PistolPete23
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Most people pay attention to RA when it comes to assessing stiffness but not enough to a racquet's characteristic vibration frequency (VF). In short, the vibration frequency is "how fast" a frame oscillates after ball impact as felt in the hand. Racquets with a high frequency number will have a crisp response, whereas low VF values will feel plush. In other words, while RA measures quasi-static flex, the vibration frequency is a better metric for the dynamic stiffness of the racquet, i.e., the stiffness of the racquet during play. While RA and VF are strongly correlated, the relationship is not 1:1. That's why it's possible for a racquet to play significantly softer than its RA indicates, and the opposite could also be true. Case in point is the Head Pro Tour 2.0. It's target RA is 65, but has a measured VF of 136 Hz, which is comparable to racquets with RA ~60. These numbers are consistent with the prevalent feedback that the PT 2.0 plays a lot softer than its RA indicates.
For a given RA, you can lower its VF by adding weight. So next time you see a racquet with all the specs you like except for RA, don't immediately dismiss it. Check its VF first on TWU or consider customizing with weight.
For a given RA, you can lower its VF by adding weight. So next time you see a racquet with all the specs you like except for RA, don't immediately dismiss it. Check its VF first on TWU or consider customizing with weight.