anybody try adding weight to a PS97 to improve feel, stability?

[pfrischmann]

Hi guys,
I finally finished my demo of the ps97 and the RF97. Honestly, the PS feels like a toy in comparison to the RF but the RF may be a little too much.

Ideally, I could see me swinging a 12 oz racquet with a SW around 325. (overgrip and dampner excluded from both. Right now, I use an APD at 11.8 with a 322 SW. I need more feel and stability, less power from the string bed.

What impressed me most with the RF was the stability and feel. I could not find even a twinkling of the these characteristics in the PS 97. When I played with them, I would not have thought they had anything in common other than their name.

So,
Mass is mass, so I'm not expecting the same results from a lighter stick but the PS could give me some room to customize.

Back to my question, has anybody leaded up a PS97 to get specs between it and the RF and did you like the results?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[fuzz nation]

I've used racquets more in the neighborhood of 12.5 oz. for a number of years and the specs on the PS 97 look like an invitation for me to pull out the lead tape. I've had a go with several frames in the range of 11.6-11.8 oz. stock, but they just don't deliver that stability I want in my gear.

Impossible to know how the feel of the PS 97 would change with more heft in the hoop, but feel is generally improved for me when I can reduce the instability that makes the racquet feel too much like it gets pushed around by the ball. This comparison of the RF 97 with the PS 97 sounds like the contrast I found with two of my frames, the Volkl C10 and their O10 325g.

The stock version of the O10 turned out to be even lighter than its spec sheet and borderline useless for me like that. But after I leaded the hoop and the handle (for more HL balance), the transformation was borderline magical. With a little tuning, I'd bet at least a nickel that the PS 97 could be much improved, at least in terms of stability, with its weight increased only to around 12.2-12.3 oz. A few grams on the hoop along with some extra weight on the handle would steady it up and also keep its balance where it will still maneuver well enough.

If you're looking for stability without too much power, I recommend sampling some racquets with some heft, but also more flex than you have with your APD. I can't recommend Volkl enough, but there are also nice options to consider from Pacific, Prince, Pro Kennex... Hard to know what's best, but we usually know it when we feel it.

 

[JackB1]

Can't understand why or how a 315 gram unstrung racquet (345 strung) is too light or unstable for anyone under Pro level?

 

[LapsedNoob]

Can't understand why or how a 315 gram unstrung racquet (345 strung) is too light or unstable for anyone under Pro level?

Because we read TT and KNOW it could be better without ever having to ever demo it.

 

[pfrischmann]

I've used racquets more in the neighborhood of 12.5 oz. for a number of years and the specs on the PS 97 look like an invitation for me to pull out the lead tape. I've had a go with several frames in the range of 11.6-11.8 oz. stock, but they just don't deliver that stability I want in my gear.

Impossible to know how the feel of the PS 97 would change with more heft in the hoop, but feel is generally improved for me when I can reduce the instability that makes the racquet feel too much like it gets pushed around by the ball. This comparison of the RF 97 with the PS 97 sounds like the contrast I found with two of my frames, the Volkl C10 and their O10 325g.

The stock version of the O10 turned out to be even lighter than its spec sheet and borderline useless for me like that. But after I leaded the hoop and the handle (for more HL balance), the transformation was borderline magical. With a little tuning, I'd bet at least a nickel that the PS 97 could be much improved, at least in terms of stability, with its weight increased only to around 12.2-12.3 oz. A few grams on the hoop along with some extra weight on the handle would steady it up and also keep its balance where it will still maneuver well enough.

If you're looking for stability without too much power, I recommend sampling some racquets with some heft, but also more flex than you have with your APD. I can't recommend Volkl enough, but there are also nice options to consider from Pacific, Prince, Pro Kennex... Hard to know what's best, but we usually know it when we feel it.

I wish they made a Volkl power bridge 95 or 97! I love playing with the 93 it's just a little too small.

 

[richsox]

Can't understand why or how a 315 gram unstrung racquet (345 strung) is too light or unstable for anyone under Pro level?

For the record-an observation....I had a demo PS97 - weighed it on my scales - came in strung at an astonishing 322 grams. I have never known that level of variance before.....I really couldn't believe it so weighed my other rackets and they were spot on the same as always -

 

[pfrischmann]

Can't understand why or how a 315 gram unstrung racquet (345 strung) is too light or unstable for anyone under Pro level?

Hi Jack,
I try to not get too hung up on the weight. It's just amazing what a really stable racquet can do. This all started when I demoed a buddies PS 85. It really spoke to me. I got why these things have a cult following. I'm not nearly good enough for a small heavy stick like this...but I get it..

From this, I learned, There's kinda three ways to get power from a racquet, IMHO.

You can get it from the stiffness, the stringbed or the plowthrough.
Stiffness would be like the APD but for me, I have to string low to keep it comfortable. An APD with tourbite at 48lbs is really something....until it drops to 43lbs or you try to do touch volleys. It kinda becomes a slingshot.


For me, the heaver sticks with a lower stiffness offer more options. You can actually swing less violently as the weight of the stick will give you the depth. They can be better at redirection because they are so stable and you can string more in the mid range as they are often more comfortable.

Ultimately, the heavy sticks seem better for control, at least for me. I give up some top spin on my forehand and my serve doesn't have the same pop but I gain better volleys and 1/2 volleys.

You have to use a little more "old school" mechanics as you need to be smoother and you cannot man handle the heavier sticks..I'm starting to feel it's worth the effort. The heavy ones are more demanding for sure.

Just my findings...

 

[volleynets]

Can't understand why or how a 315 gram unstrung racquet (345 strung) is too light or unstable for anyone under Pro level?

I think the reason this is happening is because people demo the RF and the PS 97s side by side. The PS97 is great on its own and the power and spin is great. But it should not be demoed at the same time as the RF 97 since it is overshadowed.

I have used the 90 since the nCode for 8 years now and I am switching to the PS97 over the RF97!

The RF is slower and stiffer playing than the 90s which makes it harder to use. The PS97 swings very fast and if you find the correct string setup it will play amazing and swing like a whip.

 

[JackB1]

From this, I learned, There's kinda three ways to get power from a racquet, IMHO.

You can get it from the stiffness, the stringbed or the plowthrough.
Stiffness would be like the APD but for me, I have to string low to keep it comfortable. An APD with tourbite at 48lbs is really something....until it drops to 43lbs or you try to do touch volleys. It kinda becomes a slingshot.


For me, the heaver sticks with a lower stiffness offer more options. You can actually swing less violently as the weight of the stick will give you the depth. They can be better at redirection because they are so stable and you can string more in the mid range as they are often more comfortable.

Ultimately, the heavy sticks seem better for control, at least for me. I give up some top spin on my forehand and my serve doesn't have the same pop but I gain better volleys and 1/2 volleys.

You have to use a little more "old school" mechanics as you need to be smoother and you cannot man handle the heavier sticks..I'm starting to feel it's worth the effort. The heavy ones are more demanding for sure.

Just my findings...

I agree with your findings on heavier sticks. I used to always stick with 11 oz racquets, but since moving up some to the 310 gram Ai98, I can get more power from the weight of the racquet and don't need to swing as fast. I may try adding a little more weight and see how that goes.

 

[pfrischmann]

I think the reason this is happening is because people demo the RF and the PS 97s side by side. The PS97 is great on its own and the power and spin is great. But it should not be demoed at the same time as the RF 97 since it is overshadowed.

I have used the 90 since the nCode for 8 years now and I am switching to the PS97 over the RF97!

The RF is slower and stiffer playing than the 90s which makes it harder to use. The PS97 swings very fast and if you find the correct string setup it will play amazing and swing like a whip.

I agree with this but the 90 is way more stable than the PS 97.

 

[dgoat]

I've committed to this stick after getting an RF97 and found out it gets too heavy to bring around 30 minutes into playing. Also, serves require a lot of leg thrust in order to get them to drop in the service box. I've put a Wilson leather grip and 8 strips of lead at 10 and 2 to begin with. Stability is now great, same level of RF97 but, although static weight is still reduced, the stick gets to hard to maneuver on stretched out running forehands and on rushed volleys. I'm going to remove half of the lead on the next string job (VS gut 17 main, IO gamma on crosses) to see if it remains stable while restoring some of the original maneuverability.

 

[seekay]

Back to my question, has anybody leaded up a PS97 to get specs between it and the RF and did you like the results?

I sort of have. I wanted an RF97A with a L5 grip, but Wilson decided not to make that, so I bought a pair of L4 PS97s and built up the grips. Between the extra weight in the handle and a little lead under the bumper to balance things, they came out to 338g, and it's a very stable, predictable racquet, much like the RF97A I hit with.

 

[pfrischmann]

Seekay, that sounds just about right for me. Out of curiosity, do you know the swing weight, balance or the lead placement?

 

[seekay]

Seekay, that sounds just about right for me. Out of curiosity, do you know the swing weight, balance or the lead placement?

I added 4g of lead under the bumper split between 10 and 2 o'clock, a heat-shrink sleeve, and a Wilson leather grip. Came to 336g/13pt HL unstrung, with a 330 swingweight (measured strung).

 

[RalphJ]

Good stuff, this sounds more in line for me than the RF beast.

 

[mk3alex10]

Because we read TT and KNOW it could be better without ever having to ever demo it.

Lol.......

 

[JackB1]

My biggest issue with the PS97 was "feel". The racquet specs are perfect but there is just no feel at all with this racquet and that is even with full multi. I didn't want to add any weight anywhere since that would put it over my preferred spec range, but I doubt that adding weight would improve feel. I rely heavily on drop shots and touch volleys and while not impossible, they were just very difficult to dial in with the PS97.
The racquet feels very solid on impact but its just a nondescript solid...like a brick. No feel or character. Just wasn't for me.

 

[djsabedra74]

I have had the PS97 for about 2 weeks now and absolutely love this stick! The feel is great and it has helped me hit some great slice shots.

Question to those of you that changed to the Leather grip? How much did it change the feel of the racquet? I am flirting with throwing on the leather but not sure how I will like the feel on impact. I want to feel more bevels under my overgrip.

 

[SCRAP IRON]

My biggest issue with the PS97 was "feel". The racquet specs are perfect but there is just no feel at all with this racquet and that is even with full multi. I didn't want to add any weight anywhere since that would put it over my preferred spec range, but I doubt that adding weight would improve feel. I rely heavily on drop shots and touch volleys and while not impossible, they were just very difficult to dial in with the PS97.
The racquet feels very solid on impact but its just a nondescript solid...like a brick. No feel or character. Just wasn't for me.

Jackie- Are you sure that you are describing the Wilson PS 97? No feel? Maybe you picked up a Head Graphene Speed model and thought you grabbed a Wilson frame!

 

[SCRAP IRON]

I have had the PS97 for about 2 weeks now and absolutely love this stick! The feel is great and it has helped me hit some great slice shots.

Question to those of you that changed to the Leather grip? How much did it change the feel of the racquet? I am flirting with throwing on the leather but not sure how I will like the feel on impact. I want to feel more bevels under my overgrip.

Go ahead and put on the leather grip. If anything, it will enhance its characteristics. Making it slightly more head light is a plus for this type of frame. If you want to counter balance this stick while creating a bit more spin, then just put 3-4 grams of lead right at the top of the frame.

 

[JackB1]

Jackie- Are you sure that you are describing the Wilson PS 97? No feel? Maybe you picked up a Head Graphene Speed model and thought you grabbed a Wilson frame!

Nope. I tried it about a dozen separate times and came away each time with the same feeling. Just not a pleasant impact feeling. But that's just me.

 

[djsabedra74]

Go ahead and put on the leather grip. If anything, it will enhance its characteristics. Making it slightly more head light is a plus for this type of frame. If you want to counter balance this stick while creating a bit more spin, then just put 3-4 grams of lead right at the top of the frame.

Thank you I think I will throw one on. I like the thought of having it a little more HL.