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Racquetball string breakage

Q: I have a customer who gave me five racquetball frames to string. Each racquet had either the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th cross string from the top broken. He gave me back one last night that had the 5th main broken. I am assuming it’s the way he is hitting the ball, as there were three different brands of string, and two different gauges (four 17 gauge and one 18 gauge). I’m stumped as to how to stop his string breakage.

A: Actually, breaking cross strings in racquetball is not as unusual as it is in tennis because racquetball players do not hit with the heavy spin that is so hard on main strings. Also, it makes sense that the strings are breaking near the top of the frame because that is where many racquetball players hit for maximum power.

As far as trying to get longer life, there are a couple of things you can try.

First, try increasing the tension a couple of pounds on the three top crosses.

Second, check to see if the strings around the break are notching. If they are, you could apply a coating of carnauba wax on the strings to reduce the friction.

Third, try a thicker and/or more durable string, such as one made of polyester or aramid.

Finally, if your customer insists on thinner strings, you could recommend string savers. However, at the low tensions used in racquetball, it is possible these could fall out during play and end up under the players’ feet.

From the May 2005 issue
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