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Weight: 165g (unstrung)
Factory String: Black Mono 18g
Strung Surface 107 sq in
Factory Grip: Gearbox Smooth Wrap
Balance: Head Heavy
Frame Shape: Teardrop
Gearbox is now 10 years old and they are so excited to celebrate it that they designed their new 2017-2018 racquet line around the anniversary. The new racquet line will be the same feel of the GBX1 but they spruced up the paint job on the new line to show off their 10 year anniversary. If you loved the previous GBX1 racquet line or have been wanting to try Gearbox this cool and fresh looking line might be your choice. This year once again consists of 6 new frames ranging from 165 grams to 185 grams. There are 3 teardrop racquets in the 165 and 170 weight range (For the Power Player) and 3 quadraform racquets in the 165, 170, and 185 weights (Power w/more control). This new series is continuing with the C3 Power Groove technology which is explained below.
Technology for GBX1 10th Anniversary Series:
New C3 Power Groove is a single groove that extends the entire length of the racquet down to the throat area. The C3 Power Groove creates three concave shapes in the structure of the racquet.
- Radical Concave - Creates a larger hitting surface area, increases the overall size of the "sweet spot" and provides impact resistance at the head giving the racquet more strength.
- Double Radical Concave - Expands the main strings and cross strings to their maximum possible distance resulting in superior Power and Control.
- Progressive Concave - Increases overall main strings length providing more Power and Control
These three concave shapes in combination work synergistically to maximize Power, Control and racquet strength. The C3 Power Groove also increases string deflection to its maximum distance resulting in exceptional power.
These are available in 3 5/8 and 3 15/16 grip sizes
If you're unsure about your model or weight...try our DEMO Program.
A racquet cover IS NOT provided by the manufacturer with this racquet. You have the option to add a cover for $8-$12 if you would like.
RacquetWorld General Notes
RacquetWorld recommends changing the grip to a Python (Our favorite), which will be $12.00 installed, for the added traction to prevent slippage. The Racquetworld Grommet Tape upgrade ($2) can save you $$ in the long run as sometimes strings break from the grommet being worn down. For those who don't know what the grommet is, it's the plastic piece at the top of the racquet that the strings go through.When you hit the wall and floor this gets worn down.
The Python Atlas Deluxe string upgrade is recommended because factory string is less playable/durable than the Python Atlas Deluxe string we suggest. At the time of purchase, the Python Atlas Deluxe restring upgrade is $29.95. It's normally $45 if you mailed the racquet to us later so you save $15 if you choose the upgrade right away. This string comes in Black or Natural and it’s a very soft string with incredible playability/durability. We recommend the 17g as it’s right in the middle of 16g (most durable) and 18g (most playable but less durable).
If you choose a vibration dampener go with the Python Vibration Dampner (Our favorite), Head Megasorb, Gamma Worm or the BBB (Big Bad Band).
The wristlacer black is the default wrist tether that comes on your racquet at no charge.If you want to change colors, a small fee of $3.95 will be added for switching.
A question we get everyday is "What is Grommet Tape?"It's a piece of tape that goes over the head (bumper) of your racquet. Sometimes you need a restring because of a broken bumper.For an extra 2 bucks to add this, it could save you $25-40!!
We get follow up calls/emails everyday thanking us for the upgrades as they really help bring out the performance of the racquet.
Racquet Covers - Choose one for $8-$12 (RacquetWorld Cover is Only $8.00)
A full racquet cover is NOT provided by the manufacturer with this racquet. You have the option of adding a full cover for $8-12 if you would like. If you want the best cover on the market buy the Racquetworld Cover. It is oversized, has a full outside pocket, a handle strap and a large shoulder strap as well as a ventilated pocket to let your grip breathe and best of all its $2-$4 less than the others because we want to help you by supporting our company! The charge will only be $8.00 when added to the cart for this choice instead of $10.00-$12.00 like the other covers.
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Best racquet
Stan Shaw
03/25/2025
Verified Buyer
I love this racket. I've been playing with it. It for a few years. Broke one so I bought another. Plenty of power without sarcificing accuracy.
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Gearbox GBX1 165g
Paul
02/28/2025
Verified Buyer
Great racket Have a hard time finding a Teardrop racket. Will add to my collection!!
Very comparable to a great teardrop Ektelon racket I currently use.
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Great racquet.
OneT Stewart
12/15/2024
Verified Buyer
I've been playing for 47 years. I've moved from Ektelon, to Head, to GearBox. Back in the day, Ektelon was the only real graphite racquet. Head became a contender and I went to them. As I got older, their stiffness started to hurt my arm. I then went to GearBox as they have a great balance between stiffness and feel. This 10 yr anniversary edition is just right for me.
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GBX1 165
OJB
09/30/2024
Verified Buyer
So far I am really impressed with this racquet. I went from a 155 Head racquet to this one. This weight is more comfortable for my shoulder and it seem to have a better sweet spot.
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excellent racquet
Jeremy Monday
09/10/2024
Verified Buyer
I now have 2 of them with different strings for different situations. My favorite overall after using Ektelon and Head in comparable weights
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More Control 7 Power
Dave
03/03/2024
Verified Buyer
I’ve switched from the 170 quad to the 165 Teardrop. I have much more control and accuracy and more power. Whatever the stock tension is on the strings is perfect. I purchased a second one I was so happy with the Teardrop.
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Amazing racquet
Daniel Fletcher
03/12/2023
Verified Buyer
Went from the 170 to this 165. Both are great racquets. The control of this racquet is amazing. I would highly recommend.
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Wow, dropping 5 grams is meaningful!
Roll Splat
09/29/2022
Verified Buyer
I was playing with the 170 edition of the same racquet and dropped to the 165. Wow, a huge difference between touch control and power for me. It's much more maneuverable, and I can get way more power with this racquet. Plus, I was working through arm tenderness over the past few months and that has been eliminated. Good move for me – good move for you if you're hesitating on going with a lighter racquet. I'm an A player with 20+ years of experience and had been playing with an eForce up until this year.
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Exceptional Racquet
Bill
09/03/2021
Verified Buyer
Racquet has performed very well. Power, accuracy and durability are great! Good value for the money.
2 of 2 customers found this helpful.
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Great Racquet
Ryan
01/22/2020
Verified Buyer
I demoed a couple racquets. I felt this was the best value. The racquet does a great job dampening vibration and I think it will be better on my elbow in the long run. The factory strings suck but they do on all new racquets.
4 of 4 customers found this helpful.
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Nice Racquet
Bill
04/24/2019
Verified Buyer
This is a nice racquet. I have more power and more accuracy. I recommend it.
5 of 6 customers found this helpful.
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Exclusive RacquetWorld Racquet Ratings
Ratings and comparisons for all racquets can be found in RacquetWolrd Exclusive Racquet Ratings
Racquetworld's Durability Rating: 94.00
Racquetworld's Power Rating: Age 24- 98.63 Age 35 96.39 Age 45+ 95.38
Racquetworld's Control Rating #1 (Front Court): 96.14
Control 1 (Front Court) represents how the racquet handles upfront in the court. We are basically looking at how certain components stacked together to produce good (or bad) racquet maneuverability. To figure this out we look at the weight, balance point, and shape of the frame. We throw all this info into Pat's brain along with a couple hours of hit testing and out pops the rating. This value is useful especially for doubles players who find themselves covering the upfront court a lot. It is also good to know if you are a good server and find yourself quickly putting away returns off your serve without leaving front middle court.
Racquetworld's Control Rating #2 (Back Court): 94.62
Control 2 (Back Court) represents the traditional control rating when taking a full shot from mid to back court. Our goal with control is to redirect the Force of the ball. We again focus on weight, balance point, shape, string pattern and tension, frame stiffness and on court experience.
Racquetworld's Overall Rating: Age 24- 98.02 Age 35 95.75 Age 45+ 95.24
Bang for the Buck $$
Technology - Manufacturers Features:
RacquetWorld Gearbox Racquetball Racquet Technology Section - Gearbox Technology Section
- C3 Grooves - New for 2015
- M.R.S. Technology - Material Response System
- Solid Head Power Technology
- Power Bevels
- Maximized Sweet Spot
- New Black Monofilament String
- Displacement Channels
- Power String Bed
- Vibration Control System
Gearbox GBX1 Series Racquet Technologies
C3 Power Grooves Technology
New C3 POWER GROOVE is a single groove that extends the entire length of the racquet down to the throat area. The C3 Power Groove creates three concave shapes in the structure of the racquet.
- Radial Concave: Creates a larger hitting surface area, increases the overall size of the "sweet spot" and provides impact resistance at the head giving the racquet more Strength
- Double Radial Concave: Expands the main strings and cross strings to their maximum possible distance resulting in superior Power and Control
- Progressive Concave: Increases overall main strings length providing more Power and Control
These three concave shapes in combination work synergistically to maximize Power, Control and racquet Strength. The C3 Power Groove also increases string deflection to its maximum distance resulting in exceptional Power.
M.R.S. Technology - Material Response System - New for 2014
Gearbox is at the forefront of Graphite Design and Engineering. Exceptional racquet technology not only requires the use of high modulus and medium graphite materials, it also demands that these materials be used in the proper combination and at the optimal angles to achieve extraordinary racquet construction.
By methodically adjusting the ratio of High Modulus Graphite and Higher Impact Resistant Graphite, Gearbox maximizes the frame's response giving the Beltran Series More Power, Improved Balance and Durability.
In addition, the Beltran Series features a re-engineered lay-up design optimizing the fiber angles in key areas of the racquet's structure. This improves bending and torsional stiffness of the frame which in turn, maximizes the impact response.
Solid Head Power Technology Extended
Solid Technology is achieved by compressing graphite, creating a concave shape to the upper portions of the racquet head effectively doubling the wall thickness without having to add material. This concave shape and doubled wall thickness significantly increases power, rigidity and strength, all the while keeping your racquet light and maneuverable.
Maximized Sweet Spot
C3 Power Groove enlarges the size of the overall string bed, giving the Beltran racquet an even larger "sweet spot" for more Power and Control.
Displacement Channels
Parallel ridges run the length of the Solid Graphite Head improving in-plane frame stiffness and reducing deformation. More energy is returned to the ball for superior power and accuracy. Impact energy is channeled downward and away to protect weakened areas caused by drilled string holes in the frame structure. Displacement Channels strengthen racquet structure and improve durability.
Power String Bed
Unique Power String Bed is designed to accommodate the use of thinner gauge string which is ideal for improved Power, Control and overall performance. Wide string space around the frames edge lessens friction and allows more stretch for increased Power. Dense String Pattern design provides additional string support at Sweet Sport to improve ball contact for exceptional control.
Vibration Control System
Exclusive adjustable rubber damper system for customized feel. Contract to eliminate vibration or stretch to increase string vibration feel.
