Wilson ProStaff RF97 Autograph
- Thread starter Jenda
- Start date
maxpotapov
Hall of Fame
Yeah, it would make more sense if it refers to "... edition", but it's implied I guess...
Now that I gave it some thought it started bothering me, thanks sureshs!
Fed paying homage to Agassi by choosing a Head based racquet? Just.. no.
He obviously was given a bunch of frames to try and someone said "hey Roger, try this H22 because 40% of the pro tour is using it under various paint jobs". What a surprise, he liked it, just like so many other pros. Sadly we all know that this "Autograph" frame is not going to anything like a prostock H22. I bet the flex will be lower for starters.
He obviously was given a bunch of frames to try and someone said "hey Roger, try this H22 because 40% of the pro tour is using it under various paint jobs". What a surprise, he liked it, just like so many other pros. Sadly we all know that this "Autograph" frame is not going to anything like a prostock H22. I bet the flex will be lower for starters.
West Coast Ace
G.O.A.T.
I heard Wilson did to Roger what happened to this guy in 'Casino':
"You're playing with a 97 sq in racquet!"
"You're playing with a 97 sq in racquet!"
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
OK, thanks. Personally, I think I would have preferred just "Roger Federer Autograph", without the "The". I guess it goes back to the famous wood racquets - "Jack Kramer Autograph", "Chris Evert Autograph", "Stan Smith Autograph", etc. None of those had "The" printed before the player's names, so I guess I'm just being nostalgic.That's correct.
Captain Ron
Professional
OK, thanks. Personally, I think I would have preferred just "Roger Federer Autograph", without the "The". I guess it goes back to the famous wood racquets - "Jack Kramer Autograph", "Chris Evert Autograph", "Stan Smith Autograph", etc. None of those had "The" printed before the player's names, so I guess I'm just being nostalgic.
I agree with Breakpoint
No need for "The".
PeterFig
Professional
OK, thanks. Personally, I think I would have preferred just "Roger Federer Autograph", without the "The". I guess it goes back to the famous wood racquets - "Jack Kramer Autograph", "Chris Evert Autograph", "Stan Smith Autograph", etc. None of those had "The" printed before the player's names, so I guess I'm just being nostalgic.
Are you sure?
West Coast Ace
G.O.A.T.
^^^^ That brings back good memories. Pristine condition.
You had to feel good seeing the racquet on court tonight. Congrats.
You had to feel good seeing the racquet on court tonight. Congrats.
West Coast Ace
G.O.A.T.
JD, that's not a stick. It's the Arthur Ashe Competition. It GOATed! I just bought one off the big auction site - awesome condition.
West Coast Ace
G.O.A.T.
The Head Professional. LOL! Yeah. The plastic throat - weak.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Are you sure?
Ah...you're right! I guess the "The" on the Jack Kramer Autograph was so small that I never noticed it. Besides, at the time I used a Dunlop Maxply Fort, which I guess was the "anti-Jack Kramer". LOL
I was also thinking of the Chris Evert Autograph and the Stan Smith Autograph, neither of which had a "The" before the names, like I posed here back in April:
Thanks!
Maybe even add a little pictograph of Federer hitting his signature forehand, like Wilson had on the Stan Smith Autograph and Chris Evert Autograph models?
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
I think you're referring to these.
Nope, the ONLY official "Redhead" is this one:
Everyone called it the "Redhead". Not only was it red, but it was made by Head, therefore making it the "Red Head".
Also, it was called the "Redhead" to differentiate it from Head's other aluminum racquet that was popular at the time, the Head Master, which had a blue plastic yoke instead of red.
This one:
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
Teniludius
New User
I at first didn't care for the paint job, in part because those teasers teased a mostly black, and so the red was a bit off-putting. But it's definitely growing on me.
Also if you recall the N-Code had the white at 3 and 9, and that white portion (against the red background) made a really sweet color stream when being whipped through the air, both by Fed and when playing against it (I have one and a friend borrowed it and I couldn't help notice how sweet that effect was). Perhaps the black at 3 and 9, offset by the red, will have the same effect.
Also if you recall the N-Code had the white at 3 and 9, and that white portion (against the red background) made a really sweet color stream when being whipped through the air, both by Fed and when playing against it (I have one and a friend borrowed it and I couldn't help notice how sweet that effect was). Perhaps the black at 3 and 9, offset by the red, will have the same effect.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
I didn't hear that. Was it on the Tennis Channel broadcast or the ATP Masters broadcast?
endbegin
Rookie
I just saw the highlights on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdO-riNxux8
Starting around the 1:30 mark you hear the commentators talking about it. They mention an article with Peter - I assume they are referring to PeterFig.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
OK, thanks! Yeah, I saw the match on Tennis Channel so they used their own commentators so I didn't hear that. Yes, Robbie Konig (the commentator on ATP's broadcast) was referring to our own Peter Fig. Nice catch!
endbegin
Rookie
OK, thanks! Yeah, I saw the match on Tennis Channel so they used their own commentators so I didn't hear that. Yes, Robbie Konig (the commentator on ATP's broadcast) was referring to our own Peter Fig. Nice catch!
The full story all its glory, starting at 17:20.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OaBev-IMCg
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
October 1st.
frinton
Professional
Hey Peter - Others have said it before, but it is a really cool story and it makes me feel a bit proud to be part of this forum and to know, that writing here has actually at least in 1 case had an effect to a racket being sold now!
I was wondering, if there was any chance you could share with us the story of how everything came about and how you were working on the design, going probably through n iterations until the finally released pj was singled out. I would personally be very interested to read about the entire process...
I think it is a great paintjob, though I'd be also a big fan of the reversed photoshoped ones that were posted here. My favorite racket so far was the black and red BLX 90 and your RF97 is very close colorwise, so I am happy! Well done!
Are you sure?
Ahhahaahah gr8....and, Peter, also this "kramer autograph" has the hoop in different color...anyway.....I'm really happy for u....this story is unbelievable!!! Look at this!!
michaelscoots
Rookie
Personally, I prefer the Jack Kramer wooden Prostaffs (light version). Weight is very similar to my stock K90's…not as much spin, but oh the plow through and precision
I also have a couple of Chris Everts which have more flex. Here's a picture of three of my racquets...
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/210191507578905389
I also have a couple of Chris Everts which have more flex. Here's a picture of three of my racquets...
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/210191507578905389
michaelscoots
Rookie
LOL I sure want Wilson to do a fake woodie PJ over a modern racket to retro it for the fans. Make some wood grain prints over the loop. But it would be a little tough to make a mono shaft racket that plays well and with such big head size.
I have a Midsize Jack Kramer as well…I believe it's an 85. Haven't spent much time with it on the court though. Just might take it out for a spin later this week
michaelscoots
Rookie
LOL I sure want Wilson to do a fake woodie PJ over a modern racket to retro it for the fans. Make some wood grain prints over the loop. But it would be a little tough to make a mono shaft racket that plays well and with such big head size.
They'll need to issue a hockey stick with his name on it after this shot…
http://nesn.com/2014/08/roger-federer-scores-buzzer-beater-goal-in-charity-ball-hockey-game-video/
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
endbegin
Rookie
And he is using a Black and Silver stick. Is this the new Prostaff Blade?? Is it a box beam?? Wonder if it has a tiny sweetspot.
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
And Fed has a jockstrap made of basalt-Kevlar-karophite.
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
Yep. Equals twins twice.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Peter Fig's story has also made it into USA Today!
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/08/roger-federer-new-racket-wilson-rf97-autograph
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/08/roger-federer-new-racket-wilson-rf97-autograph
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
I really believe that Roger did not 100% desire to switch in his heart of hearts. I don't think he caved in to corporate thugs either, but I do not believe he's 100% into the switch. Or maybe I'm just butt hurt that the end of the 90 square inch era is absolutely here. It's over.
michaelscoots
Rookie
I think I heard that his agent, Tony pushed him hard to switch. I doubt Tony ever played with the K90 and felt those shots that evoked the classic commentary…"Are you kidding me?!!"..."Only Roger Federer can hit a shot of this excellence." "NO WAY, he's done it again with his Wilson wand!!!"
He seems to be getting more comfortable with the new stick, and has his moments on the forehand wing, but in general he was a much better player nursing a bad back in 2012 with the 90 than he is, fit and healthy with this Betterer bat.
And I don't agree that he just shows up to play; I can see he still has a passion to play and compete. Sure there is a part of him that wants to stick around and win some more slams to secure his lead in that aspect, but his passion is still there. Now get the 90 back in his hands!!!
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
Nothing will ever eclipse the immortal 85. Nothing will ever come close.
God bless the St Vincent and all those that wielded her forth from Connors to Krickstein to Chrissy and into Petros' soul and passed to Roger so long ago. Goodbye scalpel. Hello uncontrollable fly swatter tweener death agony.
God bless the St Vincent and all those that wielded her forth from Connors to Krickstein to Chrissy and into Petros' soul and passed to Roger so long ago. Goodbye scalpel. Hello uncontrollable fly swatter tweener death agony.
Vcore89
Talk Tennis Guru
Rodge is just helping Wilson wrestle Barbielat's vise grip-like hold on their 98s & 100s. Ironically, Barbielat is trying to amp their 95s.
Once RF 97 (or any other Wilson 97) gains significant market share...Rodge might ultimately revert to his beloved 90, maybe even 85--a perfect home coming, where it all began.
Once RF 97 (or any other Wilson 97) gains significant market share...Rodge might ultimately revert to his beloved 90, maybe even 85--a perfect home coming, where it all began.
rh310
Hall of Fame
There's always Squash, Joel.
Vcore89
Talk Tennis Guru
Peter Fig's story has also made it into USA Today!
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/08/roger-federer-new-racket-wilson-rf97-autograph
Thanks very much for sharing!
Peter, it is a job well done!
