Understanding Tennis Racket Specifications

Tennis racket specifications can seem like an impenetrable wall of numbers and technical jargon. Weight, balance, stiffness, swing weight, head size—what do they all mean, and more importantly, how do they affect your game? This comprehensive guide decodes the key specifications so you can make informed decisions about your equipment.

Static Weight: The Number Everyone Knows

Weight is the most commonly referenced specification, typically measured in grams. However, it's important to understand the different ways weight is presented:

• Unstrung weight: The frame alone, without strings. This is how manufacturers typically list specifications.
• Strung weight: Includes strings, typically adding 15-20 grams. This is what you actually swing.

Weight Categories

• Lightweight (under 285g unstrung): Easier to swing, more manoeuvrable, but less stable on off-centre hits. Suited for beginners, juniors, and those with arm concerns.
• Medium (285-310g unstrung): Balanced performance offering good manoeuvrability with reasonable stability. Popular with club players.
• Heavyweight (over 310g unstrung): Maximum stability and plow-through, but demanding to swing. Preferred by advanced players with grooved technique.

Balance: Where the Weight Lives

Balance point is measured in millimetres from the butt end of the racket. For a standard 27-inch (685mm) racket, 320mm is roughly neutral—meaning the balance point is near the middle of the frame.

Balance Categories Explained

• Head-heavy (above 330mm): More mass in the head creates momentum during swings, generating power. Common in lightweight rackets to compensate for lower static weight. Can feel slower to manoeuvre but provides depth on groundstrokes.
• Even balance (315-330mm): Versatile feel suitable for all-court play. Neither particularly powerful nor particularly manoeuvrable—a balanced compromise.
• Head-light (below 315mm): Weight concentrated in the handle makes the racket feel whippier and more manoeuvrable. Preferred by players who generate their own power and value quick reactions at net.

Swing Weight: The Specification That Matters Most

Swing weight measures how heavy a racket feels when you actually swing it, accounting for both static weight and weight distribution. It's measured in kg·cm² using specialised equipment, with typical values ranging from 290 to 340.

Understanding Swing Weight Numbers

• Low swing weight (under 310): Easy to accelerate quickly, excellent for players developing their technique or those who rely on quick preparation. Less powerful on contact but easier to handle.
• Medium swing weight (310-325): Good balance of manoeuvrability and stability. Suitable for most club-level players.
• High swing weight (above 325): Requires longer stroke preparation but provides maximum stability and plow-through on contact. Preferred by advanced baseliners with full swings.

Swing weight is perhaps the most important specification for matching a racket to your playing style, yet it's often not listed prominently. If you're serious about finding the right racket, seek out swing weight data or have it measured at a specialty shop.

Head Size: Your Sweet Spot Real Estate

Head size refers to the hitting surface area, measured in square inches. Larger heads provide bigger sweet spots but can sacrifice control and feel.

Head Size Categories

• Midsize (85-97 sq in): Demanding frames requiring precise contact. Offer exceptional feel and control for skilled players. Rarely seen in modern tennis outside professional circuits.
• Midplus (98-104 sq in): The most popular range, balancing forgiveness with control. Suitable for intermediate to advanced players.
• Oversize (105-115 sq in): Maximum forgiveness and power, ideal for beginners and recreational players prioritising ease of use.

Stiffness (RA Rating): Power vs. Comfort

Frame stiffness is measured in RA units using a diagnostic machine that clamps the racket and applies force. Higher numbers indicate stiffer frames.

Stiffness Ranges

• Flexible (below 62 RA): Maximum comfort and arm-friendliness. The frame absorbs shock but may feel "mushy" to some players. Power must come from your swing.
• Medium (62-67 RA): Balanced feel with reasonable comfort and crisp feedback. Popular choice for developing players.
• Stiff (68-72 RA): Powerful response with immediate feedback. Can be harsh on arms, especially with off-centre contact.
• Very stiff (above 72 RA): Maximum power return but potentially arm-unfriendly. Best suited for players with perfect technique and no history of arm problems.

For players prone to tennis elbow or other arm issues, stiffness is a critical consideration. Lower RA ratings paired with comfortable string setups can help manage arm stress. See our guide on preventing tennis elbow for more details.

String Pattern: Open vs. Closed

String pattern describes how many main strings (vertical) and cross strings (horizontal) are woven into the frame. Common patterns include 16x19, 18x20, and 16x18.

Pattern Characteristics

• Open patterns (16x19, 16x18): Strings move more freely, biting into the ball for increased spin potential. Strings also wear faster due to increased friction. Power-friendly and popular with modern topspin players.
• Dense patterns (18x20, 18x19): More string crossings create a flatter, more controlled response. Strings last longer but generate less spin. Preferred by flat hitters and players who value precision over spin.

Length: Standard and Extended

Standard racket length is 27 inches (68.5cm), but extended length rackets range from 27.25 to 29 inches.

• Standard (27 inches): The baseline for most players. Optimal manoeuvrability and feel.
• Extended (27.25-29 inches): Extra reach and leverage increases serve pace and groundstroke depth. However, increases swing weight and reduces manoeuvrability. Can stress the arm more on off-centre hits.

Extended length rackets can benefit tall players seeking reach and power, but they're not universally better. The trade-offs in manoeuvrability and arm stress mean they're best suited for specific playing styles.

Beam Width: Power Profiles

Beam width refers to the thickness of the frame, measured in millimetres at different points (typically head, throat, and shaft).

• Thin beam (under 22mm): More flexible, better feel, less inherent power. Traditional player's frames.
• Medium beam (22-26mm): Balanced power and feel for various playing styles.
• Thick beam (above 26mm): Maximum power potential but can feel boardy. Common in game-improvement rackets.

Putting It All Together

Individual specifications only tell part of the story. The way these elements interact determines how a racket actually plays. Here are some common specification profiles:

Power-Oriented Profile

• Lightweight (under 300g strung)
• Head-heavy balance
• Stiff frame (68+ RA)
• Large head size (100+ sq in)
• Open string pattern

Control-Oriented Profile

• Heavier weight (310g+ strung)
• Head-light balance
• Flexible to medium stiffness
• Smaller head size (98-100 sq in)
• Denser string pattern

All-Court Profile

• Medium weight (300-310g strung)
• Even balance
• Medium stiffness
• Midplus head (100 sq in)
• 16x19 string pattern

Understanding these specifications empowers you to evaluate rackets meaningfully rather than relying solely on brand marketing or recommendations that may not match your game. Take time to learn what works for you, and don't be afraid to experiment with different specification combinations.