Lighter alternative to PS 97 v13

S

Solok

New User
Hello guys,

I've noticed during tournament play that my shoulders and wrist will become tired from using the Pro Staff 97 v13 (315g), so I'm interested in hearing your opinions on some lighter options... Overall I like the PS97, although it's a little bit on the stiff side. I'm currently playing with a full bed of Solinco confidential at around 23.5 kg. I like getting slightly more spin from a 16x19 pattern instead of 18x20.

Some options could be (I've mainly looked at Wilson so far):
- PS 97L
- Blade 98 (although I'm not sure about the balance since they tend to be more head heavy)
- TBH I'm quite curious about pro stock options, maybe the Ultra Pro (H19) could be an option ?

Looking forward to your input. Cheers,
 
I'd rather make sure it is indeed the weight and not another parameter in the setup that is bothering me. Obvious steps, to narrow down:

- PS97 with looser tension XOR softer strings (you might lose some control, but it might open up the super small sweetspot of the PS97)
- PS97L with the exact same setup
- (Some fitness regimen goes a long way in preventing injuries and making the PS97 easier to use. But one should be honest and NOT buy a racquet promising to lift weights after the fact!)

More drastic changes:
- Blade 98 (green camouflage PJ, 16x19): lighter, softer but different weight distribution
- Yonex VCore Pro (310g): almost identical in a softer and more modern package

I can only speculate how the Ultra plays, but from what i gather, it seems to be a power racquet (thick & tapered beam, open spacing, large head, little to no flex). Changing from PS to Ultra would be more than a little correction but I doubt this racquet would be softer on your arm. My recommendation if you have to stay on brand: (Check out PS97 v14 >) Blade > PS97L > Clash > ... > Ultra
 
I have just recently completed a migration from my 2014 PS97 to the Head extreme Tour (305g) - the fact making this an easy transition is the balance - it's exactly the same, swings the same, just doesn't have the heft of the 2014 PS97 (the V13 has lower swing weight).

BUT - I tried Solinco confidential on the HET and by god it has not completed 4 hours and I 'm gonna cut it out - it's horrendously hard / stiff & low powered.

Before migrating, consider using a softer string... and lower tensions
 
@Solok - PS 97L would be the first option, no doubt, but if you're also looking to reduce stiffness a bit, I would look at the following 97-98's, all of which are 300-305g with a similar balance and weight distribution (<=6pts HL strung), and a feel that, even though it isn't quite identical to a Pro Staff, is at least approaching it to some degree (some more than others):

- Dunlop CX 200 - needs hoop lead (minimum of 1-2g @ 9 & 3 each, 2-3g @ 12) + handle counterbalance
- Dunlop FX 500 Tour - with 2-3g lead at 12 or 10 & 2, possible handle counterbalance
- Furi Arma Pro 98 - probably the most Pro Staff like in feel from anything in the list; playable stock
- Head Extreme Tour - needs similar customization to the CX 200
- Prince ATS Tour 98 - playable stock
- Yonex EZone 98 - with 2-3g lead at 12 or 10 & 2, possible handle counterbalance
- Yonex VCore 98 - with 2-3g lead at 12 or 10 & 2, possible handle counterbalance

If you like the more classic, lower-powered all-court stick vibe, go CX 200
If you tend to hit more flat and/or enjoy a more thumpy, direct "club" like feel, most akin to the Pro Staff, go Arma Pro 98 or ATS Tour 98
If you tend to hit more whippy and like to play the spin/arc game, go FX500T, Extreme Tour or VCore 98
If you want a middle-ground between flat/thumpy and whippy/spinny, go EZone 98

Clearly, you'll save the most total weight with sticks that needs the least amount of customization, but overall, all of the above will be somewhat close to one another.

Hope that helps! Any questions, feel free.
 
1. Try lighter/thinner/softer strings
e.g. Hyper-G or Hyper-G Soft 17 (1.20) / 18 (1.15mm) in the mains, Ghost Wire 1.17mm in the crosses. Should make it easier to handle unless the Confidential is already a thin gauge.

2. Try Head Boom Pro with a full bed of Confidential. Tradeoff is a bit of control for better maneuverability and spin.
 
your racket is too light, thus the shock is transmitted toyour body. i had the same problem.

i went to the bab rafa origin. prob went away.

i would suggest you to go to the Rf97 v13.
 
Solok said:
Hello guys,

I've noticed during tournament play that my shoulders and wrist will become tired from using the Pro Staff 97 v13 (315g), so I'm interested in hearing your opinions on some lighter options... Overall I like the PS97, although it's a little bit on the stiff side. I'm currently playing with a full bed of Solinco confidential at around 23.5 kg. I like getting slightly more spin from a 16x19 pattern instead of 18x20.

Some options could be (I've mainly looked at Wilson so far):
- PS 97L
- Blade 98 (although I'm not sure about the balance since they tend to be more head heavy)
- TBH I'm quite curious about pro stock options, maybe the Ultra Pro (H19) could be an option ?

Looking forward to your input. Cheers,
Click to expand...
Wilson Blade Team. It’s 16x18, 99sq in, 9.9oz. It becomes very effective with 2x1/4”x8” strips of lead at 12. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/product/blade-team-v8-0-wr07980#covertype=52592
 
Thanks a lot for all your replies, I'll start with the easiest solution which is simply to experiment with a softer string (Tour bite soft/1.15) and perhaps lowering the tension. If I'm still having issues then I'll have to look for a softer racquet.
 
The list by @Trip above includes the two I was going to suggest: the Dunlop CX 200 and Prince ATS Tour 98. So I will second those ones. I also agree that the Prince is playable stock and the CX 200 needs a little bit of weight.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Wilson Pro Staff 97UL v13 tuning
Replies
5
Views
996
asekaran
A
B
Pro Staff 97 Generations
Replies
10
Views
629
Chairman3
C
J
Pro Staff 97 v13 vs v14 - explain the TW specs please.
Replies
5
Views
7K
thecatch33
T
babar
Played with the PS 97 CV today and . . .
Replies
19
Views
2K
zaskar1
Z
P
Suggestions switching from the PS-97..reluctantly
Replies
21
Views
2K
ed70
E
Back
Top