Powerful hits can create harmful shock. To reduce shock without sacrificing control, one can increase weight or add damping systems. Weight can limit maneuverability, so heavy racquets are usually balanced head-light. Other shock-reducing options sacrifice control: looser strings, a larger head, and greater flexibility. Of these, flexibility reduces control least. Thus, advanced frames tend to be heavy, head-light, and not too stiff, with a fairly small string bed. These traits might not be best for you, though. The vibration of flexible frames can be harmful, as can too little weight in the racquet head.
Racquets for All-Court Players
All-court players need a racquet that has enough mass to minimize shock on long, powerful groundstrokes while offering enough maneuverability for quick adjustments at the net. More mass in the racquet head might limit maneuverability, but it also greatly increases the racquet's resistance to the twisting force (torsion) created by off-center hits. If a racquet that's evenly balanced or only slightly head-light is maneuverable enough for you, it will protect your arm better, all other factors being equal, than one that's more head-light.
Racquets for Baseliners
Baseliners typically have to hit more strokes to win each point, so minimizing the shock and torsion that occurs on each hit is especially important. Weight generally reduces shock. Weight distributed toward the racquet head tends to add stability and a more solid feel, but it also limits maneuverability. Denser string patterns add comfort but might reduce spin very slightly. For players who rarely venture to the net, instead grinding points out from the baseline, comfort is worth the costs.
Racquets for Intermediates
Racquets for intermediates are designed for players who hit with enough pace and placement to want good control but don't mind some modest power contribution from the racquet. Racquets designed for players between the intermediate and advanced levels are often called "tweener racquets." Tweener and intermediate racquets tend to be somewhat lighter, stiffer, and less head-light, with larger heads than advanced racquets. Many are too light. Racquets that weigh less than 10.5 ounces strung might suit a weekly doubles player, but if you play more often or mostly singles, a heavier racquet will better protect your arm.
