Racquet Anatomy 101: A frame’s specs reveals much about its playability

Buying a new racquet is a significant investment of time and treasure. With no shortage of worthy options available, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s why it pays to narrow the list to models suitable to your station in the game. Whether beginner, advanced or somewhere in between, racquets are designed with an intended audience. Here are the important specs that can help determine if a racquet is right for you.

Weight

A racquet’s weight is one of its most recognizable and influential factors. Heavier racquets are meant for advanced play where their added stability and power can handle faster ball speeds. The extra mass can also make them more challenging to maneuver, requiring proficient strokes. Lighter racquets forfeit some stability, but are easier to accelerate which can help create pace and depth on shots with less effort.

In recent years, the dividing line between what’s considered light and heavy seems to have be drawn at 300g/10.5 oz. Frames at that weight hit the sweet spot of the popular, mid-weight tweener category—racquets that combine user-friendliness of a game improvement model with some of the playability of a player’s frame. Once the weight climbs to 305g/10.7 oz. and above, the racquet is designed for more accomplished players. On the other hand, as weights decrease, the ability levels migrate from intermediate down to beginners.

Head Size

Just as 300 grams has become par for weight, 100 square inches carries that distinction for head size. The two specs are quite often a package deal. A smaller head size naturally means less hitting surface, making it more challenging to center the ball and hit it cleanly. The upside is heightened control and a more predictable response. A 95 square-inch head is about as small as current frames are sold.

Bigger head sizes go up to around 110 square inches. They’re attractive to newer players as they offer larger hitting areas, have bigger sweet spots with more margin for error, and are often quite light. The string spacing is naturally wider, which can help produce easier pace and spin. The price for the additional size is lessened command over shots.

Advanced Player’s Frames
Head Radical Pro 2023
Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14
Yonex Percept 97D

String Pattern

When describing a frame’s string pattern, the first number represents the mains (vertical) followed by the crosses (horizontal). The most popular configuration is 16x19, which gives the racquet a nice balance of power, spin and control. 18x20 is another well-liked pattern, with its added strings and tighter spacing resulting in less string movement and recoil. They’re attractive to higher-caliber players who seek greater predictability and precision. There are other less common options, such as 18x19 and 16x20, that somewhat split the difference for a best of both worlds.

Length

The length of a frame is generally not instructive. That’s because the overwhelming majority of racquets produced measure out at 27 inches. There are models that are extended beyond this industry standard—27.5 inches is the most common—but they’re found across the whole spectrum of racquets. Extra length provides a longer reach and improved power potential, but they can more difficult to maneuver and control. There are shorter length frames as well, which are primarily intended for young juniors.

Balance

A racquet’s balance reveals how its weight is distributed throughout the frame. If a standard length racquet has an even weight distribution, then its balance point—think of two sides of a seesaw being perfectly level—would be exactly 13.5 inches from the butt handle. Knowing where it balances is worthwhile because it can shed light on its maneuverability and how it might swing through the air, as well as its power potential and stability.

Typically, the heavier the frame, the more of its weight will be portioned toward the handle. Otherwise it would be too burdensome to swing. This doesn’t mean the handle is actually heavier than hoop; the materials inside the frame have just been positioned in relation to the balance point in such a way so that the bottom half behaves heavier.

The opposite is true for lightweight and game improvement frames that generally have more of their weight distributed towards the head. These are frames that typically have a static weight around 10 ounces and below. Like a hammer driving a nail, this brings more of the mass to contact to provide increased hitting power and resist twisting at impact. It can also make a lighter racquet feel heavier through the air than a frame that actually possesses more weight.

Intermediate Player’s Frames
Babolat Pure Aero
Dunlop FX 500
Yonex EZONE 100

Swingweight

An often overlooked metric, swingweight is essentially a measurement of how heavy the racquet will feel in motion. Having a higher swingweight will give a frame more stability at contact and greater hitting power. This is another valuable asset for advanced players who need to deliver and defend bigger shots. They typically look for a racquet with a strung swingweight hovering in the 330 range. A score in the low 300s means the racquet is much more maneuverable, but won’t bring as much substance to impact. Racquet manufacturers rarely have swingweight listed with its specifications, but a knowledgeable retailer will often have a machine that can measure it.

Stiffness

The flexibility of a frame is also a figure not often divulged by manufacturers. However, it’s useful to know as it can often dictate whether a racquet favors power or control, as well as its comfort level. The rating generally ranges from upper 50s (flexible) to low 70s (stiff) and is generated by a special racquet diagnostic machine.

Lighter racquets tend to have a higher rating to compensate for their lack of mass. This gives them extra pop and stability, but potentially more discomfort when contact is off-center. Flexible racquets typically have more weight and thinner beams, which helps absorb shock and is easier on the arm. They also have better control, making them more versatile.

Game Improvement Racquets
Babolat Pure Drive 107
Head Extreme Team L
Wilson Clash 108 v2

As you can see, racquets are separated by much more than snazzy color schemes. Understanding these fundamental specifications and how they affect playability will make your next frame a perfect match. And turn you into a racquet expert in the process.

If you want to conduct a focused racquet search based on any of these criteria as well as detailed product descriptions and reviews, head over to Tennis-Point.com.