How are Racquetballs Made? Specifications and Manufacturing [Find Out Where Too!] 

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Written By Dan Kaplan

Page Editor and Racquetball player

Racquetballs are manufactured using a strict process to ensure they adhere to specifications like size, weight, bounce, and hardness. Racquetballs are manufactured around the world by companies like Penn, ProKennex, and Gearbox as well as others. Although similar, they are not the same as a handball or a squash ball in size and composition. To find out more about each of these topics, please keep reading below.  

 

How are Racquetballs Made? 

Racquetballs are typically made by using a two-step manufacturing process. 

  1. Rubber Compounding: First, a mixture of raw rubber materials, such as natural or synthetic rubber, is combined with additives like fillers and curing agents. This mixture is known as the rubber compound. 
  1. Molding: The rubber compound is then placed into a heated mold, which is typically made of metal. The mold is closed, and heat and pressure are applied to shape the rubber compound into a solid ball. This process is known as compression molding. The heat and pressure help the rubber compound to vulcanize, or cure, resulting in a durable and resilient racquetball. 

After the molding process, the racquetballs undergo quality control checks to ensure they meet the required specifications in terms of size, weight, bounce, and hardness.

Once approved, they are ready for packaging and distribution. 

The molding process incorporates compression but does the packaging? Find out here.

Sleeve of Racquetballs 

 

What are The Racquetball Specifications? 

The specifications for a racquetball, as defined by the International Racquetball Federation (IRF), are as follows: 

  • Size: The standard size of a racquetball is approximately 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) in diameter. This size ensures that the ball is easy to maneuver and provides a good balance between speed and control. 

 

  • Weight: The standard weight of a racquetball ranges from 1.4 to 1.6 ounces (40 to 45 grams). This weight is designed to allow players to generate sufficient power and speed while maintaining control during gameplay.
  • Bounce: The bounce of a racquetball is an essential aspect of the game. The ball should have a lively and consistent bounce. The IRF specifies that a racquetball must have a bounce of approximately 68 to 72 inches (173 to 183 cm) when dropped from a height of 100 inches (254 cm) onto a concrete surface. 

 

  • Hardness: Racquetballs are made from rubber and have a specific hardness. The IRF specifies that a racquetball must have a durometer reading of 55 to 60 on the Shore durometer scale. This measurement determines the ball’s resistance to indentation and is used to ensure consistent gameplay characteristics. 

 

It’s worth noting that there may be slight variations in specifications depending on the brand or manufacturer of the racquetball. However, these specifications provide a general guideline for the size, weight, bounce, and hardness of a standard racquetball.

 

Sometimes a racquetball will become broken during gameplay, but other times they wear out and lose some of its bounciness or surface composition and need to be replaced. For more on when you should replace your worn-out racquetball, click here.

 

Racquetballs are manufactured in many different colors to indicate different variations of the game. Some are for slower gameplay, and some are for outdoor courts. To find out more about what the racquetball colors indicate, click here.

why are racquetballs different colors

 

 

Where are Racquetballs Made? 

Racquetballs are manufactured in various countries around the world.

The production of racquetballs is not limited to a single location or country. Major racquetball manufacturers have facilities in different regions, including the United States, Mexico, China, and Taiwan.

These manufacturers produce racquetballs for global distribution, supplying them to sports equipment retailers and distributors worldwide.

The specific manufacturing location may vary depending on the brand and company producing the racquetballs. 

 

 

How Do Racquetballs compare in size to a squash ball or a handball? 

A standard racquetball is larger than a squash ball and smaller than a handball. Here are the approximate dimensions of each ball: 

  • Racquetball: A standard racquetball has a diameter of approximately 2.25 inches (about 5.7 centimeters). 
  • Squash ball: Squash balls come in different sizes, which indicate their level of bounciness and speed. The most commonly used squash ball is the double yellow dot ball, which has a diameter of approximately 1.57 inches (about 4 centimeters). 
  • Handball: A handball is larger than both a racquetball and a squash ball. It has a diameter of approximately 2.75 to 3 inches (about 7 to 7.6 centimeters). 

In summary, a racquetball is smaller than a handball but larger than a squash ball.

 

Bouncing ball

 

 

Which Companies Manufacture Racquetballs?

Several companies manufacture racquetballs. Here are some well-known racquetball manufacturers: 

  • ProKennex: ProKennex is another respected brand that manufactures racquetballs and other racquetball equipment. 

 

  • Gearbox: Gearbox is known for its high-performance racquetball products, including racquetballs designed for professional and competitive play. 

 

  • Wilson: Wilson is a renowned sports equipment brand that offers a range of racquetballs suitable for recreational and competitive play. 

 

  • Head: Head is a popular brand that manufactures various sports equipment, including racquetballs for racquetball players of different skill levels. 

 

  • Penn: Penn is a well-established brand that produces racquetballs used in both racquetball and squash. They offer a variety of options for different playing styles and preferences. 

These are just a few examples of companies that manufacture racquetballs.

It’s worth noting that the availability of brands may vary depending on your location and the specific sporting goods stores in your area. 

 

 

Which Company Sells The Most Racquetballs? 

The exact sales figures and market share for racquetball brands may vary, and it is challenging to determine the company that sells the most racquetballs. However, some well-known and popular racquetball brands include ProKennex, Gearbox, Wilson, Head, and Penn.

These brands have a significant presence in the racquetball market and offer a wide range of racquetball products, including racquetballs. 

It’s worth noting that market dynamics can change over time, and sales figures can vary based on factors such as brand reputation, product quality, marketing strategies, and customer preferences.

For the most up-to-date information on racquetball sales and market share, it would be best to refer to industry reports, market research, or contact the individual manufacturers for accurate and current data. 

 

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