Federer Pro Staff RF97 Autograph Too Heavy?

I have been playing with the Federer Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph for years. I bought these racquets because Federer uses them, obviously. Also, Sampras used the Pro Saff as well.

I am currently on a Memorial weekend trip to visit family, and I had left my racquets on the dining table as we were running late to the airport. Getting three little children packed and out the door is stressful.

I borrowed my brother's racquet (see below) to play with. He had made a switch to a lighter frame as per the recommendation from his teaching pro.

I was shocked how well I could whip my arm so much faster with a lighter frame. I thought I would not have as much power than the Federer frame, but I actually think the increase in racquet speed whip makes up for the lighter weight.

I also could maneuver the racquet much easier at the net.

I just bought four Wilson Pro Staff RF97 v13 Racquets, and I may end up returning them.

Watching Federer court level on YouTube makes you want to use his racquet. His swing is so relaxed yet generates so much topspin.

However, I am not Federer so I cannot duplicate his swing with the heavy racquet he uses. He also uses an old school Eastern grip which I have tried and failed to duplicate.

If I am completely honest with myself, I must sadly admit that these racquets are too heavy for me.

I had a similar consideration on this interesting personal racquet weight preference question over time. I had returned to tennis around 2014, and had been used to the older thin beam frame racquets prior, so I got the ps85 reissue then and tried to train with it for the years since, often making a fool of myself when hitting with 4.0+ players. I stayed away from the RF97's because I wanted to stick to 17-18mm beams. I finally moved on to a kps88 last year which was still an old frame but the beam and weight I wanted since at the time I couldn't find Federer's old tour 90 or ktour 90 in good condition at a cheaper price. So I'd been working with it for about a year since... and had plenty of tennis elbow and aches with the 370g frame. But finally got used to it where I do weekly sesssions of lift and push weights on the arms. I also learned to string last year so bought a bunch of cheaper used old frames to practice stringing with, and interestingly a used KTour 95 I picked up on the bay had a really nice "groove" feel and light on the 1hbh, with a good whip at the end, although I'm worried it doesn't have as much plowthrough as the kps88. So sometimes I use it for fun, or if I'm too tired or sore to play with the kps 88 on a certain day.

I can't confirm for myself, but on observing , perhaps Fed is using some wrist action on the latter part acceleration of his forehand, which helps with some topspin? I'd been practicing half-volleys with continental grip on the kps88, and eventually can get some wrist flip on the end. Also a new stringjob with thinner strings could help lower the weight. But I guess in general, I keep using the hefty kps88 partly because of the thin-beam feel, the plowthrough I'm used to, (and Sampras' sig on it, haha) and because of my non-competitive partial goals of tennis for the exercise and toning benefits. So anyway, my 2c comments on your topic of heavy vs. lighter racquets. And someday I may get an RF97 just as a collectible, but I'm waiting for a future v14 or higher as I'm generally superstitious of the "13" number.

I used super heavy racquets (K90 and RF97 among them) from the age of about 12 up through 21, and then I switched to a lighter racquet at 22 and it made a HUGE positive difference. I can only imagine how I might have performed as a junior with a racquet that I could've actually swung properly.
Fed's racquet is unsuitable for the vast majority of players out there, but his game is probably the best marketing tool in tennis.

The heavier racquet adds so much more stability and power to my shots. This is crucial on volleys. I like the Prince original graphite and RF97. I use both and I’m not a big strong guy. Whenever I use a lighter 10 or 11 ounce racquet it’s fun for a few minutes, but it really lacks the power of the heavier RF when hitting drives.

I don't know for you of course, but over the years I found that finding the right flex and stringtype/tension works a lot better for me that having "just a heavy racket" per se

Also changing grip sizes, or how tight you grip a racket, can have a major influence on how stable a racket feels on volley's for example, and how hard, flat or spinny etc. you can hit.. (Because it changes how fast/slow you can change racket grip position or angle and the feel or control - sorry a bit hard to explain)

PS 97 RF... no one other than Federer should be using it on the court. It was designed by him for him. I am convinced anyone who claims that they play with this model is lying to themselves or may play even better with a lighter frame. I highly support the move to the lighter frame! Plus you can always strategically add weight to get certain characteristics. This is way it'll be racket designed by you for you!

I've never seen someone with an RF97 who actually should have been using it. They were either young 2.5-3.0 players from somewhere in Asia, or older American guys with vastly declined strength who were kidding themselves about still being strong enough to use it.

The specs of the RF 97 are very similar to whatever competing players use after they modify their rackets.

Arak said:

The specs of the RF 97 are very similar to whatever competing players use after they modify their rackets.

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Yes.. but 99.999% of the players are not similar to those competing players

s_p_a_c_e_m_a_n_ said:

Yes.. but 99.999% of the players are not similar to those competing players

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On the recreational level, it doesn’t matter what racket you play with as long as you’re happy with it. In singles, I play better with the RF97, while for doubles, I normally play with a more maneuverable racket, usually the PS97. I’m not a strong guy, and I usually play against younger stronger fitter guys. The weight of the RF97 helps me a lot for serve, ROS, and allows me to hit heavier balls than with the lighter rackets. To each his own.

I just finished playing my brother again using his Pro Kennex. I played really well despite high wind. I couldn't believe how well I could slice with a lighter frame.

I'm not sure I am going to return my Fed frames just yet. When I am feeling a rhythm, I can serve lights out with the heavy Fed frame. But unfortunately, that doesn't happen often. My biggest problem with the heavy racquet is when playing wall pushers who give no pace. It is so hard to time the swing of his heavy racquet on a dead ball sitter.

My friends also pointed out that no other pro uses his stick. It was designed for a generational, unique talent like Federer. And again, I have to admit to myself that I am not Federer.

Got to stop watching court level practice hits of Federer on YouTube. He makes it look too easy.

Brother's racquet:

I moved from the Blade 98 to the RF97... I also found the stock RF97 too heavy so after some experimenting, I ended up replacing the leather grip with a light synthetic grip removing about 15g off the weight. I actually enjoy the new balance better than the original super headlight version. I can also play 3-4h no problem with it whereas I would get arm fatigue after 1.5h with the original setup.
You can generate a ton of RHS with light whippy frames, but you gotta be on the gas 100% all the time in order to hit deep heavy balls.
The RF97 excels on serves, returns, volleys, blocking and groundstrokes where you are in attacking position.
A light frame won't be as good on returns, volleys, blocking but you can defend well it it.
Depends on your game.
I play my best tennis (high 4.5 / low 5.0 level) with this frame, and I have tried a ton of combinations. I also have no arm issues with it. I've previously played with the Aero and the Blade -- and had issues with both.
Before you sell all your frames, buy some Wilson Feather Thin grips, replace the original Leather and see how you like it.. 15g does not sound like a lot but it's a huge difference.

Georgepeppard007 said:

My friends also pointed out that no other pro uses his stick. It was designed for a generational, unique talent like Federer.

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Here is a small list of players using "Fed" weight 355g+ strung (various balances and some higher, some lower than Fed's 340SW)

David Nalbandian
Lleyton Hewitt
Kevin Anderson
Stan Wawrinka
Tomas Berdych
Andreas Seppi
Juan M. Del Potro
Janko Tipsarevic
Roger Federer
Denis Kudla
Roger Federer
Gael Monfils
Richard Gasquet
Daniel Evans
Nicolas Almagro
Florian Mayer
Michael Berrer
Bernard Tomic
Grigor Dimitrov
Andrey Rublev
Steve Johnson
Jared Donaldson
Jiri Vesely
Donald Young
Lleyton Hewitt
Ryan Harrison
Fernando Verdasco
Denis Shapovalov
Daniil Medvedev

Georgepeppard007 said:

ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour Pro 315 Racquet (2021)

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Great specs. Similar to the PS97 but more flex, more SW.
Try my suggestion first, bringing the RF97 from ~365g to 350g which is the first step to see how you like them
Then the next step down in weight would be to around the same level as this Pro Kennex or PS97 which would be around 340g strung (with overgrip).

FIRETennis said:

Here is a small list of players using "Fed" weight 355g+ strung (various balances and some higher, some lower than Fed's 340SW)

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Salesman at the pro shop said no one else uses Federer's racquet because of sponsorship contracts. He said Djokovic's racquet is even heavier.

Bottom line is that I am not a pro but a 4.0 to 4.5 level weekend club player. It makes no sense to use pro specs for my racquet.

It's all interdependent on your style, footwork and fitness/power, and that of your opponents:

1. If you play attacking style you need a heavy enough stable racquet on faster surfaces against better opponents, to be able to attack, because they will rush you and push you back, and take charge of the points if your racquet is too light. If you don't play or train with such players, but still want to have a heavier attacking racquet, then you need to aim slightly higher in weight than your average opponent's racquet, if they move and hit like you. After that it depends on your and your average opponent's movement on court, as heavier racquets make you slower. If you play with a heavier racquet but you can compensate with good cardio fitness and speed on the court, so that no players that you play run circles around you, then it's OK.

2. If you want your opponents to take charge because you play defensive, counterattacking and reactive tennis, then heavy racquet is a big no no, as you're going to be late to the balls. You need lighter, stable, 100 sq in and polarized. See under "Rafa Nadal" chapter.

3. If you play "the wall" style, using incoming pace, like Murray, Novak or Medvedev, then heavy is better for blocking and redirecting attacks, but you really need lightning fast legs.

However, if you find yourself in a situation where your opponents walk you around with high slow floater balls, and you are late and don't have enough fitness and physical power to speed those balls up regularly, to go around the backhand to hit more forehands etc., then the racquet is clearly too heavy. Even opponents who don't even think about it will start slowing down their game instinctively with high or low slow balls, and you'll be lost and tired.

Heavy, stiff and stable racquet like RF97A absolutely needs high incoming speed balls, as it is difficult to speed up heavy racquets on slow balls. RF97A is ideal on grass courts where Roger blocks and redirects fast balls non stop.

All players with heavy racquets have those problems, it is very noticeable with Novak on clay for example, as he doesn't have the physical power Stan or Roger have, or some others, he is lighter and flexible but not too powerful and he needs high incoming speed balls so that he can just block them and not have to swing back too much with his heavy and tightly strung control frame. Stan moves back a lot to have time to aim and swing, and he still doesn't get enough time on faster surfaces, and Roger often miscues the ball, frames it if he doesn't move back to have more time - and usually neither Roger nor Novak move back to have more time. Pro players with heavy frames are dependent on high speed hitting, and are sensitive to being walked around with slow floating balls - again, see under "Rafa Nadal" footnote.

Since younger attacking players like Thiem or Tsitsipas, Sinner etc. play with lighter racquets but compensate with fast movement, the old guard is forced to go down in weight, and if not in weight then swingweight, to be able to move faster on the court.

Balls have become more dead and slow, all new balls are noticeably slower than old ones - Dunlop AO is super dead, soft and slow, Wilson AO was harder and faster, Dunlop ATP ball is still good for attacking but nowhere near the very quick old Head ATP ball, and new Wilson Roland Garros is also a softer slower ball for loopier trajectories, old Babolat RG was harder for more hard hitting and flatter trajectories. Slazenger Wimbledon ball sadly can't possibly be softer and slower than it already tragically is. That in itself will force all players to go further down in weight and swingweight, as tennis is becoming more physical.

Best replacement for RF97A are: new Radical Pro brought to 315g correct spec and with maybe 2g extra lead to the handle, Vcore Pro 97 330g as is, and Pro Staff 97 CV with some lead in the head.

why make a post because you are not strong enough? You know there is a place called “gym”? If you are close to my age, there is a place called garden.

Rosstour said:

I've never seen someone with an RF97 who actually should have been using it. They were either young 2.5-3.0 players from somewhere in Asia, or older American guys with vastly declined strength who were kidding themselves about still being strong enough to use it.

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Ooh no. Old guys like me are still using ps85 or ps90/prestige mid. Why bother a 97” frame when you are not on tour.

On the contrary, against players under 4.5, the RF97 makes tennis insanely easy if you are fundamentally sound. You should be destroying pushers and lower level players with this racquet, as the frame does all the work. On time and nice and smooth contact out in front. I would also add that you HAVE to hit on the rise with the RF97 for the frame to really be effective.

Against higher level players is when it becomes more difficult as you with have to be able to continually return heavy balls with spin, over an over again, which increases the chances you will be late due to the weight of the frame. If you can continually play attacking tennis with impeccable footwork with no drop-off you can even dominate at the higher levels. What happens at the 2-3 hour mark and playing back to back matches determines if you can handle the weight and play at higher levels with this stick.

Now, to hit like Fed you should not be trying to whip or aggressively hit spin. The RF97 does not work like that. Fed hits through the ball more, and based on his swing path and loose arm gets massive spin and rpms. Loose, out front, and on the rise with the proper swing path is the key.

Tho thread is fun. Seriously, OP, just play with what works for you and don’t worry about what anyone thinks you should play with. I enjoy pulling out my 73 sq inch racquet that weighs ~14 ounces ...and winning with it. At the 4.0-4.5 level, it’s about your brain more than the stick.

Winners or Errors said:

Tho thread is fun. Seriously, OP, just play with what works for you and don’t worry about what anyone thinks you should play with. I enjoy pulling out my 73 sq inch racquet that weighs ~14 ounces ...and winning with it. At the 4.0-4.5 level, it’s about your brain more than the stick.

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Whenever someone asks me “what racquet should I play with...” “what string should I play with...” I always say the one you don’t have to think about

The weight is not a big deal if you have a good swing with high racquet head speed (RHS). But the RF97 feels very stiff and boardy compared to other 12 oz racquets. Only Fed fans who are low 4.0 or below seem to play with it. I see a lot more Blades, VCores, Pure Strikes and Pure Aeros amongst 4.5+ players at my club.

The RF97 is a stand alone racquet spec wise. I think it is good Wilson produced Feds racquet, but I doubt we will see another manufacturer put out a racquet like it. Pro Kennex used to produce the Ki5PSE which was very close spec wise, just .2 or .3 ounces heavier. Think how the racquet would have sold if Roger had started using it.

velvetsledgehammer said:

The RF97 is a stand alone racquet spec wise. I think it is good Wilson produced Feds racquet, but I doubt we will see another manufacturer put out a racquet like it. Pro Kennex used to produce the Ki5PSE which was very close spec wise, just .2 or .3 ounces heavier. Think how the racquet would have sold if Roger had started using it.

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Prince Original Graphite 107

socallefty said:

Only Fed fans who are low 4.0 or below seem to play with it. I see a lot more Blades, VCores, Pure Strikes and Pure Aeros amongst 4.5+ players at my club.

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My fellow club member said the exact same thing. None of the better players at the club uses Federer's racquet.

Yet the tennis retail store salesmen told me that the Federer's racquet is their top selling frame even at $250 a pop.

asifallasleep said:

You should be destroying pushers and lower level players with this racquet, as the frame does all the work. On time and nice and smooth contact out in front.

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asifallasleep said:

Against higher level players is when it becomes more difficult as you with have to be able to continually return heavy balls with spin, over an over again, which increases the chances you will be late due to the weight of the frame.

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I have trouble with short low balls against the pusher types with Federer's frame. I just can't the ball up over the net and down before running out of court. I did much better with the lighter racquet whipping up on the ball easier to spin it down.

When I play my work colleague's nationally ranked 14 year-old son (who played in the Easter Bowl this year), I am constantly late against his tremendous spin and pace. I was taking sets off the kid last summer, but now I can barely win a game. I need to change the racquet. My goal is to beat him before he grows any taller.

Georgepeppard007 said:

I have trouble with short low balls against the pusher types with Federer's frame. I just can't the ball up over the net and down before running out of court. I did much better with the lighter racquet whipping up on the ball easier to spin it down.

When I play my work colleague's nationally ranked 14 year-old son (who played in the Easter Bowl this year), I am constantly late against his tremendous spin and pace. I was taking sets off the kid last summer, but now I can barely win a game. I need to change the racquet. My goal is to beat him before he grows any taller.

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Every racket design is a compromise. You win in some department and you lose in some other. I feel that one should use as heavy a racket as they can without compromising other aspects due to weight. It’s possible the RF97 is too heavy for your particular case. I use mine only for singles play. For doubles, I play better with the lighter PS97. The RF97 works best for me against powerful players. The weight hurts me against sneaky players who play a lot of low bounce extreme angles. I think posts #16 and #19 are very accurate and I fully agree with their analysis.

If you think rf 97 is too heavy just get a ps97. Done.

Georgepeppard007 said:

I have trouble with short low balls against the pusher types with Federer's frame. I just can't the ball up over the net and down before running out of court. I did much better with the lighter racquet whipping up on the ball easier to spin it down.

When I play my work colleague's nationally ranked 14 year-old son (who played in the Easter Bowl this year), I am constantly late against his tremendous spin and pace. I was taking sets off the kid last summer, but now I can barely win a game. I need to change the racquet. My goal is to beat him before he grows any taller.

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Ahh, the real reason surfaces. That ship has probably sailed, man. I’m willing to bet a lighter racquet isn’t enough for the shortcomings in your game keeping you from beating a nationally ranked junior. Good luck finding a racquet for that. You are entering the racquet-holic zone and there’s no escape. Beware...

The RF97s static weight is absolutely too heavy for probably 90%+ of the people that use it. 9-10pts headlight with a 330+ swingweight is great for high level players however with the static being 12.6 it makes it difficult to sustain over a match. If the static was 11.8-12oz with those other same specs it would be perfect for almost every 4.5<

The swingweight on the rf97 seems to come in at 330-335 depending on spec. Most 4.0 and above have no issues swinging this. It’s super head light. The frame is a bit thicker and not the most aerodynamic, but stronger 4.0 and above can certainly make use of it.

Maverick13 said:

The RF97s static weight is absolutely too heavy for probably 90%+ of the people that use it. 9-10pts headlight with a 330+ swingweight is great for high level players however with the static being 12.6 it makes it difficult to sustain over a match. If the static was 11.8-12oz with those other same specs it would be perfect for almost every 4.5<

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It's even worse than that. The advertised 12.6 is not even accurate. I've owned about 20 RF97's and strung with overgrip and dampener they were all 12.8+ and i used a light 19g string.

Removing the leather grip and using 1-2 overgrips or a synthetic grip or a thin Kimony will get you to 12.3-12.5 which makes a huge difference in generating racquet head speed.

Georgepeppard007 said:

I have trouble with short low balls against the pusher types with Federer's frame. I just can't the ball up over the net and down before running out of court. I did much better with the lighter racquet whipping up on the ball easier to spin it down.

When I play my work colleague's nationally ranked 14 year-old son (who played in the Easter Bowl this year), I am constantly late against his tremendous spin and pace. I was taking sets off the kid last summer, but now I can barely win a game. I need to change the racquet. My goal is to beat him before he grows any taller.

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The RF97 is made for slicing!! Penetrating backhand and forehand slicing low and nasty are one of it's specialties. Also, before you dump them try swapping the leather grip for a lighter synthetic grip or a thin lighter Kimony leather grip. Lastly, consider a thinner gauge string (18 or 19g). All these changes will make the frame lighter and much easier to use without sacrificing power and plow. Good luck!!

asifallasleep said:

The RF97 is made for slicing!! Penetrating backhand and forehand slicing low and nasty are one of it's specialties. Also, before you dump them try swapping the leather grip for a lighter synthetic grip or a thin lighter Kimony leather grip. Lastly, consider a thinner gauge string (18 or 19g). All these changes will make the frame lighter and much easier to use without sacrificing power and plow. Good luck!!

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100% Agree. Night and day difference. I can play 4-5h tournaments with the 350g (12.3-12.4oz) strung RF97 and the 365g (12.9oz) I was out after 2h.
Another option is Wilson Feather Thin for those looking for a bit more padding than the Kimony. The bare grip with two Wilson Pro overgrips was too rough on the palm for me...

Let's not forget RF97 is made for using your legs, not your arms ;-) The arms just guide the racquet through the ball.

Winners or Errors said:

Ahh, the real reason surfaces. That ship has probably sailed, man. I’m willing to bet a lighter racquet isn’t enough for the shortcomings in your game keeping you from beating a nationally ranked junior. Good luck finding a racquet for that. You are entering the racquet-holic zone and there’s no escape. Beware...

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You are probably right. I will never beat that 14 y/o kid again. He hits for hours a day and he is growing taller. Only last year I could attack his serve. Now I can barely get it back.

The racquet change is not the answer. Maybe if I quit my job and trained full time? Even then a junior will improve much faster than a guy in his fifties. Oh well.

Georgepeppard007 said:

You are probably right. I will never beat that 14 y/o kid again. He hits for hours a day and he is growing taller. Only last year I could attack his serve. Now I can barely get it back.

The racquet change is not the answer. Maybe if I quit my job and trained full time? Even then a junior will improve much faster than a guy in his fifties. Oh well.

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I feel you. We're kind of in the same boat. That said, my regular partners are all in their 50s, and though on occasion I play with solid juniors - because I teach high school - I don't have the mobility to stick with them for long on the singles court.

Played with heavier frames but the 97A is clunky
I preferred the K88

Georgepeppard007 said:

You are probably right. I will never beat that 14 y/o kid again. He hits for hours a day and he is growing taller. Only last year I could attack his serve. Now I can barely get it back.

The racquet change is not the answer. Maybe if I quit my job and trained full time? Even then a junior will improve much faster than a guy in his fifties. Oh well.

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Well, if you've never really trained hard before....maybe not .

I hear what you say about weight. I had been playing the M-Fil 200/MW 200 for over a decade, at 381g. When I recently switched to the CX200, just playing stock, it did feel better to hit certain shots because it was so much lighter. My 1HBH, in particular. Serving is nice too. But, there were some tradeoffs between old and new. I couldn't replicate the action I would get with my old stick but I could hit off balance better. In the end I have to get some weight added to my CX to get it in the same ball park (ball action wise) as my old stick. IME, there's is a point where you stop benefitting from going heavier. It just doesn't add anything to the weight and competitiveness of your shots. Likewise, too light requires waaayyyy to much work to get the same type of competitive ball. Sure, you can get a ball back but it has little on it and is just setting up the other player to win a point against you. For me, I don't like having to rely on another player's mistakes. In the end, my CX at 361g allows me to play how I'm used to playing and I'm still faster to get into a position to reliably return off balance and more defensive minded shots.

I played with the RF97A for like 6 months, awesome frame, deep and low slices, just nasty ones, the 1hbh was the best, I didn't feel soreness until I played a long match and felt like my arm was falling off, I had to trade those slices and bh for the ability to keep playing tennis, I started playing with the PS97 and I can still feel some of the things that the RF97A had but I can play for hours now.

Like 2 weeks ago I played a little bit with the Strike PO7, it felt really nice and maneuverable, it was a nice feeling to have a lighter frame in my hands.

Fairhit said:

I played with the RF97A for like 6 months, awesome frame, deep and low slices, just nasty ones, the 1hbh was the best, I didn't feel soreness until I played a long match and felt like my arm was falling off, I had to trade those slices and bh for the ability to keep playing tennis, I started playing with the PS97 and I can still feel some of the things that the RF97A had but I can play for hours now.

Like 2 weeks ago I played a little bit with the Strike PO7, it felt really nice and maneuverable, it was a nice feeling to have a lighter frame in my hands.

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Most players that transitioned to the PS97 from the RF97A do miss the plow and ball crushing ability in exchange for the longer playing time.
What ends up eventually happening is because of the somewhat low SW of the PS97, they add 3g to the hoop and balance 3g in the handle.
This takes the frame to around 12.2oz... 315g + 15 (strings) + 6 (og) + 3 (dampener) + 6 (lead tip/buttcap) = 345g / ~330SW / 32cm-7HL
A 'lightened' RF97A albeit a bit more head heavy balance will be 12.3oz... 340g + 15 (strings) + 6 (og) + 3 (dampener) - 15 (exchange to light leather or synthetic) = 349g / ~330SW / 32.3cm-6HL

The PS97 v13 is not foam filled (apparently - discussed in another thread), has higher twistweight and still a synthetic grip.
What you are still getting with the above setup is the foam filled RF97 with a lower twistweight compared to the PS97 and still some 90% of the original RF97 plow ...

Fairhit said:

I played with the RF97A for like 6 months, awesome frame, deep and low slices, just nasty ones, the 1hbh was the best, I didn't feel soreness until I played a long match and felt like my arm was falling off, I had to trade those slices and bh for the ability to keep playing tennis, I started playing with the PS97 and I can still feel some of the things that the RF97A had but I can play for hours now.

Like 2 weeks ago I played a little bit with the Strike PO7, it felt really nice and maneuverable, it was a nice feeling to have a lighter frame in my hands.

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which version of the ps97 have you switched to?

jmysun said:

which version of the ps97 have you switched to?

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FIRETennis said:

Most players that transitioned to the PS97 from the RF97A do miss the plow and ball crushing ability in exchange for the longer playing time.
What ends up eventually happening is because of the somewhat low SW of the PS97, they add 3g to the hoop and balance 3g in the handle.
This takes the frame to around 12.2oz... 315g + 15 (strings) + 6 (og) + 3 (dampener) + 6 (lead tip/buttcap) = 345g / ~330SW / 32cm-7HL
A 'lightened' RF97A albeit a bit more head heavy balance will be 12.3oz... 340g + 15 (strings) + 6 (og) + 3 (dampener) - 15 (exchange to light leather or synthetic) = 349g / ~330SW / 32.3cm-6HL

The PS97 v13 is not foam filled (apparently - discussed in another thread), has higher twistweight and still a synthetic grip.
What you are still getting with the above setup is the foam filled RF97 with a lower twistweight compared to the PS97 and still some 90% of the original RF97 plow ...

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I tried a friend's PS97 and I have no idea why anyone would use that racquet. For me, it felt just as clubby as my RF97 without all the sublime benefits, feel, plow, touch etc. I know it gives a lot of folks arm pain, but the Pure Strike is a far far far superior racquet compared to the PS97. It made every single stroke easier. I think the Blade line and regular Pro Staff lines don't give players much when compared to similarly spec'd Yonex and Babolat frames. The RF97 is the lone exception.

I have 2 RF97A frames (the black and the red-black) and both of them are too heavy for me. My strung weight limit seems to be 12 ounces.

FIRETennis said:

Most players that transitioned to the PS97 from the RF97A do miss the plow and ball crushing ability in exchange for the longer playing time.
What ends up eventually happening is because of the somewhat low SW of the PS97, they add 3g to the hoop and balance 3g in the handle.
This takes the frame to around 12.2oz... 315g + 15 (strings) + 6 (og) + 3 (dampener) + 6 (lead tip/buttcap) = 345g / ~330SW / 32cm-7HL
A 'lightened' RF97A albeit a bit more head heavy balance will be 12.3oz... 340g + 15 (strings) + 6 (og) + 3 (dampener) - 15 (exchange to light leather or synthetic) = 349g / ~330SW / 32.3cm-6HL

The PS97 v13 is not foam filled (apparently - discussed in another thread), has higher twistweight and still a synthetic grip.
What you are still getting with the above setup is the foam filled RF97 with a lower twistweight compared to the PS97 and still some 90% of the original RF97 plow ...

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I'd say buy a RF97 and make it lighter with grip and string adjustments and you end up with specs close to a PS97, but in a much better quality stick that is foam filled.

asifallasleep said:

Now, to hit like Fed you should not be trying to whip or aggressively hit spin. The RF97 does not work like that. Fed hits through the ball more, and based on his swing path and loose arm gets massive spin and rpms. Loose, out front, and on the rise with the proper swing path is the key.

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asifallasleep said:

The RF97 is made for slicing!! Penetrating backhand and forehand slicing low and nasty are one of it's specialties. Also, before you dump them try swapping the leather grip for a lighter synthetic grip or a thin lighter Kimony leather grip. Lastly, consider a thinner gauge string (18 or 19g). All these changes will make the frame lighter and much easier to use without sacrificing power and plow. Good luck!!

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I'd guess this could be a good explanation of why the RF97 works better for Fed? He seems to use his entire body more , presumably after successfully getting into position in time, and having to time it right on uncoiling on impact, or it mishits or frames, where his grip seems to be more semi-western or even eastern.

Georgepeppard007 said:

I have trouble with short low balls against the pusher types with Federer's frame. I just can't the ball up over the net and down before running out of court. I did much better with the lighter racquet whipping up on the ball easier to spin it down.

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Georgepeppard007 said:

You are probably right. I will never beat that 14 y/o kid again. He hits for hours a day and he is growing taller. Only last year I could attack his serve. Now I can barely get it back.

The racquet change is not the answer. Maybe if I quit my job and trained full time? Even then a junior will improve much faster than a guy in his fifties. Oh well.

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I'd guess this is part of the "fun" and activity of trying to train with, improve and swing these heavier racquets for guys over 35 (or over 50)? And doing the ancillary exercise, gym or weight training in order to attempt to wield the heavier racquet longer and smoother. Trying to recapture some of that youthful fitness and physical ability. And it possibly can work in that way to some degree for some.

FIRETennis said:

Let's not forget RF97 is made for using your legs, not your arms ;-) The arms just guide the racquet through the ball.

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PrinceMoron said:

Played with heavier frames but the 97A is clunky
I preferred the K88

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John said:

Ooh no. Old guys like me are still using ps85 or ps90/prestige mid. Why bother a 97” frame when you are not on tour.

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I'd been using the kps88 as my main racquet for the past year. I don't have the RF97 , where I'd assume the weight challenges are somewhat similar. And the non-midplus size and 18mm thin beam seems to preserve some feel of the oldschool thinbeam frame racquet maneuverability, although certainly a thicker step removed from the scalpel like feel of the ps85 (as heavier racquets go). I can attest to having to use more of the torso movement and pivoting from the legs, to generate the main swing rather than just arming the racquet. At the minimum, it seems also using at least the upper arm and shoulder in initiating the movement, helps with wrist flicking the kps88 a lot. Even on volleys and slices , it's plenty of shoulder and torso prep initiating, rather than just only the forearm, or the elbow starts getting more stressed or pained fast.

I think people wildly overestimate “too heavy” in consideration to static weight. You’re gonna tell me a sweaty wristband weight 20 grams is gonna ruin your playability? I’m calling shenanigans. The swingweight of my feds is 333 or so which is barely higher than most other stock racquets. But you also get the amazing foam filled experience and the knowledge that this is a legit pro stock racquet (unless they’re lying through their teeth to us).

asifallasleep said:

I tried a friend's PS97 and I have no idea why anyone would use that racquet. For me, it felt just as clubby as my RF97 without all the sublime benefits, feel, plow, touch etc. I know it gives a lot of folks arm pain, but the Pure Strike is a far far far superior racquet compared to the PS97. It made every single stroke easier. I think the Blade line and regular Pro Staff lines don't give players much when compared to similarly spec'd Yonex and Babolat frames. The RF97 is the lone exception.

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I agree with everything here !!

I started using my son's Flexpoint Prestige MP that have 2 glue sticks melted into the handle and they feel great. I used to use the Pure Drive but because of lifting weights I'm able to use the much heavier prestige rackets. Volleys are so much easier for me now. But I agree, people who have no business using the Federer racket use it because of the name. Change the name to something else, no one would use it.

Rf97a is way too heavy to swing…but at the same spec, the ps85 is a beauty.