The Pro-Ject 96g Counterweight (029) is a genuine replacement counterweight for Pro-Ject tonearms in the 029 series. At 96g, this is one of the heavier counterweights in the Pro-Ject range, designed to balance the tonearm correctly when used with mid-to-heavyweight cartridges. It is supplied with a calibrated vertical tracking force dial graduated from 0 to 25, allowing precise setting of stylus downforce.
What a Counterweight Does
The counterweight mounts at the rear of the tonearm tube, opposite the cartridge. By threading the counterweight onto the rear stub and rotating it, you set the downforce that the stylus exerts on the record groove. Setting the correct tracking force is essential: too little and the stylus will skip or mistrack; too much and both the stylus and your records will suffer premature wear. Each Pro-Ject tonearm counterweight carries a numerical part code that identifies the correct mass and thread specification for that tonearm family.
96g Weight and Tonearm Compatibility
The 029 series counterweight weighs 96g, placing it towards the heavier end of the Pro-Ject counterweight range. A heavier counterweight is used when the cartridge body mass sits in the typical mid-weight bracket of around 10 to 14 grams, allowing it to sit closer to the pivot point while still achieving correct balance. The 029 designation refers to the thread specification and mount type, ensuring a precise fit on compatible tonearm rear stubs without play or vibration. This counterweight is suited to Pro-Ject tonearms in the 9cc Evolution and 10cc Evolution families, as fitted to a range of Pro-Ject turntables including the RPM 5 Carbon, RPM 9 Carbon, RPM 10 Carbon, X1, 2 Xperience DC, 6 Perspex SB, Xtension 9 SuperPack and Xtension 10. If your existing counterweight has been lost or damaged, or if you are upgrading to a heavier cartridge, this is the correct replacement for 029-series tonearms.
Installation
Thread the counterweight onto the rear stub of the tonearm by hand until it seats securely. With the cartridge and stylus guard fitted, balance the tonearm parallel to the platter surface by adjusting the counterweight position. Once balanced, set the tracking force dial to zero and then rotate the dial to your cartridge manufacturer's recommended VTF figure. Always re-check alignment and anti-skating settings whenever a counterweight is changed.
If you are unsure which counterweight your tonearm uses, please refer to the Pro-Ject counterweight chart or get in touch and we will help identify the correct part.