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Swingweight differences

Q: I have a question about swingweight. I understand that two racquets can have different weights and balances while having the same swing weight. My question is if I have two racquets that are the same model, the same weight, and the same balance, will the swingweight be the same? It makes sense to me that the two racquets would have the same swingweight, but I have two of the exact same racquets, which have different feels to them. Is this just in my mind?

A: No, it is not necessarily only in your mind. Although it is likely that two racquets of the same make and model, with the same weight and balance, will have similar swingweights, manufacturing tolerances being what they are, there are no guarantees. Any differences could also be amplified by differences in string weight and the type of string dampener used. Finally, keep in mind that—again, depending on tolerances—you could also be feeling differences in flex. USRSA members who don’t have easy access to a Babolat Racquet Diagnostic Center (RDC), which measures swingweight, can always calculate swingweight with a stopwatch and a few simple accessories. For details, see www.RacquetTECH.com/members/tools/swing_weight.html.

From the November 2004 issue
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