Tennis Racket Weight Explained | A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the ideal racket is no easy task, as it requires an understanding of factors like weight, balance, and swingweight, which can significantly impact your game on the court.
In this comprehensive guide, we take a dive into the realm of tennis racket weight, highlighting its importance and providing you with the knowledge needed to discover the perfect fit.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, understanding racket weight, balance, and swingweight will allow you to optimize your performance and elevate your game above your opponents.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
Tennis Racket Weight
To start off, let’s take a look at everything to do with racket weight.
What is Racket Weight?
Don’t worry, it’s not a trick question. Racket weight simply means the total weight of the racket.
Racket weight plays a crucial role in a player’s game as it affects various aspects of their performance, including power, control, maneuverability, and stability.
The average weight of a tennis racket has dropped significantly in the last 30 years. This is due to advancements in technology and the use of new materials which allow rackets to be lighter without sacrificing performance.
Racket weight can be split into three categories:
- Lightweight
- Medium
- Heavy
Tennis rackets range in weight from 8 to 13 ounces (226 to 369 grams). Typically, the heavier the racket, the more control you get, but they are harder to maneuver.
Lightweight Rackets
Lightweight rackets weigh under 10 ounces (283 grams).
Generally, they are easier to maneuver but lack stability. What may surprise you is that many lightweight rackets are quite powerful as they have a stiffer frame and larger head size. This is to help compensate for the power lost from being lighter. However, this does mean that they sacrifice control.
Lightweight rackets are ideal for beginners as they are easier to maneuver and provide enough power so the player can get the ball over the net.
My Favorite Lightweight Rackets
My Favorite Lightweight Rackets |
Medium Rackets
Medium rackets weigh between 10 and 11.5 ounces (283 and 326 grams).
Medium rackets provide the best balance between power, control, and maneuverability. This means they are ideal for a wide range of skill levels, which is why they are the most popular tennis rackets on the market.
My Favorite Medium Rackets
My Favorite Medium Rackets |
Heavy Rackets
Heavy rackets weigh over 11.5 ounces (326+ grams).
Most heavy rackets will feature a smaller head size and a more flexible frame to improve control. Plus the heavier weight means they reduce shocks and vibrations better, improving the stability. However, they are harder to maneuver.
This is why they are only recommended for advanced players who have the required strength to use the racket.
My Favorite Heavy Rackets
My Favorite Heavy Rackets |
Tennis Racket Weight Chart
Racket Type | Weight | Control | Power | Skill Level |
Lightweight | <10 oz (283g) | Low | High | Beginner |
Medium | 10-11.5 oz (283-326g) | Medium | Medium | Intermediate / Advanced |
Heavy | >11.5 oz (326g) | High | Low | Advanced |
Tennis Racket Balance
Now, let’s take a look at racket balance.
What is Racket Balance?
Balance refers to how the weight is distributed throughout the racket.
Racket balance can be split into three different categories:
- Head light rackets
- Equal balance rackets
- Head heavy rackets
But before we look at each different category, let’s take a look at how to measure the balance of a racket.
How to Measure Racket Balance
The best way to determine the balance of a racket is by using a balance board.
Follow these steps to measure the balance using a balance board:
- Place the balance board on a flat, stable surface such as a table.
- Rest the racket horizontally on the board, ensuring it is well-supported and balanced.
- Slowly shift the racket along the board until it finds a point of equilibrium where it remains level without tipping to either end.
- Mark this balance point on the racket using a piece of tape or a pen.
- Measure the distance from the marked balance point to the butt cap of the racket. This measurement represents the racket’s balance, typically expressed in millimeters or inches.
Head Light Rackets
Rackets that are head light have more weight distributed towards the handle. This increases the maneuverability of the racket, but sacrifices power.
In general, heavy rackets are head light to enable the player to easily maneuver the frame.
Equal Balance Rackets
An equal balance racket has the weight evenly distributed throughout. These rackets have the perfect balance between power and maneuverability.
Most medium rackets have a balanced weight distribution.
Head Heavy Rackets
Tennis rackets that are head heavy have the weight distributed towards the head. The added weight in the head increases the amount of force on the ball, providing more power and stability.
You’ll find that most lightweight rackets have a head heavy weight distribution to make up for the power lost from being lighter.
Tennis Racket Balance Chart
Racket Balance | Weight Distribution | Control | Power |
Head light | Handle | High | Low |
Equal balance | Even | Medium | Medium |
Head heavy | Head | Low | High |
Tennis Racket Swingweight
Swingweight is another key factor to consider when choosing a tennis racket.
What is Swingweight?
Swingweight is a measure of how heavy a racket feels during a swing, rather than its actual weight. It takes into account both the racket’s overall weight and weight distribution and is measured on a scale from 0 to 600.
While the overall weight of a racket is a crucial consideration, swingweight provides a more detailed understanding of how the racket will perform during play.
Swingweight affects various aspects of a player’s performance on the tennis court. A higher swingweight generally results in increased stability during ball contact, minimizing racket twisting upon impact and providing better control. This stability is particularly advantageous for players with aggressive strokes or those who prefer to hit with heavy topspin.
On the other hand, a lower swingweight enhances racket maneuverability, allowing players to swing the racket more easily and quickly. This maneuverability can be beneficial for players who rely on a fast swing speed or those who have a defensive or counterpunching playstyle.
Each player has different preferences and physical capabilities, so finding the ideal swingweight requires experimentation. A swingweight that suits one player may not necessarily work well for another.
How to Select the Right Racket Weight for You
The best way to select the right racket weight is by identifying your skill level.
What is Your Skill Level?
I like to split skill level into three categories: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Beginner
A beginner player is someone who is new to tennis and has just started learning the basics of the game.
Beginners would benefit from a lightweight racket that has a head heavy balance. This will provide them with effortless power to get the ball over the net, allowing them to focus on improving their technique rather than hitting it hard. Plus, they are easy to maneuver, reducing the risk of injuries.
Intermediate
An intermediate player is someone who has some tennis experience and has developed a decent level of skill. At this level, you should have a better understanding of the game and have more control over your racket.
For intermediate players, I would recommend a medium racket with an equal balance. These rackets will add more control to your game and provide more stability to help deal with faster balls. Plus, they still provide a good amount of power so you aren’t having to swing too hard.
Advanced
An advanced player is someone who has been playing tennis competitively for many years and has developed advanced skills and techniques. At this stage, you should have developed a high level of consistency in your game, with the ability to mix up shot placement, speed, spin and more.
For advanced players, I’d recommend either a medium racket with an equal balance or a heavy racket with a head light balance.
A heavy racket with a head light balance will provide more stability and control, allowing you to add more precision to your game and handle high-speed balls with ease. A good example is Roger Federer who uses a racket that is head light and weighs 12.9oz!
However, many advanced players who like to play at the net prefer to stick with a medium racket that has an equal balance. This is so they can maneuver the racket quicker, which is important for volleys.
If you want to take a deeper look at all the different rackets on offer, read my article on the best tennis rackets.
Find Words
The weight, balance, and swingweight of a tennis racket are pivotal factors that can significantly impact your performance on the court. By understanding and finding the right combination of these elements, you can unlock your true potential as a player.
Throughout this article, we have explored the importance of tennis racket weight and how it affects various aspects of your game.
As you continue your tennis journey, I recommend taking the time to test different weights, balances, and swingweights to discover what feels most natural and effective for your game.
See you on the court!
