Like every other new innovation, like the graphite racquets, oversize racquets and wide-bodied racquets, the long racquets also made headlines, when they first hit the market. They were considered a marvel of technology. But just imagine a long Racquet with the material of those days like wood, and you would have been wielding a sledge hammer instead of a tennis racquet! They would have been too heavy for comfort.
It is with the advent of newer, light weight material like graphite, that it became a practical idea to come out with longer racquets, which were 1-2 inches longer than the standard length of 27 inches.
They had great USPs going for them. They were good enough for more power, more spin, and greater reach and were more shock absorbent than the traditional standard length racquets.
Leading pros like Michael Chang were reportedly using these long racquets to increase their reach and power. The success of Michael Chang was a great advertisement for the extra-long handle. It showed how even a player of small build and height could reach great heights, while using a longer length racquet.
The latest trend however is not extra-long racquets but racquets which are just ¼-1 inch longer than the standard length of 27 inches. Generally speaking, the longer length racquets work best for professional players, who have enough practice with these racquets. Shorter frames also place less stress on the arm, thereby preventing injuries. The extended length has also got its own advantages. For one it allows a beginner to get more balls back and with depth, due to its greater reach. They also supply tremendous power and even a novice would be able to hit balls like Andy Roddick!
It ultimately boils down to your level of play and comfort. As length increases, power also increases but there may be a marked decrease in maneuverability. A longer racquet would ideally suit a shorter player. Players with greater hand speed can wield the longer racquets better, giving them a great swing and at the same time control. Racquets which are up to an inch longer are widely available but racquets bigger than that have all but disappeared from the market, since they have proved to be unwieldy.