Static Weight vs. Swingweight
One of the questions that come up as players start to consider racquet weight is the difference between “static weight” and “swingweight.”
Static Weight
Static weight refers to the weight of a tennis racquet as measured by a scale, typically referenced as strung or unstrung weight.
As the name implies, strung weight is the weight of a tennis racquet with tennis strings installed. This weight is measured by placing a strung racquet on a scale to calculate its weight.
For reference, tennis strings will add roughly 15 grams (.5 ounces) to a racquet’s static weight.
Unstrung weight, on the other hand, is simply a measurement of a tennis racquet’s weight without strings installed.
As you shop for tennis racquets, keep in mind that some websites will list the strung weight, while others will list the unstrung weight. Keep that in mind as you compare.
Swingweight
Swingweight is a measurement of how heavy a tennis racquet feels when swinging to hit a ball, which is a function of static weight combined with the balance or distribution of weight. Said another way, it’s how difficult a racquet is to swing.
All things being equal, a racquet’s swingweight will increase as the weight of the racquet is shifted toward the head of a racquet. If the weight shifts toward the handle, the swingweight will decrease.
One of the best analogies for thinking about swingweight is to consider a hammer. If you hold a hammer from the handle and swing, it will feel heavier in the way a racquet with a higher swingweight would feel.
However, if you flip the hammer and hold it from the opposite end and swing, it will feel lighter because the weight is in your hand, which is the same sensation you’d get with a lower swingweight. Wilson put this analogy to use with their popular Hammer line of tennis racquets.
Over the years, manufacturers have modified racquet weight and balance to develop different styles of racquets that cater to certain types of players, while at the same time pushing the limits of overall racquet performance.
A machine like the Babolat RDC can accurately measure swingweight.
Helpful Tip
While racquet swingweight is an exact measurement calculated by a machine, it’s most beneficial as a comparative data point. That is, if you play with one racquet that has a swingweight of 280 and another that is 325, you’ll begin to develop a sense for the different feel associated with each swingweight.
When evaluating racquets, it’s worthwhile considering this measurement based on your preference.
When you refer to 4pts hl what do you actually mean
Hey Joe,
Great question. 4 pts HL is simply a measurement for the balance of a racquet or, more specifically, how heavy a racquet feels when you swing the racquet to hit a ball.
Ultimately this means that the racquet contains more weight towards the handle of the racquet and less weight towards the head of the racquet.
Hopefully that helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
All the best,
Jon
Hey Jon,
Follow up question, let’s suppose you have an x headlight racket, you add 7g to the handle (under the butt cap) and 4 grams to 12 o’clock. What’s the new head light balance?
Hi Yassine,
If you make those changes to your racquet, the new head light balance would have to be measured using a balance board to be absolutely sure of the change’s impact.
All the best,
Jon
Hey, What would be the difference between a 4pts HL and 7pts HL?
thank you
Hi Martin,
Thanks for your question.
Comparing the two, a racquet that is 7 pts HL will have more of the racquet’s weight distributed toward the handle, while the 4 pt HL racquet will have more distributed toward the head.
Assuming everything else was equal between the two racquets, the 7 pt HL racquet would be easier to maneuver. However, since that’s likely not the case, I’d need to see the rest of the racquet specs being compared to provide extra context. I’d be happy to do that if you share them.
All the best,
Jon
Just to be sure …. are we talking about strung or unstrung racquets?
Hi Iten,
Both static weight measurements are valid, but it’s important to compare using the same across racquets. If you can provide more context for what you were thinking or if there was a specific part of the guide that you could help clarify, just let me know.
All the best,
Jon
Is a 5hl lighter in the head then a 3hl?
Hi Craig,
Assuming all else is equal, you have that correct.
All the best,
Jon
I am using 6pts HH now… The version of my racket balance is 8pts HH.
It s will make a big difference if i change to the new one?
Hi Takemi,
It depends. If the new version of the racquet is 8 pts HH, it means that the balance point has moved 2/8 of an inch up the racquet toward the head, which can be noticeable.
Keep in mind that balance is only one measurement that you need to take in the context of other specs. For example, if the manufacturer moved the balance point of a racquet toward the head but decreased it’s weight slightly, it could theoretically maintain the same swingweight, i.e., how it feels when swinging, so the change would be less noticeable.
If you share the two racquets you’re comparing, I can help be more specific.
All the best,
Jon
i would like to know when you see a raquet that says strung weight, i would like to know, what weight does it show on the racquet it self, is it the strung weight or the unstrung weight….
Hi Jose,
Great question! The weight featured on a racquet is the unstrung weight.
All the best,
Jon
My daughter who just turned 12, changed from a raquet (babolat) weight: 275 g / 9.7 oz to a raquet HEAD weight 295 g / 10.4 oz. Her wrist started to hurt, 1 month after making the change. My question is if you think the change in wight could affect her wrist? Although she is 12, she does not have too much strength when she hits, compared to other girls her age.
Thanks!!!
Hi Andrea,
I’m sorry to hear about the trouble your daughter is having with her wrist. It doesn’t seem like a huge change, but it could certainly be the culprit. However, other factors could be causing her discomfort as well. These might include:
If the racquet she switched to is only a few grams heavier, but more of the racquet’s weight skews toward the head, then the swingweight or how it feels swinging could have increased more than the weight of the racquet itself.
As for stiffness, a higher stiffness rating will typically lead to more shock and vibration making its way to the player’s arm.
Lastly, some strings offer more comfort than others. If she changes strings, this could also be a contributing factor.
If you share the exact racquets, I can do my best to provide objective thoughts on the differences. Of course, pain can be the result of overuse, improper technique, or simply an accident, so as I’m sure you already have, I’d encourage you to check in with her doctor as well.
Good luck, and let me know else I can help.
All the best,
Jon
Can I change a balance from 4pts headlight to 3pts headlight if so where would I put lead and how much lead.
Hi David,
Absolutely. You can accomplish this by adding weight to the grip by using a different type of grip that weighs a bit more, adding an overgrip(s), or adding tungsten putty inside the handle by removing the butt cap.
How much you’ll need to add should be measured with a balance board to achieve the desired effect.
All the best,
Jon
I’m still struggling with this new technology. I’ve been playing tennis for 30 years and play to a good standard. I currently play with a Head Prestige tour Youtek (320g) which I thought was more head heavy. I am looking for a similar type of racket to change to, does anyone have any ideas which might be the best option?
Many thanks
Andy
Hi Andy,
I’m familiar with the racquet but haven’t been able to dig up the 320g version and the rest of its specs. Would you be able to search for your racquet online to dig up the exact specs so I can provide some recommendations for you?
One place to start would be with Head’s current line of Prestige racquets that would serve as the modern replacement.
However, if you’re looking to switch because you’re not a fan of the racquet, then it would be helpful to understand your motivations for changing and what you like and dislike about your current racquet.
All the best,
Jon
I don’t understand how two racquets with the same static weight and balance can have different swingweights.
Hi JP,
Two reasons come to mind for why you might be seeing this discrepancy.
First, if the racquets you are comparing are different lengths, then this would be the culprit as points don’t compare across racquets of differing lengths. Instead, you’d want to look at balance as a measurement from the butt of the racquet to its balance point. These are sometimes listed on websites, but not always, which can make it tricky.
The other reason is that could be cause for confusion is rounding. A point equals 1/8 an inch. If the measurements are different, but they’re both rounded in the same direction, then you can end up with a slightly different swingweight.
Here’s an example for context:
Wilson XP1 Racquet
Prince Textreme Premier 110 Racquets
As you can see, they are both rounded up to 2 points HH, but the actual measurements are slightly different, resulting in a minor change in the swingweight. Here’s a third racquet to show how the length changes things as well:
Volkl V-Feel 2
Great question – I hope that helps.
All the best,
Jon
if a 2 pt HL and a 4 pt HL is available for play.. which is lighter in head and heavier in handle?
Hi Steve,
All things being equal, the 4 pt HL racquet would have more weight distributed toward the handle, while the 2pt HL racquet would have slightly less toward the handle. However, both have most of their weight distributed in the direction of the handle.
All the best,
Jon
What does 7 points head light mean?
Hi Harshil,
7 pts HL refers to the balance point, which in this case, is closer to the racquet’s handle. In other words, more weight is distributed in the direction of the handle.
All the best,
Jon
Dear Jon,
My current raquet weights 289 g (10.2 oz) and has balance 33 – 4 pts HL. Which would be the result with other 4 pts HL raquet if the weight is more or if it is less?
Thank you for your advisement.
Walter Pérez
Hi Walter,
I’m not 100% sure I follow, but racquets of differing weights can have the same balance, i.e., 4 pts HL. A heavier or lighter racquet with the same balance would be a preference for the player selecting the racquet. One isn’t necessarily better or worse. Hopefully, that helps!
Al the best,
Jon
I use Artengo and when i play , after sometimes i get some pain in hand especially after the serve.
Is it because of the vibration during the serve or should i prefer HL over HH? or what will be the best fit ?
any idea.. ?
Hi Pete,
The pain you’re experiencing in your hand can be the result of a variety of different factors, and while the balance of your racquet could be a contributing factor, it may not be the root cause.
For example, if you’re serving with improper technique or using a racquet that is too heavy, then these could also be the cause. My main recommendation would be to check in with a doctor.
As a general rule, players that are looking to reduce shock and vibration to their arm will opt for racquets with heavier frames that feature HH balance and lower stiffness ratings. The combination of these attributes will typically lend themselves to more comfortable tennis racquets.
All the best,
Jon
Hey Jon,
Follow up question, let’s suppose you have an x headlight racket, you add 7g to the handle (under the butt cap) and 4 grams to 12 o’clock. What’s the new head light balance?
Planning to buy a tennis racket online, but it is confusing for because i don’t know what is the weight written in the racket itself. For example, written in tennis racket; let say weight=10.9 oz. I don’t know if this is strung weight or unstrung weight. pls. clarify
Hi Robert,
The weight printed on a tennis racquet is the unstrung weight.
All the best,
Jon
Dear Jon
My daughter is 13 years old her weight is 56 kg and her hieght is 162 cm she is carrying a Wilson burn 280gm and we need to upgrade to blade 290gm would that be harmful I need advice please
BR
Suzy
Hi Suzan,
Happy to help – thanks for stopping by.
Your daughter is right on the cusp of what I’d consider an acceptable height and age range for moving to the Wilson Blade 104 v7.
My gut reaction is that it sounds premature. Although the racquet is only 10 grams heavier, it’s also a half-inch or 1.27 cm longer.
Many kids her age would be moving from a 26 inch (66 cm) racquet to a full-sized 27 inch (69 cm). I realize she’s already using a full-sized racquet, but based on her age, I’d imagine it hasn’t been much more than a year or so that she’s been using it. When it comes to kids, I like to err on the side of caution to protect their health and ensure they can enjoy the game injury-free for years to come.
The other factors that I’d take into consideration when advising a young player would be their skill level and build or strength. As her parent, you’re best equipped along with a coach to consider these factors when making the change.
Hopefully, these thoughts help you in your decision-making process.
All the best,
Jon
Hi Jon, I’m 63, a regular recreational doubles player, currently using Wilson Prostaff RF97LS, which is 3 pts HL, 306g (10.8 oz) strung, and 97 sq.in. head size. I would like to move to a lighter racquet, of slightly larger head size (not more than 105 sq.in., and head-light. Can you suggest some racquets that I can try out?
Hi Venkat,
Thanks for stopping by and asking a question – happy to help.
For now, I’m going to assume you’re looking to stay in the Wilson family of tennis racquets, here are three worth checking.
All of them feature a 100 square inch head size and are a bit lighter, but it’s not much, so you can easily add a bit of weight to any of these if you’d like a bit more substance.
Wilson Blade 100L v7
Wilson Ultra 100L v3
Wilson Clash 100L
The Clash will feel the most dramatically different, but I threw it in there as an option because many players are surprised by how much they like it, so it’s worth a demo to see what you think.
If you’re looking to move outside of the Wilson family, I’d be happy to provide a few extra recommendations to check out. Also, it would be helpful to understand why you’re looking to change racquets and what you like and dislike about your current racquet.
All the best,
Jon