Official Pro Staff 97 Club!!

Dasol

Rookie
Hi,

I have been using the Pro Staff 97 since October in 2014, and I can confidently say that I am switched to it! (previously, my main stick was the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, and I have playtested a lot of racquets in 2014).

Anyone else who is using the Pro Staff 97 as the primary racquet? Please share your thoughts on the frame and your choice of string/tension!:)
 

volleynets

Hall of Fame
My main stick after using the various versions of Wilson Tour 90 starting from Ncode for the last 8 years.

I have it strung with Luxilon 4G at 52 pounds and using the W dampener.

Awesome racquet for me, swings super fast and great for reaction defense shots due to how easy it is to take it back.

The RF97 was too slow to play against national ranked juniors and 4.5 adult players without being severely punished when forced to play defense. This racquet is perfect for me.
 

Dasol

Rookie
My main stick after using the various versions of Wilson Tour 90 starting from Ncode for the last 8 years.

I have it strung with Luxilon 4G at 52 pounds and using the W dampener.

Awesome racquet for me, swings super fast and great for reaction defense shots due to how easy it is to take it back.

The RF97 was too slow to play against national ranked juniors and 4.5 adult players without being severely punished when forced to play defense. This racquet is perfect for me.

I have not played the RF97, but for me PS97 is simply perfect! I am coming from the Pure Storm Tour and PS97 is lighter and faster. I strung it with tour bite soft at 53 pounds and it feels really good. I can produce good racquet head speed for both forehand and backhand, and serving is also very easy with it. I am still adjusting for my volley but I believe it would be fine as time goes. Awesome racquet for me!
 

radu

New User
I play with PS97 since October 2014 ( coming from Angell TC95 same specs ) and for me is the perfect blend of power/control and despite of other said one of the most comfortable racquet I played ( and I played with over 40 different racquets ) . Very fast and enough stability for a 315g stick. Strung with SPPP 1.23 at 24*23. After I have tried many string I decided to stick with SPPP 1.23 because the control is outstanding.
 
I played with k factor 95 for years. It was too heavy and cumbersome at net, but no lighter racquet, and I tried dozens, ever gave such powerful groundstrokes. Then I switched to the six one 95s (309 g) and commit myself to like the racquet for 4 months. They were good, but I missed the solidness .
Tried the RF97, and really liked it, but couldn't swing it the entire match.
Finally, on my first rally with the PS97, I realized the myth of the Holy Grail wasn't that crazy after all; serves, groundstrokes, touch shots, and volleys were effortless, and the feel was really superb!.
A true modern classic, it stands as a superior product.
Works best with poly at 54 imo.
 

cknobman

Legend
Add me to the club. I just bought one here off the used forums and strung it. Have not played with it yet, weather sucks.

Coming from 6.1 95s. I probably have played better with this frame than any other but its a little hard on the arm and I'm tired of breaking strings every few hours.
 

bobtodd

Rookie
Another happy PS97 user. I bought a used one from this sight, and liked it so much I bought a new one. I replaced the stock grips with a Wilson Shockshield grip and it gave me an 8 point headlight racquet. My serve has improved as well as top-spin back-hand. Slice is not as consistent yet, but overall I enjoy the solid feel of this racquet. Highly recommend.
 
Why would people low-rate a Racquet Club thread? That's pretty petty.

When these racquets trickle down into the land of used I may try to join. I'll never do $200 for a single racquet.
 

djsabedra74

New User
I will gladly join this club. I have been using the PS97 since December and absolutely love it. I switched from a Prince tour 100. Since the switch I have added my pace to my serve some solid volleys at net. I strung it with the Y-tex quad twist at 48lbs and its giving me some good pop and generating spin is no issue. I replaced the stock grip with a Babolat skin feel and the Wilson Pro OG and it feels like perfection!
 

SCRAP IRON

Professional
Another happy PS97 user. I bought a used one from this sight, and liked it so much I bought a new one. I replaced the stock grips with a Wilson Shockshield grip and it gave me an 8 point headlight racquet. My serve has improved as well as top-spin back-hand. Slice is not as consistent yet, but overall I enjoy the solid feel of this racquet. Highly recommend.

I own and "enjoyed" the PS 97. I have since experimented with the PS 97 LS. I don't want to sway any of you because I know what a great racket the PS 97 actually can be. However, I had to give the LS a "spin." In stock form it is simply not playable for a competitive 4.5 player. The reason I wanted to try this frame is due to the surprising power of the regular PS 97. While the 97 truly did everything well, I felt like I would have to string with a high tension to gain control, and since my shoulder was a little tender, I did not want to go in that direction.

I decided to put a leather grip and 5 grams of lead on the LS in the handle. As to counter balance this frame as well as create more power, I put 5 grams of lead at the top of the frame. Due to the fact that I had no stability issues, I did not need to add lead elsewhere on the frame. What I found was a precision spin monster that I could create ground stroke angles that befuddle my opponents. The "control" is much better, which was the main reason for the experiment. My serve is not as powerful because the lack of weight, but that is the trade-off. I weighed both my frames, and the LS was exactly 10 grams less which of course allowed my to swing a little harder, which allows for more spin. The slice is nice as well because of the unique 18x16 string pattern. Again, the PS 97 is an excellent all-around comfortable racket, but you all know that by now!
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I own and "enjoyed" the PS 97. I have since experimented with the PS 97 LS. I don't want to sway any of you because I know what a great racket the PS 97 actually can be. However, I had to give the LS a "spin." In stock form it is simply not playable for a competitive 4.5 player. The reason I wanted to try this frame is due to the surprising power of the regular PS 97. While the 97 truly did everything well, I felt like I would have to string with a high tension to gain control, and since my shoulder was a little tender, I did not want to go in that direction.

I decided to put a leather grip and 5 grams of lead on the LS in the handle. As to counter balance this frame as well as create more power, I put 5 grams of lead at the top of the frame. Due to the fact that I had no stability issues, I did not need to add lead elsewhere on the frame. What I found was a precision spin monster that I could create ground stroke angles that befuddle my opponents. The "control" is much better, which was the main reason for the experiment. My serve is not as powerful because the lack of weight, but that is the trade-off. I weighed both my frames, and the LS was exactly 10 grams less which of course allowed my to swing a little harder, which allows for more spin. The slice is nice as well because of the unique 18x16 string pattern. Again, the PS 97 is an excellent all-around comfortable racket, but you all know that by now!

Always wanted to test a weighted up LS. I liked the specs of the PS97 but thought the racquet didn't have the greatest feel on contact...kind of vague and no character...hard to explain. But I really liked the way it swung and played. I did struggle a bit with touch shots though, but I'm sure all I needed was some more time with it.

Scrap...about the LS, is it tough to flatten out shots? How are slices? Do they tend to float like most SPIN patterns?
 

SCRAP IRON

Professional
Always wanted to test a weighted up LS. I liked the specs of the PS97 but thought the racquet didn't have the greatest feel on contact...kind of vague and no character...hard to explain. But I really liked the way it swung and played. I did struggle a bit with touch shots though, but I'm sure all I needed was some more time with it.

Scrap...about the LS, is it tough to flatten out shots? How are slices? Do they tend to float like most SPIN patterns?

First of all, the LS racket "feels" better with the added weight in those specific areas. Secondly, the strings will also make a noticeable difference in the comfort. I used Tour Bite Soft, but I will ultimately go with a gut in the mains, poly in cross hybrid. The 18x16 pattern controls the slice better than other spin rackets due to the denser pattern. I think you will also find your "flatter" shots to be favorable with this spin racket, again due to its density. The regular 97 is very good for flat play, but I'm sure that you'll agree that it's a slightly heavier frame than perhaps you would want if you are playing tough matches and are over the age of 40. In closing, if you do not have a modern semi-western forehand, you won't necessarily gain all the positive benefits that this "modified" LS has to offer, but it is still a solid Wilson offering with great maneuverability.
 

SCRAP IRON

Professional
Since I play doubles for the most part in a 4.5 USTA League, the PS 97 LS is more favorable. However, since this is a fan club of the PS 97, and my being a "member," I will be playing singles with the 97 with very few modifications. In stock form it is very playable, I just got used to a polarized set up. A little lead at the top seems to go a long way. Enjoy your modern Wilson frames boys!
 

Kdude

Rookie
Count me in as well.... It was love at first hit. The weight , flex , head size, string pattern are exactly what the doctor ordered for a player.

I stung up my frames with Champion's choice at 56 / 53 are the frames play on auto pilot ... :)
 

GA1911

New User
I'm a member since December. Just getting back into competitive tennis, so demo'ed PS97, Pure Control, and Yonex AI100, the PS97 won.

Currently strung with NRG squared at 56 lbs.
 

LiquidWhip

Rookie
I had an opportunity to play with the PS97 last night and one thing that struck me is that while it did everything well, I felt it could have been a tad more solid and have a slightly higher swingweight. Has anyone added lead to their racket and what have been the results?
 

SCRAP IRON

Professional
I had an opportunity to play with the PS97 last night and one thing that struck me is that while it did everything well, I felt it could have been a tad more solid and have a slightly higher swingweight. Has anyone added lead to their racket and what have been the results?

I definitely added some weight and I found good success. If you are a relatively young, strong player, you will benefit. You should add 4-6 grams of lead anywhere from 10 to 2 o'clock. You should then counter balance by adding at least 4 grams in the handle, or just put on a leather grip which adds weight and I believe you get a better handle on things.
 

BHud

Hall of Fame
I'm in! Just switched from the 6.195S because the open string pattern caused my relatively flat ball to fly when I hit the sweetspot (especially on OHBH service returns). The PS97 has alleviated this problem while maintaining everything I loved about the 95S. Great racquet!
 

rsmith

Rookie
Bump!

Any new and novel string setups for the 97?

I love the racket; it has done wonders for my one-handed backhand.

1-2 grams at the tip perfects the weight for me in terms of the serve.
 

neverstopplaying

Professional
Nice to see this thread and that others are having great experiences with this stick. It doesn't get talked about much on tt.

I came to this from the ai98. I was having problems controlling the ai98 (no doubt it's me and not the racquet) but the PS97 worked from 1st hit.

For my 55 year old 4.5 hitting, it works well.

Decent ball placement, I can hit deep, powerful balls at 60%-65% power and can swing for a few hours without my arms giving out (my legs are another story).

I used to play heavier racquets, but find it quite a bit easier to keep up RHS over the course of a match with 315gms. I spend quite a bit of time around competitive 14-18 YOs and that is in their spec range.

It's very comfortable though I don't use full poly any more. One is strung with Pacific Tough gut/Alu Power (55,51); the other with BHB7/Thunder Blast (54,58). I prefer the feel of the gut: firmer and crisper - no doubt the Alu. Performance is good with either.

Serve speed and placement and good, and returns of hard serves similar to most other racquets of similar weight.

I NEVER think about this racquet while hitting or playing - and that almost never happens.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I used to play the Tour 90's for about 6 years (ncode, kfactor, blx). Then went to the IG Prestige Pro a couple of years ago. I wanted more power but didn't want to give up the control I was used to. This Spring I demoed 6 different frames. The AI98, RF97, PS97, GRP, GSP and the PDT. I found that for me the PS97 slightly modified fit the bill perfectly. It does everything very well. I just purchased my second frame and will play with this stick for years to come. I added a little lead to 12, 3 and 9 with an overgrip and it plays amazing to me with a full bed of Alu Power at 48. I'm really happy with this frame. Tons of plow and power, lots of control on all strokes and very forgiving feel makes this the nicest frame I've ever hit with. Wilson nailed it.
 

ShankServeAce

New User
Picked up my first one as an impulse buy here on the TT for sale boards. Normally I'll demo a stick multiple times before making an investment but the price was too good to pass up. My main stick is a Graphene Speed Pro leaded at 3 and 9. Strung it with BHBZ and Thunderblast and I have to say it is very easy to swing. Recently picked up a second and strung it with BHB7 and enjoying the crazy spin the open pattern allows. Considering switching to the PS97 full time but need more time with it and maybe playing around with lead as many have here. I could still be in a honeymoon phase but very confident going for aggressive shots. My only gripe is the size of the grip. I slapped a Head leather grip and it feels closer to a 4 1/2 than the 4 3/8 I'm used to.
 
I used to play the Tour 90's for about 6 years (ncode, kfactor, blx). Then went to the IG Prestige Pro a couple of years ago. I wanted more power but didn't want to give up the control I was used to. This Spring I demoed 6 different frames. The AI98, RF97, PS97, GRP, GSP and the PDT. I found that for me the PS97 slightly modified fit the bill perfectly. It does everything very well. I just purchased my second frame and will play with this stick for years to come. I added a little lead to 12, 3 and 9 with an overgrip and it plays amazing to me with a full bed of Alu Power at 48. I'm really happy with this frame. Tons of plow and power, lots of control on all strokes and very forgiving feel makes this the nicest frame I've ever hit with. Wilson nailed it.
Exactly my thoughts and nothing but great praises to this stick.

Definitely a confidence and game raiser coming from a PS90 user. Will definitely get one for my collection.
 

morten

Hall of Fame
Good racket, but hard to let go my ps85/90s... Well see, it is a bit too light maybe, or i may never like bigger rackets than 90 sq.in...
 

FedLIKEnot

Professional
I have officially jumped in. I bought a used one and got it for a great price and instantly fell in love. I now have two may get a third soon. I came from the 2013 Blades and my major complaints were the flex and wanting more headlight out of the Blades. I knew I could handle the weight and the PS97 met my needs better.

I string with a hybrid at 60 and 58lbs. much tighter the the other PS97 users at my club but I'm younger and don't need extra pop. I have found that the PS97 encourages a aggressive stroke. When I try to block or hit a bit loopy on the fh wing the ball can jump on me. Other than that I am in love....
 

Matt_May

New User
Switched to PS97 six months ago, coming from PS95. I demoed the racquet first, and since I'm a stringer I got as close as I could matching specs to my PS95 sticks. Found it to be more stable at two important points: volleys and returns.

Bought two from my local shop, used my scale to match weights (I know, kinda obsessive). Put TW leather grips on. Added a tiny bit of lead at 3 and 9 (just 1 gram on each side, basically the length of the PWS), Wilson Pro overgrip, dampener.

I use MSV Focus Hex (1.18) at 53.5 lbs.

Rackets weigh in at almost exactly 350g with this setup.

Love em, very solid. I'm a 55yr old 4.5, hit with some juniors and have no problem hanging with them.

I AM going to try the PS97s (the Dimitrov model) coming out in September, to give the 18x17 pattern a try. The beam is supposed to be a bit thinner, too, which is the one thing I sorta miss about the PS95. (In case you didn't see the thread with specs on 97s: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=533039)
 

KitC

New User
Count me a fan of this stick. I really like my friend's RF autograph, the feel is great but it's just too heavy after only a few minutes of rallying, as much as I love the cosmetic on that one(yes, I am a Fed fan). I bought the PS97 without play testing, thinking it'd be same as the autograph but lighter. To me, this racket just has the perfect blend of feel, control and power. Even now after 9 months of using them, sometimes after matches I still come home feeling very happy with them, re-living certain shots in my head. This racket just doesn't let me down when a point gets long.

I have 2, one is strung with Luxilon Timo 18, the other Technifibre Razor Code Carbon 18, both at 50 lb. I can't decide which string is better as they both are excellent. I know I won't be switching rackets anytime soon.
 

rsmith

Rookie
It's great. I just had mine restrung with NXT control at 56lbs.

55lbs would have been perfect for me.

Anyone trying this stick should have it strung with NXTc in the low to mid 50s. All round a great string for it!
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
I use it as my main stick. I have one with full poly (Kirsch. PL II @ 53) and one with a hybrid (PL II in the mains @ 54, whatever multi I have lying around @ 56 in the crosses). It has 90% of the stability and plow-through of the RF -- which I also own and play with for fun -- while being far easier to wield.
 

chizzle

Rookie
I'm back to this stick too. I got away from it when the weather turned cold and had gone to full poly. For me, it's string sensitive, a nice multi hybrid, makes the racket much more attacking for me. I have to attack with this stick starting with either serve or return.

I have put my old BLX90 leather grips on to replace the fake leather. It has added a nice bit of plow and made the racquet more solid for me too.
 

rsmith

Rookie
I'm back to this stick too. I got away from it when the weather turned cold and had gone to full poly. For me, it's string sensitive, a nice multi hybrid, makes the racket much more attacking for me. I have to attack with this stick starting with either serve or return.

I have put my old BLX90 leather grips on to replace the fake leather. It has added a nice bit of plow and made the racquet more solid for me too.

Wow, really!? Does it play that much different switching to that better leather?

Weight/balance affected??
 

LiquidWhip

Rookie
Wow, really!? Does it play that much different switching to that better leather?

Weight/balance affected??

Switching to a leather grip will typically add weight to the racket usually 5-6 grams - though this will depend on the brand of the leather grip.

The addition of the weight to the handle does effect the balance and will make the racquet more head light.
 

LiquidWhip

Rookie
Forgot to add, to counter this and bring the balance point back to where it was you can add weight to the tip using lead tape.

I've put a leather grip on my frames and added lead between 10 - 2 and it has definitely increased the stability and plow of the rackets.

However, it still pales in comparison to the RF97 in these stakes.
 

elga

Rookie
Got mine over the weekend. Switched it to a leather grip and added just a bit of lead at 10 and 2. When playing, the racquet feels much lighter than it really is and still gives me all the plow through I need. I was launching balls long for a while and was a bit wild with control, but with the 6 PT HL balance and a 97 sq in head, that is expected until I get used to it (my timing was just off right out of the gate giving me mishits, coming from my usual 100 sq in 3 pt HL balance racquet). By the end of the session the control was getting better and the balls were dropping down right near the baseline. Spin was easy to apply, flat shots felt good, and slices, well, sliced right through. For reference, I strung it with Volkl Cyclone 16g at 53 lbs. I think after a few weeks with it, it will become my favorite racquet.
 

jk175d

Semi-Pro
anyone using nat gut mains/ poly cross hybrid? What's a good tension to start at with this frame? I used to use gut/poly on my Prince Tour 100s but switched to one of their super open pattern frames which demanded full poly. I loved the PS97 demo with full poly, probably in the low 50's, but I'm going to string one up with gut/poly and see how it goes with this frame. I'm thinking maybe 55/50 as a starting point. or even crosses at 48.
 

jk175d

Semi-Pro
anyone using nat gut mains/ poly cross hybrid? What's a good tension to start at with this frame? I used to use gut/poly on my Prince Tour 100s but switched to one of their super open pattern frames which demanded full poly. I loved the PS97 demo with full poly, probably in the low 50's, but I'm going to string one up with gut/poly and see how it goes with this frame. I'm thinking maybe 55/50 as a starting point. or even crosses at 48.

well since no one chimed in I went with my um... gut. So it was 56/49 Wilson Nat gut mains Solinco Outlast crosses, both 17g. I'll give it a whirl tonight.
 
I'm joining in the club! Just got my PS97 yesterday and immediately celebrated with a an open ceremony victory hehe. Transitioning from the PS90 was okay: much better control, reach and power, especially mental on the volleys. Guys commented on my immediate improvement of my game. However still finding it hard to dial in my first serve, I'm able to summon my first serves with the 90 at will. However second serves were noticeably more potent with extra spin, velocity and kick. Much more comfortable on the single backhand but not so sure with the forehand ESP on the approach shots which I consider it the best and most excelling shot of my game with the 90. Hopefully I can work something out with this stick.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
After demoing/buying 25+ rackets this year and not finding what I was after I hit with a friends PS97 and finally found what I was looking for. Bought one the next day.Solid feel on impact and predictable. Just gave me confidence to hit out and not feel the ball was going long. Flat, topspin, slice is all excellent with this frame. No fliers or unexpected shots off the sweet spot for me. Strung with og and 2g@12 mine specs out at 343g. Great frame and a relief I have found my racket after months of searching. The Dimitrov version sounds good though!
 

sonic62

New User
Got my first stick in April haven't looked back since. In fact I got my second stick last month. I have been a long time Pro Staff user starting with the 85. Felt like a kid again with this stick, monster sweet spot, very stable, enough stiffness and feel. Put a bit of weight at 12 o clock to temper the light head. Good for all strokes, topspin, slice and flat. Best I think with a hybrid set up, poly mains and synthetic crosses. A true modern classic! Let us all hope Wilson does not get this out of their line even if Fed retires.
 
My 97 was a used demo racquet (surprisingly came with an L3 grip as well) strung with full bed of ripspin strings. I playing outstanding tennis beyond my level with it, was so hooked that I was further ripping it at the wall. I believe all the ripping resulted in the string tension dropping dramatically at an alarming rate, which made me ended up floating balls upon contact. Have to say I was so frustrated with it I went back to my PS 90. Due to the 90 requires me to be in proper form in order to hit decent strokes, I sort of figured out my way back to proper footwork preparation and set up and I was hitting cleanly again. With the same form, I was able to hit properly back with the 97 again. I think nothing affects your stroke as much as proper stroke mechanics than lowered string tension.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Reading through this thread... I think I'll demo this one along with the Blade 98 16x19 before I try out the PS 97S...
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
You might find it needs lead. Have one with leather and 6g of lead spread from 10-2 across the upper hoop. Helps to promote a solid feel whilst keeping a hl balance. Also have 4g top of handle. 355g and 8 points hl. The other is pretty much stock except for 2g at 12. Need to decide which I prefer. Also enjoying the PS85 right now in stock form.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
No, but I have tried the + version. liked it a lot but I liked the Tour more. Only issue was I found it a bit clunky at net. The standard 95 might address this issue. Not too underpowered then as per the review?
 
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