When we think of “tolerance” we think of traffic, noise, and generally putting up with things, but normally we don’t think of tennis racquets!

However, we should!  Tolerance means “what are the allowable variations between racquets of the same model”.  Not all racquet manufacturers are the same but it would be a good guess the tolerance will be plus or minus 7 grams for example in total weight and maybe plus or minus 2 points for balance.  A “point” is ⅛ of an inch so that is potentially a ½ inch difference!  You can see in the picture why there can be variations.  A lot of parts!

While “swing weight” is a very important characteristic it is difficult for manufacturers to match that so they will generally add a little weight in the rear end of the racquet to make the static balance the same.

In case you don’t recognize it plus or minus 7 grams adds up to about half an ounce!

For example one racquet can weigh 300 grams and another 314 grams with the specification of 307 grams showing up on header cards and advertising!  Please know that racquet manufactures try their best to make all “performance” racquets the same.  They do not purposefully make out of spec racquets!

But if they miss the mark…

This is where “customization” comes in handy.  So don’t worry too much if your “tolerance” is “intolerable”.  It can be fixed!