Choosing a tennis racket: weight, balance and grip
Weight and balance determine how manoeuvrable and powerful a racket is, and the grip must allow a finger to fit between the fingertips and the palm when held, because the wrong size forces over gripping and causes elbow problems.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- Unstrung weight usually runs 270 to 310 grams.
- Grips are numbered L0 to L5 on the European scale.
- A larger head is more forgiving on off centre hits.
- A grip that is too small is a frequent cause of elbow pain.
A racket does not improve a game, but the wrong racket makes it worse and charges the arm for it within weeks.
Weight and balance
A light racket is easy to handle and lets the swing accelerate, but it transmits more vibration and absorbs powerful balls less well. A heavy one gives stability and penetration in exchange for demanding more of the arm and of the technique. Balance shows where the mass sits: towards the head gives power and less control, towards the handle the reverse.
| Level | Unstrung weight | Head size |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 255 to 275 g | 645 to 690 cm² |
| Intermediate | 275 to 295 g | 630 to 660 cm² |
| Advanced | 295 to 320 g | 600 to 645 cm² |
| Competition | 305 to 340 g | 580 to 630 cm² |
| Head heavy balance | more power | less control |
| Handle heavy balance | more control | less power |
| Usual price | 80 to 280 € |
The grip
Measured on the European scale from L0 to L5, in steps of about 3 millimetres of circumference. The practical test: holding the racket in a forehand grip, the index finger of the other hand should fit between the fingertips and the base of the thumb. If it does not fit, the grip is too small; if there is space to spare, too large. In doubt take the smaller, since it can be built up with an overgrip.
Why a small grip hurts
With too thin a handle the hand squeezes harder to stabilise the racket at impact, and that sustained forearm contraction is one of the factors associated with elbow pain in recreational players. Adding an overgrip increases the circumference by roughly one size and costs 3 € to 8 €, making it the cheapest intervention available for preventing the problem.
Overgrips should be changed every 8 to 15 hours of play, because once hardened they lose the absorption that justifies them.
Before buying
Try it. Many clubs and shops lend demo rackets for 2 or 3 days at 10 € to 25 €, usually deducted from the purchase. Two sessions with a candidate tell you far more than any specification sheet. And for players with a history of arm trouble, prioritise moderate weight, handle heavy balance and a soft string over any other consideration.
Frequently asked
+What weight should I choose?
255 to 275 grams as a beginner, 275 to 295 at intermediate level and more when advanced.
+How do I find my grip size?
A finger should fit between the fingertips and the base of the thumb when holding the racket.
+Larger or smaller grip?
In doubt the smaller, since it can be built up with an overgrip for 3 € to 8 €.
+Why does my elbow hurt?
Often from a grip that is too small forcing over gripping, or from string tension that is too high.
+Can I try before buying?
Yes. Clubs and shops lend demo rackets for 10 € to 25 €, usually deducted from the purchase.
Sources
- 1Ministerio de Sanidad, Gobierno de España (August 2026)
- 2Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)