kinetic System [Black Ace Pro 170 2026 ProKennex](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/prokennex/black-ace-pro-170-2026/) - Weight: 170 g - Head: 105 in² RR Score 68 out of 100, RR Score ProKennex's top of the line for the 2025-2026 season. Features the Kinetic System, which the brand uses to reduce shock and vibration. The 105 sq in head is smaller than average, which usually calls for more technique at contact. Sold with 3 5/8 and 3 7/8 grips. - [RacquetWorldSee price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8RGZCWH22TZ89MTVZWA) - 4 Most reviewed [Bedlam 170 Lite E-Force](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/e-force/bedlam-170-lite/) - Weight: 170 g One of E-Force's most popular racquets, rated 4.5 out of 5 across 139 Amazon reviews. Combines 170 g and a 22-inch LongString, with a Total Carbon Head and Tri Carbon in the frame. The special stringing calls for an experienced stringer. - [AmazonSee price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M49QVSGN49JKDWHGFRNPG5FX) ## Power, control or all-round: what changes in the racquet In racquetball the ball is hollow, large (about 57 mm) and comes back lively off four walls and the ceiling. That changes what matters in a racquet compared with other racquet sports: you have little time between one shot and the next and almost always hit with the wrist, with a racquet of at most 22 inches. Three characteristics define the profile. ### Power racquets They have head-heavy balance, a teardrop shape and, on the E-Forces, LongString. The weight at the tip increases the energy at impact; the teardrop puts the sweet spot higher, where the head moves faster. They work for players who attack from the back, with a long swing, going for the kill shot low on the front wall. The price is reaction: in fast rallies near the service line, a heavy head arrives late. ### Control racquets Neutral or handle-heavy balance, Quadraform head and sometimes less area (105 sq in). The racquet swings quickly, the sweet spot is in the center and the response is predictable. Players who play passing shots and pinch shots (balls that touch the side wall and front wall and die low) get more out of them. ### All-round These sit in the middle: 170 to 180 g with neutral or slightly handle-heavy balance. The HEAD Radical 180 fits here: 180 g, with the weight concentrated near the hand thanks to the handle-heavy balance. | Profile | Typical weight (unstrung) | Balance | Head | Ranking examples | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power | 165 to 175 g | Head-heavy | Teardrop, 107-108 sq in | Gearbox AXS 170 Teardrop, E-Force Takeover 170 | | Control | 160 to 170 g | Varies | Quadraform or 105 sq in | Gearbox AXS 165 Quad, ProKennex Black Ace Pro 170 | | All-round | 170 to 180 g | Neutral or slightly handle-heavy | 106-107 sq in | HEAD Radical 180, HEAD Radical Edge | | Maximum stability | 185 g or more | Varies | Large | E-Force DarkStar 190 | If you still do not know which line fits you, [Find your racquet](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquet-finder/) cross-references your level and style with the catalog. ## Highlights by profile, with the technical why ### Best overall: HEAD Radical 180 (2025) The Radical is HEAD's most traditional racquetball line and the 2025 generation comes in 160, 170 and 180 g. The 180 is the safest choice for most players because it tackles a common problem for intermediate and advanced players: a racquet that is too light tends to shake when the ball comes hard. At 180 g with handle-heavy balance, it has the mass for the impact and keeps the weight near the hand. HEAD presents Auxetic 2.0 as technology aimed at the feel of impact. The Inner Grommet System reinforces the frame and the Power Channels in the throat lengthen the center strings. [Radical 180 2025 HEAD](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/head/radical-180-2025/)Strengths - + The heaviest of the 2025 Radical line, at 180 g unstrung - + Handle-heavy balance keeps the weight near the hand - + Features Auxetic 2.0, Inner Grommet System and Power Channels - + Recommended for intermediate and advanced players Drawbacks - − Players with a short swing may feel the weight late in a match - − Heavier than the Radical 160 and 170 from the same line If 180 g seems like too much, the same family has the 170 with neutral balance, which we detail in the guide to [racquetball racquets for intermediate players](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-racquetball-racquets-for-intermediate-players/). ### For attacking from the back: Gearbox AXS 170 Teardrop and E-Force Takeover 170 Both have a teardrop head and an offensive purpose, but with different constructions. Gearbox puts 13 mm of head-heavy balance in and uses high-modulus carbon in the Solid Frame. E-Force bets on the stringing: the Extreme LongString makes the center strings run into the handle, and a longer string tends to stretch more on impact. On the spec sheet, the difference that weighs most is the area: the Takeover 170 has 108 sq in, among the largest in the catalog, and a bigger head tends to forgive more. On both, the teardrop shape favors players who hit the ball high in the stringbed. Both are in the [Gearbox](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/gearbox/) and [E-Force](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/e-force/) catalogs. ### For those who want a Quadraform head: Gearbox AXS 165 Quad Light, with a square head and the same construction as the AXS 170. The Quadraform shape tends to make the hitting area more central, which helps in two moments that decide matches: the serve return, when you have fractions of a second, and balls you take off balance, near the side wall. ### For those with a fast swing: HEAD Radical 160 and ProKennex Black Ace Pro 170 The Radical 160 is the lightest among the highlights. At 160 g with neutral balance, it depends on the speed you put into it to generate power. The Black Ace Pro 170 has 10 g more and a smaller head (105 sq in), which usually calls for more precision at contact. The Kinetic System, which ProKennex uses to reduce shock and vibration, is of interest to players who already feel their elbow after long matches. These are racquets for advanced players: if you still miss the center often, a light or small-headed racquet tends to deliver little. ### The most reviewed by buyers: E-Force Bedlam 170 Lite It is one of the few racquetball racquets in the catalog with a meaningful volume of buyer reviews: rated 4.5 out of 5 across 139 Amazon reviews. On the spec sheet, it has a 22-inch LongString, Total Carbon Head and Tri Carbon in the frame and Zero Richter Tubes X2, all at 170 g. The caveat is practical: the stringing runs through the inside of the handle, so have the strings changed by someone who already knows the system. ### For those who prefer more mass: E-Force DarkStar 190 and HEAD Radical Edge Not everyone wants to accelerate the racquet head. Players who play once or twice a week, have a shorter swing or prefer to block the ball usually get more out of mass. The DarkStar 190 is the truly heavy option; the Radical Edge, at 175 g with neutral balance, is the middle ground for those who want stability without giving up maneuverability. ## Side-by-side comparison ### The five best racquetball racquets of 2026 side by side | Racquet | Radical 180 2025 HEAD RR Score 77 out of 100, Good | Takeover 170 E-Force RR Score 71 out of 100, Good | Black Ace Pro 170 2026 ProKennex RR Score 68 out of 100, RR Score | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Best price | See price at RacquetWorld | See price at E-Force | See price at RacquetWorld | | RR Score | 77 | 71 | 68 | | Weight unstrung | 180 g | 170 g | 170 g | | Head size | – | 108 in² | 105 in² | | Balance point | Lighter head | – | – | | Length | – | 22 in | 22 in | | Material | Composite with Auxetic 2.0 | Carbon and graphite | Graphite with Spiral Tech and nanotechnology | Highlighted: what differs between the racquets. In bold: the best value in the row. To build your own comparison, with any model, use the [racquetball racquet comparison tool](https://racquetrank.com/us/compare/racquetball/). If you want to stay within one brand, there are dedicated comparison tools for [HEAD](https://racquetrank.com/us/compare/racquetball/head/), [E-Force](https://racquetrank.com/us/compare/racquetball/e-force/) and [Gearbox](https://racquetrank.com/us/compare/racquetball/gearbox/). ## Teardrop or Quadraform: the choice that changes your game most Among the best racquetball racquets, head shape weighs as much as weight: - **Teardrop:** the head widens at the top and the sweet spot moves up. Since the top is the part that moves fastest in the swing, a ball well hit there comes off harder. A ball hit low, near the throat, comes off dead. - **Quadraform (quad):** fuller upper corners, a bigger and more central sweet spot. Less peak power, more consistency. Gearbox sells the same AXS in both shapes, which lets you compare just that variable. We explain this in detail in the [guide on how to choose a racquetball racquet](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/how-to-choose-a-racquetball-racquet/). Tip Quick profile test: notice at what height of the stringbed the strings on your current racquet move and wear the most. Wear concentrated at the top of the head matches a teardrop; wear spread across the center and sides indicates a Quadraform will deliver more. ## Common mistakes when choosing among the top models - **Buying the lightest one thinking it is the most advanced.** A light racquet demands swing speed. If you do not have it, you lose power and stability at the same time. - **Ignoring grip size.** In racquetball the grips are small (3 5/8 and 3 7/8 inches are the most common) because the stroke depends on a loose wrist. A grip that is too big locks the movement. - **Forgetting the string.** A top-of-the-line racquet with old string loses the response you paid for. - **Skipping protection.** Protective eyewear is mandatory in competition and should be in any match. A good racquet is useless if you stop playing because of a ball to the eye. Still at the beginning? Before looking at competition models, see the [best racquetball racquets for beginners](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-racquetball-racquets-for-beginners/) and the guide on [how to start playing racquetball](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/racquetball-how-to-start-and-which-racquet-to-buy/). ## Frequently asked questions What is the best racquetball racquet in 2026? For most intermediate and advanced players, the HEAD Radical 180 (2025), for its combination of 180 g with handle-heavy balance. Players who attack from the back with a long swing can look at the Gearbox AXS 170 Teardrop, with a teardrop head and head-heavy balance; those who prefer less weight and a Quadraform head, the Gearbox AXS 165 Quad. Is a lighter racquetball racquet better? Not necessarily. Racquets of 155 to 165 g accelerate more, but only generate power if you have a fast, technical swing. For players with a short swing or who miss the center often, 175 to 190 g usually deliver more, because the mass stabilizes the impact. What is the difference between a teardrop and a Quadraform racquet? The teardrop has the sweet spot at the top of the head, where the swing is fastest, and favors power. The Quadraform has fuller upper corners and a bigger, more central sweet spot, which gives consistency and forgiveness on off-center balls. What is the maximum size of a racquetball racquet? Under USA Racquetball rules, the racquet can be at most 22 inches (about 55.9 cm), counting the bumper guard and the handle. There is no limit on weight or head area, and the racquet must have a wrist cord. Where should I buy a racquetball racquet? Performance racquetball racquets come from a handful of specialist brands, so the question is more where to buy than whether it is worth it. Check the store's return and warranty policy and whether the available grip is your size, since some models come in only one size. How often should I change the string? It depends on how much you play and on the string, but a clear sign is loss of response: the ball starts to come off without power or the string gets notched and out of place. Players who play several times a week change much more often than the occasional player. ## Verdict ## Where to buy the racquets in this guide - [Radical 180 2025 HEAD](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/head/radical-180-2025/)180 g [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8RF29XA8SRKHBDCCE5D)RacquetWorld - [Takeover 170 E-Force](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/e-force/takeover-170/)170 g · 108 in² [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8REJ87EQ21X8T7BVPYK)E-Force - [Black Ace Pro 170 2026 ProKennex](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/prokennex/black-ace-pro-170-2026/)170 g · 105 in² [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8RGZCWH22TZ89MTVZWA)RacquetWorld - [Bedlam 170 Lite E-Force](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquetball/e-force/bedlam-170-lite/)170 g [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M49QVSGN49JKDWHGFRNPG5FX)Amazon The prices above are checked automatically at each store and may have changed since the last check. The price that counts is the one shown on the store's website at checkout. We may earn a commission on purchases made through store links, at no extra cost to you. ## More racquetball guides - [7 Best Racquetball Racquets for Beginners in 2026](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-racquetball-racquets-for-beginners/) - [10 Best Racquetball Racquets for Intermediate Players in 2026](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-racquetball-racquets-for-intermediate-players/) - [How to Choose a Racquetball Racquet: Complete Buying Guide](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/how-to-choose-a-racquetball-racquet/) - [Racquetball: How to Get Started and Which Racquet to Buy at Each Stage](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/racquetball-how-to-start-and-which-racquet-to-buy/) - [7 Best Racquetball Racquets for Advanced Players in 2026](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-racquetball-racquets-for-advanced-players/) - [7 Best Racquetball Racquets for Competition in 2026](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-racquetball-racquets-for-competition/) [All racquetball guides →](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/racquetball/) --- Fonte: https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-racquetball-racquets/