Racket spec sheets look like a page from an engineering manual: 300 g, 32 cm, 66 RA, 320 SW, 16×19, 23–26–23 mm. Each number tells you something about how the racket plays — but some matter much more than others. This guide explains every common spec, gives typical values, and shows how to use them to compare rackets. For the bigger picture of choosing a frame, see our racket buying guide.
Static weight
The weight on the scale, usually given unstrung. Adult rackets range from about 250 g to 340 g. Heavier rackets are more stable and absorb more shock; lighter rackets are easier to manoeuvre. Strings, grip and dampener add roughly 15–20 g, so a 300 g unstrung racket is around 315–320 g ready to play.
Balance and "points head light"
Balance is the point along the racket where it balances on your finger, measured in centimetres from the butt cap. On a standard 27-inch (68.6 cm) racket, the midpoint is 34.3 cm:
- Below 34.3 cm: head-light (HL) — more weight in the handle, faster to manoeuvre at the net.
- Around 34.3 cm: even balance.
- Above 34.3 cm: head-heavy (HH) — more weight in the head, more "free" power on short swings.
US spec sheets often give balance in points: each point is 1/8 inch (3.175 mm). A racket balanced at 32.0 cm is about 7 points head-light; one at 35.5 cm is about 4 points head-heavy.
| Balance (strung, 27 in) | Points | Typical for |
|---|---|---|
| 35–36 cm | 2–5 pts HH | Light beginner / "power" rackets |
| 33.5–34.5 cm | About even | Many intermediate frames |
| 31.5–33 cm | 4–9 pts HL | Heavier advanced frames |
Swingweight: the number that matters most
Swingweight (SW) measures how heavy the racket feels when you swing it, not when you hold it. It combines weight and where that weight sits: mass in the head counts much more than mass in the handle. It is measured in kg·cm² around a point 10 cm from the butt, and usually quoted strung.
| Swingweight (strung) | Feel | Typical player |
|---|---|---|
| Below 300 | Very easy to swing, less stable | Juniors, beginners, shorter swings |
| 300–315 | Easy to swing, reasonable stability | Most recreational adults |
| 315–330 | Stable, solid, still manoeuvrable | Intermediate to advanced club players |
| 330+ | Very stable and powerful, demanding | Strong advanced players, many professionals (customised) |
Why it matters: two rackets with the same static weight can feel completely different. A 300 g head-heavy frame can have a higher swingweight than a 315 g head-light one. If you can only compare one number, compare swingweight.
Stiffness (RA)
Stiffness is measured on a flex tester and given as an RA value, typically between about 55 and 75.
- Below ~62: flexible — more comfort, more dwell time, less free power.
- 62–68: medium — the most common range.
- Above ~68: stiff — more power, more shock to the arm.
RA measures the frame only; strings and tension change how stiff the racket actually feels. If your arm is sensitive, see our arm-friendly setup guide.
Head size
Measured in square inches (in²) or cm². Most rackets fall between 95 and 105 in² (613–677 cm²). Larger heads are more forgiving and powerful; smaller heads offer more precision. 100 in² is the common middle ground.
Beam width
The thickness of the frame, in millimetres, often given at three points (for example 23–26–23 mm: top, middle, throat). Thicker beams (25–28 mm) are stiffer and more powerful; thinner beams (20–22 mm) offer more feel and control. A constant beam (for example 22 mm all round) usually indicates a control-oriented frame.
Length
The standard adult length is 27 inches (68.6 cm). Some rackets are 27.25 or 27.5 inches for extra reach and leverage on serve — at the cost of manoeuvrability. Juniors use shorter rackets; see our junior size guide.
String pattern
Written as mains × crosses. 16×19 is the standard "open" pattern: more spin and power. 18×20 is "dense": more control and string durability, less spin. More open patterns such as 16×18 or 16×16 push spin further. Pattern also affects how stiff the string bed feels, which interacts with your string tension.
Putting it together: comparing two rackets
| Spec | Racket A | Racket B | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (unstrung) | 285 g | 305 g | B is more stable |
| Balance (strung) | 34.5 cm | 32.5 cm | A is slightly head-heavy, B head-light |
| Swingweight | 318 | 320 | They feel similar to swing |
| Stiffness | 70 RA | 63 RA | A is more powerful, B more comfortable |
| Pattern | 16×19 | 18×20 | A easier for spin, B more control |
Despite a 20 g difference in static weight, the two rackets feel similar to swing — the difference is in stability, comfort and control. That is why demos and swingweight beat static weight when choosing. For model suggestions by level, see the best rackets by level.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good swingweight for a club player?
Many adult club players are comfortable between about 310 and 325 (strung). Beginners and juniors often prefer below 310; advanced players with fast swings often use 325–340 or more.
What does 'head light' mean?
A head-light racket has its balance point closer to the handle than the middle of the frame. It is usually written in points: each point is 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) towards the handle. '6 pts HL' means the balance point is 6/8 inch closer to the handle than an even balance.
Is a stiffer racket more powerful?
Generally yes: a stiffer frame bends less at impact and returns more energy to the ball. The trade-off is more shock to the arm and, for some players, a less controlled feel.
Why do strung and unstrung specs differ?
Strings, a grip and a dampener add weight — usually 15–20 g — and that weight sits mostly in the head, so strung rackets are heavier, more head-heavy and have a higher swingweight than the unstrung numbers suggest.