Ask the Co-Designers of the RF 97 Autograph Questions!

[Geoff]

I prefer to use the manufacturer's recommended tie off location no matter what they may be. I think enlarging holes creates problems but I won't go there.

Let's look at what happens when you skip grommets 7&9T in a racket (and the mains end in the throat) to look a little deeper into my issue. I know that many Wilson rackets have fins that hold the stings on the outside of the frame either above or below the grommet holes. Did you ever wonder why?

Let's assume those fins were not there, and you tie off at 8T. If the string you're tying off goes under the 8th main in grommet 8T it will hole the string on the outside of the frame from 6T to 8T higher than the string going fro the string going from 10T to 8T. Stringing the racket then will probably result in the loop between the bottom two crosses will be in a zig zag. To me that looks unprofessional so I do my best to avoid that.

My question is specifically directed toward the racket design which I thought this thread was directed toward. I'm not looking for work arounds to string a racket. I would like to hear from @Wilson Official to see if they have any rhyme or reason to the actual design instead of what color the racket is. Sorry if appear to be obtuse @Wilson Official, I don't mean to be, but I feel like I'm being ignored becaue my question won'e sell rackets. That is what this thread is about isn't it, selling rackets?

EDIT: I think every manufacturer should should consult qualified stringer as well as racket designers to ensure their rackets meet all aspects of a good design. I would be willing to offer my services free.

Fair enough. Have you ever attended the Stringer Symposium where Ron Rocchi has presented? I guess it would be an expensive way to get your answer. I am glad that the design of the grommets on the 97 frames has been changed to accommodate the tie off at 8T.

 

[Irvin]

Fair enough. Have you ever attended the Stringer Symposium where Ron Rocchi has presented? I guess it would be an expensive way to get your answer. I am glad that the design of the grommets on the 97 frames has been changed to accommodate the tie off at 8T.

Changed? You crack me up, where do you think the earlier version of the RF97A tied off? LOL

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Fair enough. Have you ever attended the Stringer Symposium where Ron Rocchi has presented? I guess it would be an expensive way to get your answer. I am glad that the design of the grommets on the 97 frames has been changed to accommodate the tie off at 8T.

Yeah that is true. I always found the tie off on the 90 to be... kind of weird.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Changed? You crack me up, where do you think the earlier version of the RF97A tied off? LOL

I think he was referring to the 90... If you do a 2 piece on the 90, the tie off is not on one of the mains.

 

[Geoff]

Changed? You crack me up, where do you think the earlier version of the RF97A tied off? LOL

I meant to say that the 97 tied off at 8T as opposed to where the 90 tied off. Send me to the firing squad for not being perfectly clear!

 

[Irvin]

I think he was referring to the 90... If you do a 2 piece on the 90, the tie off is not on one of the mains.

Yeah those tied poff at 6T and were even worse than 8T, so I'll give him the benefit of doubt.

 

[Irvin]

I meant to say that the 97 tied off at 8T as opposed to where the 90 tied off. Send me to the firing squad for not being perfectly clear!

LOL! Most Wilson rackets skip 7&9T and the mains tie off at 8T. Not all but most of them. My question is why, poor design IMO. @Wilson Official

EDIT: Excuse me, I have to go string two Wilson Juice 100l rackets that skip 7&9T where the mains tie off at 8T. LOL I'm going to string them 1 piece instead of the recommended two piece so I do not have to tie off at 8T.

 

[mogo]

@Wilson Official. Why the all red butt cap? Was it picked by Fed for the RF97? Or will it be a staple in all new Wilson PS lines?

 

[Wilson Official]

@Wilson Official. Why the all red butt cap? Was it picked by Fed for the RF97? Or will it be a staple in all new Wilson PS lines?

The red butt caps will be on all racquets. It's a nice strong branding piece. And Roger in particular liked the "surprise" (as he called it) color pop there. Plus it didn't hurt those are the Swiss colors as well.

- Peter

 

[StringingIrvine]

@Wilson Official
Did roger have any design inputs on his matching bag? Will this bag be available for purchase on Sept 1st as well?

 

[4-string]

This is cool, thanks for doing this. [emoji106]

 

[M Pillai]

Looks like there was difference in opinion about the tie off locations on the earlier RF97 as well.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/stringing-the-rf97.511148/

a) 8T(mains), 5H/6T(crosses)

b) 8T(mains), 9H/9T(crosses)

I believe (a) is the official version but (b) got popular because some pictures showed Federer using this.

 

[Geoff]

Looks like there was difference in opinion about the tie off locations on the earlier RF97 as well.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/stringing-the-rf97.511148/

a) 8T(mains), 5H/6T(crosses)

b) 8T(mains), 9H/9T(crosses)

I believe (a) is the official version but (b) got popular because some pictures showed Federer using this.

If you use 9H/9T for the crosses you will have to expand the holes which is easy to do.

 

[moon shot]

My question is specifically directed toward the racket design which I thought this thread was directed toward. .

...I have to go string two Wilson Juice 100l rackets...

Perhaps the first post would be informative:

This thread will be open for questions about the new RF racquet and Roger's involvement with the whole process. Peter Figasinski and Nathan Price will be online throughout the week answering your questions...

Note- Please keep the questions specific to the topic. Not all questions will be answered and some may be removed if not on topic...

It was established not all questions would be answered, the question isn't about the new RF racquet. Peter is still here, but he only became involved with Wilson in 2014 so he probably wasn't involved in the original planning of the string pattern for racquets you are interested in. Nathan has one more year experience (maybe he was involved with that aspect of the Burn or Ultra) but I think he hasn't replied since Thursday.

It would be great if you got your answer, I'm just saying they aren't being unreasonable.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

@Wilson Official

Do you expect a mid-cycle refresh? Much like the 2012-2013 Pro Staff 90 BLX?

Cause you know, this paintjob is perfect

 

[Wilson Official]

Perhaps the first post would be informative:



It was established not all questions would be answered, the question isn't about the new RF racquet. Peter is still here, but he only became involved with Wilson in 2014 so he probably wasn't involved in the original planning of the string pattern for racquets you are interested in. Nathan has one more year experience (maybe he was involved with that aspect of the Burn or Ultra) but I think he hasn't replied since Thursday.

It would be great if you got your answer, I'm just saying they aren't being unreasonable.

Thanks Good answer. I am not qualified / knowledgeable enough about string patterns to answer properly and Nathan has limited time to be on here unfortunately . We are trying to focus on questions more about the new design, working with Roger, etc as that's something I can reply to. There are a LOT of much smarter guys in R&D than me that would be infinitely better at answering questions on specifics like string patterns, etc so as a result I'm sticking to answering what i know about

- Peter

 

[Geoff]

Peter/Nathan

Do you foresee the current RF97 being an "evergreen" design much like the Pro Staff 85 , jack Kramer Pro Staff and Jack Kramer Autograph? Sorry if this has already been asked.

Thanks

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Peter/Nathan

Do you foresee the current RF97 being an "evergreen" design much like the Pro Staff 85 , jack Kramer Pro Staff and Jack Kramer Autograph? Sorry if this has already been asked.

Thanks

By "evergreen", do you mean "timeless"?

If so, I'd vote yes.

 

[moon shot]

Yes, Like Jack Kramer was?

Kramer worked as a commentator in the '60s until 73. Around that time he opened the Jack Kramer Club, which seems to be frequented by notable past players. 79 - 81 a tournament was named the Jack Kramer Open. Through that time frame he maintained a high profile name despite not being a current player.

I suppose the future fate of the RF probably depends on if Roger remains public and lends credibility to the product.

 

[Irvin]

Perhaps the first post would be informative:

It was established not all questions would be answered, the question isn't about the new RF racquet. Peter is still here, but he only became involved with Wilson in 2014 so he probably wasn't involved in the original planning of the string pattern for racquets you are interested in. Nathan has one more year experience (maybe he was involved with that aspect of the Burn or Ultra) but I think he hasn't replied since Thursday.

It would be great if you got your answer, I'm just saying they aren't being unreasonable.

I knew that going in all questions would not be answered. I gave my post a bump because I thought maybe it as just overlooked. I prefer stringing rackets that only skip one grommet hole on the end where the mains end and simply wanted to know if there was any reason from a design stand point why some rackets skip none, 1, 2, or even more grommet holes. I can understand in some fan rackets why there are more skips at the top than the bottom and just curious if there was a reason for Wilson to primarily skip 7&9 on most of their frames.

Most frames instead of being oval or more like an egg shape and are actually narrower at the base than they are at the top of the frame. Babolat frame frames actually have a little bit of a fan pattern to them maybe that's why most Babolat frames skip only 1 hole. But your right it would be nice to know if there is a reason. Maybe the answer may give away trade secrets and I can understand why all questions would not be answered.

 

[kingcheetah]

By "evergreen", do you mean "timeless"?

If so, I'd vote yes.

I tend to agree-- Given the amount of effort/input Roger apparently had in this, plus it's what the fans have begged for pretty much for the life of this racquet, and the fact that Rog is days from turning 35, it's a great design and his career doesn't have much time left as is, makes sense for this to be the "last" RF97 look... unless they make a limited run one.

 

[Geoff]

By "evergreen", do you mean "timeless"?

If so, I'd vote yes.

Exactly

 

[moon shot]

Peter/Nathan

Do you foresee the current RF97 being an "evergreen" design much like the Pro Staff 85 , jack Kramer Pro Staff and Jack Kramer Autograph? Sorry if this has already been asked.

Thanks

I can read this two ways, graphics and specs. The PS85 (and Classic) largely retained the same graphics for its entire run with minor changes to fonts. The Jack Kramer Autograph a few different graphics applied to it, but generally retained the same build.

Which do you mean to endure, or both?

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

I tend to agree-- Given the amount of effort/input Roger apparently had in this, plus it's what the fans have begged for pretty much for the life of this racquet, and the fact that Rog is days from turning 35, it's a great design and his career doesn't have much time left as is, makes sense for this to be the "last" RF97 look... unless they make a limited run one.

We all know that the end of his professional playing career will come to an end eventually, but please don't let the Pro Staff die with his retirement.

We freaked out when Sampras retired and thought the Pro Staff line would be buried with his career, don't make us lose our sh*t again @Wilson Official

 

[moon shot]

We all know that the end of his professional playing career will come to an end eventually, but please don't let the Pro Staff die with his retirement.

We freaked out when Sampras retired and thought the Pro Staff line would be buried with his career, don't make us lose our sh*t again @Wilson Official

And I hope we don't have to go through another naming loop like this again

 

[Geoff]

I can read this two ways, graphics and specs. The PS85 (and Classic) largely retained the same graphics for its entire run with minor changes to fonts. The Jack Kramer Autograph a few different graphics applied to it, but generally retained the same build.

Which do you mean to endure, or both?

Both!

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

And I hope we don't have to go through another naming loop like this again

Well.. We all knew those were all 6.0 frames. Haha

 

[BreakPoint]

And I hope we don't have to go through another naming loop like this again

Actually, not all those names are exactly accurate.

The 2nd one was called "nSix-One Tour"
The 3rd one was called "KSix-One Tour"
The 4th one was called "BLX Six-One Tour"
The 5th one was called "BLX Pro Staff Six-One 90"

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Actually, not all those names are exactly accurate.

The 2nd one was called "nSix-One Tour"
The 3rd one was called "KSix-One Tour"
The 4th one was called "BLX Six-One Tour"
The 5th one was called "BLX Pro Staff Six-One 90"

Yeah none of call were called "Pro Staff" except for the OG Tour 90, 2013 bloody q-tip, and the last one.

 

[moon shot]

Actually, not all those names are exactly accurate.

The 2nd one was called "nSix-One Tour"
The 3rd one was called "KSix-One Tour"
The 4th one was called "BLX Six-One Tour"
The 5th one was called "BLX Pro Staff Six-One 90"

Right, Peter said that earlier, I'm just referring to the pro staff and six one name shuffling around. Its like going to a family reunion where your uncles are Frank Roberts, Robert Frank, and Frans Rober-Frank 90.

How were your names established anyway?
For instance the ncode model says 'pro staff SIX ONE' on the pws and PS at 12

 

[BreakPoint]

How were your names established anyway?
For instance the ncode model says 'pro staff SIX ONE' on the pws and PS at 12

I have a good memory.

Besides, look at what it says on bottom of the placard:

 

[moon shot]

@Wilson Official

Do you think the industry has reached Peak Black?

Do you think we can ever go back?

 

[moon shot]

I have a good memory.

Besides, look at what it says on bottom of the placard:

Cardboard is more real than paint?

Ah, well then wouldn't it be:

Six.One Tour BLX
Pro Staff Six.One 90 BLX
Prostaff 90

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

@Wilson Official

Do you think the industry has reached Peak Black?

Do you think we can ever go back?

The original prototype and this board probably had something to do with it. We have been calling for another all black Pro Staff for a LONG time.

Maybe there are lurkers from other manufacturers who come on and saw the unanimous crying that took place when the OG Pro Staff 97 came out, and got shat on after the full reveal showed wayyyyyy too much red.

 

[BreakPoint]

Cardboard is more real than paint?

Ah, well then wouldn't it be:

Six.One Tour BLX
Pro Staff Six.One 90 BLX
Prostaff 90

Wilson itself called it "nSix-One Tour" in its brochures.

It was also written on the side of the shaft:

 

[moon shot]

Yeah none of call were called "Pro Staff" except for the OG Tour 90, 2013 bloody q-tip, and the last one.

The hyper pro staff 6.0 was as well, but as far as I can tell not sold in the states, the nCode had PS in yellow at 12 and said Pro Staff on pws but for whatever reason it usually isn't called that.

The press release name, upc name, name on the cardboard, and what seems to be the name on the frame are often different. I don't know which one if any should be more real.

Wilson itself called it "nSix-One Tour" in its brochures.

It was also written on the side of the shaft:

Got it, names are clear as mud. It says ncode 16x19 six-one tour.

 

[Biogenic]

Hi Peterfig/Wilson Official!!

Just a question does the 97S still come with a leather grip? How about the 97 still synthetic leather grip?

Thank you!

 

[vsbabolat]

Kramer worked as a commentator in the '60s until 73. Around that time he opened the Jack Kramer Club, which seems to be frequented by notable past players. 79 - 81 a tournament was named the Jack Kramer Open. Through that time frame he maintained a high profile name despite not being a current player.

I suppose the future fate of the RF probably depends on if Roger remains public and lends credibility to the product.

Wilson made Jack Kramer racquets through out the 1980's. The last premium one being the Jack Kramer Staff. Made from the same mold as the Pro Staff but without the Kevlar.

 

[v-verb]

Wilson made Jack Kramer racquets through out the 1980's. The last premium one being the Jack Kramer Staff. Made from the same mold as the Pro Staff but without the Kevlar.

Yep, nice racquet. Smooth, flexy

 

[g4driver]

Peterfig / Wilson Official,

Any truth to the rumor the Steam 99S will get an update ?

Something like a 18x16 pattern?

Sure wish Wilson would leave the Steam 99S frame specs (304 grams, and beam as they are) and just offer it a 18x16 pattern.

The Six.One 95S is 309 grams unstrung with a 22 mm beam while the 97S is 310 grams but only 19 mm beam. So the 97S just doesn't work like I wanted it too. Too thin of a beam for my taste.

Love to see an additional 18x16 pattern in the Steam 99S or a newly created Six.One line with the 6.1 97S 18x16 309 to 315 grams and 22 mm beam.

 

[moon shot]

Wilson made Jack Kramer racquets through out the 1980's. The last premium one being the Jack Kramer Staff. Made from the same mold as the Pro Staff but without the Kevlar.

Yeah, I was just speculating that he was still a viable marketing engine into the 80s, and had his name on a prominent tennis club at a time when I'd guess the majority of racquets were sold through pro shops at clubs.

If Roger retires and remains a household name like McEnroe the outcome might be very different than if he were to move to a mountain in the alps and avoid being a public figure.

 

[vsbabolat]

Yeah, I was just speculating that he was still a viable marketing engine into the 80s, and had his name on a prominent tennis club at a time when I'd guess the majority of racquets were sold through pro shops at clubs.

If Roger retires and remains a household name like McEnroe the outcome might be very different than if he were to move to a mountain in the alps and avoid being a public figure.

Yeah, He was the father of professional tennis. Whats also I think is interesting is the Jack Kramer Autograph was still one of the best selling racquets long after he had retired.

 

[moon shot]

Peterfig / Wilson Official,

Any truth to the rumor the Steam 99S will get an update ?

Something like a 18x16 pattern?

Sure wish Wilson would leave the Steam 99S frame specs (304 grams, and beam as they are) and just offer it a 18x16 pattern.

The Six.One 95S is 309 grams unstrung with a 22 mm beam while the 97S is 290 grams and only 19 mm beam. So the 97S just doesn't work like I wanted it too. Too thin of a beam for my taste.

Love to see an additional 18x16 pattern in the Steam 99S or a newly created Six.One line with the 6.1 97S 18x16 309 to 315 grams and 22 mm beam.

you might check out the burn 100s

 

[Automatix]

Peterfig / Wilson Official,

Any truth to the rumor the Steam 99S will get an update ?

Something like a 18x16 pattern?

Sure wish Wilson would leave the Steam 99S frame specs (304 grams, and beam as they are) and just offer it a 18x16 pattern.

In Europe it's available under a different paintjob but still 16x15.

 

[g4driver]

you might check out the burn 100s

No thanks -

I prefer to keep my elbow heathy.

 

[Wilson Official]

Hi Peterfig/Wilson Official!!

Just a question does the 97S still come with a leather grip? How about the 97 still synthetic leather grip?

Thank you!

Yes (black leather) and yes
-Peter

 

[Nostradamus]

Thanks Good answer. I am not qualified / knowledgeable enough about string patterns to answer properly and Nathan has limited time to be on here unfortunately . We are trying to focus on questions more about the new design, working with Roger, etc as that's something I can reply to. There are a LOT of much smarter guys in R&D than me that would be infinitely better at answering questions on specifics like string patterns, etc so as a result I'm sticking to answering what i know about

- Peter

Will there be an extended version of this racket with lighter swingweight ? obviously then, it wouldn't be Federer specs. but his spec is too demanding for an amateur and most of us can't use them.
Also the Spin tech doesn't seem to work for me. I already use Massive amount of topspin on both sides and this open string pattern of Spin rackets seem to just launch the ball and not really give me more spin.... Why is that ?

 

[g4driver]

Actually the 97S is 310g unstrung and it's a 18x17 sting pattern so it's very much close to the spec you are after. I actually just got off the court playing with it (new version). Love it. It's now my go-to racquet.... although the RF97 is always in my bag and I probably play with it 40% of the time.

- Peter

Peter,

Any input to the power level of the 97S vs the Six.One 95S?

The Six.One 95S had plenty of power for me, but the beam on it is 22mm vs the 19mm beam of the 97S and I was just guessing the 97S would be less powerful and therefore not a good fit for me. It the 97S is as powerful as the Six.One 95S, that would be the best news I've read in this thread.

Basically looking for something like an 18x16 Steam 99S, or a 97 inch Six.One 95S. Hope that makes sense. Again, truly appreciate all your answers and inputs.

 

[nadalito92]

@Wilson Official

Do you think the industry has reached Peak Black?

Do you think we can ever go back?

Those 4 frames are DANGEROUSLY sexy

 

[wangs78]

Here are the previous 10 iterations (some of the naming conventions are not really accurate - just did this quickly - but should give you the general idea).

I'm a little surprised that the K88 didn't at least get an honorable mention as it is clearly a Pro Staff - I suppose it is more of a "special edition" than part of the lineage...