Racquetball Glove Buying Guide

Have you ever played racquetball without gloves? If so, you’ve likely experienced the joy of playing with blisters on your hands or have accidentally let your racquet slip out of your sweaty hand, sending it crashing into a wall or the ground... If you haven’t had these experiences yet, take it from us, wear racquetball gloves!

Racquetball gloves can help you avoid these painful experiences and improve your game because they prevent hand blisters, reduce sweat, and enhance your grip on the racquet. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about racquetball gloves so that you can shop and play confidently!

While it may not seem essential, a good racquetball glove can make a significant difference in your game play. Here are some reasons why:

Enhanced Grip

The primary function of a racquetball glove is to help you get a better grip on your racquet. The glove's surface is designed to provide extra friction or stickiness which increases the amount of control you have over your racquet.

Reduced Sweat

Sweaty hands will make it more difficult to hold onto your racquet. A glove can absorb sweat from your hand, preventing it from affecting your grip on the racquet. Sweaty hands will also lead to more wear on your racquet grip, making gloves ideal for racquet grip longevity. Your opponents will also thank you for wearing gloves since nobody wants to shake hands with a sweaty and slippery palm!

Blisters Prevention

A well-designed racquetball glove should help prevent blisters from forming on your hands. The glove's padding can provide additional cushioning and reduce friction, which can help stop blister formation.

These are the primary benefits of wearing racquetball gloves, but we should note that a lot of our customers also like the aesthetic of a glove and like the way they look while playing with a glove. You will often see players switching out gloves multiple times a game since a fresh glove can make all the difference!

There are a few product qualities to consider when purchasing racquetball gloves:

Glove Price

Glove prices can range from under $10 per glove to over $25 per glove. Price can be a big factor in deciding which gloves to purchase. Price is typically dictated by the material used in the palm of the glove.

Gloves that are priced on the lower end will typically use a synthetic palm material or goatskin. These materials, while durable, do not offer the same feel and performance as higher priced options. Mid-priced gloves are typically made of sheepskin and these offer great performance and value. The higher priced gloves are typically made of premium sheepskin like a Pittards Sheepskin or Cabretta Sheepskin, which are both considered the best materials for feel and performance.

Glove Material

The material of the glove can affect the glove's durability, comfort, and grip. Some of the most common materials used in racquetball gloves are leather (From different animals), synthetic leather, and mesh. Different materials will provide different levels of breathability and grip. Different grip materials will have different levels of stickiness or tackiness.

Glove Fit

The fit of the glove is crucial. A glove that is too tight can restrict movement and cause discomfort, while a glove that is too loose can lead to slips and a loss of control. When selecting a racquetball glove, the best fit is typically the smallest size that you can comfortably wear.

Although it may feel slightly snug at first, gloves tend to stretch out over time, and a snug fit ensures better control and precision during play. Conversely, a glove that is too large can lead to bunching or material movement, which can negatively impact your performance. When trying on gloves, aim for a size that requires a bit of effort to squeeze into, and ensure that your fingers reach the end of the glove for the best fit.

Glove Padding

The padding of a racquetball glove can provide additional comfort and protection for your hand. Look for gloves with padding on the palm and fingers.

Finding the right size for your racquetball glove is essential for comfort and performance. Racquetball gloves typically come in four standard sizes and generally fall in-between following measurement ranges:

• Small (S) - hand circumference of 7 - 7.5 inches
• Medium (M) - hand circumference of 7.5 - 8 inches
• Large (L) - hand circumference of 8 - 8.5 inches
• Extra Large (XL) - hand circumference of 8.5 - 9 inches

It should be noted that these ranges will not apply to every brand and may differ for men’s gloves vs women’s gloves, but most gloves are made to be unisex.

If you are not sure which size racquetball glove will fit you best, here's how to measure your hand to find the right size:

1. Measure your dominant hand (The hand that you hold your racquet with) from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
2. Compare your hand measurement to the sizing chart of your desired brand or glove manufacturer.
3. Choose the size that is closest to your measurement.

As you can see, there’s more to racquetball gloves than one may think. Choosing the right racquetball glove is essential for enhancing your game and preventing hand blisters. When shopping for racquetball gloves, be sure to consider the material, fit/sizing, and padding.

If you have any questions that have not been answered, be sure to check out our FAQ below, otherwise, we hope that you’re ready to find a glove and avoid the sweat, pain, and mistakes that will come with gloveless hands!

Can I use a regular glove or a golf glove for racquetball?

No, regular gloves and golf gloves are not designed for racquetball and do not offer the necessary grip, padding, or protection.

How often should I replace my racquetball glove?

It's recommended to replace your racquetball glove every 3 to 6 months, depending on how frequently you play and the condition of the glove. A lot of players will actually have multiple gloves easily accessible while playing so that they can change gloves between games to help keep their hands fresh and to extend the longevity of their gloves.

Can I wash my racquetball glove?

Yes, you can wash your racquetball glove and it is recommended to do so. Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and avoid using hot water or a dryer, as these can damage the glove.

Are there gloves designed for players with extra sweaty hands?

Yes, there are gloves specifically designed for players with extra sweaty hands. Look for gloves with moisture-wicking materials or extra ventilation to help keep your hands dry during play.