I am seeing more and more racquetball courts turned into conditioning rooms of some sort. Decreased memberships in the fitness centers is having the owners think of new ways to utilize a 20'x40'x20' area. I have seen them changed into daycare areas, climbing walls, cycling rooms, aerobics, yoga.......just downright sad. So far here in Colorado Big House Sports cancelled a tournament for not enough entries, the Fort Collins tournament was just cancelled as well, the new Fort Carson Post gym will only have 2 courts, the Air Force Academy turned 1 court into a cycling room and is thinking about doing the same to another court, and Fort Carson has several gyms but only one with 2 courts.
Gas prices increase, material for rackets increase, shipping costs have increased, and it all has the Racquetball companies increasing their prices.
All NEW 2011-2012 GEARBOX Racquetball Racquets are available for pre-order. They should ship out in June. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me regarding any Gearbox Products or racquetball in general. You can also visit www.gearboxrb.com to view all of Gearbox Products. I don't think the site has the new racquets posted yet. Don't let that stop you from ordering them though! Be the first to have these new sticks in your hand.
Gearbox Solid 1.0 170g
Gearbox Solid 1.0 170T
Gearbox Solid 1.0 165g
Gearbox Solid 1.0 165T
Gearbox Solid 1.0 185g
Gearbox is back and better than ever with their new 1.0 frame. Gearbox has added two new technologies in conjunction with their Solid Head and Proportional Frame designs. New in the Solid 1.0 line are the Displacement Channels for improved structural integrity and maximum power and the new String Dimples, designed to reduce harsh string angles and improve frame durability. The new cosmetics give these improved frames a fresh, contemporary look.
Do you expect it to protect the strings or Do you expect it to protect the racket?
Every manufacturer has different reasons for a bumper kit. I would prefer to see ALL Brands offer bumper kits that protect your investment. When a player spends $100+ on a racket, the strings and the racket should be protected by the bumper kit.
What are your thoughts?
Tomorrow morning we have a tournament and a friend gave me his PK Kinetic 175 (Krowning Moment) to string.
Can anyone give me a site or instructions to stringing this racquet?
Thank You for your help.
Jim
Team Gearbox
Here is the situation.....bare with me. Normally I can look in the rule book and determine the right action or call. This time I am looking for some assistance. I am 6'3" 190pds......while playing with another Open play I performed a half ass ceiling shot to the middle of the court from my opponents good ceiling shot that was right along the wall. Right after I hit the ceiling shot I see it is going to be short of the back wall. So I position myself center court, just behine the short line. When I realized I was too tired too jump 3 feet in the air, I moved to the forehand side allowing the player down the line (DTL) and cross court to either corner. This ofcourse gave him a ton of court on the back hand side but knowing that he decided to go down the forehand side. Well he didn't end up on the right hand side because it hit my BUTTOCKS!!!
The opponent was middle court (Center), I was right side of of center.
We redo the shot just because its a friendly game but as we prepare for National Doubles and Singles, he says it would be a penalty hinder. I disagree adamantly for these reasons:
1. He couldn't have held up for a Safety hinder (although I was not directly infront of him)
2. It clearly was not a KILL SHOT.......BUT THE RULES DO NOT SAY IT has to be a KILL SHOT to be a Penalty Hinder.
3. I gave him down the line (center court), Cross court to left rear corner (where I was no where near but trust me I would have gotten it, lol) and cross court to the right corner (the side I was on). All the shots I need to give him and yet I got hit.
I truly thought that in the old rules it if was seen as a kill shot or could have been executed like a kill shot then that helps determine if its an "avoidable hinder." But since it hit me in the BUTTOCKs, about 3 1/2 high......that would not be seen as a kill shot.
Sorry so lengthy. What is your opinion or interpretation of the rule. All I could find is 3.15 Penalty hinder. Failure to move, but trust me I moved and was out of his way.
Whatever your decision is how would you convince the Ref that it was not a Penalty Hinder?
What a huge upset. But in my eyes I have seen Ben play in a few tournaments and I thought he has always had the potential to play upper Pro Caliber players and do well.
Congratulations to Ben and Gearbox! I bet he doesn't sleep at all tonight.
Well I have been waiting for some time to get my hands around the GB250T (Teardrop, 170g). Tonight I got all my Demo racquets in so I made a trip to the gym one last time before heading up to ATLANTA for a big tournament there.
Okay, now for the review.
GB250T 170g Teardrop- The hitting spot was moved up closer toward the head of the racquet. How much.....I can't really give a number until I play several games and drill with it for longer than 1 hour. It was noticeable though! I had my doupts because the shape didn't look much different but it is and the power is STILL THERE, trust me.......now I don't have to concentrate sometimes on hitting the sweet spot, its right where I want it.
Control touch is better. When the ball is low to the court floor, I feel a solid hit when reaching or hitting low to the floor (you know the ones you hussle to just to get the head of the racquet on) for some touch shots. The color scheme is nice. Not to drastic of a change on the color but adds alittle touch to the racquet.
GB75 190g- This racquet can hit with good power too. I have been playing 170g for years so the added weight was noticeable. It didn't feel like all the weight was near the head........well balanced. My guess is it will be a few points head heavy but I look forward to see those specs from a racquetball online store. I like the color of the racquet but my personal preference is not for the white grip or cord. Very nice intermediate racquet from the GB125 and the GB50.
GB250 165g, 170g, and the 185g- You all should know by now those racquets came with a new face lift! I do like the looks and like I said, glad we got rid of the "White Feather" and went more to the Black Graphite. MAN I LOVE THE PRODUCT LINE. I can't remember when I was this stoked about playing with new gear. Then again when I dropped Ektelon (back when DPR2500 came out) and started playing with some E-Force Bedlam Stuns, and Bedlam Judgements, what a difference I can remember when switching and winning a couple A division tournaments. That was several years ago, to bad GEARBOX wasn't around then when I would play periodically with Jimmy Lowe, I could have won a few games.........welllll maybe not but I would have been more confident.
Let me know if you have any questions.
I will be in ATLANTA this weekend playing in the tournament there. If any of you are attending to play or just to watch, I will be behind the GEARBOX sales/demo table.
Today......well almost all summer down here in Alabama, the humidity is really high. This has an adverse affect on the Racquetball court. The walls seem to SWEAT! Splat shots and pinches just don't work. Lob pinches, or anything that hits the walls, the ball just skips faster than it was hit. It seems the only thing you can do during high humidity days is drill. But the only thing you can do while drilling is straight down the line shots and cross court shots.
This is getting so irritating. Might as well go out side and practice the 50-60 ft down the line shots on a tennis wall.
How I would love to build/invest in my own court!!!
Anyone else have this problem? Do you continue to play games or just leave?
As you all may know I have been in the Army for 19 years now and I am currently stationed at Fort Rucker Alabama.....Home to Army Aviation.
I play and travel with Gearbox. I have played in Alaska (Fort Wainwright, Fort Richardson, and Eielson AFB), Washington (Fort Lewis), California (Edwards AFB), Tennesse (Fort Campbell), Korea (Camp Humphreys), Arizona (Fort Huachuca), Virginia (Fort Eustis), Iraq (Ballad), Florida (Eglin AFB), and Alabama (Fort Rucker).
I can't wait to go TDY to Huachuca and play Clint and the gang there. I whooped his ace in Cribbage, and I want to do the same in Racquetball and Golf.
For all the other Soldiers in the Forum, let everyone know where you are, what branch of service you are in, what you do, and what gear you play with.
Thanks For Service! Be Safe
Jim
ARMYSTRONG
I think it is time Gearbox celebrates their continued success by purchasing one of these and taking it to all the RB events! I had some spare time while studying for Financial Accounting class and decided to improvise on the photo of the car I want to sport to the next WOR tournament!!
I know my lines aren't as elegant and sporty as all would wish but this CAR ROCKS! (
all black 2SS....sweet
Most of the players I play with find it really odd that I wear ear plugs when playing. The only exception is during a tournament.
Eventually I am going to find out how many decibals a Penn HD hit at 140mph will generate. I know the courts I play in are completely enclosed making the noise echo. Its like being at a gun range. The Army doctors have recently diagnosed me with Tinnitus, constant ringing in the ears. Sometimes it gets so bad at night I can't sleep. It could be a combination of all the Army ranges I have attended and being around Chinook Helicopters for almost 15 years and now 4 years working with unmanned aircraft systems (Drones) that sound like flying lawnmowers.
Anyone else use earplugs?
They are now a standard piece of equipment in my RB bag.
GB250T(Teardrop) 170G
GB250 170G
GB250 185G
GB125 170G
GB75 185G
GB250 165G
If you would like the specifications of each racquet or have any other questions, shoot me an email. jim.bouchard2@gmail.com
Take Care
Jim
By the way, how do you like the new graphics? I think its a great change. Not only are the graphics sweet but the construction remains the same so you can expect awesome power and durability. I have been with Gearbox for 2 years and have yet to return anything to them nor have I had any of my customers return a racquet.
Almost 2 years now and I can remember when everyone was asking about the Gearboxrb.com site. I can remember everyone asking about the products, who long the company would last, and most of all.......how much was the equipment going to cost.
Now..... what is your take on the Gearbox?
I would like to know the following:
Do you own any Gearbox equipment?
What do you think about the equipment?
How has Gearbox customer service performed for you?
Do you have any comment/recommendations for improvement or implimentation toward Gearbox equipment?
Here is my take after being with the company for almost 2 years.
I wholeheartedly support Gearbox and I am extremely glad I made the switch from the other company I was playing with.
Do you own any Gearbox equipment?
I have a plethora of Gearbox gear. Not only do I have my own gear, but I also have the Demo equipment and my own stock of Gearbox equipment.
What do you think about the equipment?
The equipment has saved me money in the long run. It is astonishing how durable the racquets are. They perform well under indoor and outdoor conditions and the racquets offer a ton of power and control. There is no better racquet and glove combination out there like the GB250 and the Movement glove.
How has Gearbox customer service performed for you?
To date I am 100% completely satisfied with the customer service at Gearbox. All of the employees are friendly to talk to and are ready to talk racquetball at any time. I have not had one negative comment from all of my/Gearbox customers about the customer service. This is the only company I have been with where the CEO/Founder (Rafael Filippini) has called me personally and asked how things were going with me. Not only that but he has answered many of the phone calls I have placed to Gearbox.
Do you have any comment/recommendations for improvement or implimentation toward Gearbox equipment?
To be quite honest, I wouldn't mind seeing some more accessories like car decals, Gearbox water bottles, and Gearbox towels.
The feedback from my customers would say to make a bumper guard system that encompasses the frame of the racquet. Make improvements to the current BG system.
Like others have said, Gearbox has saved me money and we should include a helmet and cup since these things are so darn strong.
I look forward to reading the responses
Jim
Gearbox
Geared Up For War!
I will be in Palmdale California for some military training. I would like to meet up with some local players while I am in Palmdale from March 19-April 15. Please shoot me an email at jim.bouchard2@gmail.com. Thank You.
I usually like to play a couple hours a night. Singles, Doubles, Cut throat, In and Out,...etc.
I have a Klippermate stringer with two floating clamps. I hate to adjust the clamps so I would like the current set to be used on 16g string. I would like another set for 17g string that I use on all my Gearbox racquets.
Who makes some nice floating clamps?
My current Klippermate clamps work but I want to see what else is out there.
Thank You
Where is the "sweet spot?" This is a question asked so often from all levels of players. Some say that each manufacturers sweet spot varies by model and brand. I do agree with that. But does a player need to hit the sweet spot every time even when hitting the different types of shots (splat, pinch, drive, pass etc), I would say no. I have non chilantly looked at top player racquets and beginner racquets over the years. The sweet spot ranges from an inch below the head to almost dead center of the racquet. So is there really a sweet spot or does it just depend on what type of shot you are going to hit?
I think it would be neat to see racquet manufacturers list where the "sweet spot" is? I know racquetworld does some testing so maybe they can chime in and start posting numbers associated with a racquets sweet spot.
What are you thoughts about a Sweet Spot?
Over the last two days that I have been watching the US Open, I have noticed on several occasions some players stepping completely over the service line on drive serves. The defensive player doesn't notice this because he is to busy watching where the ball as it is coming off the servers racquet. Well the referee should be looking for infractions to the rules at this point. So does the referee stop play and give a side out when he sees this infraction happen or does he wait to make his call when asked by the receiving/defensive player?
Also, its about time some of the Referees call encroachment at the Pro level. I know how hard it is to call such a thing given the Referees angle behind the play, but sometimes it is very clear especially when a player consistently pushes the envelope.
Another annoying thing is how long some of the players take to serve the ball. I know they have 15 seconds to serve, it just takes away the excitement of the game sometimes. It seems most of the game time is taken up during the pre-serve routine by each player since the rallies normally only last 3-4 shots.
Do you think the time allowed to serve should be shortened? If so, how long? I say 5 seconds at all levels. This speeds the game up and ensures both players are in good cardio-shape.
When an obvious fault/side out occurs and the defensive player doesn't see what happened, does play continue or does the Referee stop play immediately? Too often I have heard that referees are there just to enforce the rules when the two players are at a disagreement with a certain call. What are your thoughts since the rule book doesn't say anything about this? It just spells out what his duties are.......going in the court, pointing out court hinders, talking about common misinterpreted rules to both players, and tossing a coin.
For instance:
1. The offensive player hits a forehand ceiling shot from just behind the service zone, the other player gets into position (near back court, 38') to hit a forehand drive down the line and skips it just a couple feet in front of him, but the ball is hit so low that when it actually hits the front wall and rolls out the other player that didn't see the skip thinks it was a good shot so he assumes the receiving position for the next serve.
Does the Referee step in and say skip ball? Of course, this is a clear disadvantage to the player that didn't see the skip ball.
2. The offensive player hits a back hand pinch to the left side of the court, the defensive player dives after the ball and contacts it after the ball bounced twice. The player that hit the pinch shot goes after the ball just in case it didn't bounce twice and plays on. The Referee had a clear unobstructed view and saw that the ball bounced twice but play continued and worked in the favor of the player that dove for the ball (he is now serving).
Does the Referee stop play or let it continue?
Vice Versa......lets say the ball actually bounced twice and the player that hit the pinch shot now has his hands and arms wildly moving
in the air like a monkey failing to get at the returned ball (hit by the diving player) because he delayed thinking it was two bounces.
The player that dove says he got at the ball and the player that hit the pinch argues there is no way he got that shot.
Now the Referee announces with confidence his call and enforces the rules.
Last Friday I got back surgery after prolonging it for 4 years. I was involved in an Army Helicopter accident that ruptured 2 of my discs in my lower back. I delt with the pain in my legs and the always present tingling in my feet. I finally couldn't deal with it so the civilian doctor said I was a great candidate for a Discectomy. Now, ten days later I am recovering. All this time I spend recuperating, all this time laying around, and all this time walking here and there...............could be spent on the court. I LOVE RACQUETBALL and I am missing a couple tournaments. IT JUST KILLS ME.
But the best thing about the surgery, all my leg pain and tingling is gone!:) All I am waiting for now is for the wound to heel. I give it a couple more days, Thursday to be exact since that is when my post op appointment is for removing the stitches. Then I will be back in the game just not at the level I want to be at.
Can't wait to get back out on the courts representing GEARBOX!
