Racquet Science: The Sporting Good Store Causing A Racket in Downtown Kingston
By Julia Nash
Published: June 29, 2026
In a world currently dominated by massive online algorithms and big-box retailers, finding a business fueled entirely by pure passion and face-to-face connection is a breath of fresh air.
Howes is a lifelong racquet enthusiast whose journey began in the power of racquetball before being introduced to squash- a sport that became his “first-love” and a 40-year passion. He honed his specialized skills in Edmonton at a shop called The Sweet Spot, using his experience from a talented stringer who had worked the U.S. Open. Howes adds, “He taught me the skill of stringing. He taught me what to do and what not to do running my business.”
When it came to opening the Downtown Kingston storefront, the timing was pure serendipity. Howes was walking up the street with his kids one day and spotted the “For Rent” sign just down the block from where his wife was working as a midwife. Together, they came up with the clever name “Racquet Science” – a nod to Howes’ love for puns and the technical reality of the sport. Since then, the shop has been going strong as a no-pressure environment where players can find honest advice, a robust demo program, and specialized gear.
What Makes Racquet Science Unique?
At Racquet Science, players can access expertise and curated products that simply cannot be found anywhere else in Kingston:
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Master Racquet Technician (MRT) Certification: Credentialed through the United States Racquet Stringers Association, Howes offers a level of elite stringing competency that big-box sports stores can’t match.
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The “Gearhead” Inventory Selection: Howes personally tests, wears, or takes out on the court almost every single item he stocks to ensure its quality and fit.
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Off-the-Beaten-Path Brands: Rather than just stocking the “Big Four” corporate giants, the shop intentionally sources unique, innovative gear from smaller, up-and-coming companies.
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A True Multi-Sport Cross-Section: Expert equipment matching and tailored advice for various stages of an athlete’s life across several distinct disciplines.
What Sports Can You Gear Up For?
Inside Racquet Science, you can find top-tier equipment, custom stringing services, and specialized gear for a wide range of sports, including:
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Squash: Howes’ personal favourite and lifelong passion.
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Pickleball: Canada’s fastest growing recreational sport that is constantly evolving with exciting new paddle technologies.
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Tennis: Full stringing and gear support, backed by Howes’ experience stringing for major tournaments in New York and Paris.
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Padel: The next big racquet sport on the horizon set to experience a major technological boom.
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Badminton: Classic court essentials and expert advice for players of all levels.
Julia Nash
Hi! Im Julia Nash, one of the Summer Marketing and Events interns for Downtown Kingston. I'm going into my 4th year of Life Sciences at Queen's, I've always enjoyed putting my energy and efforts towards others success! My participation on the Queen's Women's Squash Team and a life filled with racquet sports led me to a connection with Racquet Science that is also shared with the entire racquets community of Kingston. I am happy to be welcome into such a growing community in Kingston and I hope others will have the same chance to experience it!
