Something lighter than the RF97

[TheIntrovert]

So the RF97 has a SW of 335, and while on the lookout for softer frames, I’ve accepted that something easier to wield would also benefit my attacking baseline game. I play for my uni

Considering both the gravity and the speed lines. The speed pro has a SW of 318, but the 2020 speed pro has a SW of 329. Would that difference in 6g be noticeable compared to the RF97? Or would it be better to go with the older model?

edit: the racket doesn’t need to play like the RF97. In fact I’d almost prefer it it didn’t. I’ve realised the RF97 is perfect for players that love to attack the net, much like roger. It was designed for him after all. And I’m not that. Much more comfortable on the baseline and attack from there.

 

[morten]

Dunlop cx 200

 

[jangotango]

Why not go with the regular Prostaff 97, or Prostaff 97L(S)?

 

[TheIntrovert]

Why not go with the regular Prostaff 97, or Prostaff 97L(S)?

Stiffness

 

[JonnyAbs]

Textreme Tour 95 is soft

 

[Anthony Kirk]

I was in the same ballpark as you and finally found a suitable RF97 replacement. I now have and utilize the Tecnifibre Tfight 305 XTC, however I did have TW customize them to match the balancing of the RF97. It has more flex, .2oz less weight, more control, bigger sweetspot, and both of them are 341 swingweight.

https://imgur.com/m2s2wdx

https://imgur.com/W8KBaR4

https://imgur.com/gyvXKIY

https://imgur.com/jHIVtAA

https://imgur.com/tk7Mejl

 

[CharlottesHead]

Depends a lot on what balance you're looking for, and your swing style.
I found the Gpro to have a similar feel in the first half of the swing but because it's a bit more head heavy than the RF97 the momentum does a fair bit of the work for you in the follow through.

I use a western grip and have a more modern swing style so I don't know if I still used an eastern if it would be as pronounced.

 

[Arak]

Stiffness

PS 97 is not stiff

 

[ProRadTour]

Recommended trying the new Prestige Pro. In my experience it fells like a lighter softer playing RF97 that packs some punch.

Great with top spin and also flattening out the ball, at has some nice pocketing more in line with the IG series of the Prestiges.

 

[TheIntrovert]

Textreme Tour 95 is soft

Looking for something a bit more modern. I have a pro staff 95, which granted has a much lower SW, but it doesn’t really work for me

 

[TheIntrovert]

I was in the same ballpark as you and finally found a suitable RF97 replacement. I now have and utilize the Tecnifibre Tfight 305 XTC, however I did have TW customize them to match the balancing of the RF97. It has more flex, .2oz less weight, more control, bigger sweetspot, and both of them are 341 swingweight.

https://imgur.com/m2s2wdx

https://imgur.com/W8KBaR4

https://imgur.com/gyvXKIY

https://imgur.com/jHIVtAA

https://imgur.com/tk7Mejl

Hmm. Never really paid attention to TF frames. I’ll do some research for sure

 

[TheIntrovert]

Depends a lot on what balance you're looking for, and your swing style.
I found the Gpro to have a similar feel in the first half of the swing but because it's a bit more head heavy than the RF97 the momentum does a fair bit of the work for you in the follow through.

I use a western grip and have a more modern swing style so I don't know if I still used an eastern if it would be as pronounced.

Something faster to swing. Medium/low powered I guess? I have a pro staff 95 though and find that too low powered. What I’ve realised with the RF97 is that me trying to swing the racket fast enough makes me loose control quite a bit. And it’s also difficult to get it around on defence. I think it’s a much better racket for someone that attacks the net. And I don’t. Not one bit. Much at home on the baseline so need something that plays well there
I have an eastern grip and am an aggressive baseliner.
The reason I am considering the gravity is because it’s received very good reviews. And the speed because a mate of mine, who also has had arm issues, uses it and produces cannonballs from everywhere

 

[TheIntrovert]

PS 97 is not stiff

As someone who has developed tendinosis, I’d like to go softer

 

[TheIntrovert]

Recommended trying the new Prestige Pro. In my experience it fells like a lighter softer playing RF97 that packs some punch.

Great with top spin and also flattening out the ball, at has some nice pocketing more in line with the IG series of the Prestiges.

Hadn’t considered it. I guess because of the bad rep of prestige’s nowadays. I’ll do some research

 

[tegg96]

Recommended trying the new Prestige Pro. In my experience it fells like a lighter softer playing RF97 that packs some punch.

Great with top spin and also flattening out the ball, at has some nice pocketing more in line with the IG series of the Prestiges.

The Prestige Pro Touch is a great alternative to the RF97 whilst being much easier to handle. The Prestige Touch Mid is also a great alternative, that I personally feel hits an extremely heavy ball, with that truck like hammer through he ball like the RF. Both are discounted ATM.
Havent tried the 360s as yet but the Prestige Pro has a much higher swingweight than touch model.

 

[TheIntrovert]

the racket doesn’t need to play like the RF97. In fact I’d almost prefer it it didn’t. I’ve realised the RF97 is perfect for players that love to attack the net. Much like roger. It was designed for him after all. And I’m not that. Much more comfortable on the baseline and attach from there

 

[CharlottesHead]

Something faster to swing. Medium/low powered I guess? I have a pro staff 95 though and find that too low powered. What I’ve realised with the RF97 is that me trying to swing the racket fast enough makes me loose control quite a bit. And it’s also difficult to get it around on defence. I think it’s a much better racket for someone that attacks the net. And I don’t. Not one bit. Much at home on the baseline so need something that plays well there
I have an eastern grip and am an aggressive baseliner.
The reason I am considering the gravity is because it’s received very good reviews. And the speed because a mate of mine, who also has had arm issues, uses it and produces cannonballs from everywhere

I hear you. I have a six.one 18×20 and even though it's static weight is still 350 strung and swing ~335 (according to claimed specs) I had been reaching more and more often to that before I started experimenting with Head rackets. But you really have to catch the ball on the rise with the six.one if you want power. Slice is phenomenal from all parts of the court though.

The Prestige MP line could be something for you. I haven't tried the 2020 version but after using a bunch of the older similar spec ones I would feel confident buying one without demo. I think the increase head size in the new (old-95, new-98) would give it good access to spin also, something that's lacking a bit from the older ones.

It might worth noting I also am a baseline grinder with big, heavy groundies who likes to force my opponents to hit a short ball then blast them off the court or surprise them with a dropshot.

 

[fuzz nation]

As someone who has developed tendinosis, I’d like to go softer

I have better success with softer frames and I also string with syn. guts - polys are too stiff for me. The Volkl C10 has been supremely kind to my arm since I started using it several years ago and it was also a great step up for me when I was looking for more control around the baseline.

The racquet I switched away from was the Wilson 6.1 Classic. I liked that racquet when I was a serve and volleyer, but it didn't work for me around the baseline when I became more of an all-court player. The more flexible C10 brought me an instant boost in control, but also still had some of the weight and balance that I've always preferred - it still functions well at the net.

I bring up this comparison because I've played with the RF 97 on a few occasions and that frame seems to be Wilson's 21st century 6.1 Classic, but with a larger head. Great for serve and volley, but tough to be consistent with it around the baseline given it's heft and stiffness. My C10's have a little weight added to their handles for a little more familiar balance that I prefer - they're around 10 pts. HL and still a bit more lean than the RF 97. So don't rush out and buy one, but try one sometime if you get the chance.

If I had to look for different racquets from another company, my first look would probably be at Yonex. They have a few models with a combo of enough weight to be stable for you along with moderate flex to be comfortable as long as you don't string them with rock hard poly. Every Yonex I've ever owned or sampled seemed to be an easy hitter from the baseline, including a couple of their older mid-sized models.

 

[am1899]

Yonex vcore pro 310
Wilson Blade 98 v7

Gravity would be a solid choice IMO.

Speed I’d be a little more wary of. Although the RA numbers are on the lower side, they tend to still feel fairly stiff.

 

[esm]

From the first post you mentioned you liked the SW of 335. How about the string weight and balance?
If you do not like the RF97 stiffness - which RA are you likely to use?
These numbers should give better ideas of which frames to demo/use.
suppsoe you’d like to keep around 97/98 square once in head size?

 

[jangotango]

Stiffness

Gotcha. Perhaps take a look at Angells offerings? That way you can really get something tailored to your game. They're quite comfortable and play well in all areas.

 

[TheIntrovert]

From the first post you mentioned you liked the SW of 335. How about the string weight and balance?
If you do not like the RF97 stiffness - which RA are you likely to use?
These numbers should give better ideas of which frames to demo/use.
suppsoe you’d like to keep around 97/98 square once in head size?

Nah I’m not sure if I like it. I have nothing to compare it to so I’m not sure if I like it. I’m just confused if the difference of 6g SW between the RF97s 335 and 2020 speed pros 329 swing weight would be noticeable. Well considering the RA of the Rf is 68, if like to go a lot softer. I’m sick of using painkillers at this stage. And even then sometimes they don’t work. I guess both the rackets I am initially interested in ( gravity and speed) have an RA of 62, and I previously used the pro staff 95, with an RA of 62, and I had no issue with any tendon problems. So I guess around that range would be the sweet spot.
I have no idea about strung weight and balance. I haven’t ever really paid attention to those two stats. Isn’t SW more important than strung weight, especially as I’m a baseliner?
Ive never really paid attention to head size either. But I guess around 97 would give the best if both worlds, although idm going to 95.

 

[TheIntrovert]

Gotcha. Perhaps take a look at Angells offerings? That way you can really get something tailored to your game. They're quite comfortable and play well in all areas.

Hmmm. That’s a possible option actually. Problem is idk what I want lol. So I’m not sure what my ideal racket is

 

[Anthony Kirk]

I'd say go wild on demos, that's what I did before I settled for the TF frames I now have. The only thing that may help with arm issues is string combinations and weighting. The RF97 is a great choice for arm issues because it absorbs the ball impact very well. However if your technique is off, it will punish you even more and that's why IMO the RF97 forces you to play correctly. When I switched to my TF frames, I wasn't looking for anything different really, I wanted similar power, balancing, and weight but I wanted a more modern frame with the benefits of those modernizations. I had never considered TF before as well, and actually got the advice to look at them from TW.

The other frame I almost went with was the new Blade 16x19 v7, my decision came down to I simply wanted more control. The TF frames are 18x19 so you technically get the best of both racquets.

 

[TheIntrovert]

Was speaking to my mates that play similarly and they all use rackets with around a 320 SW and around 62 RA. I’m very tempted by the older speed MP

 

[TheIntrovert]

Are there any other similar rackets? Around 318 SW 62RA baseliners frames?

 

[McGradey]

Are there any other similar rackets? Around 318 SW 62RA baseliners frames?

Maybe something from Prince? They have a few 100sq in frames or the Beast 98

 

[CharlottesHead]

I've now played a full match with my Gravity Pro and wrote a review about it so I thought I'd share it with you if you're interested.
I'm not in the habit of writing reviews so take it for what it is, lol.

Link

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/rf97a-to-gravity-pro.663514/post-14188332

 

[meowmix808]

Are there any other similar rackets? Around 318 SW 62RA baseliners frames?

Ezone 98.

I originally bought the Pro Staff 97 because the RF97 was too heavy for me when I'm just playing at the baseline.
Then I tried the Blade 98 18x20 and the Ezone 98 2020 and liked those better than the Pro Staff so now I got two Blades and one Ezone now. The Ezone is my guilty pleasure with that 317 or whatever swingweight.
These two rackets are amazing, the Blades sw is maybe higher than what you'd like but I liked it way better than the RF97 and the PS97.

 

[parasailing]

Ezone 98.

I originally bought the Pro Staff 97 because the RF97 was too heavy for me when I'm just playing at the baseline.
Then I tried the Blade 98 18x20 and the Ezone 98 2020 and liked those better than the Pro Staff so now I got two Blades and one Ezone now. The Ezone is my guilty pleasure with that 317 or whatever swingweight.
These two rackets are amazing, the Blades sw is maybe higher than what you'd like but I liked it way better than the RF97 and the PS97.

If you get a Blade with a lower SW, you will love it even more since you are looking for SW of 317. I use to have a 2015 Blade 18x20 with a SW of 310 due to poor Wilson QC. TW can probably get you the spec'd SW.

 

[Anthony Kirk]

Are there any other similar rackets? Around 318 SW 62RA baseliners frames?

Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310g
Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour
Volkl 2018 V Feel 10 320g
Prostaff 97 Countervail

Those are pretty close to those specs, and they are lower powered similar to the RF97, problem is they are lower powered with less weight so they will not be as stable as the RF97. Again I'd recommend finding a racquet such as the Tecnifibre Tfight 305 XTC and having TW customize it(costs $20 per racquet) to get to what you want. Tennis warehouse has a great tool to compare racquets and is how I was able to find potential replacements.

https://imgur.com/AAmDoBi

 

[esm]

Gotcha. Perhaps take a look at Angells offerings? That way you can really get something tailored to your game. They're quite comfortable and play well in all areas.

Nah I’m not sure if I like it. I have nothing to compare it to so I’m not sure if I like it. I’m just confused if the difference of 6g SW between the RF97s 335 and 2020 speed pros 329 swing weight would be noticeable. Well considering the RA of the Rf is 68, if like to go a lot softer. I’m sick of using painkillers at this stage. And even then sometimes they don’t work. I guess both the rackets I am initially interested in ( gravity and speed) have an RA of 62, and I previously used the pro staff 95, with an RA of 62, and I had no issue with any tendon problems. So I guess around that range would be the sweet spot.
I have no idea about strung weight and balance. I haven’t ever really paid attention to those two stats. Isn’t SW more important than strung weight, especially as I’m a baseliner?
Ive never really paid attention to head size either. But I guess around 97 would give the best if both worlds, although idm going to 95.

in the case, i think your best bet is to email Team Angell - give them as much info as what you are playing with right now with your current preferred spec and what you'd like from your new frame, as well as you playing style.
They will be able to give you options from their line up.
As a baseliner, TC100 63RA would be nice, while TC95/97 would be more suited for all court play. TC95 and TC97 flex differently due to the D Beam and Box Bean setup.
As long as you are set with the head size and the RA/stiffness from an Angell stick, then the rest is quiet customisable. you can even request for the lowest possible SW, then build it up as required to your usual spec...

 

[TheIntrovert]

Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310g
Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour
Volkl 2018 V Feel 10 320g
Prostaff 97 Countervail

Those are pretty close to those specs, and they are lower powered similar to the RF97, problem is they are lower powered with less weight so they will not be as stable as the RF97. Again I'd recommend finding a racquet such as the Tecnifibre Tfight 305 XTC and having TW customize it(costs $20 per racquet) to get to what you want. Tennis warehouse has a great tool to compare racquets and is how I was able to find potential replacements.

https://imgur.com/AAmDoBi

Ah sorry I meant similar to the speed mp. I want to sway away from the RF97 being honest. Im not enjoying using it from the baseline at all.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-here are my picks/suggestions:
-yonex vcore.PRO 310, 97"
-head.rad.PRO/MP, 98"
-prestige.PRO (2020)-95"
-the Wilson.ps.97 is SLIGHTLY lighter, but barely, and just as stiff as the w.RF
-while the Wilson racquets are not as stiff a babo.sticks, "they are" stiff for a Wilson frame(rf=68, ps=65-66),
-however, you can manage the stiffness by stringing at a lower tension!!; these sticks are solid, so it allows for a modification like that.. cant do that with babos...

 

[TheIntrovert]

-here are my picks/suggestions:
-yonex vcore.PRO 310, 97"
-head.rad.PRO/MP, 98"
-prestige.PRO (2020)-95"
-the Wilson.ps.97 is SLIGHTLY lighter, but barely, and just as stiff as the w.RF
-while the Wilson racquets are not as stiff a babo.sticks, "they are" stiff for a Wilson frame(rf=68, ps=65-66),
-however, you can manage the stiffness by stringing at a lower tension!!; these sticks are solid, so it allows for a modification like that.. cant do that with babos...

I’m definitely changing strings as well. Gonna go to a full bed of multi.
The Radical seems very stiff at 68 RA and the Prestige SW seems a little high. I think a swingweibht around 318 would be good. The VCORE looks good tbh. Yeah the PS97 was never on the cards

 

[esm]

-however, you can manage the stiffness by stringing at a lower tension!!; these sticks are solid, so it allows for a modification like that.. cant do that with babos...

IME - it can be done.
I currently have 2 x 2013 Blade 98 18x20 and 2 x 2013 Pure Strike 98 16x19 in my bag. The PS 98 is modded to Blade like - ie. SW > strung weight and less HL.
both are about the same stiffness rating of 66RA if i remembered correctly. with fb of syn gut at lower tension (50/46 for Blade98 & 48/44 for PS98), they are very playable....
this is me being careful with my elbow and shoulder, and i have not had any issues with them so far (i do 2 - 3 sessions a week, if the kids let me..lol).
my last main sticks are 2 x TC95 16x19 63 RA, with occasion use of TC100 63 RA and K7 Red.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I’m definitely changing strings as well. Gonna go to a full bed of multi.
The Radical seems very stiff at 68 RA and the Prestige SW seems a little high. I think a swingweibht around 318 would be good. The VCORE looks good tbh. Yeah the PS97 was never on the cards

-this "new one", is also a very solid stick, I was surprised
-new dampening material in the handle makes this a very comfortable racquet

Yonex EZONE 98 Racquets | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[TheIntrovert]

-this "new one", is also a very solid stick, I was surprised
-new dampening material in the handle makes this a very comfortable racquet

Yonex EZONE 98 Racquets | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

What’s the difference between the EZONE and that VCORE lines in terms of how they play?

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@TheIntrovert
-the frame feel!!
-vcore.pro is more solid, cuts through the air better. like a w.blade
-the ezone is chuncky, wide and thin frame, makes it solid enough at impact, like a Wilson.clash

 

[TheIntrovert]

Ah right. The VCORE definitely sounds much more to my liking by the sounds of it.

@TheIntrovert
-the frame feel!!
-vcore.pro is more solid, cuts through the air better. like a w.blade
-the ezone is chuncky, wide and thin frame, makes it solid enough at impact, like a Wilson.clash

 

[Anthony Kirk]

Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310g
Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour
Volkl 2018 V Feel 10 320g
Prostaff 97 Countervail

Those are pretty close to those specs, and they are lower powered similar to the RF97, problem is they are lower powered with less weight so they will not be as stable as the RF97. Again I'd recommend finding a racquet such as the Tecnifibre Tfight 305 XTC and having TW customize it(costs $20 per racquet) to get to what you want. Tennis warehouse has a great tool to compare racquets and is how I was able to find potential replacements.

https://imgur.com/AAmDoBi

^^ I did post the Vcore as the top option there

 

[Grigore Petre]

Try something like this : if you play with L2 and Wilson grip buy L3 and Kimony leather and you get almost 10 grams (minus of course).

 

[JonnyAbs]

As someone who has developed tendinosis, I’d like to go softer

I agree with you here. I used the PS 97 for some time. Developed bad serving shoulder (right) and backhand wrist (left) issues with it. Switched back to my pure drive and they went away. Strange because PDs are stiffer, but maybe the cortex and woofer dampen it more. Lower weight might also help with the shoulder. I never tried the Countervail PS97 to see if it would help.

 

[TheIntrovert]

What’s the difference between the Speed Pro and the Speed MP? Older models.
Speed MP has strung weight 318g and swing weight 317g. And is 16x18

Speed Pro is 326g strung and 318g swingweight. And is 18x20

So the string pattern is different. And speed pro is more headlight, but the swing weight is the same. So does that mean it’ll be the same to swing? Is it just the string pattern that you pick between, or is there something different about them?

 

[TheIntrovert]

What’s the difference between the Speed Pro and the Speed MP? Older models.
Speed MP has strung weight 318g and swing weight 317g. And is 16x18

Speed Pro is 326g strung and 318g swingweight. And is 18x20

So the string pattern is different. And speed pro is more headlight, but the swing weight is the same. So does that mean it’ll be the same to swing? Is it just the string pattern that you pick between, or is there something different about them?

?

 

[Boubi]

CX 200+ plays similarly at net

 

[eightdeer]

So the RF97 has a SW of 335, and while on the lookout for softer frames, I’ve accepted that something easier to wield would also benefit my attacking baseline game. I play for my uni

Considering both the gravity and the speed lines. The speed pro has a SW of 318, but the 2020 speed pro has a SW of 329. Would that difference in 6g be noticeable compared to the RF97? Or would it be better to go with the older model?

edit: the racket doesn’t need to play like the RF97. In fact I’d almost prefer it it didn’t. I’ve realised the RF97 is perfect for players that love to attack the net, much like roger. It was designed for him after all. And I’m not that. Much more comfortable on the baseline and attack from there.

What did you end up getting?

 

[Fxanimator1]

the racket doesn’t need to play like the RF97. In fact I’d almost prefer it it didn’t. I’ve realised the RF97 is perfect for players that love to attack the net. Much like roger. It was designed for him after all. And I’m not that. Much more comfortable on the baseline and attach from there

Clash 98.