Tennis Racket Weight Explained: Strung vs Unstrung and Why It Matters

Racket specs list unstrung weight. You play with a strung racket. The difference is bigger than you think — and balance matters just as much as raw weight.

When you look at a racket's spec sheet, the weight listed is almost always unstrung. Add strings, and you're typically adding 15 to 20 grams depending on the string and tension. That means a racket listed at 295g unstrung weighs roughly 310 to 315g when you actually pick it up to play.

This matters because most buying guides and review sites compare rackets by their unstrung weight, which isn't what you actually swing. Understanding strung weight — and balance — gives you a more accurate picture of how a racket will actually feel.

Light vs heavy rackets

Lighter rackets (under 300g strung) are easier to swing fast and maneuver at the net. They're more forgiving on the arm and better suited for beginners and players with arm injuries. The trade-off is that they provide less stability on off-center hits — when the ball doesn't hit the sweet spot, a light racket twists more in your hand.

Heavier rackets (over 315g strung) provide more stability and plow-through on groundstrokes. They're harder to swing fast, but for players with strong, full swings they provide a more planted, controlled feel. Most advanced players gravitate toward heavier frames.

Balance point

Balance is measured as the distance from the butt cap to the balance point, in centimeters. A standard racket is 27 inches (68.5cm) long, so a balance point of 34.25cm is perfectly even.

Head-heavy rackets (balance above ~33cm for most frames) feel heavier than they are and provide more power on groundstrokes. They're popular in the beginner and intermediate market. Head-light rackets (balance below ~32cm) feel more maneuverable and are preferred by most advanced and professional players.

Swing weight

Swing weight is the most accurate measure of how a racket actually feels in motion, but it's rarely listed on retail spec sheets. It's a calculated value that accounts for both mass and distribution. Two rackets with identical weight and balance can have different swing weights depending on how the mass is distributed along the length of the frame.

If you can find swing weight data for a racket you're considering, it's worth paying attention to. A swing weight between 290 and 320 is typical for recreational players. Above 330 is getting into serious advanced territory.

What most players should look for

If you're a beginner, start with something in the 270 to 290g unstrung range with a slightly head-heavy balance. It will be easy to swing and forgiving. As your technique develops, you can move toward heavier and more evenly balanced frames.