This article provides a brief overview of the different tennis racket weight classes and who they’re best suited for.
Note: Tennis racket weights are typically listed as unstrung weights without the strings.
- Heavier Rackets (11.11 ounces / 315 grams and up)
- Average Rackets (around 10.6 ounces / 300 grams)
- Light Rackets (10.4–9.35 ounces / 295–265 grams)
- Ultra Light Rackets (9.35–8.82 ounces / 265-250 grams)
- Junior Rackets (4-8 ounces / 115-230 grams)
- Read More
Heavier Rackets (11.11 ounces / 315 grams and up)
Designed for: Advanced players
Heavier tennis rackets are designed for advanced players, as they are more challenging to maneuver and less agile. Additionally, because of the added weight, these rackets generate less power compared to lighter models.
However, the advantage of the extra weight is improved stability, control, precision, and ball feel — making them the top choice for players who prioritize consistency and touch. Most rackets in this weight range are usually control rackets.
Heavy Racket Examples by Brands
| Brand and Series | Weight |
|---|---|
| Wilson Pro Staff | 11.11 ounces / 315 grams |
| Babolat Pure Strike | 11.11 ounces / 315 grams |
| Head Prestige | 11.11 ounces / 315 grams and up |
| Yonex Percept | 11.11 ounces / 315 grams and up (except lighter models) |
| Dunlop CX | 11.11 ounces / 315 grams and up (except lighter models) |
| Diadem Elevate Tour | 11.11 ounces / 315 grams |
Average Rackets (around 10.6 ounces / 300 grams)
Designed for: Adult players of all skill levels and advanced junior players
A typical premium tennis racket weighs around 10.6 ounces (300 grams). It offers a good mix of maneuverability, stability, and power, making it a solid choice for players of all skill levels. Most rackets in this weight range are either all-around or power rackets.
For some players, a 10.6-ounce racket might feel a bit too middle-of-the-road, so they can either move up to a 10.8-ounce (305 grams) racket or heavier, or down to a 10.4-ounce (295 grams) racket for a lighter feel.
| Brand and Series | Weight |
|---|---|
| Wilson (almost every series has one model) | 10.6 ounces / 300 grams |
| Babolat (Almost every series has one model) | 10.6 ounces / 300 grams |
| Head (Almost every series has one model) | 10.6 ounces / 300 grams |
| Yonex (Almost every series has one model) | 10.6 ounces / 300 grams |
| Dunlop (almost every series has one model) | 10.6 ounces / 300 grams |
| Diadem (almost every series has one model) | 10.6 ounces / 300 grams |
Light Rackets (10.4–9.35 ounces / 295–265 grams)
Designed for: Beginner and intermediate adult players and advanced junior players
Light rackets are lighter versions of standard models, designed to offer players a more agile and sometimes power-producing experience. They provide a more forgiving feel compared to their standard counterparts.
Light rackets are an excellent choice for adult beginners, as their reduced weight makes it easier to develop proper technique. Additionally, intermediate junior players can benefit from light rackets, as they offer advanced technologies and features compared to standard junior rackets, while still maintaining a lighter weight.
You can read more about light rackets here.
| Brand and Series | Weight |
|---|---|
| Babolat (Almost every series has a few models) | 10.4–9.35 ounces / 295–265 grams |
| Head (Almost every series has a few models) | 10.4–9.35 ounces / 295–265 grams |
| Yonex (Almost every series has a few models) | 10.4–9.35 ounces / 295–265 grams |
| Dunlop (almost every series has a few models) | 10.4–9.35 ounces / 295–265 grams |
| Diadem (almost every series has a few models) | 10.4–9.35 ounces / 295–265 grams |
| Diadem (almost every series has few models) | 10.4–9.35 ounces / 295–265 grams |
Ultra Light Rackets (9.35–8.82 ounces / 265-250 grams)
Designed for: Beginner and intermediate adult players, seniors, and intermediate junior players
Ultra-light rackets are the lightest series of adult-sized rackets, designed to offer best-in-class maneuverability, agility, and forgiveness.
Due to their lightweight construction, they’re a great choice for senior players seeking an easy-to-handle premium racket with good features, or intermediate junior players transitioning to adult-sized rackets.
Lighter rackets allow players to focus on building proper technique without tiring out quickly or putting too much strain on the arm
It’s important to note that standard ultra-light rackets don’t offer the same level of stability as heavier rackets, with the exception of senior rackets.
You can read more about senior rackets here.
| Brand and Series | Weight |
|---|---|
| Babolat (Almost every series has a few models) | 9.35–8.82 ounces / 265-250 grams |
| Head (Almost every series has a few models) | 9.35–8.82 ounces / 265-250 grams |
| Yonex (Almost every series has a few models) | 9.35–8.82 ounces / 265-250 grams |
| Dunlop (almost every series has a few models) | 9.35–8.82 ounces / 265-250 grams |
| Diadem (almost every series has a few models) | 9.35–8.82 ounces / 265-250 grams |
| Diadem (almost every series has a few models) | 9.35–8.82 ounces / 265-250 grams |
Junior Rackets (4-8 ounces / 115-230 grams)
Designed for: Younger Beginner junior players
Junior rackets are the lightest premium tennis rackets, specifically designed for kids and young players who are learning the game. They are smaller and lighter than adult rackets, making them easier for children to hold, swing, and control.
While junior rackets don’t have the same high-end materials or technologies as adult models, that’s perfectly fine—they’re made to be used with softer balls and on smaller courts, which suits young players just starting out.
You can read more about junior rackets here.
