A Soft Racket Versus a Stiff Racket - Which is Better?

Key Points

• Player Perception of Feel:
  -When players describe a racket as “soft,” they typically mean it feels smooth and muted on impact—like a deep thud with little vibration.
  -A “stiff” feel usually means more feedback and vibration felt immediately upon contact.
• Common Misconception:
  -A racket with a high stiffness rating (RA) doesn’t always feel stiff.
  -Example: Babolat Pure Drive (RA 70+) is technically very stiff, yet many players describe it as playing soft.
  -Conversely, a Head Prestige (RA low 60s), which is more flexible, is often perceived as playing stiff due to more noticeable vibration.
• Why This Happens:
  -Stiffer rackets vibrate faster and transfer more energy back into the ball, resulting in a muted or softer feel.
  -Softer rackets vibrate longer, especially on off-center hits, sending more feedback through the handle—often mistaken for stiffness.
• Who Prefers What:
  -Advanced players tend to prefer softer, low-stiffness rackets because they consistently hit the sweet spot and generate their own power.
  -Recreational players often benefit from stiffer rackets because they offer a larger sweet spot, more forgiveness on mishits, and more built-in power.
• Practical Takeaway:
  -Don’t choose a racket based solely on RA stiffness numbers.
  -Choose based on how it feels to you, how much power you need, and how cleanly you strike the ball