BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
^^^^^^
Woah. You use an APD w/ RPM Blast? You must play just like Nadal... hahahahahhahhaah
Woah. You use an APD w/ RPM Blast? You must play just like Nadal... hahahahahhahhaah
Potential BLX90 -> PS 6.0 85; Mini-blog
- Thread starter Say Chi Sin Lo
- Start date
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
I actually use the PS 6.0 85. So I actually play like Sampras. But what you know, he's probably before your time kid. So by default, you had to ASSume Federer. Because you don't know any better.
See most people, tennis is actually, playing tennis on a court. But for a few others, they just associate tennis with the pros. Cause they think they more they follow these pros, the better they get at the sport of tennis.
Also, I grew up using an i.Prestige Mid, and then a PC600. So, yeah I used to play like Goran Ivanisevic and Marat Safin. Because I have a two handed backhand and a lefty, right?
Limit your stupidity to the General Pro Player Discussion, they've got the capacity for it.
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One of the coolest paintjob ever. I'm about to string one up and see if I could trick anyone thinking I've got the newest Pro Staff RF97A.
Wow that is a nice paintjob. Did these come out before or after the k-factors? That's the only other 90 I've had the chance to hit with, although 5 minutes doesn't really allow one to get a feel for it.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Those were k90's immediate successor.
PS Tour 90->Ncoded 6.1 Tour 90->kFactor 6.1 Tour 90->BLX 6.1 Tour 90->BLX Pro Staff (6.1) 90->2014 Pro Staff 90
PS Tour 90 - Didn't like it
N90 - Didn't like it
K90 - Meh, it was just ok.
BLX90 - My favorite
BLXPS90 - Damn near identical to BLX90, 2nd favorite if need be
2014 PS90 - ??? You'll find out later this week
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roundiesee
Hall of Fame
Those were k90's immediate successor.
PS Tour 90->Ncoded 6.1 Tour 90->kFactor 6.1 Tour 90->BLX 6.1 Tour 90->BLX Pro Staff (6.1) 90->2014 Pro Staff 90
PS Tour 90 - Didn't like it
N90 - Didn't like it
K90 - Meh, it was just ok.
BLX90 - My favorite
BLXPS90 - Damn near identical to BLX90, 2nd favorite if need be
2014 PS90 - ??? You'll find out later this week
Say, I agree with BP; you'll like the 2014 PS90.
I've been using this for the past one month and the frame is slowly becoming my favourite Tour 90.
You may have to add some weight to it though (but not much) cos it's lighter than the 2 previous Tour 90s.
Good luck with it and give us your feedback!
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Say, I agree with BP; you'll like the 2014 PS90.
I've been using this for the past one month and the frame is slowly becoming my favourite Tour 90.
You may have to add some weight to it though (but not much) cos it's lighter than the 2 previous Tour 90s.
Good luck with it and give us your feedback!
Why would it be lighter?
All Pro Staff/Tour 90 lineage frames are spec'd to 339g/30.5cm/12pt HL from factory.
You mean a lower swingweight?
roundiesee
Hall of Fame
I didn't measure it as I don't have access to an RDC machine, but it definitely is more headlight compared with the other 2 previous versions.
It's overall weight was also lower by about 5g, but that could be Wilson's poor QC.
You will know what I mean once you try it.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah the PS95 requires a lot of lead, but it's a platform frame. I sure don't play mine stock either. I added ~16 grams of lead to mine.
In fact, if I read a review of this frame and the person played with it stock, I can't even take the review seriously, as it's not the point of the frame to be played that way.
The 90 version is great too. I know a guy with some. The feel is very similar, the 95 is just easier to use. I'd be interested in seeing if the 90 is much more accurate than the 95, because to me, the 95 is super precise.
I grew up playing with a Prince 90 thin beam when I was a kid before "switching" (AKA my dad buying me a new stick for xmas) to a 110 because Agassi. So I have always had a thing for thin beam frames.
In fact, if I read a review of this frame and the person played with it stock, I can't even take the review seriously, as it's not the point of the frame to be played that way.
The 90 version is great too. I know a guy with some. The feel is very similar, the 95 is just easier to use. I'd be interested in seeing if the 90 is much more accurate than the 95, because to me, the 95 is super precise.
I grew up playing with a Prince 90 thin beam when I was a kid before "switching" (AKA my dad buying me a new stick for xmas) to a 110 because Agassi. So I have always had a thing for thin beam frames.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yes I did. The QC was pretty bad on them (big time rattle in the buttcaps of both of mine) but I really liked the Platinum one a lot. They were similar to Pro Staffs.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
2014 Pro Staff 90 is here
Stock:
What I measured:
338g, 30.1cm/12+ HL This could be interesting. Because this is slightly more headlight than what the printed specs, and it's actually closer to my 6.0 85's balance.
After lead tapes and overgrips:
355g, 30.1cm/12+ HL
Stock:
What I measured:
338g, 30.1cm/12+ HL This could be interesting. Because this is slightly more headlight than what the printed specs, and it's actually closer to my 6.0 85's balance.
After lead tapes and overgrips:
355g, 30.1cm/12+ HL
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roundiesee
Hall of Fame
Told you it was more headlight than the previous two versions
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Told you it was more headlight than the previous two versions
...
You misread my post.
The stock spec as printed on the racquet, 339g/30.5cm/12pt HL is consistent with ALL Pro Staff/Tour 90.
THIS one frame is off by 1g and it's more headlight than factory spec.
ushynoti
Rookie
I'm interested in knowing how this one hits vs. the BLX 90, which is also my favorite version. I'm guessing it's not going to be ridiculously different though, I feel that Wilson isn't going to make a subtle change like that in their racquet such as making it a little more headlight if they can save a lot of money by just putting on a new paint job, maybe changing material, but keeping the mold and all the other stuff the same...
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
I'm interested too. Of all of the Pro Staff/Tour 90, I thought my BLX90 was the closest thing to my PS 6.0 85. In a way, I'm hoping this 2014 Pro Staff 90 won't feel as close to my BLX90/PS 6.0 85, haha this way I wouldn't have to invest in a new batch of frames.
However, like I mentioned in earlier posts in regards to 2014 Pro Staff 95, and that it felt so close to my 6.0 85. If that frame is any indication, then my BLX90 will have some stiff competition!
Anyway, strung and ready for my next practice!
373g, 31.0cm, ~10.5 pts HL.
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Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Told you it was more headlight than the previous two versions
Specs as printed on my BLX90 (gold on red isn't easy to capture)
Specs as printed on the 2014 Pro Staff 90
Power Player
Bionic Poster
My prediction - you stock up on this PS90 since that is the head size you prefer.
Prediction for myself - I buy a few more PS95s.
Prediction for myself - I buy a few more PS95s.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
2014 Pro Staff 90... is flatout wonderful
Now that I've played with my PS 6.0 85 for so long, stepping back into a Pro Staff/Tour 90 is just amazing. The 90 is a true blessing, I've forgotten how powerful, precise, maneuverable, and sweet it is.
I was able to play with my 2014 Pro Staff 90, and holy crap, this is a wonderful racquet! It's been a year or two since I last played with my beloved BLX90, so I don't quite remember what my BLX90 feels like. But, this 2014 Pro Staff 90 is probably the closest thing to my PS 6.0 85. It even flexes like how my TW re-issued PS 6.0 85 does.
Although I don't remember what my BLX90 feels like, I do remember the kind of balls it hits. And it's all there in this 2014 Pro Staff 90. Just like the rest of the Pro Staff/Tour 90, this 2014 continues what I call: "hit like hammers".
And seriously, after using the Pro Staff 6.0 85 for so long, this 90 is like the most forgiving racquet ever. All I've been looking for is a racquet that has the barebone, "I can feel every fuzz on the ball" feel that my Pro Staff 6.0 85 provided. This Pro Staff 90 is as close as it gets (unless my BLX90 says otherwise).
I'll have to string up my BLX90, and compare it before I make a final decision.
Now that I've played with my PS 6.0 85 for so long, stepping back into a Pro Staff/Tour 90 is just amazing. The 90 is a true blessing, I've forgotten how powerful, precise, maneuverable, and sweet it is.
I was able to play with my 2014 Pro Staff 90, and holy crap, this is a wonderful racquet! It's been a year or two since I last played with my beloved BLX90, so I don't quite remember what my BLX90 feels like. But, this 2014 Pro Staff 90 is probably the closest thing to my PS 6.0 85. It even flexes like how my TW re-issued PS 6.0 85 does.
Although I don't remember what my BLX90 feels like, I do remember the kind of balls it hits. And it's all there in this 2014 Pro Staff 90. Just like the rest of the Pro Staff/Tour 90, this 2014 continues what I call: "hit like hammers".
And seriously, after using the Pro Staff 6.0 85 for so long, this 90 is like the most forgiving racquet ever. All I've been looking for is a racquet that has the barebone, "I can feel every fuzz on the ball" feel that my Pro Staff 6.0 85 provided. This Pro Staff 90 is as close as it gets (unless my BLX90 says otherwise).
I'll have to string up my BLX90, and compare it before I make a final decision.
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Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
No thanks. I don't switch frames randomly and for no reason at all.
Relax my friend, it was a little bit of levity. I was simply referring to the fact that this post seems to indicate you like the BLX90, PS85, and now the newest PS90. You seem very particular about what you are looking for, so I doubt you'll get much help from this forum beyond creating a journal of your experiences.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
I think you'll like the 2014 ProStaff 90 then.
See? What did I tell you?
Am I right or am I right?
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
See? What did I tell you?
Am I right or am I right?
I also said that my BLX90 feels close enough to the PS 6.0 85 when I first switched over to the 85...
So, you didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know. Nor have I decided on the frame.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
I am, and that's why I'm not exactly thrilled about the new Pro Staff 97A. That frame is more Pro Staff Classic 6.1/Six.One, than a proper 6.0 lineage frame.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
So you knew you would like the 2014 PS 90 before you even played with it? Wow, are you on the psychic network? :shock: Gee, if everyone had your amazing powers, TW wouldn't even need a demo program.
FYI, the 2014 PS 90 feels much closer to the PS 6.0 85 than the BLX 90 does. The BLX 90 feels way too muted compared to the PS 90/PS 6.0 85.
Oh, and you're welcome.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Bringing back my old faithful. Not to mention one of the coolest paintjob ever.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
So you knew you would like the 2014 PS 90 before you even played with it? Wow, are you on the psychic network? :shock: Gee, if everyone had your amazing powers, TW wouldn't even need a demo program.
FYI, the 2014 PS 90 feels much closer to the PS 6.0 85 than the BLX 90 does. The BLX 90 feels way too muted compared to the PS 90/PS 6.0 85.
Oh, and you're welcome.
I had some idea of how it would play because it's friggin' 90, which I have had experience with, you idiot. Because it's a Pro Staff/Tour 90, I'd imagine I'd like it.
So yeah, you didn't tell me anything I didn't know already. What's wrong? Can't get your credit? Don't like what you're reading? That's too bad, not like I care.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Dude, you have some serious issues. I highly suggest you seek some professional help before it's too late.
FYI, I was talking about how close the 2014 PS 90 feels to the PS 6.0 85 because that's what you wanted to know, not it's size.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Right... yeah I sure I need help. Maybe we should start a poll about who needs help. We all know you've annoyed just about everyone here.
Did I ask you specifically about the playability of the 2014 PS 90? No. I wondered about it, and figured it would play like my PS 6.0 85 because I've heard from others (not from you though), and that my playtest with the PS 95 indicated as so (again, nothing to do with you), and lastly, it's a 90.
I responded to your post because I was arriving to the same conclusion, not that it was based on what you wrote. So stop digging for credit.
So yeah, you didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. Go try harder at some other threads and stop ruining this thread. Because I know you'll start spilling some meaningless nonsense eventually (like you do with every thread).
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Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Oh, and it volleyed well, really well.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
I've been one of the few here talking about how much the 2014 PS 90 feels like the PS 6.0 85 for a long time, so yes, you did read my posts.
But excuse me for trying to help you. Don't worry, it won't ever happen again.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
And I've been saying that the new Pro Staff 97A is more Pro Staff Classic 6.1/Six.One than a proper Pro Staff 6.0 lineage frame. Excuse me while I go and tell people to thank me because I was "one of the few here talking about it."
So what, you must be on the TW review team since they too talked about how similar this feels to the PS 6.0 85. OH SNAP! Guess what, you ain't the only source fool.
I'm done talking to you about this. Like usual, it goes nowhere. You can talk about the racquets. I don't mind that at all, but if you start your usual s***, and annoy people with your Pro Staff talks and how a certain pro needs to go back to his 90, then leave. I love my Pro Staffs and mids in general as well, but I'm not going to run my mouth like a church.
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BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Excuse me, but AFAIK, you've never played with the RF97A.
And my bad for assuming that most people here like to hear from as many sources as possible about a racquet that they're interested in but have never played with themselves yet.
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Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
2010 BLX90 vs 2014 PS 90
I think I still prefer the BLX90 at this very moment. They're definitely interchangeable, as with all Pro Staff/Tour 90. So this is going to be tough... :-?
2010 BLX90 = Hits like a club, I already have a batch of them, and it's black.
2014 PS90 = Feels the best
I think I still prefer the BLX90 at this very moment. They're definitely interchangeable, as with all Pro Staff/Tour 90. So this is going to be tough... :-?
2010 BLX90 = Hits like a club, I already have a batch of them, and it's black.
2014 PS90 = Feels the best
roundiesee
Hall of Fame
Say, I can understand your ambivalence.
To me these last 3 versions of the Prostaff 90 are all very good rackets. That's why I have one of each version at the moment and I do use them interchangeably.
Just this morning I played against a very tough opponent. Used the 2014 version and lost 4-6. Then switched to the red/black blx and raced away to a 5-1 lead before winning 6-4
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Say, I can understand your ambivalence.
To me these last 3 versions of the Prostaff 90 are all very good rackets. That's why I have one of each version at the moment and I do use them interchangeably.
Just this morning I played against a very tough opponent. Used the 2014 version and lost 4-6. Then switched to the red/black blx and raced away to a 5-1 lead before winning 6-4
2012 version wasn't high on my list though. Thought it was pretty much identical to the BLX90
Very pleasant thread! I have to admit though after reading 10 pages, I jumped to the last page, so sorry if what I write has already been talked about . I also started to play with the 6.0 85 TW lately and yes it is a great racquet. I remember as a kid playing the original 85, but then I moved to Head frames and sticked to Head for a good 10 years...
Anyway, the 85 is a beautiful frame and every time I pick it up it feels home, great feel on all shots and I love the precision and feedback to the hand. So, the other day I played a match with it against a 4.0, and I was surprised to be able to play pretty well. I broke him every time but once! One of my favorite shots was the serve because I felt like I could put the ball on a dime anywhere in the box. Now, it was a great experience but my groundstrokes felt pretty underpowered. My set-up is stock with about 2-3 g at 12 and strung with a multi at 52lbs. When I picked my trusty PC600 out of the bag, it felt like a rocket luncher compared to the 85. Any recommendations on strings and tension? I think I could drop a few lbs, maybe as low as 45, maybe 40lbs?
Just wanted to share the experience. This racquet makes you enjoy playing, which is really great because I can just focus on the game and have fun.
Anyway, the 85 is a beautiful frame and every time I pick it up it feels home, great feel on all shots and I love the precision and feedback to the hand. So, the other day I played a match with it against a 4.0, and I was surprised to be able to play pretty well. I broke him every time but once! One of my favorite shots was the serve because I felt like I could put the ball on a dime anywhere in the box. Now, it was a great experience but my groundstrokes felt pretty underpowered. My set-up is stock with about 2-3 g at 12 and strung with a multi at 52lbs. When I picked my trusty PC600 out of the bag, it felt like a rocket luncher compared to the 85. Any recommendations on strings and tension? I think I could drop a few lbs, maybe as low as 45, maybe 40lbs?
Just wanted to share the experience. This racquet makes you enjoy playing, which is really great because I can just focus on the game and have fun.
roundiesee
Hall of Fame
Maybe you might experiment with your tensions. And consider going lower than 52. Say 46-48?
On a side note I can't imagine that the PC600 would feel like a rocket launcher, Both are quite low powered with great feel
On a side note I can't imagine that the PC600 would feel like a rocket launcher,
Both are quite low powered with great feel Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
I'm the opposite. Started out as a Prestige Mid person, then I moved onto the Pro Staffs and I'm not looking back. The PC600 was a wonderful racquet and I actually think it was slightly more difficult to use than my PS 6.0 85 because of the dense string pattern.
Maybe you might experiment with your tensions. And consider going lower than 52. Say 46-48?
On a side note I can't imagine that the PC600 would feel like a rocket launcher,
Rocket launcher or not, it was a sweet sweet racquet. That's why I'm still holding onto them.
Algo
Hall of Fame
Bought a 90 (Pro Staff Six.One BLX 2012) yesterday in absolute new conditions for around US$134
What to string it with?
I thought that if it's a multi, I'd string it at 44-47lbs; if a gut, at 49-51; or if a poly, at 37-40.
Am I too off on what might work out? Consider that my sig is working out fine
What to string it with?
I thought that if it's a multi, I'd string it at 44-47lbs; if a gut, at 49-51; or if a poly, at 37-40.
Am I too off on what might work out? Consider that my sig is working out fine
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Use the string you use already. Don't change strings to match a frame. That is the worst way to learn a brand new frame.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Yep, I'd keep everything the same to start off with. Then make adjustments if need be.
Algo
Hall of Fame
Strung it with Signum Pro Hyperion 1.18 @48 (22kg) that I had bought like 2 months ago but didn't use.
I had used that string before so I'll know how it compares, though I dropped the tension by 4lbs (from 24kg)
Gonna hit with it tomorrow on training.
Felt wonderful, but it gets me tired quite fast. Can't say much more than that for now.
I had used that string before so I'll know how it compares, though I dropped the tension by 4lbs (from 24kg)
Gonna hit with it tomorrow on training.
Felt wonderful, but it gets me tired quite fast. Can't say much more than that for now.
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Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Got one just for kicks and giggles
This one actually came quite close to the advertised specs. And I didn't even match it. This one clocks in at 338g, and ~30.3cm unstrung.
Strung it up with my setup, Klip Legend 15L x MSV Co-Focus 1.23. I strung it at 58lbs (mains) x 54lbs (crosses). If you guys have been keeping up with me, you'll realize this is higher than my usual tension. But with a bigger frame, I just eyeballed a higher tension.
PS 6.0 85 = 53lbs x 49lbs
PS/Tour 90 = 55lbs x 51lbs
PS RF97A = 58lbs x 54lbs
(Yes, I've always played with a 4lbs difference between the mains and the crosses)
Strung weight: 355g. (forgot to measure the balance then)
And then my 2 overgrips: 364g, ~30.7cm
You'll notice that I have not put lead tape on it yet. But I think I want to try this frame without altering it much (aside from the 2x overgrips, that's just so I can play with it), since this is an entirely different racquet than what I'm used to.
This one actually came quite close to the advertised specs. And I didn't even match it. This one clocks in at 338g, and ~30.3cm unstrung.
Strung it up with my setup, Klip Legend 15L x MSV Co-Focus 1.23. I strung it at 58lbs (mains) x 54lbs (crosses). If you guys have been keeping up with me, you'll realize this is higher than my usual tension. But with a bigger frame, I just eyeballed a higher tension.
PS 6.0 85 = 53lbs x 49lbs
PS/Tour 90 = 55lbs x 51lbs
PS RF97A = 58lbs x 54lbs
(Yes, I've always played with a 4lbs difference between the mains and the crosses)
Strung weight: 355g. (forgot to measure the balance then)
And then my 2 overgrips: 364g, ~30.7cm
You'll notice that I have not put lead tape on it yet. But I think I want to try this frame without altering it much (aside from the 2x overgrips, that's just so I can play with it), since this is an entirely different racquet than what I'm used to.
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Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Comparable to the Pro Staff Classic 6.1/Six.One 95 line?
So, I think this new RF97 Autograph is most comparable to the Pro Staff Classic 6.1/Six.One 95 line. Yes, it has the weight and balance of your favorite Pro Staff 6.0 lineage frame. But its headsize and beam construction has more in common with the Pro Staff Classic 6.1/Six.One line.
With a few exception...
RF97A's beam is slightly flatter than the oval-like beam of the Pro Staff Classic/Six.One 95 line. Just slightly, but noticeable:
And in case anyone is wondering where are the extra square inches in this 97, here's a comparison with the Six.One 95. The head is a little longer while the width is pretty much the same. Also, the RF97A retained the shorter handle found in the Pro Staff 6.0 lineage (that's why the "W" aren't lining up):
I do apologize for the crappy cell phone pictures.
So, I think this new RF97 Autograph is most comparable to the Pro Staff Classic 6.1/Six.One 95 line. Yes, it has the weight and balance of your favorite Pro Staff 6.0 lineage frame. But its headsize and beam construction has more in common with the Pro Staff Classic 6.1/Six.One line.
With a few exception...
RF97A's beam is slightly flatter than the oval-like beam of the Pro Staff Classic/Six.One 95 line. Just slightly, but noticeable:
And in case anyone is wondering where are the extra square inches in this 97, here's a comparison with the Six.One 95. The head is a little longer while the width is pretty much the same. Also, the RF97A retained the shorter handle found in the Pro Staff 6.0 lineage (that's why the "W" aren't lining up):
I do apologize for the crappy cell phone pictures.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
And I wish I can change the title of this thread... haha :-?
roundiesee
Hall of Fame
Ok great! So let us have your thoughts after you've played it. And do compare it to the prostaff 90 (any version). Thanks!
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph review
So I got a chance to hit with this racquet. I played an impromptu practice set against a strong 4.5/5.0. Took him to a tiebreak until his strings snapped and settled for the night unfortunately.
Power:
This has been well documented AND expected, the larger headsize definitely help with the power. Coming from a Pro Staff 6.0 85, there was a TON of power. It was probably the most noticeable on serves. The larger headsize also helped with returns too. No surprises with the power department.
Spin:
Even though it maintained the traditional layout of the Pro Staff 6.0 lineage frames, with a 16x19 pattern, the stringbed is actually quite open because of the larger headsize. I thought this was most noticeable on 2nd serves. I guess you can say this frame is tremendous on serves. 1st serves with its outright power (relative to my 85's), and 2nd serves with its (super) open pattern.
Maneuverability:
I don't understand what everyone is complaining about with this frame. This racquet moved around just fine. If anything, I find this RF97A to be more maneuverable than the Six.One 95 16x18 that I playtested earlier. I think it's because this frame has a flatter and less oval beam compared to the Six.One 95, and there's just a little less "beam" going through the air. HOWEVER, coming from a Pro Staff 6.0 85, this is still a big a** racquet, and it swings like it. Not a fan.
Feel:
My thoughts about this racquet was good up until now. There's a "tinny" sensation associated with this, and many of these "modern player's racquet". I can't believe I'm saying this, but this RF97A kind of feels like the Babolat Pure Strike Tour, that "tinny", tin-cat sensation which I absolutely hated. This is not the kind of feel that I would associate a "Pro Staff" with, FAR from it. HOWEVER, though I don't like the feel of this racquet, just like all Pro Staffs, the racquet still communicates to you and tell you exactly how your stringbed is interacting with the ball upon impact. So, the feel is still there, just not what I would come to expect when it comes to a Pro Staff. Lastly, that sweet, soft, and lively upper loop that I've come to love when it comes to Pro Staff is gone. This RF97A feels rigid throughout the entire frame upon impact.
Overall: Coming from a Pro Staff 6.0 85, Pro Staff/Tour 90 user
It's hard for me to justify this frame, with its ONLY advantage in the power department. Everything that I've come to love about my Pro Staffs is either the same (maneuverability), or worse (feel). After a long, competitive, and ultimately drawing even against this strong 4.5/5.0, I'm not impressed. Power is great, but the feel is just way too foreign to me. And this head is too big.
I don't hate this RF97A, but I also don't love it. It's far from the "top of the list" for me.
So I got a chance to hit with this racquet. I played an impromptu practice set against a strong 4.5/5.0. Took him to a tiebreak until his strings snapped and settled for the night unfortunately.
Power:
This has been well documented AND expected, the larger headsize definitely help with the power. Coming from a Pro Staff 6.0 85, there was a TON of power. It was probably the most noticeable on serves. The larger headsize also helped with returns too. No surprises with the power department.
Spin:
Even though it maintained the traditional layout of the Pro Staff 6.0 lineage frames, with a 16x19 pattern, the stringbed is actually quite open because of the larger headsize. I thought this was most noticeable on 2nd serves. I guess you can say this frame is tremendous on serves. 1st serves with its outright power (relative to my 85's), and 2nd serves with its (super) open pattern.
Maneuverability:
I don't understand what everyone is complaining about with this frame. This racquet moved around just fine. If anything, I find this RF97A to be more maneuverable than the Six.One 95 16x18 that I playtested earlier. I think it's because this frame has a flatter and less oval beam compared to the Six.One 95, and there's just a little less "beam" going through the air. HOWEVER, coming from a Pro Staff 6.0 85, this is still a big a** racquet, and it swings like it. Not a fan.
Feel:
My thoughts about this racquet was good up until now. There's a "tinny" sensation associated with this, and many of these "modern player's racquet". I can't believe I'm saying this, but this RF97A kind of feels like the Babolat Pure Strike Tour, that "tinny", tin-cat sensation which I absolutely hated. This is not the kind of feel that I would associate a "Pro Staff" with, FAR from it. HOWEVER, though I don't like the feel of this racquet, just like all Pro Staffs, the racquet still communicates to you and tell you exactly how your stringbed is interacting with the ball upon impact. So, the feel is still there, just not what I would come to expect when it comes to a Pro Staff. Lastly, that sweet, soft, and lively upper loop that I've come to love when it comes to Pro Staff is gone. This RF97A feels rigid throughout the entire frame upon impact.
Overall: Coming from a Pro Staff 6.0 85, Pro Staff/Tour 90 user
It's hard for me to justify this frame, with its ONLY advantage in the power department. Everything that I've come to love about my Pro Staffs is either the same (maneuverability), or worse (feel). After a long, competitive, and ultimately drawing even against this strong 4.5/5.0, I'm not impressed. Power is great, but the feel is just way too foreign to me. And this head is too big.
I don't hate this RF97A, but I also don't love it. It's far from the "top of the list" for me.
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roundiesee
Hall of Fame
Agree with this completely. And you seem to be the first one to say it. The RF does "feel" like a Babolat. Not exactly the same but similar. I think most of us who have grown used to and love the prostaff 90 just can't seem to get over this unfortunately,
