A racket's average weight is 300 grams (about 10.6 ounces). Light is defined as weighing less than 285 grams (10 ounces). It is termed hefty if it weighs more than 310 grams (or 11 ounces).
The heavier the ball you hit, the more energy you will need to produce with your arm. As a result, the heavier the racket, the better it will suit you. Of course, you can always buy a new one but then again, so can I!
The most important thing when choosing a tennis racket is your height as well as your reach. A lighter racket will allow you to swing harder and farther. Also worth considering is the type of game you play - do you prefer fast shots or long rallies? If you are a beginner, try out some light models before you start playing seriously. That way, you will know what kind of strokes require how much power.
Another factor that affects the weight of a tennis racket is the material it is made of. Fiberglass-wrapped frames are lighter than wooden ones. Carbon fiber is even lighter yet durable enough for high-level players. The bigger the string pattern, the lighter the frame will be. The larger the sweet spot, the easier it will be for you to hit hard shots.
The weight of a racket also varies between 7 ounces (200 g) unstrung and 12.6 ounces (360 g) strung. Rackets weighing "medium" were manufactured until the 1980s. "Heavy" rackets were produced during the height of the wood era (e.g., the 1960s) very sparingly. They are now being manufactured again because many players like the feel of a heavier ball-bat.
On average, a wooden racket weighs about 9 ounces (250 g). The heaviest known wooden racket measures 14 oz. (400 g), while the lightest one can be as low as 7 oz. (200 g).
During the early years of the game, rackets were made from tree branches with the bark on or removed. These early rackets were extremely heavy, often weighing more than 10 pounds (5 kg). By the late 18th century, English manufacturers began producing rackets from imported Indian rosewood. These rackets were much lighter than their wooden predecessors but still weighed around 8 pounds (3.5 kg).
In the United States, early rackets were usually made from white oak while those produced later in the 19th century were generally made from maple. On average, American rackets weigh about 9 ounces (250 g).
Today's rackets are mostly made from synthetic materials such as plastic, glass, metal, or carbon fiber. Some modern rackets are even made from wood!
The materials used in today's rackets are evolving (although they are sticking to having graphite mixtures). They may be as light as 7 ounces. Rackets haven't evolved significantly in material since the development of graphite. All rackets use graphite for flexibility and stability while retaining exceptional power. The only real difference between the various brands is how they decorate the frame and what type of strings they use.
There are two main types of frames: open and closed. An open frame will have no cover over the top, bottom, or sides of the frame when viewed from the side. A closed frame will have a cover over all or part of the frame. Most modern rackets are now closed because they offer better protection for the rubber/gum string bed. Also, closed frames allow for more precise molding of the frame shape which produces a more consistent ball flight.
There are also different sizes of rackets for different players. There are small rackets for younger children, medium-sized ones for older kids, and large ones for adults. These differences are mainly based on weight; thus, the heavier the racket the more able you are to produce power strokes. For example, an adult who can lift 50 pounds easily would not be able to lift a child's racket.
The size of the tennis court determines which category of racket you need.
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