Racquet feels extremely heavy, but specs say otherwise. Reasons?

[TripleSSS]

Hey folks,
Just curious about racquet specs because I have a racquet that feels so much heavier and harder to swing than other racquets with similar specs.
And I just want to know what reasons could there be that may affect this.
Racquet in question is a Yonex Regna 98 (2019) stock + wilson overgrip.
98 Sq Head, 310g unstrung (although im not sure if this is with leather grip or not), 326 strung weight, 322 swing weight (im assuming strung), 7pts HL.
Nothing that out of the ordinary.
I've used RF97A, Gravity Pro, and this Regna just feels heavier than these, which spec wise should be far lighter in swing weight. Although have to give Regna points because its also more stable than these.
For similar spec racquets I've tried, Yonex VCore 95 with weight added to 12, Babolat Pure Aero 98 with weight to 12, Pro Staff 97 v13/14. Wilson Shift Pro.
PA 98 apparently should have heavier swing weight than the Regna but it feels like a toy compared to it, Regna is alot heavier feeling and harder to swing.
Shift Pro, PS 97, both also much easier to swing than Regna.
This whole thing just made me thinking that is there a something hidden other than typical specs that could make a racquet feel that much heavier than its actual listed specs and outclass racquets that are heavier?
Hoping some racquet guru can enlighten me.

 

[naturalexponent]

You say “assuming” strung for sw. Does that mean you’re relying on published specs or specs someone else measured? If so, could be actual specs are different. Could also be high twistweight.

 

[esgee48]

Specs are not the same as measurements. Actual measurement of mass, balance and SW would probably yield more meaningful comparisons. The Regna may be spot on, but the others may be light. Manufacturers have tolerances which can really screw up feel.

 

[TripleSSS]

You say “assuming” strung for sw. Does that mean you’re relying on published specs or specs someone else measured? If so, could be actual specs are different. Could also be high twistweight.

Yes, I can only measure static weight, can't measure actual swing weight, but I have only mentioned racquets I have 2 of have extensively played with. I'm just assuing the Regna would be near spec just because its a Regna and the others are near spec from experience.

 

[TripleSSS]

Specs are not the same as measurements. Actual measurement of mass, balance and SW would probably yield more meaningful comparisons. The Regna may be spot on, but the others may be light. Manufacturers have tolerances which can really screw up feel.

Yes, I understand that racquets may not be to manufacturers spec but I also forgot to mention that I have measured static weight, but not swing weight. However, I also do have 2 copies of each racquet I have listed and also using heavier racquets like RF97A Gravity Pro and lighter racquets as comparison, I feel like I can say I have done enough testing and research that the racquets are very similar to said manufacturers spec as I have tried my best to match them by adding weight and such.
Swingweight is iffy as no proper way other than mad testing and comparisons. Balance weight was measured using makeshift method which could come close but I doubt very accurate.

 

[vokazu]

Yes, I can only measure static weight, can't measure actual swing weight, but I have only mentioned racquets I have 2 of have extensively played with. I'm just assuing the Regna would be near spec just because its a Regna and the others are near spec from experience.

You can measure Swing weight on your own by doing a do-it-yourself method, as described by Tennis Warehouse University. You will need two chopsticks or two pencils and a heavy object like thick books and a table and a stopwatch and a ruler/measuring tape.

Read all the details here:

Tennis Racquet Swingweight Calculator

A tennis racquet customization tool that allows the user to manually measure the swingweight of his own racquet.

twu.tennis-warehouse.com

Do-It-Yourself Swingweight

Do-it-yourself method of determining your racquet's swingweight, perhaps the most important racquet spec.

twu.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[Shroud]

Hey folks,
Just curious about racquet specs because I have a racquet that feels so much heavier and harder to swing than other racquets with similar specs.
And I just want to know what reasons could there be that may affect this.
Racquet in question is a Yonex Regna 98 (2019) stock + wilson overgrip.
98 Sq Head, 310g unstrung (although im not sure if this is with leather grip or not), 326 strung weight, 322 swing weight (im assuming strung), 7pts HL.
Nothing that out of the ordinary.
I've used RF97A, Gravity Pro, and this Regna just feels heavier than these, which spec wise should be far lighter in swing weight. Although have to give Regna points because its also more stable than these.
For similar spec racquets I've tried, Yonex VCore 95 with weight added to 12, Babolat Pure Aero 98 with weight to 12, Pro Staff 97 v13/14. Wilson Shift Pro.
PA 98 apparently should have heavier swing weight than the Regna but it feels like a toy compared to it, Regna is alot heavier feeling and harder to swing.
Shift Pro, PS 97, both also much easier to swing than Regna.
This whole thing just made me thinking that is there a something hidden other than typical specs that could make a racquet feel that much heavier than its actual listed specs and outclass racquets that are heavier?
Hoping some racquet guru can enlighten me.

Are you up for some experimenting?

 

[TripleSSS]

Are you up for some experimenting?

Hell yeah

 

[Shroud]

Hell yeah

Ok. Get some blue tack or poster putty and wrap it at the top of the handle. Do about 20-30g on the sluggish/ heavy racquet and see what happens. Report back

 

[A_Instead]

Twist weight also is part of the equation.

 

[TripleSSS]

Twist weight also is part of the equation.

Oh I'll look it up but could you explain how a high twist weight would make a racquet feel heavier and less manoeuvrable?

 

[esgee48]

TW is what keeps the racquet from twisting in your hand when you hit the ball off center. By it very nature, they also prevent the frame from being moved by the wrist (flip at end) easily except in a linear fashion. High TW is anything higher than 15 kg-cm² ime. Too low a TW results in racquet instability.

 

[fuzz nation]

Yes, I understand that racquets may not be to manufacturers spec but I also forgot to mention that I have measured static weight, but not swing weight. However, I also do have 2 copies of each racquet I have listed and also using heavier racquets like RF97A Gravity Pro and lighter racquets as comparison, I feel like I can say I have done enough testing and research that the racquets are very similar to said manufacturers spec as I have tried my best to match them by adding weight and such.
Swingweight is iffy as no proper way other than mad testing and comparisons. Balance weight was measured using makeshift method which could come close but I doubt very accurate.

If you're trying to compare a couple different racquets to each other in terms of measuring balance points, you can do that easily enough by just balancing each one on the edge of a table or counter top over a tape measure running straight away from the edge. Not hard to figure down to 1/8" (each 1/8" is one point of balance) where the balance point is from one frame to the next.

I personally don't get too preoccupied with "swing weights" because they can be potentially quiet misleading. Two frames can have identical swing weights while also having substantially different balances and swing personalities. I know that I'm better off looking for the combo of static weight, balance, and flex that are in the neighborhood of what I prefer in a racquet when trying to sort out what may or may not work for me.

 

[TripleSSS]

Ok. Get some blue tack or poster putty and wrap it at the top of the handle. Do about 20-30g on the sluggish/ heavy racquet and see what happens. Report back

Not sure if I did it right, but added about 15g weight to bottom of throat, around where tape goes to hold grip in place.
Feels the same to swing the racquet tbh just bit heavier to hold. Maybe more easier to flick the racquet during swing? Stability is still off the chart.

 

[Shroud]

Not sure if I did it right, but added about 15g weight to bottom of throat, around where tape goes to hold grip in place.
Feels the same to swing the racquet tbh just bit heavier to hold. Maybe more easier to flick the racquet during swing? Stability is still off the chart.

Cool. Its best to hit since its easier to notice the change while hitting. Add a bit more weight too. Ideally if you use the putty you can add or remove at will.

 

[TripleSSS]

Update. Did a scuffed self home measurement of SW, balance point.
Pure Aero 98 #1:
326g strung weight
32.8cm balance
332 swing weight

Pure Aero 98 #2:
323g strung weight
32.2cm balance
317 swing weight (definitely felt this)

Regna 98:
326g strung weight (replaced leather for synthetic for test)
33cm balance (honestly, this number looks scuffed, not sure when to measure, like how much end of grip lifts)
331 swing weight
Definitely feels ALOT heavier than PA98 #1 when swinging though.

 

[Yamin]

Weight location maybe... Yonex rackets have more weight in the upper handle or lower throat makes them a bit harder to maneuver

 

[naturalexponent]

Update. Did a scuffed self home measurement of SW, balance point.
Pure Aero 98 #1:
326g strung weight
32.8cm balance
332 swing weight

Pure Aero 98 #2:
323g strung weight
32.2cm balance
317 swing weight (definitely felt this)

Regna 98:
326g strung weight (replaced leather for synthetic for test)
33cm balance (honestly, this number looks scuffed, not sure when to measure, like how much end of grip lifts)
331 swing weight
Definitely feels ALOT heavier than PA98 #1 when swinging though.

Why replace the grip for the test?

 

[TripleSSS]

Why replace the grip for the test?

Just wanted to see if having a lower static weight by changing to a synthetic replacement grip would change if it becomes easier to swing.

 

[tele]

Yes, I can only measure static weight, can't measure actual swing weight, but I have only mentioned racquets I have 2 of have extensively played with. I'm just assuing the Regna would be near spec just because its a Regna and the others are near spec from experience.

yonex does not specify swingweight, so there is technically not a "correct" spec for it. tennis warehouse just posts average strung specs. did you buy it new?

 

[tophersuwita]

Oot, do PA98 need more weight at hoop? Isn't its plow enough and we need to tailweight it a bit?

 

[TripleSSS]

Oot, do PA98 need more weight at hoop? Isn't its plow enough and we need to tailweight it a bit?

The 98 is more head heavy than the PA VS. I have a pretty modern groundstroke where both my forehand and 1hbh naturally put a lot of spin. But as I grew up using the Pro staff 90sq inch RF edition, I also need and like some ploughthrough.
I personally don't think you need to make the PA 98 more tail heavy for balance reasons. Only reason I would is for just increased stability.

 

[EggSalad]

Weight location maybe... Yonex rackets have more weight in the upper handle or lower throat makes them a bit harder to maneuver

This is along the lines of what I was going to say. Placement & distribution of weight can make two racquets with identical specs swing much differently.

When racquets have high static weight(335g+), low swing weight (320ish) but are in the 6-7 pts HL range, I find them very sluggish. In that scenario a lot of the weight is in the lower hoop, throat and upper handle.

While probably not 100% true, I typically find that adding weight by polarizing the frame (in the butt cap or at 12 o’clock) will help a racquet swing easier even if you are adding static weight bus doing that.

 

[TripleSSS]

This is along the lines of what I was going to say. Placement & distribution of weight can make two racquets with identical specs swing much differently.

When racquets have high static weight(335g+), low swing weight (320ish) but are in the 6-7 pts HL range, I find them very sluggish. In that scenario a lot of the weight is in the lower hoop, throat and upper handle.

While probably not 100% true, I typically find that adding weight by polarizing the frame (in the butt cap or at 12 o’clock) will help a racquet swing easier even if you are adding static weight bus doing that.

Oh interesting. I just thought simply that static weight, balance and swing weight was just all there is to it and determines how hard it is to swing a racquet.

 

[Ronaldo]

Lead balloon

 

[EggSalad]

Oh interesting. I just thought simply that static weight, balance and swing weight was just all there is to it and determines how hard it is to swing a racquet.

It kind of does but ultimately it’s the relationship between those three numbers that matters because the relationship tells you about the weight distribution.

I recall a review of the Regna where the reviewer liked the racquet a lot more when they took off the leather grip and used a synthetic grip. In that scenario, they probably dropped 5gs of static weight while pushing the balance to be maybe 1.5pts more HH.

Another way you could try that without taking off the grip is to put 2gs of lead at 12 and see if the racquet swings easier for you.

 

[Ronaldo]

Have/had this problem with my Major racquets

 

[TripleSSS]

It kind of does but ultimately it’s the relationship between those three numbers that matters because the relationship tells you about the weight distribution.

I recall a review of the Regna where the reviewer liked the racquet a lot more when they took off the leather grip and used a synthetic grip. In that scenario, they probably dropped 5gs of static weight while pushing the balance to be maybe 1.5pts more HH.

Another way you could try that without taking off the grip is to put 2gs of lead at 12 and see if the racquet swings easier for you.

Oh I actually saw that and tried the same. Didn't really make much of a difference tbh. I actually think I prefer it with the leather grip but then again I use leather grip on all my racquets. Without leather grip, the Regna balance seems to be at 33cm.

 

[Shroud]

This is along the lines of what I was going to say. Placement & distribution of weight can make two racquets with identical specs swing much differently.

When racquets have high static weight(335g+), low swing weight (320ish) but are in the 6-7 pts HL range, I find them very sluggish. In that scenario a lot of the weight is in the lower hoop, throat and upper handle.

While probably not 100% true, I typically find that adding weight by polarizing the frame (in the butt cap or at 12 o’clock) will help a racquet swing easier even if you are adding static weight bus doing that.

Its one reason I can swing my 387g 426sw racquet

 

[tele]

Oh interesting. I just thought simply that static weight, balance and swing weight was just all there is to it and determines how hard it is to swing a racquet.

high twist weight can also make an already heavy racquet feel cumbersome

 

[ZIMING]

I have a regna 98. got the same question. I feel it very head heavy, although the said swing weight is 321. I feel it like 360. I am going to get a regna 100, which supposedly more head light.
Regna98 is very good. great control and power. I can hit some supersonic balls with it. but it hurts my wrist due to this issue.

 

[A_Instead]

I have come across several cases with Yonex frames with very high swing weights.
Swing weight flux has more impact on playability than static weight and balance.

 

[n1mothy]

I have a regna 98. got the same question. I feel it very head heavy, although the said swing weight is 321. I feel it like 360. I am going to get a regna 100, which supposedly more head light.
Regna98 is very good. great control and power. I can hit some supersonic balls with it. but it hurts my wrist due to this issue.

is your racquet measured at 321 swingweight or are you going off specs listed online?

 

[tele]

I have a regna 98. got the same question. I feel it very head heavy, although the said swing weight is 321. I feel it like 360. I am going to get a regna 100, which supposedly more head light.
Regna98 is very good. great control and power. I can hit some supersonic balls with it. but it hurts my wrist due to this issue.

The 100 is more head heavy (325 mm balance point vs 315 for the 98). It might have a lower swingweight, but it is not more head light.

【レグナ 98|02RGN98】ヨネックス【公式】オンラインショップ

【レグナ 98|02RGN98】ヨネックス【公式】オンラインショップ。5,000円以上ご購入で送料当社負担。ご購入額の５％分をポイント還元。

yonexshop.jp

【レグナ 100|02RGN100】ヨネックス【公式】オンラインショップ

【レグナ 100|02RGN100】ヨネックス【公式】オンラインショップ。5,000円以上ご購入で送料当社負担。ご購入額の５％分をポイント還元。

yonexshop.jp

 

[ZIMING]

is your racquet measured at 321 swingweight or are you going off specs listed online?

I got its swing weight of 321 from racketfinder.com on line. I didn't have it measured at stringer yet.

 

[topspn]

Oot, do PA98 need more weight at hoop? Isn't its plow enough and we need to tailweight it a bit?

Depends! Maybe you get a low SW PA98 and rightfully so you’d feel you need more SW. I got mine and specifically asked for higher SW. I’m at 331SW strung and don’t need any additional weight in the hoop. Just added a leather grip.

 

[ZIMING]

The 100 is more head heavy (325 mm balance point vs 315 for the 98). It might have a lower swingweight, but it is not more head light.

【レグナ 98|02RGN98】ヨネックス【公式】オンラインショップ

【レグナ 98|02RGN98】ヨネックス【公式】オンラインショップ。5,000円以上ご購入で送料当社負担。ご購入額の５％分をポイント還元。

yonexshop.jp

【レグナ 100|02RGN100】ヨネックス【公式】オンラインショップ

【レグナ 100|02RGN100】ヨネックス【公式】オンラインショップ。5,000円以上ご購入で送料当社負担。ご購入額の５％分をポイント還元。

yonexshop.jp

thanks a lot tele for the information you provided. I will post my feel of regna 100 in a few days

 

[n1mothy]

I got its swing weight of 321 from racketfinder.com on line. I didn't have it measured at stringer yet.

The 321 listed online is going to be an average number from a few sample racquets. It's unlikely that yours is exactly 321 SW, there is a lot of variance between individual racquets. If it feels heavy it's probably because it's actually higher than 321.