Yamaha Hi Flex Special

a little known classic - the Yamaha Hi Flex

This, in my view, is something of an undiscovered classic stick that I picked up from a recycling centre recently. From the lush padded case (these little things add to a racket too), to the neat silver finish, this racket just told me to buy it.  But the real clincher was the fact that I love flexible frames and the name of this racquet promised all the benefits of an arm-friendly experience with the wonderful hitting experience you can get from a frame that bends with the ball. Anyone who loves flexi frames knows what I am talking about - that sensation of bend and release that comes when you connect sweetly with a hit and also the sense of suspended time as the ball is held by the racket for a split second.  So, I was excited to try it, though not expecting too much since Yamaha are hardly a manufacturer people usually rave about.  But straight away this racquet gave me what I wanted.  It bends so sweetly when you strike the ball cleanly.

It has a 90 sq. inch head (approximately) but despite this the sweet spot seems generous.  The spin it gives me is considerable and this allows me to put more power into my shots without hitting long.  All in all a wonderful racket and one that is now right up there among my very favourite racquets. If anyone knows anything about the Yamaha Hi Flex range (I know there is a Hi Flex 3 and 9 respectively, for instance) then please leave a comment.