Blade V9 vs Pro staff v14

[borgpro]

I’m a long time pro staff user and lover: PS 6.0 85, 95, many of the PS 90 models.. PS RF 97, and PS v13 97 with some lead for higher SW.
Then the v14 came and the 97 had higher SW and somewhat lower flex then all previous 97 iterations and it plays very, very nice.

Then I recently tried the blade 97, v9, 19x16. Wow. Very clean feeling, and due to lower flex much more feel that reminds me of the old PS 6.0 versions of the past, more ‘clean’ feel. Only to light, so I added just a little lead under the butcap (5-7 grams) and a little at 3 and 9 o clock (2-3 grams) and even more wow, now plays like the PS v14 97 , just as stable, but with actually a way better old school, pro staff like, feel! V9 really feels tad more stiff and raw in nice way compared to older blade versions

Never liked all previous blades (too whobbly), except for the first 93 tour; but will stick with this one! What a nice ‘players’ frame, feel doesn’t get any better…. !

 

[Dadof2wildmonkeys]

I have two RF97 v13 and really like them, i bought the ps 97 v13 for my bro in law and was unimpressed, but demoed the Blade v9 16x19 and enjoyed the lower weight and feel. Not sure though if it is worth switching? Especially because I am not that good. That said, i might not be that good but I still like good feel…which the Blade did have. i thought it might be worth demoing all the Blades 16x19, 18x20 and Blade 100. Thoughts?

 

[Trip]

@Dadof2wildmonkeys - With all due respect, if you're "not that good" to the point where you're questioning your ability to play with the Blade 98 16x19, then what are you doing with an RF97? Just kind of bunting the ball back with it?... Not that there's anything wrong with that, but from the sounds of it, I would think a slightly weighted-up Blade would be easier to play, especially the 100. Chances are you'll gain more forgiveness and free defensive ability than you will lose in attacking precision and/or maneuverability. Just a thought.

 

[Jono123]

I have the PS 97 & the V9 18x20 Blade. I find the PS superior.

I also own the 16x19 V8 which is quite light and not in the same league as the PS. Its an easier frame to play with though

 

[borgpro]

@Dadof2wildmonkeys - With all due respect, if you're "not that good" to the point where you're questioning your ability to play with the Blade 98 16x19, then what are you doing with an RF97? Just kind of bunting the ball back with it?... Not that there's anything wrong with that, but from the sounds of it, I would think a slightly weighted-up Blade would be easier to play, especially the 100. Chances are you'll gain more forgiveness and free defensive ability than you will lose in attacking precision and/or maneuverability. Just a thought.

Do not quit understand what you mean. I played very nice with the RF 97, and a lot of previous frames with 340 grams of weight…
Blade is very nice, with some lead though..

 

[Fxanimator1]

I’m a long time pro staff user and lover: PS 6.0 85, 95, many of the PS 90 models.. PS RF 97, and PS v13 97 with some lead for higher SW.
Then the v14 came and the 97 had higher SW and somewhat lower flex then all previous 97 iterations and it plays very, very nice.

Then I recently tried the blade 97, v9, 19x16. Wow. Very clean feeling, and due to lower flex much more feel that reminds me of the old PS 6.0 versions of the past, more ‘clean’ feel. Only to light, so I added just a little lead under the butcap (5-7 grams) and a little at 3 and 9 o clock (2-3 grams) and even more wow, now plays like the PS v14 97 , just as stable, but with actually a way better old school, pro staff like, feel! V9 really feels tad more stiff and raw in nice way compared to older blade versions

Never liked all previous blades (too whobbly), except for the first 93 tour; but will stick with this one! What a nice ‘players’ frame, feel doesn’t get any better…. !

It's weird to me, because these two racquets feel nothing the same. I prefer the stability and solidity of the Pro Staff over the sort of wobbly flex of the Blade.
I think my game has changed a lot since the Pro Staff 85 days though.
If I had elbow or shoulder issue I may feel different and prefer the softness of the Blade.

 

[Dadof2wildmonkeys]

@Dadof2wildmonkeys - With all due respect, if you're "not that good" to the point where you're questioning your ability to play with the Blade 98 16x19, then what are you doing with an RF97? Just kind of bunting the ball back with it?... Not that there's anything wrong with that, but from the sounds of it, I would think a slightly weighted-up Blade would be easier to play, especially the 100. Chances are you'll gain more forgiveness and free defensive ability than you will lose in attacking precision and/or maneuverability. Just a thought.

Thank u Trip for the thought, i might demo all the blades, and maybe even all the ps v14. I can hit ok with the rf97, its not too often i am really honed in with my attacking. i guess i am in love with the rf97s stability and the way the ball feels, but maybe a modified blade or ps v14 x with some weight would offer that sensation as well? It was just a little easier of a time w the blade v9, felt nice to weild something a little lighter

 

[lelopez]

BTW, anyone out there got a super low spec'd PS v14?

Most posts I've come across state a variant in the 320-325 sw range and another in the 330+ sw range. Both of mine came in the 314-315 range (at least well matched to one another) that I've had to lead up quite a bit.

Initially thought I had gotten 97Ls, but nope, regular v14s that were quite low sw wise. Plays great with the lead, just stuffing it under the bumper is always fun.

 

[Jono123]

I tried leading mine but it changed the feel of the racket. The 3&9 is already flared and the 12 is too impactful.

TBH at 330 Im not convinced it really needs it.

 

[lelopez]

I tried leading mine but it changed the feel of the racket. The 3&9 is already flared and the 12 is too impactful.

TBH at 330 Im not convinced it really needs it.

Don't disagree if mine were at 330, but they were a good 15 swing points from that. I had to put 5g at 12 just to bring it to spec. that plus I added a leather grip because I like the feel of leather, and that brought the overall static weight to a point where the racket lost a little bit of its advertised spec benefit.

 

[Power Player]

It's weird to me, because these two racquets feel nothing the same. I prefer the stability and solidity of the Pro Staff over the sort of wobbly flex of the Blade.
I think my game has changed a lot since the Pro Staff 85 days though.
If I had elbow or shoulder issue I may feel different and prefer the softness of the Blade.

Does the v14 Pro Staff 97 have a more classic/raw graphite feel to it where you can feel the vibrations in the handle like the traditional Pro Staff? I want to grab one at some point.

EDIT - I will find out soon enough as I was able to get one. The unstrung specs are dead on - 315/295sw/310 balance.

 

[Jono123]

No

 

[Fxanimator1]

Does the v14 Pro Staff 97 have a more classic/raw graphite feel to it where you can feel the vibrations in the handle like the traditional Pro Staff? I want to grab one at some point.

EDIT - I will find out soon enough as I was able to get one. The unstrung specs are dead on - 315/295sw/310 balance.

Sorry for the delay, just now seeing this.
To be really honest, it's been since 2003 since I've hit with the original Pro Staff's, I have about 8 of them, but they sit in a closet. I don't remember what they feel like anymore.
I use different strings/tensions, my strokes are different, there are so many things that aren't the same that I couldn't even answer you honestly as to how they compare to each other.
I hope you enjoy your new purchase. I am using a gut/poly combo. I love it.

 

[Power Player]

I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next hit already. Great frame.

No

I agree now that I have used it, but it still feels really good, especially compared to about any other new offering out there. I can see an argument made for the Prestige Pro and Gravity but that's about it in my mind. What I find interesting is how light it swings for being a 315.

 

[zaskar1]

I’m a long time pro staff user and lover: PS 6.0 85, 95, many of the PS 90 models.. PS RF 97, and PS v13 97 with some lead for higher SW.
Then the v14 came and the 97 had higher SW and somewhat lower flex then all previous 97 iterations and it plays very, very nice.

Then I recently tried the blade 97, v9, 19x16. Wow. Very clean feeling, and due to lower flex much more feel that reminds me of the old PS 6.0 versions of the past, more ‘clean’ feel. Only to light, so I added just a little lead under the butcap (5-7 grams) and a little at 3 and 9 o clock (2-3 grams) and even more wow, now plays like the PS v14 97 , just as stable, but with actually a way better old school, pro staff like, feel! V9 really feels tad more stiff and raw in nice way compared to older blade versions

Never liked all previous blades (too whobbly), except for the first 93 tour; but will stick with this one! What a nice ‘players’ frame, feel doesn’t get any better…. !

Generally prostaff is a stiffer frame
But
When you string them
They play really different depending upon string and tension
I switched from prostaff to Bladepro
I could hit bigger with Prostaff but have more control and win more with Blade pro
I string with poly exclusively
Switched from Lux to Solinco TB and Hyperg
It works
For me
Waiting for Bpv9 s to go on sale
I have 4BP98 v7s and v8s so I am set
Play mainly doubles as I. I am a senior
Z

 

[Jono123]

I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next hit already. Great frame.



I agree now that I have used it, but it still feels really good, especially compared to about any other new offering out there. I can see an argument made for the Prestige Pro and Gravity but that's about it in my mind. What I find interesting is how light it swings for being a 315.

Yes, I think its quite light for a 330 frame. Its weight Vs power output is perfect.

 

[NetDump5000]

Question regards development and perseverance with PS97 v13. Worth trying out a Blade without demoing it? I am in Ireland, and rackets are far cheaper online than in our two Dublin racket shops. I have had a PS97 v13 after little more than a year of playing and learning tennis consistently. I had a very light Head extended racket of 98" since 2004 for very occasional use and played badminton as a kid. My technique is generally good for someone playing three years uninterrupted with 1HBH, use of both flat and spin shots, moderate serves (flat, slice, top-spin, kick), good at volleys. Weaknesses would be put away shots under pressure, singles matches and retaining focus and confidence, and consistency under pressure as I tend to tighten up terribly in singles play. What I want really is the PS97 at 305g instead of 315, and if possible a little more forgiving, so the Blade 98 and Yonex Vcore 98 are the contenders. As I understand it, the Blade v8 and v9 is no more forgiving than Prostaff as sweet spot is similar?

Over time, I have grown into the PS97, and returned to it after six months with a far more suitable beginner/intermediate racket Ezone 100 but it is too hard on my elbow. I am not especially tall or well built and probably due to my own mass and variable technique the PS97 315 unstrung is a little heavy on my arm and shoulder although I can hit well for 2 hours plus. So my plan is to sell the eZone and get a new or second-hand Blade v8 or v9 16x19 and make that my daily driver and get a second if happy. My other thought was to get a v14 but am thinking I am over punishing myself already too much with technique obsessions and equipment while suffering in matches due to lack of experience in sports.

 

[riptide120]

So the specs on PS Six.one 100 v14 actually look very similar to Blade 98 v9 (other than the head size). How do they compare?

 

[Dadof2wildmonkeys]

Btw i did demo all the Blades and liked the 98 16/19 and 100 pretty much equally. Will likely switch from rf97 to blade 98 16/19, waiting though to see if new rumored pro staff rf98 are released.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Btw i did demo all the Blades and liked the 98 16/19 and 100 pretty much equally. Will likely switch from rf97 to blade 98 16/19, waiting though to see if new rumored pro staff rf98 are released.

-fyi, release date 8/8!

 

[ClownCar96]

What’s the story behind this rf98 release? Was it Roger’s new design if he hadn’t retired or something along those lines? Or is just an update to rf97

 

[Dadof2wildmonkeys]

I don’t thing we r allowed to say or it will be scrubbed, but it would appear that u know as much as anyone else.

 

[Topspin7]

BTW, anyone out there got a super low spec'd PS v14?

Most posts I've come across state a variant in the 320-325 sw range and another in the 330+ sw range. Both of mine came in the 314-315 range (at least well matched to one another) that I've had to lead up quite a bit.

Initially thought I had gotten 97Ls, but nope, regular v14s that were quite low sw wise. Plays great with the lead, just stuffing it under the bumper is always fun.

I have one that is 316 sw and 331 static weight without lead. 2 grams of lead at 10/2 brought it to 324 sw. My other ps 97 v14 has a static weight of 328 and sw of 324 without any lead. So the sw for both of mine matches now. I wanted to respond to the post bc I thought my 316 stock sw was a total outlier. Nonetheless I really heart this racket. I’ve gone through so many rackets but keep coming back to the pro staff.

 

[Deodorex]

I’m a long time pro staff user and lover: PS 6.0 85, 95, many of the PS 90 models.. PS RF 97, and PS v13 97 with some lead for higher SW.
Then the v14 came and the 97 had higher SW and somewhat lower flex then all previous 97 iterations and it plays very, very nice.

Then I recently tried the blade 97, v9, 19x16. Wow. Very clean feeling, and due to lower flex much more feel that reminds me of the old PS 6.0 versions of the past, more ‘clean’ feel. Only to light, so I added just a little lead under the butcap (5-7 grams) and a little at 3 and 9 o clock (2-3 grams) and even more wow, now plays like the PS v14 97 , just as stable, but with actually a way better old school, pro staff like, feel! V9 really feels tad more stiff and raw in nice way compared to older blade versions

Never liked all previous blades (too whobbly), except for the first 93 tour; but will stick with this one! What a nice ‘players’ frame, feel doesn’t get any better…. !

I played with the Blade 18x20 V9 for a while. It's a great racket, but I found that my forehands tended to float out. I also had to let the ball drop a little before hitting the forehand, rather than hitting it down from a high bounce. I struggled with putting floaters away and started to feel insecure in my game. It was strange—I had never experienced this before and made mistakes on easy put-away points. It was baffling. Then I switched back to the Pro Staff 97 V14, and suddenly everything fell into place. No more floaters or baffling misses. Therefore, I've decided to stick with the PS 97 V14. Just my 2 cents.

 

[gfwp]

I prefer the stability and solidity of the Pro Staff over the sort of wobbly flex of the Blade.

Exactly that. And between Blade and PS97 v14 the winner is... PS X in my opinion.

 

[Jono123]

I have the PS 97 & the V9 18x20 Blade. I find the PS superior.

I also own the 16x19 V8 which is quite light and not in the same league as the PS. Its an easier frame to play with though

Update, my new frame has now surpassed my PS one. The Blade Pro is simply the best feeling frame I've ever played with.

I still have the PS in my bag though.

 

[gfwp]

With the blade even if I perfectly hit in the sweetspot I constantly get the sensation to have only, let say 70% of the control. It's simply too wobbly. But I confess, I'm an old styled player, mostly hitting flat. Perhaps for spinners the sensation is different.

 

[Jono123]

Yes, the Blade Pro has a 340 SW with serious mass. Solid as a rock.

Out of the stock Blade and the PS , the PS is far superior in nearly all aspects.