Flex Rating Defined:
“Flex” refers to how much a racquet bends (or flexes) when making contact with the tennis ball.
Flex is measured using the Babolat RDC scale with a range of 0 – 100. The lower the number, the less the stiffness. Stiffer racquets bend less while softer racquets bend more.
OK, I know what flex rating is, now what should I look for?
Typically you will want to look for a racquet that is relatively low in flex, but as racquets become more flexible, they will have less stability. Many suggest to find a racquet with a flex rating of around 65. Any racquet with a flex rating of 60 or less is considers a “soft” racquet.
Why would I want a stiffer racquet?
Stiffer racquets may be good for power, but they are also bad for people that are concerned about tennis elbow.
What else effects how stiff a racquet feels?
Strings also will have an effect on how stiff a racquet feels. Players with big arms and no tennis elbow can play with 70+ racquets + poly and take advantage of the extra power and “crisp” feeling.
The alternative is to go with a racquet with around a 65 flex rating and use a more forgiving string such as natural gut or a multi-filament at lower tensions. Open string patters also make a racquet feel less stiff.
What are the flex ratings of more racquets?
Typically racquets come with a flex rating of 56 to 75.
Wilson’s RF97 has several flex ratings. This could be a slight variance in testing or manufacturing.
- 68 Flex rating as tested by Tennis Warehouse
- 64 Flex rating as tested by Midwest Sports
- 67 Flex rating as tested by Tennis Express
Babolat AeroPro Drive has a flex rating of 69
Let’s compare the pros and cons of flexible and stiffer racquets
Flexible Racquets
Suited for people with longer faster swings that can generate their own power. It absorbs more energy due to the flexing.
Pros
- More comfortable (less shock)
- More control
- Better fell (Ball Pocketing)
Cons
- Lose more energy
- Transfer less energy (dead ball feeling)
- Less Power
Stiffer Racquets
Beginners will typically do better with a stiffer racquet, since they are relying on the racquet for power.
Pros
- Transfer more energy to ball (“crisp” feeling)
- More power
Cons
- Less Comfort
- Pass more vibration to the arm