One of the best racquet reviews I've ever seen. All racquets should be reviewed in this fashion. Shame to tennis warehouse and all their sugar coating.
Yeah man I have to mimic what others said, the quality of this review is the best I've seen for just about any racquet review. Well done. I've generally been an 18x20 guy forever but you've piqued my curiosity with this one.
You posted this video before Wilson did and for that I thank you so much, I really want to see how it looks and since they haven't even posted it on Instagram.
Recently switched to the v12 of this racket from the Babolat Aeropro Drive. It's a great racket for taking balls on the rise, but it does take time to get used to the weight. The first few sessions playing with it felt great but it got a bit tiring to swing on groundstrokes and serve after 2 hours. Now I've somewhat got used to it. The 97 square inch head still offers plenty of spin- enough to hit heavy balls with high net clearance. The serve took me quite a while to adjust to finding the sweet spot and getting it in with consistency and power. Now I've got the hang of it. It's also a beast on returns and it's super easy to direct it deep into the opponent's blind spot close to the line.
Awesome - thanks for stopping by to share your experience with the RF97! Although it sounds like there's bit of a transition for you, I'm glad to hear it's working out well and you're enjoying the racquet.
First review from someone good enough to use a frame like this, everyone else I've seen reviewing it looks like a 3.0 player at best. Thank you for this video.
Great review! First time watching one of your reviews and I have to say, it was so thorough and complete, kudos! I am also making this comment to encourage any fellow player interested in this frame to give it a try. I made the switch to the RF97 about 3 months ago and it is Beyond a doubt my favorite stick I have ever played with. I am only an average USTA 4.5 singles player. I think more of my fellow recreational players should give this racket a try and not be so afraid that they are the “95% of players that can’t play with it” as other reviewers have said. It very well may suit them as well as it has me. Cheers! (I made the change from the Wilson Ultra 95 CV that I used for most of 2019, before that I used the Wilson blade 98 16x19 since 2014)
Store told me to stay well clear of this racket today, They said it had a small sweet spot, tough to use and numerous people had brought it back. It was my first pick for a new racket and im still intent on testing one out prior to making a decision.
I have the RF v11 from a couple of years ago and have always used Pro Staffs since the original 85 when I was #1 in my high school 35+ years ago lol. I feel like at 52 years old, even though I go to the gym, the weight of the racquet is finally taking a toll on my arm. I feel like I loose all acceleration when I get just a little tired and it's harder to get the timing right, especially if you have a longer swing on your forehand like me and hit with just a little top spin. I just ordered the V13 non-RF version which is lighter and I'm praying it makes a difference with my forehand. Getting it later today. Wish I had seen you do a review of that one before I purchased it, but there is no way to test racquets here in Puerto Vallarta :). Great video by the way.
I ordered from tennis express, got it 2 days ago. Played with it one set today. I have been playing prostaff most of my time. This racket has a flex of old pro staff 85, but missing the crisp feel of the modern rackets that I like, also it has lower power then last version.
I’m used to a wilson k-factor that weighs about 320 unstrung and well has a 97 head. I had no other choice as a beginner so I had to adapt to it, pretty happy with it though and so is my coach. Apparently a 97 heavier than 300grams racket suits me. I might go for a pro staff or RF 97 with a bit more of practice. Thanks for reviewing the RF 97!
That is a great looking racquet my only wish is that you can custom order it in the exposed carbon/graphite with no black paint. If they made the racquetball with a full carbon/graphite it would look like an ultra rare super car. Please Wilson make this happen I’ll pay more!!
Great review. I’ve been playing with this racquet for a few years now. It’s incredible at the net and I enjoy the racquet and play well with it. However I’m in my 50s now and it’s a bit heavy, especially when I’m on the run. What would you recommend for something similar but a bit lighter and easier on my aging limbs?
Awesome - La Jolla is beautiful. Ever since the pandemic, I've pulled back a bit despite it being one of the safer sports. I spend a lot of time on the ball machine though!
You can measure swingweight very accurately with any modern smartphone (high fps recorder) and some apparatus to hang the racket from its top crosses so it hand swing freely. Very good review still.
Thanks for the note! You bring up a great point. I've thought a lot about the comparison of the new models vs. the prior generation. With the most popular models like the Pro Staff 97, I'll have owned or hit with them before and have a general sense of their performance. However, I won't always have an older model handy at the review time to provide real-time/detailed side-by-side commentary on that front. These days I don't sell any of them, so I'm building a collection for future reviews that I can pull from to provide more precise insight on that front. Either way, I appreciate the thoughts, and I will keep that in mind but figured I'd share some context too.
@@TennisCompanion I am an advanced player, was strung with champion's choice a couple of times and it was amazing but sadly very expensive and not the most durable... went for a multifilament hybrid but yet again it broke fast.. what would be your recommendation of a good poly/durable string that would suit this racquet well ? Thank you so much, awesome content
Happy to provide a few recommendations! If you're looking for a full poly setup, then here are a few of my favorites worth checking out. Tried and True Options - Luxilon ALU Power - Solinco Hyper-G - Volkl Cyclone - Babolat RPM Blast My Favorite Newer Polys - Solinco Confidential - Tecnifibre Ice Code - Head Lynx Tour To help with durability, you might consider upping the gauge of your strings to 1.30 mm vs. the 1.25mm Luxilon ALU Power Rough that came with Champions Choice. If you don't want to give up the hybrid string setup, it's also worth considering string savers. In my written review of the RF97, I talk about how I broke my mains in about three hours, which wasn't fun. I got around this the second time around by installing string savers. They're not quite as popular as they used to be, but they work well, and this was the perfect scenario to put them to use. Here's a writeup I published a while back on string savers if you'd like to check it out: tenniscompanion.org/string-savers/
Excellent review - thank you, made my mind up for me! Will trial both the V13 97m and the RF 97 and see what the difference is (if I can copy with the heavier RF97 or not).
Great review TC! However being familiar with the RF line of racquets I just wished you'd provide some comparison vs. the previous version. I just hope it is more than just a paint job...
Thank you, Tim! Unfortunately, it's not anything more than an updated paint job because, as Federer's signature model, it's intended to offer the same specs as Roger, and he hasn't changed them recently. With that said, the rest of the Pro Staff v13 line did receive some updates, most notably Braid 45 and String Mapping, which I'll be covering in an upcoming video about the Pro Staff 97 v13. Since this model has changed, I'll be providing some comparisons in the video.
@@TennisCompanion I wasn't sure either if Wilson incorporated the Braid 45 to the RF (as nowhere it was mentioned).. Thanks for the confirmation and clarification!
playing with the pro staff 97LS and loving it but the next racket has to be heavier. Is the "pro staff" still laser engraved? Thanks for the great review
Hi Phil - thanks for the note! I confirmed none of the Pro Staffs use laser engraving anymore. I actually reached out to Wilson to double check this one, which is why it took a bit longer. The logos/signature/etc... felt raised compared to the prior model, so I assumed it was safe to say no, but figured it wouldn't hurt to double check and make sure nothing was laser engraved.
Thanks, I appreciate it! I've also been hitting with the Pro Staff 97 and I'm planning a full video review in the next few weeks. In the meantime, I did put together a brief first look you can check out if you'd like: tenniscompanion.org/2020-wilson-pro-staff-97-v13-first-look/
Best review out there! Can you enlighten us about the main differences between this racket and Yonex VCore 97 Pro? I have heard that those rackets have similar purpose. And is this racket the same as RF97 Laver Edition (340 g)?
Awesome content man. I use a 6.1 k tour 90. The weight is the same but i cannot demo this racket. I love my racket but it is not forgiving anytime I'm defending. Especially on backhand and higher balls go backhand. Would you suggest the switch to this racket.
this model a bit on the heavy side for this old geezer. Will be curious to see the review on the PS 97 in the lighter weight model. 344 grams just too much for me. My old K factor 6.1 x 95 that I still use occasionally is 333 grams and I notice the weight in set 2!
Hi Jon, thanks for the great review!! I have been using the PS90 Federer racket, 3 different versions, for more than 10 years now and almost certain i will get an RF97 mainly for its larger head size. I see the V13 is the exact same spec as the last version but how far back have Wilson kept the exact same spec for the RF97 pls? Is a 2016 version the exact same spec as V13 apart from cosmetics? I may choose to buy a previous version or at least 1 as if i buy a 2nd i'll personalise it. Thanks, Jiggs!
Thanks, Jiggs! Great question. The RF97 specs have remained unchanged since the racquet was first introduced in 2014, so buying an older generation is a solid option.
@@TennisCompanion Thanks John!! Really helps in making the decision as the new ones are very pricey at £260 gbp so older version for at least 1 racket is my preferred option. Much appreciated sir!! Take care!
I am playing with prestige MP Youtek (320gr 18x20) I am considering to switch to this frame. Will be good improvement? I have a flat serve and one-handed backhand, but a spin forehand. What I enjoy of my prestige is the control, but I am not sure if new prestige or this one will be better option... Any comments?
Excellent review. Just two more questions...is there a change in the string mapping in this RF97 model, I mean, more dense to reduce strings breaking? And does the frame incorporate the new 45 degree graphite disposition like the other new PS models? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi Andrea! The RF97 model did not receive any changes to its tech or specs - it's the same as the prior version except for the design/paint job. However, the rest of the Pro Staff lineup did receive the String Mapping and Braid 45 updates you referenced - these include: - Pro Staff 97 - Pro Staff 97L - Pro Staff 97UL I hope that helps and thank you for the kind words 😄
I played a Wilson encode in high school? They don’t mAke this tennis racket anymore. Is this going to be a familiar transition to the Wilson pro staff 97?
Hi there! Yes, I think you'd find it to be a familiar transition, but there's no doubt the racquet has evolved to become a bit more lively or powerful in comparison. Overall, I think it's been a logical evolution, and I'm a fan of this generation, but some players still prefer the older models.
the Pro Staff RF97 v13 is basically the same as the previous RF97A version, just different paintjob. but the Pro Staff 97 looks like they have changed the tech quite a bit. doesn't seem like the weaker version of the RF97A anymore, instead it seems like a totally different version. comes with 2 main updates, the 45 degrees on the frame, and a denser string pattern at the sweetspot area.
Hi Marco - the latest generation of the RF97 v13 is identical to the prior v12 except for the paint job you referenced. The specs and tech remain the same because it's Roger Federer's signature model, so as long as he doesn't change the specs, the racquet will stay the same except for the design. However, you will find changes, most notably Braid 45 and String Mapping, in the other Pro Staff models, which include: - Pro Staff 97 v13 - Pro Staff 97L v13 - Pro Staff 97UL v13 I hope that helps - thanks for stopping by!
What tension did you use for the mains and crosses and why? Would you lower the tension on the next string job to get more depth and power say around 54lbs and 52 lbs.
Hi, there. I used 56 lbs in the mains for the poly and 60 lbs in the crosses for the gut. When I string this style hybrid using a more powerful gut or multifilament, I start by setting my preferred tension for this string and then set the poly relative to what I decided for the gut/multi. In this case, due to its high power level, I prefer to string gut at a higher tension to reduce depth/power, while also recognizing that gut performs exceptionally well at higher tensions. However, I'm also taking into consideration the racquet's heavier weight, which increases power. From there, I'll decide on tension for the poly. As a general rule of thumb, I won't vary the tension between the two strings by more than five pounds because I find the setup can become somewhat erratic/inconsistent if this variance is too large. With that said, I wanted to get more action out of the polys to help maximize spin, so I went on the higher end of that variance of four pounds at 56. Using the same strings in a lighter weight frame, I would consider dropping the tension to get more depth and power. For example, in my recent playtest of the Wilson Clash, I strung Luxilon ALU Power at 50 lbs in the mains and Wilson NXT at 52 lbs in the crosses. I settled on this because the frame is considerably lighter, and Wilson NXT isn't as powerful as Wilson Natural gut. Of course, there are no right or wrong answers, but hopefully sharing my thought process helps.
if you put high tension on this and you are an intermediate player you can harm yourself badly. Try putting 42 lbs with Luxilon adrenaline or smart and then up your tension accordingly to your game style. This racquet demands technique and precision !!
Awesome review! Really considering getting a custom RF97 from Wilson's website. For those who can't afford to hit with Wilson's Champions' Choice, what other string/hybrid would you recommend that goes well with this type of racquet? Your advise is highly appreciated.
Hi Ryan - thank you! A custom RF97 would be a fun way to mix things up. Here are a few of my favorite multis for a hybrid setup with Luxilon ALU Power Rough as an alternative to Wilson Natural gut: Multiflaments - Tecnifibre X-One Biphase - Head Velocity MLT - Wilson NXT Comfort - Tecnifibre NRG2 - Wilson NXT Control If you were looking for alternatives to Luxilon ALU Power Rough, here are a few of my favorite: - Solinco Hyper-G - Volkl Cyclone - Babolat RPM Blast - Solinco Confidential - Tecnifibre Ice Code As a side note, the RF97 v13 should hit Wilson's customization website eventually, so if you like some of the visual updates like the braided graphite that's visible at the top of the hoop, then you might consider waiting. Otherwise, specs are the same, so no reason to wait. 😄
Hi Danny! Here's a quick comparison of specs between the two: Blade 98 Head Size: 98 in² (632 cm²) Unstrung Balance: 7 pts HL Unstrung Weight: 10.8oz (305g) Swingweight: 328 Stiffness: 62 Beam Width: 21mm Pro Staff 97L Head Size: 97 in² (626 cm²) Unstrung Balance: 10 pts HL Unstrung Weight: 11.1oz (315g) Swingweight: 313* Stiffness: 68* Beam Width: 23mm *As of today, haven't seen these measured, so providing prior models numbers as a point of reference. With its higher stiffness, thicker beam, and extra weight, the Pro Staff 97L will play a bit more lively than the Blade 98, but it will also swing a little easier and have some extra maneuverability due to its added HL balance. The Pro Staff 97L will still offer a control-centric hitting experience. However, I'd give the Blade 98 the edge in comparison, along with a bit easier access to spin and a more comfortable hitting experience. As it often does, I think the preference between the two would come down to feel, which is best experienced first-hand if possible. With that mind, hopefully, these notes help provide a few directional considerations.
Hi, Oscar - the RF97 v13 offers the same specs/feel as the prior version, so unless there's a structural reason, i.e., crack or excessive wear to your existing frame, there's no reason to make a change. However, the rest of the Pro Staff line did receive some upgrades. I'll discuss those changes with the Pro Staff 97 v13, which I've been hitting with for about two weeks, in an upcoming review.
Hi Elias! Great question. Although Babolat VS Touch and Wilson Sensation Comfort are both excellent strings with good track records, I wouldn't recommend combining them as a hybrid. Babolat VS Touch is a natural gut, while Wilson Sensation is a multifilament and these types of strings exhibit similar playing characteristics. One way to think about it is that Babolat VS Touch is an ultra-premium version of Wilson Sensation, which will offer better overall performance. As a result, if you liked these strings, I'd be inclined to suggest you string your entire racquet with one or the other. Although a hybrid can consist of any two strings or gauges (thickness) of strings, the two most common combinations are natural gut or multifilament with polyester. Here are two examples: - Babolat VS Touch (gut) & Babolat RPM Blast (poly) - Wilson Sensation (multi) & Wilson Revolve (poly) Of course, you can mix different brands when creating a hybrid, but those are two common examples based on the price points of the two strings you mentioned. As a follow-up, you might find this video helpful where I discuss the different types of strings: th-cam.com/video/OflCsTM6y8w/w-d-xo.html
@Elias Yli-panula - that's about as good as it gets when it comes to hybrids, so you can't really go wrong there 😄 The popular Wilson equivalent would be Wilson Natural Gut + Luxilon ALU Power, both are excellent setups.
As a quick follow-up to your original question, I thought it might be useful to address why a player might consider a natural gut and multifilament hybrid, as you suggested, which would be cost savings. Since both strings offer similar playing characteristics, if you string the natural gut in the mains and the multi in the crosses, you'll achieve an experience similar to a full bed of natural gut, while dropping the cost as the multifilament will be less expensive. It wouldn't be a hybrid I typically recommend, but there are some players where it could make sense, so I didn't want to dismiss the idea altogether for anyone who might read in the future.
Thanks, Hugo! The RF97 v13 offers the same specs/feel as the v12, so unless there's a structural reason, i.e., crack or excessive wear to your existing frame, there's no reason to make a change.
Hi Ken - such a great question. I view the RF97's comfort as above average, especially with the string setup I used. The frame has a bit of a higher stiffness or RA rating, but the racquet's weight, particularly with its head light balance, which keeps most of the weight toward the handle, helps reduce shock and vibration. However, there's a caveat, and that's the sheer weight of the frame at 12 oz (340 g). I've seen players experience issues or aggravate injuries when they stretch too far out of their comfort zone with a racquet's weight. It's a bit of a double-edged sword. I wish I could provide a more exact or clear cut response, but unfortunately, it's not always that straight forward. With that said, there's really no substitute for demoing a racquet in these types of scenarios because everyone perceives comfort a bit differently. As a side note, keeping strings fresh also goes a long way to maintaining the highest comfort level, and although I love the feel of the RF97s leather grip, you could get a bit more comfort out of a synthetic overgrip that offers extra cushion too.
@@TennisCompanion Honestly I was pleasantly (and very) surprised about how comfortable the frame felt with VS gut 16g (mains)/ Prince your XT (cross )18g @57/54 lbs. Prince Multi mains/ XT cross @55/53 lbs worked great for me as well even with the strung 68 RA. However I used these combos after demoing it with volkl cyclone tour @54 lbs and while it felt great when I timed the ball well, off center hits felt jarring and harsh even with a full bed relatively soft poly. Completely different experience with gut or multi mains, even on off center hits. Of course the poly I use is softer and on the lower end of recommended tension, I can't imagine using Luxilon or solinco strings unless I lower the tension significantly. But it's a fantastic frame. Easy power on tap, excellent spin and very stable. But, one has to commit to this. No half hearted hitchy swings.
Thanks for the note! You're absolutely right. I haven't had the opportunity to review the RF97 before on this channel, so although the specs haven't changed, hopefully, anyone considering the racquet gets some value.
You're welcome! I'd always recommend players start off with hiring an instructor because there is no substitute for learning proper technique as a starting point. However, once you've had a few lessons, a ball machine is an excellent tool to supplement lessons for practice, which is also crucial.
Hi Lars - good question. Yes, the specs are identical to the prior RF97 because it's Federer's signature model, and he doesn't change things up too frequently, which is typical of the last few releases for this racquet. With that said, the only specs I couldn't verify as 100% identical to the prior frame is the swingweight and stiffness because I don't have access to a machine to take these measurements (they're crazy expensive). However, there's no reason to expect them to be much different, if at all. Still, I gave the racquet a thorough review and playtest because I haven't had the chance to cover it on my channel to date. The rest of the Pro Staff line, such as the Pro Staff 97, do have updates to the specs and construction. I've been playing with that racquet also, and I'm really enjoying it. I'll have a separate review coming on that one in the next few weeks.
Hi Antonio! Absolutely. Players looking to maximize the Pro Staff RF97's topspin will benefit from the lower power and spin-friendly characteristics that a full bed of poly offers. Over the past few weeks, I've strung it as a hybrid and a full poly setup and enjoyed hitting with both.
Hello John! 👋🏼 Great video man! Great and precise explanations. Could you help me out? How does the v13 compare to the 2014 version (first Pro Staff 97) in terms of sensations on contact with the ball?
Hi Jorge! Thanks for the kind words 😄 The Pro Staff RF97 v13 featured in the video has specs that have remained the same since it was introduced in 2014. On the other hand, the Pro Staff 97 has changed over the years. I'll have a review on that racquet coming soon. However, as a preview, the Pro Staff 97 v13 feel is improved over the 2014 version. It delivers better feedback, improved ball pocketing, and the tighter stringbed is a welcome enhancement that provides a more consistent response. All in all, I view it as a better racquet.
Hi there - the RF97 is ideal for higher-level intermediate to advanced players with plenty of experience. However, if you like the sound of this racquet, then you might consider exploring others in the same family. Here the core list of racquets you'll find in this line: - Pro Staff RF97 - Pro Staff 97 - Pro Staff 97L - Pro Staff 97 UL I describe what to expect from each in my review for the Pro Staff 97, which you can find here: tenniscompanion.org/wilson-pro-staff-97-v13/#pro-staff-v13-models I hope that helps!
Hi Alper! Thank you for the suggestion - I've had a similar thought/desire to have the sound of the racquet shine through without it being too distracting, so I'll keep that in mind.
Sir i am 20 years old playing tennis from 2 years ...i am looking to buy the racket with 315 gram all total .As i have SINGLE HAND BANKHAND may i buy this racket
Hi Kunal. The Pro Staff 97, which you're referring to, has a bit of extra weight to it, but it's manageable. Plus, it has a 7 pt HL balance, which helps with maneuverability. In these scenarios, I encourage players to demo the racquet to confirm they feel good about it, but I also recognize that's not always possible. Since you've been playing for a few years, I'd also urge you to use the weight of your current racquet as a reference point to help determine if it would feel like too much of a stretch. Based on your age, I'd expect you'd do okay with the racquet. However, if your existing racquet is quite a bit lighter, there will likely be a transition period where it takes some time to get used to it.
Hi Elias, thanks for the question! Although the RF97 is a terrific racquet, it wouldn't be my first pick for aggressive baseliners. Typically, the player you're describing will hit with a lot of topspin and appreciate a racquet with characteristics that help them maximize it. These might include a larger head size with an open string pattern for more bite and easier spin production, a thicker beam for added power, a lower weight for a faster swing (racquet head speed = topspin), and a balance that pushes a bit more weight toward the racquet's head. Of course, the above are generalities, but they're characteristics of racquets that can positively contribute to the style frequently attributed to a baseline player.
Hi Isaac - a good tension really depends on a player's preference, but happy to share my thoughts on how I'd handle it. Polys like 4G can perform well in the 40s (lbs), but I'll rarely string much lower than 48 lbs and only hit that mark with a full poly setup. I find when I push it too far down in the 40s that the strings feel a bit erratic/inconsistent, and I lose quite a bit of feel. I do find I typically gain on the topspin side, but I'm giving up too much in other areas. The RF97 is a heavier racquet, so even with a low-powered poly like 4G, I'd end up stringing up in the low 50s - most likely right around 52 lbs. Of course, this is how I'd handle it, so the best thing you can do is an experiment to see what works for you. If you're looking for some general information on the implications of tension, you might find this video I created helpful: th-cam.com/video/dNabsAmlLOw/w-d-xo.html
Hi Adam - interesting question. As a general recommendation without knowing much about the player, the Clash 100 will have a higher likelihood of being the ideal choice - especially if they're in the beginner to intermediate range.
![Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 [Deep Dive Review & Playtest]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mHQ2uMp3bL0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 [Deep Dive Review & Playtest]](/img/tr.png)
I am impressed by the quality and professionalism of this review. Very thorough and well produced
Thanks, Andrew! That means a lot - I appreciate you taking the time to share.
Same surprising he only has around 600 subs
I just made varsity for my high-school and got this racket as a present from my dad, best racket I've ever hit with and best review I've ever seen. 😁
Hi Max! Congrats on making varsity - that's huge 💪🏼 Awesome gift from your father, and glad you enjoyed the review. Thanks so much for sharing!
One of the best racquet reviews I've ever seen. All racquets should be reviewed in this fashion. Shame to tennis warehouse and all their sugar coating.
Thank you! Happy to hear you enjoyed it, and I appreciate you taking the time to share.
Yeah man I have to mimic what others said, the quality of this review is the best I've seen for just about any racquet review. Well done. I've generally been an 18x20 guy forever but you've piqued my curiosity with this one.
Thank you, Jud! I appreciate you taking the time to share and happy to hear you enjoyed the review.
Thanks for the great review, John!
Thanks, guys! I had fun putting it together and appreciate the opportunity to have an early look at the frame. 😄
The best, most detailed and high quality review of this racquet. Subscribed.
Thank you! I appreciate your support!
You posted this video before Wilson did and for that I thank you so much, I really want to see how it looks and since they haven't even posted it on Instagram.
Hi Rennardy - glad you enjoyed it! Today's their official launch day, so you'll likely see it popping up in your feeds throughout the week.
Excellent review! especially with the specs visuals at the beginning , really appreciate that. Keep going .
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement!
Recently switched to the v12 of this racket from the Babolat Aeropro Drive. It's a great racket for taking balls on the rise, but it does take time to get used to the weight. The first few sessions playing with it felt great but it got a bit tiring to swing on groundstrokes and serve after 2 hours. Now I've somewhat got used to it. The 97 square inch head still offers plenty of spin- enough to hit heavy balls with high net clearance. The serve took me quite a while to adjust to finding the sweet spot and getting it in with consistency and power. Now I've got the hang of it. It's also a beast on returns and it's super easy to direct it deep into the opponent's blind spot close to the line.
Awesome - thanks for stopping by to share your experience with the RF97! Although it sounds like there's bit of a transition for you, I'm glad to hear it's working out well and you're enjoying the racquet.
First review from someone good enough to use a frame like this, everyone else I've seen reviewing it looks like a 3.0 player at best. Thank you for this video.
I just purchased four rf97 v13 yesterday!!!! Can’t wait😃
Nice! I hope you enjoy it!
TennisCompanion Thank you for your awesome review!!
Great review! First time watching one of your reviews and I have to say, it was so thorough and complete, kudos! I am also making this comment to encourage any fellow player interested in this frame to give it a try. I made the switch to the RF97 about 3 months ago and it is Beyond a doubt my favorite stick I have ever played with. I am only an average USTA 4.5 singles player. I think more of my fellow recreational players should give this racket a try and not be so afraid that they are the “95% of players that can’t play with it” as other reviewers have said. It very well may suit them as well as it has me. Cheers! (I made the change from the Wilson Ultra 95 CV that I used for most of 2019, before that I used the Wilson blade 98 16x19 since 2014)
Thank you, and great to hear your thoughts on the RF97 as well! It seems like it's working out nicely for you.
TennisCompanion Yes, thanks! Keep up the great reviews. Wish you great success.
Store told me to stay well clear of this racket today, They said it had a small sweet spot, tough to use and numerous people had brought it back. It was my first pick for a new racket and im still intent on testing one out prior to making a decision.
Its a great raquet
I have the RF v11 from a couple of years ago and have always used Pro Staffs since the original 85 when I was #1 in my high school 35+ years ago lol. I feel like at 52 years old, even though I go to the gym, the weight of the racquet is finally taking a toll on my arm. I feel like I loose all acceleration when I get just a little tired and it's harder to get the timing right, especially if you have a longer swing on your forehand like me and hit with just a little top spin. I just ordered the V13 non-RF version which is lighter and I'm praying it makes a difference with my forehand. Getting it later today. Wish I had seen you do a review of that one before I purchased it, but there is no way to test racquets here in Puerto Vallarta :). Great video by the way.
Subbed because of the professional quality, cheers
Awesome! Thank you for your support.
Hi Great review! Your presentation covered all the bases. Wilson racquets have always been my go to. Love the sleek thin look. Thank you!
Thanks, Ann! Glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for taking the time to share.
I have never seen a better review video! Impressive. No "Uh"'s, no "right"'s, like so many do. You are a natural.
Thank you! I really appreciate it 😄
@@TennisCompanion I wish you had mentioned how the 2020 v.13 plays differently from the countervail version. Is it better/worse?
The quality of this video is awesome
Thank you!
Great review! That's a no frills and all substance review just like the racket.
Thanks!
Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed it 😄
Thanks for the helpful reviews. I am waiting for the racket.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for the note.
Awesome review, John!
Thank you, Ling! I appreciate you taking a minute to let me know.
Great video! Thorough, succinct, and wonderful insights. Thank you!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😄
I ordered from tennis express, got it 2 days ago. Played with it one set today. I have been playing prostaff most of my time. This racket has a flex of old pro staff 85, but missing the crisp feel of the modern rackets that I like, also it has lower power then last version.
Great to hear your experience with the racquet - thanks for sharing!
Great video review!! Thank you!
Thanks, Miryang - glad you enjoyed it!
I’m used to a wilson k-factor that weighs about 320 unstrung and well has a 97 head. I had no other choice as a beginner so I had to adapt to it, pretty happy with it though and so is my coach. Apparently a 97 heavier than 300grams racket suits me. I might go for a pro staff or RF 97 with a bit more of practice. Thanks for reviewing the RF 97!
That is a great looking racquet my only wish is that you can custom order it in the exposed carbon/graphite with no black paint. If they made the racquetball with a full carbon/graphite it would look like an ultra rare super car. Please Wilson make this happen I’ll pay more!!
I feel like I need 5 years to master this racket. I don't want to switch. The end reward is looking great.
very professional, well done! Subscribed
Thanks for the support, Terry! Glad you liked it.
Great review. I’ve been playing with this racquet for a few years now. It’s incredible at the net and I enjoy the racquet and play well with it. However I’m in my 50s now and it’s a bit heavy, especially when I’m on the run. What would you recommend for something similar but a bit lighter and easier on my aging limbs?
I dont know why, but the foliage reminds me of San Diego. great video, Jon!
You nailed it. That's where I live 😄 Thanks, Vlad!
TennisCompanion no kidding! I thought I recognized the trees. I’m in La Jolla, do you ever play locally?
Awesome - La Jolla is beautiful. Ever since the pandemic, I've pulled back a bit despite it being one of the safer sports. I spend a lot of time on the ball machine though!
TennisCompanion no doubt. Maybe I’ll catch you around sometime if you’re interested in hitting
just bought this thang... hope its as advertised! I need a super-heavy banger...
Awesome - I hope you enjoy it!
You can measure swingweight very accurately with any modern smartphone (high fps recorder) and some apparatus to hang the racket from its top crosses so it hand swing freely. Very good review still.
Thanks for the note and feedback!
When i play with pro staff (340) i only focus on the technique and swing. The racquet put the power. 👍👍💪💪💪
Every aspect of this racket is exactly a match for Federer's style.
Ill be waiting for the prostaff 97v13 review. Hopefully you could compare it to the previous model.
Thanks for the note! You bring up a great point. I've thought a lot about the comparison of the new models vs. the prior generation.
With the most popular models like the Pro Staff 97, I'll have owned or hit with them before and have a general sense of their performance. However, I won't always have an older model handy at the review time to provide real-time/detailed side-by-side commentary on that front.
These days I don't sell any of them, so I'm building a collection for future reviews that I can pull from to provide more precise insight on that front. Either way, I appreciate the thoughts, and I will keep that in mind but figured I'd share some context too.
very nice review, thanks
Thanks for taking the time to share, Vishal! Glad you liked it.
Awesome man thanks ! that's my racquet and I love it !
You're welcome and thank you for checking out the vid and taking a sec to share your thoughts! It's an awesome racquet.
@@TennisCompanion I am an advanced player, was strung with champion's choice a couple of times and it was amazing but sadly very expensive and not the most durable... went for a multifilament hybrid but yet again it broke fast..
what would be your recommendation of a good poly/durable string that would suit this racquet well ?
Thank you so much, awesome content
Happy to provide a few recommendations! If you're looking for a full poly setup, then here are a few of my favorites worth checking out.
Tried and True Options
- Luxilon ALU Power
- Solinco Hyper-G
- Volkl Cyclone
- Babolat RPM Blast
My Favorite Newer Polys
- Solinco Confidential
- Tecnifibre Ice Code
- Head Lynx Tour
To help with durability, you might consider upping the gauge of your strings to 1.30 mm vs. the 1.25mm Luxilon ALU Power Rough that came with Champions Choice.
If you don't want to give up the hybrid string setup, it's also worth considering string savers. In my written review of the RF97, I talk about how I broke my mains in about three hours, which wasn't fun. I got around this the second time around by installing string savers.
They're not quite as popular as they used to be, but they work well, and this was the perfect scenario to put them to use. Here's a writeup I published a while back on string savers if you'd like to check it out:
tenniscompanion.org/string-savers/
@@TennisCompanion Great, thank you so much man ! appreciate you taking the time ! I will definetely try a few of these ! thanks keep up the great work
Excellent review - thank you, made my mind up for me! Will trial both the V13 97m and the RF 97 and see what the difference is (if I can copy with the heavier RF97 or not).
This is a great Review! Which stringing machine is this?
Great review TC! However being familiar with the RF line of racquets I just wished you'd provide some comparison vs. the previous version. I just hope it is more than just a paint job...
Thank you, Tim! Unfortunately, it's not anything more than an updated paint job because, as Federer's signature model, it's intended to offer the same specs as Roger, and he hasn't changed them recently.
With that said, the rest of the Pro Staff v13 line did receive some updates, most notably Braid 45 and String Mapping, which I'll be covering in an upcoming video about the Pro Staff 97 v13. Since this model has changed, I'll be providing some comparisons in the video.
@@TennisCompanion I wasn't sure either if Wilson incorporated the Braid 45 to the RF (as nowhere it was mentioned).. Thanks for the confirmation and clarification!
@Tim Nguyen You're welcome! Happy to help.
I was your 1000 subscribe
Amazing! Thank you for the support 🙏🏼
Agreed.. best review video
Thanks, James! Much appreciated.
Subbed, just bought two of these.
Thanks, Harry! I appreciate the support. Glad you enjoyed the review, and I hope you enjoy the new sticks.
The only model they have tweeked a few things is for the pro staff 97. Now that one they have improved from previous model in feel.
great video!!!! meetings from Argentina!!!
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video, almost as great as your t-shirt
Haha, thank you! I appreciate it 😄
playing with the pro staff 97LS and loving it but the next racket has to be heavier. Is the "pro staff" still laser engraved? Thanks for the great review
Hi Phil - thanks for the note! I confirmed none of the Pro Staffs use laser engraving anymore.
I actually reached out to Wilson to double check this one, which is why it took a bit longer. The logos/signature/etc... felt raised compared to the prior model, so I assumed it was safe to say no, but figured it wouldn't hurt to double check and make sure nothing was laser engraved.
Hi,
Great review,
How about giving review on Pro Staff 97 & 97L ?
Thanks, I appreciate it! I've also been hitting with the Pro Staff 97 and I'm planning a full video review in the next few weeks. In the meantime, I did put together a brief first look you can check out if you'd like:
tenniscompanion.org/2020-wilson-pro-staff-97-v13-first-look/
Best review out there!
Can you enlighten us about the main differences between this racket and Yonex VCore 97 Pro? I have heard that those rackets have similar purpose.
And is this racket the same as RF97 Laver Edition (340 g)?
Great review ! How does it compare to a Yonex vcore pro d? Thank you so much
Awesome content man. I use a 6.1 k tour 90. The weight is the same but i cannot demo this racket. I love my racket but it is not forgiving anytime I'm defending. Especially on backhand and higher balls go backhand. Would you suggest the switch to this racket.
Wow I’m so impressed with the quality of his video
Thank you for taking the time to share! I appreciate it.
Thanks a lot for the great review! What does 97 mean? For demo or try out, what might be other similar models of racket should I try?
this model a bit on the heavy side for this old geezer. Will be curious to see the review on the PS 97 in the lighter weight model. 344 grams just too much for me. My old K factor 6.1 x 95 that I still use occasionally is 333 grams and I notice the weight in set 2!
Hi Jon, thanks for the great review!! I have been using the PS90 Federer racket, 3 different versions, for more than 10 years now and almost certain i will get an RF97 mainly for its larger head size. I see the V13 is the exact same spec as the last version but how far back have Wilson kept the exact same spec for the RF97 pls? Is a 2016 version the exact same spec as V13 apart from cosmetics? I may choose to buy a previous version or at least 1 as if i buy a 2nd i'll personalise it. Thanks, Jiggs!
Thanks, Jiggs! Great question. The RF97 specs have remained unchanged since the racquet was first introduced in 2014, so buying an older generation is a solid option.
@@TennisCompanion Thanks John!! Really helps in making the decision as the new ones are very pricey at £260 gbp so older version for at least 1 racket is my preferred option. Much appreciated sir!! Take care!
This racket is perfect for serve and volley
Syn Gut string and tension options for this racket please ? 4.5 player, one handed backhand.
I am playing with prestige MP Youtek (320gr 18x20) I am considering to switch to this frame. Will be good improvement? I have a flat serve and one-handed backhand, but a spin forehand. What I enjoy of my prestige is the control, but I am not sure if new prestige or this one will be better option... Any comments?
Excellent review. Just two more questions...is there a change in the string mapping in this RF97 model, I mean, more dense to reduce strings breaking? And does the frame incorporate the new 45 degree graphite disposition like the other new PS models? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi Andrea! The RF97 model did not receive any changes to its tech or specs - it's the same as the prior version except for the design/paint job. However, the rest of the Pro Staff lineup did receive the String Mapping and Braid 45 updates you referenced - these include:
- Pro Staff 97
- Pro Staff 97L
- Pro Staff 97UL
I hope that helps and thank you for the kind words 😄
@@TennisCompanion Does that mean this V13 is the same as V11(all black) or V10(red&black) except paint job?
Yet another Brilliant Video! Wilson should absolutely pay you for this. Sold! Keep up the Great Work Sir.
I played a Wilson encode in high school? They don’t mAke this tennis racket anymore. Is this going to be a familiar transition to the Wilson pro staff 97?
Hi there! Yes, I think you'd find it to be a familiar transition, but there's no doubt the racquet has evolved to become a bit more lively or powerful in comparison. Overall, I think it's been a logical evolution, and I'm a fan of this generation, but some players still prefer the older models.
the Pro Staff RF97 v13 is basically the same as the previous RF97A version, just different paintjob. but the Pro Staff 97 looks like they have changed the tech quite a bit. doesn't seem like the weaker version of the RF97A anymore, instead it seems like a totally different version. comes with 2 main updates, the 45 degrees on the frame, and a denser string pattern at the sweetspot area.
Does the RF comes with leather grip? Thinking to use a replacement grip to lighten the racket!
Hi, Florence! Yes, the RF97 comes with a black leather grip, so swapping out, in this case, would save you a few grams.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
How do you have less than 1000 subs lmao. You make higher quality content than guys with 100,000 subs
Thanks for the kind words, Devin! I'll keep working at it 😄
Is there any difference from the previous V12 version with the exception of the looks?
Hi Marco - the latest generation of the RF97 v13 is identical to the prior v12 except for the paint job you referenced. The specs and tech remain the same because it's Roger Federer's signature model, so as long as he doesn't change the specs, the racquet will stay the same except for the design.
However, you will find changes, most notably Braid 45 and String Mapping, in the other Pro Staff models, which include:
- Pro Staff 97 v13
- Pro Staff 97L v13
- Pro Staff 97UL v13
I hope that helps - thanks for stopping by!
What tension did you use for the mains and crosses and why? Would you lower the tension on the next string job to get more depth and power say around 54lbs and 52 lbs.
Hi, there. I used 56 lbs in the mains for the poly and 60 lbs in the crosses for the gut. When I string this style hybrid using a more powerful gut or multifilament, I start by setting my preferred tension for this string and then set the poly relative to what I decided for the gut/multi.
In this case, due to its high power level, I prefer to string gut at a higher tension to reduce depth/power, while also recognizing that gut performs exceptionally well at higher tensions. However, I'm also taking into consideration the racquet's heavier weight, which increases power.
From there, I'll decide on tension for the poly. As a general rule of thumb, I won't vary the tension between the two strings by more than five pounds because I find the setup can become somewhat erratic/inconsistent if this variance is too large. With that said, I wanted to get more action out of the polys to help maximize spin, so I went on the higher end of that variance of four pounds at 56.
Using the same strings in a lighter weight frame, I would consider dropping the tension to get more depth and power. For example, in my recent playtest of the Wilson Clash, I strung Luxilon ALU Power at 50 lbs in the mains and Wilson NXT at 52 lbs in the crosses. I settled on this because the frame is considerably lighter, and Wilson NXT isn't as powerful as Wilson Natural gut.
Of course, there are no right or wrong answers, but hopefully sharing my thought process helps.
TennisCompanion Thanks for the reply.
if you put high tension on this and you are an intermediate player you can harm yourself badly. Try putting 42 lbs with Luxilon adrenaline or smart and then up your tension accordingly to your game style. This racquet demands technique and precision !!
RF has the gut in the mains and the poly in the crosses, Did you string it the other way round just to suit yourself?
Hi there! Yes, I strung it the other way around as a personal preference.
Awesome review! Really considering getting a custom RF97 from Wilson's website. For those who can't afford to hit with Wilson's Champions' Choice, what other string/hybrid would you recommend that goes well with this type of racquet? Your advise is highly appreciated.
Hi Ryan - thank you! A custom RF97 would be a fun way to mix things up. Here are a few of my favorite multis for a hybrid setup with Luxilon ALU Power Rough as an alternative to Wilson Natural gut:
Multiflaments
- Tecnifibre X-One Biphase
- Head Velocity MLT
- Wilson NXT Comfort
- Tecnifibre NRG2
- Wilson NXT Control
If you were looking for alternatives to Luxilon ALU Power Rough, here are a few of my favorite:
- Solinco Hyper-G
- Volkl Cyclone
- Babolat RPM Blast
- Solinco Confidential
- Tecnifibre Ice Code
As a side note, the RF97 v13 should hit Wilson's customization website eventually, so if you like some of the visual updates like the braided graphite that's visible at the top of the hoop, then you might consider waiting. Otherwise, specs are the same, so no reason to wait. 😄
@@TennisCompanion Thank you for the recommendations. I look forward to your review on the Pro Staff 97 V13.
I’m currently using the Blade 98. How does this racquet compare to the blade? Thinking about getting the Pro Staff 97L to match the weight.
Hi Danny! Here's a quick comparison of specs between the two:
Blade 98
Head Size: 98 in² (632 cm²)
Unstrung Balance: 7 pts HL
Unstrung Weight: 10.8oz (305g)
Swingweight: 328
Stiffness: 62
Beam Width: 21mm
Pro Staff 97L
Head Size: 97 in² (626 cm²)
Unstrung Balance: 10 pts HL
Unstrung Weight: 11.1oz (315g)
Swingweight: 313*
Stiffness: 68*
Beam Width: 23mm
*As of today, haven't seen these measured, so providing prior models numbers as a point of reference.
With its higher stiffness, thicker beam, and extra weight, the Pro Staff 97L will play a bit more lively than the Blade 98, but it will also swing a little easier and have some extra maneuverability due to its added HL balance.
The Pro Staff 97L will still offer a control-centric hitting experience. However, I'd give the Blade 98 the edge in comparison, along with a bit easier access to spin and a more comfortable hitting experience.
As it often does, I think the preference between the two would come down to feel, which is best experienced first-hand if possible. With that mind, hopefully, these notes help provide a few directional considerations.
TennisCompanion wow awesome comparison. Thank you!
You're welcome! Glad it was helpful.
Hi. How similar does the racket feels compared with the previous version? Is it worth the change in your opinión? Thanks.
Hi, Oscar - the RF97 v13 offers the same specs/feel as the prior version, so unless there's a structural reason, i.e., crack or excessive wear to your existing frame, there's no reason to make a change.
However, the rest of the Pro Staff line did receive some upgrades. I'll discuss those changes with the Pro Staff 97 v13, which I've been hitting with for about two weeks, in an upcoming review.
Thank you very much.
looking at this with full bed solinco confidential
GOOD TENSION STARTING POINT ?
Is babolat vs touch and wilson sensation comfort a good hybrid.
Hi Elias! Great question. Although Babolat VS Touch and Wilson Sensation Comfort are both excellent strings with good track records, I wouldn't recommend combining them as a hybrid.
Babolat VS Touch is a natural gut, while Wilson Sensation is a multifilament and these types of strings exhibit similar playing characteristics. One way to think about it is that Babolat VS Touch is an ultra-premium version of Wilson Sensation, which will offer better overall performance. As a result, if you liked these strings, I'd be inclined to suggest you string your entire racquet with one or the other.
Although a hybrid can consist of any two strings or gauges (thickness) of strings, the two most common combinations are natural gut or multifilament with polyester. Here are two examples:
- Babolat VS Touch (gut) & Babolat RPM Blast (poly)
- Wilson Sensation (multi) & Wilson Revolve (poly)
Of course, you can mix different brands when creating a hybrid, but those are two common examples based on the price points of the two strings you mentioned. As a follow-up, you might find this video helpful where I discuss the different types of strings:
th-cam.com/video/OflCsTM6y8w/w-d-xo.html
@@TennisCompanion i think i am going to go for babolat vs touch and rpm blast Because i want much power, comfort and spin. Is this good for pro staff
@Elias Yli-panula - that's about as good as it gets when it comes to hybrids, so you can't really go wrong there 😄 The popular Wilson equivalent would be Wilson Natural Gut + Luxilon ALU Power, both are excellent setups.
As a quick follow-up to your original question, I thought it might be useful to address why a player might consider a natural gut and multifilament hybrid, as you suggested, which would be cost savings.
Since both strings offer similar playing characteristics, if you string the natural gut in the mains and the multi in the crosses, you'll achieve an experience similar to a full bed of natural gut, while dropping the cost as the multifilament will be less expensive.
It wouldn't be a hybrid I typically recommend, but there are some players where it could make sense, so I didn't want to dismiss the idea altogether for anyone who might read in the future.
Great video, I have the RF97 v12 do you recomend to buy this one?
Thanks, Hugo! The RF97 v13 offers the same specs/feel as the v12, so unless there's a structural reason, i.e., crack or excessive wear to your existing frame, there's no reason to make a change.
TennisCompanion thank you!!
More reviews!!
Could you please review Blade 98 ?
Hi Subash! Great suggestion - it's definitely on my list for a future review.
Hey, sorry i just want to ask, is this racquet easy to use for beginner? Thanks
How is the comfort with this frame with the string set up you used? Is this racquet suitable for players with some arm issues?
Hi Ken - such a great question. I view the RF97's comfort as above average, especially with the string setup I used.
The frame has a bit of a higher stiffness or RA rating, but the racquet's weight, particularly with its head light balance, which keeps most of the weight toward the handle, helps reduce shock and vibration.
However, there's a caveat, and that's the sheer weight of the frame at 12 oz (340 g). I've seen players experience issues or aggravate injuries when they stretch too far out of their comfort zone with a racquet's weight.
It's a bit of a double-edged sword. I wish I could provide a more exact or clear cut response, but unfortunately, it's not always that straight forward. With that said, there's really no substitute for demoing a racquet in these types of scenarios because everyone perceives comfort a bit differently.
As a side note, keeping strings fresh also goes a long way to maintaining the highest comfort level, and although I love the feel of the RF97s leather grip, you could get a bit more comfort out of a synthetic overgrip that offers extra cushion too.
@@TennisCompanion Thanks for your feedback!
You're welcome!
@@TennisCompanion Honestly I was pleasantly (and very) surprised about how comfortable the frame felt with VS gut 16g (mains)/ Prince your XT (cross )18g @57/54 lbs. Prince Multi mains/ XT cross @55/53 lbs worked great for me as well even with the strung 68 RA. However I used these combos after demoing it with volkl cyclone tour @54 lbs and while it felt great when I timed the ball well, off center hits felt jarring and harsh even with a full bed relatively soft poly. Completely different experience with gut or multi mains, even on off center hits. Of course the poly I use is softer and on the lower end of recommended tension, I can't imagine using Luxilon or solinco strings unless I lower the tension significantly. But it's a fantastic frame. Easy power on tap, excellent spin and very stable. But, one has to commit to this. No half hearted hitchy swings.
Is the grip leather or similar to the clash and blade's grip?
Hi Zia - the RF97 has a leather grip. However, the other Pro Staff models have a synthetic grip like the Clash and Blade, as you referenced.
FYI, nothing has changed on the RF97 other than slight cosmetic change.
Thanks for the note! You're absolutely right. I haven't had the opportunity to review the RF97 before on this channel, so although the specs haven't changed, hopefully, anyone considering the racquet gets some value.
if i ordered it today by when will it come
wondering if theres a Pro Staff weighing around 300 grams?
May I know which model was the ball machine please? Thanks
Absolutely! It's a Spinfire ball machine.
TennisCompanion thanks very much. Also, would you recommend a beginner to practice with machine or get hire a coach?
You're welcome! I'd always recommend players start off with hiring an instructor because there is no substitute for learning proper technique as a starting point. However, once you've had a few lessons, a ball machine is an excellent tool to supplement lessons for practice, which is also crucial.
@@TennisCompanion Thanks very much. Really appreciate you taking time to reply. cheers
How do i get better with this racket
People need to play more
So it is pretty much identical to previous versions?
Hi Lars - good question. Yes, the specs are identical to the prior RF97 because it's Federer's signature model, and he doesn't change things up too frequently, which is typical of the last few releases for this racquet.
With that said, the only specs I couldn't verify as 100% identical to the prior frame is the swingweight and stiffness because I don't have access to a machine to take these measurements (they're crazy expensive). However, there's no reason to expect them to be much different, if at all.
Still, I gave the racquet a thorough review and playtest because I haven't had the chance to cover it on my channel to date.
The rest of the Pro Staff line, such as the Pro Staff 97, do have updates to the specs and construction. I've been playing with that racquet also, and I'm really enjoying it. I'll have a separate review coming on that one in the next few weeks.
How can I demo this racket?
Is it ok for full bed of poly?
Hi Antonio! Absolutely. Players looking to maximize the Pro Staff RF97's topspin will benefit from the lower power and spin-friendly characteristics that a full bed of poly offers. Over the past few weeks, I've strung it as a hybrid and a full poly setup and enjoyed hitting with both.
0:30
i haven't been paid by wilson to discuss it, but they gave me a free racket.
this, my friend, is the payment, as you well know.
Hello John! 👋🏼 Great video man! Great and precise explanations. Could you help me out? How does the v13 compare to the 2014 version (first Pro Staff 97) in terms of sensations on contact with the ball?
Hi Jorge! Thanks for the kind words 😄 The Pro Staff RF97 v13 featured in the video has specs that have remained the same since it was introduced in 2014. On the other hand, the Pro Staff 97 has changed over the years. I'll have a review on that racquet coming soon.
However, as a preview, the Pro Staff 97 v13 feel is improved over the 2014 version. It delivers better feedback, improved ball pocketing, and the tighter stringbed is a welcome enhancement that provides a more consistent response. All in all, I view it as a better racquet.
What type of player should use this racket?
Hi there - the RF97 is ideal for higher-level intermediate to advanced players with plenty of experience. However, if you like the sound of this racquet, then you might consider exploring others in the same family.
Here the core list of racquets you'll find in this line:
- Pro Staff RF97
- Pro Staff 97
- Pro Staff 97L
- Pro Staff 97 UL
I describe what to expect from each in my review for the Pro Staff 97, which you can find here:
tenniscompanion.org/wilson-pro-staff-97-v13/#pro-staff-v13-models
I hope that helps!
@@TennisCompanion , thanks 👍
rf97 or babolat pure aero?
next time can u-turn off background music while play testing course we want to hear the sound of the raquet too.
thanks..
Hi Alper! Thank you for the suggestion - I've had a similar thought/desire to have the sound of the racquet shine through without it being too distracting, so I'll keep that in mind.
Sir i am 20 years old playing tennis from 2 years ...i am looking to buy the racket with 315 gram all total .As i have SINGLE HAND BANKHAND may i buy this racket
Hi Kunal. The Pro Staff 97, which you're referring to, has a bit of extra weight to it, but it's manageable. Plus, it has a 7 pt HL balance, which helps with maneuverability. In these scenarios, I encourage players to demo the racquet to confirm they feel good about it, but I also recognize that's not always possible.
Since you've been playing for a few years, I'd also urge you to use the weight of your current racquet as a reference point to help determine if it would feel like too much of a stretch.
Based on your age, I'd expect you'd do okay with the racquet. However, if your existing racquet is quite a bit lighter, there will likely be a transition period where it takes some time to get used to it.
@@TennisCompanion your channel is a gift for tennis players. Love and support from INDIA🧡
Sorry but didn't Steffi Graf use a Dunlop 200G?
Hi David. Yes, she did use the Dunlop 200G through most of her early career. However, in the 90s, she moved to a Wilson Pro Staff.
Is this good for baseline players
Hi Elias, thanks for the question! Although the RF97 is a terrific racquet, it wouldn't be my first pick for aggressive baseliners. Typically, the player you're describing will hit with a lot of topspin and appreciate a racquet with characteristics that help them maximize it.
These might include a larger head size with an open string pattern for more bite and easier spin production, a thicker beam for added power, a lower weight for a faster swing (racquet head speed = topspin), and a balance that pushes a bit more weight toward the racquet's head.
Of course, the above are generalities, but they're characteristics of racquets that can positively contribute to the style frequently attributed to a baseline player.
is that good tension
Hi Isaac - a good tension really depends on a player's preference, but happy to share my thoughts on how I'd handle it.
Polys like 4G can perform well in the 40s (lbs), but I'll rarely string much lower than 48 lbs and only hit that mark with a full poly setup. I find when I push it too far down in the 40s that the strings feel a bit erratic/inconsistent, and I lose quite a bit of feel. I do find I typically gain on the topspin side, but I'm giving up too much in other areas.
The RF97 is a heavier racquet, so even with a low-powered poly like 4G, I'd end up stringing up in the low 50s - most likely right around 52 lbs. Of course, this is how I'd handle it, so the best thing you can do is an experiment to see what works for you. If you're looking for some general information on the implications of tension, you might find this video I created helpful:
th-cam.com/video/dNabsAmlLOw/w-d-xo.html
This or clash 100?
Hi Adam - interesting question. As a general recommendation without knowing much about the player, the Clash 100 will have a higher likelihood of being the ideal choice - especially if they're in the beginner to intermediate range.
Basically a new paint job! Wilson has to milk the RF before he retires!
👍🏻