Why do some blades feel heavier, but are not actually heavier?

[TensorBackhand]

I have 2 paddles setup in front of me. The XVT ZL600 and the Yinhe Pro 03, both with Chinese rubbers on it.

The Pro 03 weighs just 189g, and the ZL600 weighs 193g.

But when I hold the paddles, the 03 feels much heavier and hard to maneuver. I'm not totally sure why.

I think it has something to do with the handle. The 03 handle is bigger, and thus makes it harder to maneuver. Also the handle is smoother, so it doesn't grip as well as if it is slippery.

 

[Lazer]

A weigh distribution towards the head increases the momrentum. Thus higher weight distribution feels heavier…

Cheers
L-zr

 

[TensorBackhand]

A weigh distribution towards the head increases the momrentum. Thus higher weight distribution feels heavier…

Cheers
L-zr

In this case, actually the ZL600 is more head heavy. But it still feels ligher than the Pro 03

 

[Der_Echte]

I have 2 paddles setup in front of me. The XVT ZL600 and the Yinhe Pro 03, both with Chinese rubbers on it.

The Pro 03 weighs just 189g, and the ZL600 weighs 193g.

But when I hold the paddles, the 03 feels much heavier and hard to maneuver. I'm not totally sure why.

I think it has something to do with the handle. The 03 handle is bigger, and thus makes it harder to maneuver. Also the handle is smoother, so it doesn't grip as well as if it is slippery.

Two biggest factors in play...

1- Balance/distribution of weight.

Weight more forward to tip of blade, even by a little will make it more difficult to whip and inherently feel heavier.

Opposite is true. I did it with the Stiga Allround Evolution blade, changed from 80s grams to almost120s grams... and it felt LIGHTER

2 - HANDLE shape/size/length

A handle that is shaped and sized (with right length) to fit the hand makes it IMMENSELY EASIER to whip, which will make it fell and operate lighter/easier.

 

[Der_Echte]

If a player has a discus throw like long back swing and mostly catapulting long straight arm kinda looping, the opposite will feel true.

Such a looper craves a head heavy setup... for such a player, a lower center of weight will make it more difficult to loop... there is not much assistance from the heavy end of the bat where the player engages that due to his kind of looping.

 

[TensorBackhand]

Two biggest factors in play...

1- Balance/distribution of weight.

Weight more forward to tip of blade, even by a little will make it more difficult to whip and inherently feel heavier.

Opposite is true. I did it with the Stiga Allround Evolution blade, changed from 80s grams to almost120s grams... and it felt LIGHTER

2 - HANDLE shape/size/length

A handle that is shaped and sized (with right length) to fit the hand makes it IMMENSELY EASIER to whip, which will make it fell and operate lighter/easier.

My experience is that head heavy racket feels heavier when swinging in the air, but feels lighter when looping a heavy ball.

The head heaviness actually provides stronger catch and impact on the ball, and makes it feel lighter when hitting heavy balls.

 

[Der_Echte]

My experience is that head heavy racket feels heavier when swinging in the air, but feels lighter when looping a heavy ball.

The head heaviness actually provides stronger catch and impact on the ball, and makes it feel lighter when hitting heavy balls.

As there is zero singular correct answer in TT, I can accept this.

Some players with a certain type of swing and impact have built their swing this way and it is what they know, crave, and value.

Those who have grooved their swing, impact, and equipment have pretty much optimized what it takes to swing/impact this way efficiently deliver that kind of generated and amplified energy to the ball using such technique.

I do not discourage this kind of approach at all, but it is certainly not my preference or what I see as efficient and usable in most incoming ball situations.

Those who loop and flip over the table who need to use a stroke that starts out static and is not that large will feel impeded by head heavy equipment...

... but it only Der_Echte's personal preference and certainly not a national requirement.

 

[Der_Echte]

There are no 100% solutions to equipment and technique... and there are trade-offs. You made you evaluation of what is important and chose what you valued. Every player should do their own evaluation like you did and figure out how they want to roll. At least you put thought into it and discovered what path to go and what will work for you.

There are SO MANY players who have not done this well and struggle with what to use and how to play.

Overall, you did well for yourself IMO and do not feel discouraged if any of my opinions contrast with your selected vision of TT. I agree you used a solid process to get to where you are.