OnOff Journal / Buying guides
A weight printed on a product page is useful. It is not a complete description of how the racket will move in your hand. Read the number alongside balance and the setup you actually take on court.
Weight and balance describe different things
Weight describes how heavy the racket is. Balance describes how that weight is distributed along it. A model with more weight towards the head can feel different in a swing from another model with a similar total weight but a balance closer to the handle.
HEAD's buying guide explains the handling trade-off between lighter and heavier rackets, while treating its weight bands as general guidance rather than rules. Use that principle: do not pick a fixed weight solely because you call yourself an intermediate player.
Start with the racket you know
Take your current racket as the reference. Record the full model and year, the published weight or range, and the listed balance. If you have a suitable scale, weigh your actual racket with the grip and protector you use. Label that measurement “my playing setup” so you do not confuse it with a manufacturer's specification.
Use a comparison sheet
| Record | Current racket | Possible replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Exact model and year | Write it down | Match the product listing |
| Published weight / range | Record the source | Ask if missing |
| Published balance | Use the brand's wording or measurement | Do not infer it only from shape |
| Playing setup | Grip, protector, adjustable weights | Use a comparable setup |
| One change wanted | What feels limiting? | What should improve? |
Try ordinary shots before chasing a headline
A useful comparison includes quick volleys, blocks, slower rallies and defensive reactions. If possible, return to your current racket during the same session. This gives you a reference instead of relying on your memory of last week's game.
Change one thing at a time. If you change the racket, grip thickness, balls and adjustable weights together, it becomes harder to explain why the setup feels different. A short note after each trial is more useful than an unsupported “power 10/10” score.
When should you choose lighter or heavier?
Choose a direction based on a concrete problem you can describe, then compare models that could address it. If a racket feels difficult to move, investigate handling and balance alongside weight. If you like the weight of your current racket, there is no requirement to change it when you improve.
The padel racket collection lets you compare models, while our main guide offers an interactive introduction to balance. Ask us for any missing specification before making a purchase.
Reference: HEAD racket selection guide. No weights in this article are presented as a universal prescription.
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