A stiffer racquet bends less, thus depleting less energy from the ball. The amount a frame deflects during ball contact directly affects its power potential.
Here's a general breakdown of how to decode the measurements: You will see the RA in the spec tables on our racquet description pages. We measure frame stiffness and give each frame a score (RA). Reducing racquet weight, however, is almost impossible. Keep in mind, you can always add weight to a racquet if it’s too light. On court players can whip the ball with spin to help generate better angles, get lobs and passing shots to quickly dip inside the lines and maneuver the racquet easily during quick exchanges at net. Conversely, a lighter racquet is more maneuverable, and thus, a player is able to position the racquet easier and generate lots of spin (thanks to the easier access to a faster swing).
At net and on service returns the added stability is a nice benefit. From the baseline players with long fast strokes will find good depth and pace from heavier racquets. We often refer to racquets with these favorable qualities as having "good plow through" in our product descriptions and reviews. The result is a stable feel and the sense the racquet is plowing through the ball. The extra weight of a heavy racquet helps it win the battle at contact when the stringbed collides with the ball. Weight: A heavy racquet is more powerful, more stable and transmits less shock than a lighter racquet (all other things being equal). These two characteristics most influence how a racquet feels when you pick it up and when you swing it on the tennis court.