Stability, weight and length question

[drak]

All things being relatively equal (balance and weight) will a racket that is 27 inches long that weighs 11 1/4 oz be more or less stable than a frame that is 27.25 or 27.5 inches in length - again with the same balance and weight?

My guess is what I think is the obvious - the shorter the length the greater the racket "stability" given the same weight and balance, but I wanted to ask and be sure.

Drak

 

[Perfect]

The longer racquet will have more stability.

 

[Perfect]

The longer racquet will have more stability.

Never mind, I think I am incorrect about this and you are probably correct. Longer racquets will give you more leverage and power though.

 

[gregraven]

The longer racquet will have more stability. The reason is that no matter where on the racquet face you hit, there is mass on the longer racquet farther away from the point of impact than it would be on a regular-length racquet. Because the force of impact is the same on each racquet, but the "lever arm" between the point of impact and the most distant mass is longer on the longer racquet, it is more stable. This is also why oversize racquets are more stable than smaller-headed racquets -- because the mass in the hoop is farther away from the impact point.