CUSTOM WEIGHTING
WEIGHT GLOSSARY
Swing Weight
Evaluates the perceived heaviness of the paddle during a swing, based on
how its weight is distributed.
Twist Weight
Measures the paddle’s resistance to twisting when striking the ball off- center. A paddle that twists more will have reduced stability. A higher twist weight generally indicates a larger sweet spot.
Balance Point
Indicates the distance from the butt of the handle to the paddle’s center of gravity, measured in centimeters. A higher balance point signifies that the center of gravity is further from the handle, affecting the paddle’s head heaviness.
Head Heavy
Refers to the degree of head heaviness, determined by the balance point measurement. Paddles with a higher swing weight will have a greater head heavy rating compared to those with a lighter swing weight. Typically, a higher head heavy rating results in a more powerful hit.
Paddle (Static) Weight
The weight of the paddle as measured on a scale. While this weight is frequently referenced, it is the least critical measurement for performance.
Why is twist weight crucial?
Traditionally, players focus primarily on the static or overall weight of their paddles. It’s common to hear someone ask, “What’s the weight of your paddle?” rather than “What’s the twist weight?”
With more understanding, we hope to see twist weight become a standard topic of discussion. This metric plays a significant role in a paddle's overall performance. Simply put, a higher twist weight typically means a larger sweet spot. If a paddle already has a high twist weight, adding the right amount of weight can further expand the sweet spot, making the game easier and improving your performance on the court.
Paddles with low twist weight, like many edgeless designs, are less forgiving on off-center hits. For example, our edgeless KC1 16mm has a twist weight of 6.50 while our CF3 paddles with 14 mm and 16 mm thicknesses boast some of the highest twist weight ratings available. The CF3 14mm and CF3 Power have an average twist weight of 6.70, while the CF3 16mm Control averages 6.80. By strategically adding lead weight, we can boost the twist weight by over 10% from its original value. This results in fewer mishits and better control. Paddles with low twist weight fall short in comparison, and our high twist weight paddles provide players with a superior chance for consistent, high-quality shots.