285 g is light and manoeuvrable, 300 g is the versatile all-round range, and 315 g adds stability—provided your technique and strength can maintain racket-head speed.
Weight ranges compared
| Unstrung | Typical feel | Often suits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 245–275 g | very light and fast | juniors, comfort-led beginners | less inherent stability |
| 280–290 g | quick and forgiving | beginners and doubles | less settled against pace |
| 295–305 g | balanced and solid | all-court and club players | needs active acceleration |
| 310–330 g | stable and controlled | strong, technically sound players | demanding over long matches |
Manufacturers usually publish unstrung weight. Strings, an overgrip and a dampener can add roughly 18 to 25 grams in total, so always compare like with like.
Read the full 285 vs 300 vs 315 g comparison →
Balance point changes the feel
Balance is measured from the butt cap. A lower number concentrates more mass near your hand; a higher number moves mass towards the racket head. That is why two 300 g frames can play very differently.
- Head-light: quicker directional changes and reactions at the net.
- Even: a neutral compromise between speed and assistance.
- Head-heavy: more mass through contact, but slower to reposition.
Compare 315, 320 and 330 mm balance points →
Test weight and balance together
Set two typical manufacturer specifications. The guide value shows how demanding that combination is likely to feel to accelerate.
Balanced handling
An accessible all-round blend of speed, stability and plough-through.
This is a guide, not a measured swingweight. Frame length, mass distribution, strings and manufacturing tolerances all influence the real result.
Swingweight completes the picture
Swingweight describes resistance to acceleration and changes of direction. It is expressed in kg·cm² and cannot be calculated reliably from weight and balance alone. A higher number generally adds stability and plough-through, but demands earlier preparation.
Understand swingweight in full →
Starting ranges by player profile
| Profile | Starting range | Balance | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 270–290 g | 320–335 mm | easy acceleration with useful assistance |
| All-round | 295–305 g | 315–325 mm | a stable, versatile middle ground |
| Advanced | 305–320 g | 305–320 mm | control and stability through a full swing |
These are starting points, not fixed rules. Strength, technique, playing frequency and any arm discomfort matter more than age or gender alone.
Frequently asked questions
Is a heavier tennis racket automatically better?
No. Extra mass only helps if you can accelerate it on time and under control. A racket that is too heavy reduces racket-head speed and can punish late preparation.
Which matters more: weight or balance?
They work together. Weight describes total mass; balance shows where that mass is concentrated. Swingweight best describes their combined effect during a stroke.
How much weight do strings add?
A full string bed typically adds roughly 15 to 18 grams. An overgrip and dampener increase the ready-to-play weight further.
Your next step
Choose a realistic weight range first, then compare rackets with similar head size and balance. This makes genuine differences easier to separate from marketing labels.
Find your specification range