Next Generation of Pro Staff is Here; Pro Staff RF 97 Review

People who never used a traditionally weighted racquets:

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People who grew up and continues to use traditionally weighted racquets, and hearing that it's "heavy":

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Power Player

Bionic Poster
Say Chin, ill put money on the table that I'm a lot stronger than you, and the RF97 is a heavy stick. It just is. Doesn't mean it won't work for folks, but to act like it's not heavy is a little crazy.

Dimitrov said it was heavy and tough to use 5 months ago..lol.
 
Say Chin, ill put money on the table that I'm a lot stronger than you, and the RF97 is a heavy stick. It just is. Doesn't mean it won't work for folks, but to act like it's not heavy is a little crazy.

Dimitrov said it was heavy and tough to use 5 months ago..lol.

Oh ok, I'll put money on the table that I'm a lot stronger than you too. Cause you know, it's words vs words.

I never said these frames aren't heavy, I never said my frame isn't heavy. I just don't whine about it being heavy.
 

-Bobo-

Semi-Pro
I'm not sure why you guys are bringing strength into the matter when you look at fed he looks like he just escaped from a POW camp and doesn't have any trouble swinging it so I'd say technique has far more to do with it.
 
I'm not sure why you guys are bringing strength into the matter when you look at fed he looks like he just escaped from a POW camp and doesn't have any trouble swinging it so I'd say technique has far more to do with it.

I've implied such observation. But you know, since we're talking about a 12+oz racquet, we all got to hulk out. (not really)
 
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I'm not sure why you guys are bringing strength into the matter when you look at fed he looks like he just escaped from a POW camp and doesn't have any trouble swinging it so I'd say technique has far more to do with it.

Federer though, along with all the other elite players, are all extremely strong. Have you seen his legs?
 

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
I would say its closer in the way it feels and its stability to the kps88. However, you need to understand it has a much bigger head size, bigger sweet spot, MUCH easier to maneuver, and has a different lay up/design (box vs. flat beam).

I absolutely loved the kps 88 , which I use to refer to as a battle tank on the court, but simply couldn't get over the cumbersome balance. The racquet is already heavy, so it was hard to customize to get it to the balance I would feel comfortable with. Hands down, it was probably the best returning frame I have played with, due to its heft and stability.



Thanks skraggle. Great to see you posting on the boards. Its been a while. And YES, life has been pretty good. I feel very lucky. Thanks!!

The KPS88 is the best frame I've ever it with. If one could handle the weight, I don't think there's ever been a more solid stick. With a leather grip and overgrip it's over 13 ounces. I've been experimenting with using two overgrips and no leather or synthetic grip which brings the static weight to a more manageable 12.5 ounces.

I can't decide if I should just buy a couple of RF97's or wait for people to sell them after realizing they can't handle the weight.
 
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BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
I thought you said you can't play 2 sets with a k90? Or swing it fast enough for 2 sets. Now you claim you use over 13 oz?
I lead up my K90s.

And I never said I couldn't play 2 sets with the K90. I said it gets harder to swing it as fast after playing for 4 hours. I don't play many matches that last over 4 hours, and it's not that you CAN'T swing it as fast but that it gets harder to, i.e., you have to expend more energy doing it.
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
Four hours? You're straining credulity here!


I lead up my K90s.

And I never said I couldn't play 2 sets with the K90. I said it gets harder to swing it as fast after playing for 4 hours. I don't play many matches that last over 4 hours, and it's not that you CAN'T swing it as fast but that it gets harder to, i.e., you have to expend more energy doing it.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Oh ok, I'll put money on the table that I'm a lot stronger than you too. Cause you know, it's words vs words.

I never said these frames aren't heavy, I never said my frame isn't heavy. I just don't whine about it being heavy.

Its not words though. I have seen your frame and I know I'm much stronger. If I have an appointment on the west coast we can hang and I'm pretty sure you will give me that, and then we can hit some balls and have fun.

Its not about that though. Its more about the fact this Fed signature IS a heavy stick for most people.

If its not for you, you are going to have a pro staff party because it sounds solid as a rock.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I'm not sure why you guys are bringing strength into the matter when you look at fed he looks like he just escaped from a POW camp and doesn't have any trouble swinging it so I'd say technique has far more to do with it.

Fed is the greatest tennis player in history though by most arguments. He plays 4-6 hours a day.

So yes, he has probably the best technique of all time and incredible tennis strength that no one here has.
 

big ted

Legend
this frame has quite a larger head and thicker beam than a 90 or 85 which makes it much more difficult to swing around imo. what may help though is its headlight balance.
 
Its not words though. I have seen your frame and I know I'm much stronger. If I have an appointment on the west coast we can hang and I'm pretty sure you will give me that, and then we can hit some balls and have fun.

Its not about that though. Its more about the fact this Fed signature IS a heavy stick for most people.

If its not for you, you are going to have a pro staff party because it sounds solid as a rock.

Oh cool, have you seen my technique too? Only the weak and insecured go on and on about how strong they are.

But yeah, I said it before and I'll say it again, 12.5oz frames are normal for me. If you really want to prove how "strong" you are, come by SF and let's have a bench-off. Come on, you don't want this little 150lbs nothing Asian dude out bench you now. I mean, I can't possible out-bench my own body weight, and then some, or can I?

Since you big and burly and all. Give me a heads up though, I might need some spinach ahead of time. Cause you know, me and my 5'8 frame might need it.

I'm not really sure what your problem is with me. Is it because that a supposedly "strong man" like yourself have problems playing with "heavy" racquets, and that you're jealous my supposedly "small" frame is capable of swinging these clubs so effortlessly. And to justify that jealousy, you deem these heavy frames to be unplayable when tons of people grew up playing with them and treat them like normal. Or, that you simply don't like me for who knows why and I really can care less.

Point is, these frames not heavy, and if they are heavy to you, then leave them be while others enjoy the hell out of them. I'm still open to a bench-off since you're so confident and ASSumptious about our strengths. Come on man, I'm 150lbs, should be easy for you.
 
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Bartelby

Bionic Poster
No, the most I play for is 2 hours or so. I can't say that I'd play good enough tennis beyond that point to enjoy it.
 

morten

Hall of Fame
this frame has quite a larger head and thicker beam than a 90 or 85 which makes it much more difficult to swing around imo. what may help though is its headlight balance.

It is not more headlight than the 85 or the older 90s...
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Oh cool, have you seen my technique too? Only the weak and insecured go on and on about how strong they are.

But yeah, I said it before and I'll say it again, 12.5oz frames are normal for me. If you really want to prove how "strong" you are, come by SF and let's have a bench-off. Come on, you don't want this little 150lbs nothing Asian dude out bench you now. I mean, I can't possible out-bench my own body weight, and then some, or can I?

Since you big and burly and all. Give me a heads up though, I might need some spinach ahead of time. Cause you know, me and my 5'8 frame might need it.

I'm not really sure what your problem is with me. Is it because that a supposedly "strong man" like yourself have problems playing with "heavy" racquets, and that you're jealous my supposedly "small" frame is capable of swinging these clubs so effortlessly. And to justify that jealousy, you deem these heavy frames to be unplayable when tons of people grew up playing with them and treat them like normal. Or, that you simply don't like me for who knows why and I really can care less.

Point is, these frames not heavy, and if they are heavy to you, then leave them be while others enjoy the hell out of them. I'm still open to a bench-off since you're so confident and ASSumptious about our strengths. Come on man, I'm 150lbs, should be easy for you.

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sargeinaz

Hall of Fame
That didn't sound like PP was attacking you or anything for you to get that sensitive about it. He even said you guys can hit some balls and have fun.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
That didn't sound like PP was attacking you or anything for you to get that sensitive about it. He even said you guys can hit some balls and have fun.

haha..yeah I can't even believe that response. It may have been TT over reaction of the year. :shock:

Just saying I don't think it's debatable the autograph version of this stick is a heavy frame.

Hankenstein play tested it already and pretty much said as much.
 
That didn't sound like PP was attacking you or anything for you to get that sensitive about it. He even said you guys can hit some balls and have fun.


Pp has a knack to be aggressively stubborn about his POV. Just look at any other threads he has dominated. Yonex ai98, Yonex Tour G, t310, Wilson 99s steam.......

Heard it all before... Here on out it's going to be some fighting words.

As that ole Lionel Richie song..... Say you, say me....
 
This is going to be another one of those threads. Let me guess, PP is going to insist RF97 autograph is too heavy and that one's better off with 97L cause one or two (out of 500) TTers testifies this.
 
I just laugh. When he gets his hands on it, likes it. If he likes it, PP will turn 180degrees. His lifetime vow to his other rackets will magically end.
 
Ps 90s, although I like to think I am good with it, realistically-I shankalot with it. I do much better with a bab. Love the Apd. Now if rf97 is comparable I might switch back.
 
Just keep posting racquet reviews and you will get them too.



It's pretty much the same few guys which is why its always a newer account on the attack.



I basically have a fake fan base. It's all a big sham :(


Lol. Pp, you are a great poster. Of course I couldn't be as serious as you are but definitely enjoy reading your POV.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Relax, I play with a 350 gram racquet. I was simply saying there is no need to call people out for thinking the frame is heavy - it is in todays terms. Thats pretty obvious.

Im not jealous or picking on you or any other wild assumption. I just think for most folks the 315 is a better choice, especially since you can customize it a little and really dial it in.
 
SCSL, some folks has a power game where muscles count, some has textbook game where swing counts, perhaps like yourself.

I have seen 12 years hit the sh-t out of balls because of their dynamic swing at tourneys with PS90s.

If one has the full swing, proper prep, mass of the racquet is to their advantage. The heavier the better.

I for one am too lazy, I like the racket to do some work for me. Prefer the compact swing. Just look at Agassi and Sampras, the older they get, the bigger and lighter their racquets.
 
Nostradamus, you are not a chick? Shock shock shock.

Sigh, guess we are a bunch of disgruntled male testosterone, with our lives ruined by the women beside us.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
oh boy. the 'heavy racquet talk'. :roll: Fact is, heavy or not, if you are a "3.0,,3.5, 4.0,4.5, etc", you will remain at that level with either a 13 oz wood frame, or 8 oz 135 sq inch frame. Yeah, yeah, the lighter frame with the oversize head "may" make things easier for you, but you will still be a 3.5.

Just simply get past this BS, hit with what you like and have fun whatever NTRP you are, or whatever amount of weight you could bench press.

On to the racquet, anyone else hit with it?? I know hankenstein completed a nice review. Anyone else???
 

geese_com

Semi-Pro
I'm famous. :)

Actually, Wilson Rep. I'm not on the boards a lot anymore, but promised to complete a review once I was done with the frame, and I suppose Wilson gave their blessing. Can't really say much else on the matter, other than to thank him publicly! I was just glad to be able to complete it, before leaving to string at Cincy with P1.

Jim, you rock!!

Thanks for the review. I saw you at the merch tent at Cincy. Wanted to say hi, but I thought it would be weird. I am excited for my RF97s to come in.
 

ShahofTennis

Hall of Fame
What does benching(chest strength) have to do with swinging heavy racquets? Doesn't a bulbous pectoralis major interfere with swinging a racquet?
We should argue over more tennis specific muscle groups!
Hey @SpinToWin, however many abs you're packing, I have double. :lol:
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PeterFig

Professional
oh boy. the 'heavy racquet talk'. :roll: Fact is, heavy or not, if you are a "3.0,,3.5, 4.0,4.5, etc", you will remain at that level with either a 13 oz wood frame, or 8 oz 135 sq inch frame. Yeah, yeah, the lighter frame with the oversize head "may" make things easier for you, but you will still be a 3.5.

Just simply get past this BS, hit with what you like and have fun whatever NTRP you are, or whatever amount of weight you could bench press.

On to the racquet, anyone else hit with it?? I know hankenstein completed a nice review. Anyone else???

I've played with it now quite a bit...would post a review but I'd probably just get side-tracked and ramble on about how great the paint job is...... Hahahaha ;)

Can't wait to hear what others think once they've had a chance to hit with it :)
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
oh boy. the 'heavy racquet talk'. :roll: Fact is, heavy or not, if you are a "3.0,,3.5, 4.0,4.5, etc", you will remain at that level with either a 13 oz wood frame, or 8 oz 135 sq inch frame. Yeah, yeah, the lighter frame with the oversize head "may" make things easier for you, but you will still be a 3.5.

Just simply get past this BS, hit with what you like and have fun whatever NTRP you are, or whatever amount of weight you could bench press.

On to the racquet, anyone else hit with it?? I know hankenstein completed a nice review. Anyone else???

Man dude, this RF autograph is not a heavy racket, 12 oz unstrung, 12.6 oz strung.

and Stop talking about WOOD rackets, they are GONE. and those OLD dudes that played with Wood could not do anything the Modern players can. OLD tennis with wood rackets were boring slow ball tennis. racket was so heavy, they couldn't play anything amazing
 
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