What is 180-gram vinyl and is it better than a standard LP?

Vinyl records have been making a huge comeback for a while now. Their nostalgic charm, warming analogue sound and the ritual of playing attract not only collectors but also new listeners.
But not all records are the same. You may have come across the term 180g LP, or you may already have such a record in your collection at home. But what does it mean? And why can't some turntables play these LPs properly? Let's take a closer look.

What does the LP record grammage mean?

The grammage of an LP record refers to its weight and, indirectly, its thickness. These are the most common types of records for audiophiles:

• 120 - 140 grams: These are the common lighter records that have been made for decades and still make up the majority of production.
• 180 - 190 grams: These records, referred to as "heavyweight vinyl", are thicker, more resistant to distortion, and offer better sound quality when played properly. They are often used for reissues of classic albums or special or limited editions.
• 200 grams and more: These types of records are very rare, usually pressed for special limited editions.

How do I know if I have a 180g LP?

Want to be sure you have a 180g LP? Here are a few quick and easy ways to check:

• Label on the sleeve - Check the label or sticker on the sleeve or directly on the record, which may say "180g vinyl" or "heavyweight vinyl". If there's nothing there, the original sticker may still be on the vinyl, which may have already gone to the bin.
• Edge thickness - Look at it sideways and compare its thickness to regular LPs - if it's thicker, it's probably 180g.
• Weigh it in your hand - If the record feels heavier and thicker compared to a standard LP, there's a good chance it's 180g vinyl.
• Weigh it - If you want to be absolutely sure, put the record on a scale that weighs to grams with high precision.

Not all vinyl record manufacturers indicate the weight of the LP on the packaging or in the accompanying documentation. If this information is available, you'll find it in the product specifications provided by the supplier, and we include it on our website in the record's description. However, we don't always obtain this data, as some suppliers do not specify it.

What are the main advantages of the 180 g LP?

So why did they start pressing LPs in the 180 g variant? It is mainly for the following three reasons:

• Durability and longer life - Heavier and therefore more robust LPs are less prone to bending, waving, cracking and damage. Vinyl enthusiasts wanted records that would last longer.
• Better stability on the turntable - Higher weight ensures that the record sits better on the platter, warps less and vibrates less, which can help playback and sound quality.
• Collectability - Thicker records look and feel more luxurious, so labels have started to use them as a sign of quality or for a sense of exclusivity. A thicker record provides a better backing for quality graphics and colored vinyl variants, which adds to the visual value of the entire collection. 180-gram LPs generally have a higher collector's value, as it is on this type of record that reissues, special editions, or limited editions of artists are released.

Truth or myth?

But does it mean that a heavier LP is always better? Not really. The technical standards for pressing or groove cutting are the same for all LPs, regardless of their weight. The quality of the material and the recording, the mastering, but also the appropriate turntable are crucial for the quality of the sound played.

Not every turntable can properly play 180-gram LPs

Although heavier LPs can offer better sound quality, not all turntables are built to play them. Several problems can occur with cheap turntables:

1. Needle pressure
Needle pressure determines how much force the needle applies to the record. If it's too weak, the needle may skip; if it's too strong, it may damage the grooves. For 180-gram LPs, the pressure may be incorrectly set, as cheap turntables usually do not allow for adjustment.
Solution: Use a turntable with adjustable pressure and follow the cartridge manufacturer's recommendations.

2. Weight and stability of the platter
The platter of the turntable – the part on which the LP is placed – should be of good quality and heavy enough not to wobble during playback. Cheap turntables often have plastic platters that are not stable enough. Additionally, they tend to be smaller (single size), so they don't provide sufficient support for large LP records, and the platter can tilt sideways under their weight, resulting in loss of needle contact with the LP surface, skipping, and possible degradation of playback quality.
Solution: If the turntable allows for upgrades, it's advisable to use a heavier platter or stabilizer to improve contact between the record and the surface.

3. Type of drive – belt drive versus direct 
•    Direct Drive – Mainly used in professional turntables and DJ equipment; it's reliable and stable.
•    Belt Drive – Common in home turntables, but if not powerful enough, it can have trouble turning heavier records smoothly.
Solution: Purchase a high-quality and powerful turntable that will last up to decades. 😊 

How to fully enjoy the benefits of 180g LPs?

If you already own a 180g LP or are considering buying one, we recommend:

• Check the technical specifications of the turntable – Is the chosen turntable suitable for playing heavier LPs? Does it have adjustable needle pressure?
• Use a high-quality cartridge – A good cartridge is key to proper sound and gentle playback of records.
• Set up the turntable correctly – Ensure the needle has the correct pressure setting and the platter is stable.
• Ensure regular maintenance of the records and turntable needle – Dust and dirt can significantly increase wear and negatively affect sound quality.
• Invest in a better turntable – If you're planning to build a vinyl LP collection and currently have only a basic model, it might be time for an upgrade.

Are you unsure whether your turntable is sufficient? Contact us. 
And if you already know for sure that your turntable can handle it, dive into our selection of 180g LP records and make your choice. 

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons, Pink Floyd archive, Pro-Ject archive