Official Pro Staff 97 Club!!

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Yes, RF97 has been my primary frame since they came out. PS97 I have been playing with for the last couple of months. The tendency is to over swing with the lighter frame. Took 5-6 training sessions and a bunch of experimenting with strings. Wilson Leather grip, Wilson Pro over grip, W dampener. 3” strips of lead tape on each side of the frame at 3 and 9. OEHM Alu Pearl @ 52. Crazy thing is this cheap has helped me to find control with this frame.
 
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For me, tweener and PS97 on same sentence doesn't compute... :) but... hey it's only a name

The PS97 is a very good bet for a more friendly racket than the more demanding sticks you mentioned.
Hehe:), what I meant was a racket that has some of the 'get out of jail free' aspects of a tweener racket (easy power, access to spin)
But maintains the feel & control of a players racket.
Basically all I'm asking for is the ultimate racket, lol.
 

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
Yes, RF97 has been my primary frame since they came out. PS97 I have been playing with for the last couple of months. The tendency is to over swing with the lighter frame. Took 5-6 training sessions and a bunch of experimenting with strings. Tried lead tape combinations all over the frame. Played the best stock for me. Good luck.

So are you sticking with the PS97? :)
 

FIRETennis

Professional
I'm wondering why the PS97 stock seems to be so far away from the RF97 based on some of the replies in this thread and other threads on the same topic.
I hit with the RF97 but not the PS97 and yes, it feels amazing coming from a tweener Pure Aero.
It seems that simply adding some weight to the PS97 will not make it feel like the RF97.
On paper adding 3 grams to the tip, replacing synthetic with leather, 9g silicone in the handle and 6g lead at balance point to the PS97 would match the specs of the RF97.
Surely with even some of the mods, the two sticks should feel like they are siblings or cousins?
As an example, the tweener Pure Aero and Pure Aero Tours are different in specs but playing with them side by side they feel quite similar.
 

shamaho

Professional
Hehe:), what I meant was a racket that has some of the 'get out of jail free' aspects of a tweener racket (easy power, access to spin)
But maintains the feel & control of a players racket.
Basically all I'm asking for is the ultimate racket, lol.

Well you and I and everybody else know... or SHOULD know, That "ultimate" racket is MADE by the player wielding it ;-)
Also, one needs time to get settled with the racket so that it turns into an extension of the arm - that process takes months...

While I have 3 PS97 and my opponents said I was getting wicked spin and power with it, it was NOT my ultimate... I found it on the venerable POG Mid - even though I lost some power and spin.
 

shamaho

Professional
Well you and I and everybody else know... or SHOULD know, That "ultimate" racket is MADE by the player wielding it ;-)
Also, one needs time to get settled with the racket so that it turns into an extension of the arm - that process takes months...

While I have 3 PS97 and my opponents said I was getting wicked spin and power with it, it was NOT my ultimate... I found it on the venerable POG Mid - even though I lost some power and spin.
I contradict myself here bit, but I was doing fine with the PS97 and made by best tournament results with it, I just moved on because in certain very specific limit situations (whenever I need a quick flick of the racket for eg. ball at my feet) , I found maneuverability a bit lacking, so I moved to a smaller head and thinner frame.
 

DustinW

Professional
Been hitting the PS97 (all black, no CV) for a few months now, and I've been really enjoying it. It is a lot less powerful than I was expecting (which I like). The feel is a good middle ground between some crispness while still feeling a bit of flex. While serves and groundstrokes are good, I'm loving it at the net (especially mid-court low balls at my feet). I'm not seeing any signs of the "hot spots" talked about in the TW review.

I have 2 and finally put them on the scale. They are perfectly matched to each other but off spec. Unstrung, they are 311g and 317mm (instead of 315g and 310mm).

My only complaint so far is how easily the paint scuffs. :confused:
 

FIRETennis

Professional
I have 2 and finally put them on the scale. They are perfectly matched to each other but off spec. Unstrung, they are 311g and 317mm (instead of 315g and 310mm).

You could probably add 5-6g of blue tac or silicone under the butt cap to bring them closer to spec. Do their swingweights match?
What sticks were you using before?
 

DustinW

Professional
You could probably add 5-6g of blue tac or silicone under the butt cap to bring them closer to spec. Do their swingweights match?
What sticks were you using before?

I've actually only been playing with one of them, so I don't know how the other one feels. And I don't have any way to measure their swingweight. I'd probably prefer to trade a bit more static weight for a more head light balance, but it seems to hit just fine. I've thought about swapping the grip out for leather.

I've actually been playing with a stock Radical MP for several years. But before that, I always used heave sticks... Prestige Pro, Six.One 95, Pure Drive Tour, Pure Storm Tour, etc. I stumbled upon the Radical during a playtest and loved they way it played from the baseline for singles, and I just couldn't get away from it after that. But the light weight aggravates my elbow (which I've put up with until now) and I'm mostly just playing doubles now, so its time to head back up in weight.
 

FIRETennis

Professional
I've actually only been playing with one of them, so I don't know how the other one feels. And I don't have any way to measure their swingweight. I'd probably prefer to trade a bit more static weight for a more head light balance, but it seems to hit just fine. I've thought about swapping the grip out for leather.

I've actually been playing with a stock Radical MP for several years. But before that, I always used heave sticks... Prestige Pro, Six.One 95, Pure Drive Tour, Pure Storm Tour, etc. I stumbled upon the Radical during a playtest and loved they way it played from the baseline for singles, and I just couldn't get away from it after that. But the light weight aggravates my elbow (which I've put up with until now) and I'm mostly just playing doubles now, so its time to head back up in weight.

You are ahead of the Pro Staff circle of life curve already :)
I'm using the RF97A and the lightest I could get it was 360g strung, 345SW swapping out the leather grip for a Wilson Sublime.
It actually makes the grip much more comfortable as the Wilson Leather is super thin almost like an overgrip.
I was thinking to try something lighter like the non-CV Pro Staff 97 but I know I will end up adding weight to it which will end up close to the RF97 :(

PS. You can use the Swingtool app on iOS or there is a guide on how to do it with video without an app on TWU.
I think Swingweight and balance are the most important specs followed by static.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I've been playing with Pro Staffs for 12 years. To all of you who want something that sits between the PS97 and the RF97. I found that taking the PS97 "non CV version" and adding a few grams in the butt cap, 4 grams at the tip and 1 gram each at 3 and 9 is imo the sweet spot for those who want a racket that sits perfectly between the two. I have 3 matched modified frames.

Specs on each are as followed

Static weight "strung" - 340 grams
Balance "strung" - 6 pts hl
Swingweight "strung" - 335
 

ariwibowo

Rookie
Been using the PS97 v10 since 2017 but gives me slight wrist pain. It has good power, sweetspot, a tad heavy swing weight, and spin potential. I can dominate the game with that racquet but can only play with it once a week due to wrist pain. I have been using other less stiff racquet.
When will TW writes review and score the v13?
 

shamaho

Professional
Been using the PS97 v10 since 2017 but gives me slight wrist pain. It has good power, sweetspot, a tad heavy swing weight, and spin potential. I can dominate the game with that racquet but can only play with it once a week due to wrist pain. I have been using other less stiff racquet.
When will TW writes review and score the v13?
Have you established that's the PS97 fault ie. are you sure isn't something technical or grip size related ?
With a straight L3 I've had elbow pain for ex. add in a thick overgrip to enlarge and relax the grip and pain is gone.
 
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shamaho

Professional
Having gotten back to the PS97 from the classic POG Mid - I did need to add some weight to the PS97, just a tad...

I've added leather grip (or the equivalent of a Kimoni leather grip half covered with an overgrip) and 1.5 grams (total, 0.75 each side) at 10 and 2 (just above the PWS thing)...

Now I can swing similar to the POG Mid... but hit a heavier ball and slices... OMG... I'm derailing my opponents with the slice like I've never been able to with the POG Mid.
 

Dansan

Semi-Pro
I'm using the RF97A and the lightest I could get it was 360g strung, 345SW swapping out the leather grip for a Wilson Sublime.
It actually makes the grip much more comfortable as the Wilson Leather is super thin almost like an overgrip.

I've managed to get my RF down to 353g: babolat skin feel synthetic grip, supergrap og, natural gut/poly hybrid. 355g if I add in rubberband dampener. It's possible due to the QC I just got a lighter stock, or the bab skinfeel is that much lighter. I remember there also being a bit of residue under the old grip that I was able to remove, but negligible weight I'm sure.
 

ariwibowo

Rookie
Have you established that's the PS97 fault ie. are you sure isn't something technical or grip size related ?
With a straight L3 I've had elbow pain for ex. add in a thick overgrip to enlarge and relax the grip and pain is gone.

PS97 v10 with its power needed topspin and with my eastern grip can only swing low to high or slight wrist movement (cause of sore wrist). I have modify it by using thicker and softer grip and wider dampener and carries it depending on the game.
 

AmericanTwist

Professional
Those with sore wrists what string/tension are you using? Are you sure the pain is not in your forearm?

PS 97 v10 has really good power, spin, and control. I think many of the reviewers either played with more flexible racquets or played with stiffer frames with stiffer strings or played with heavier racquets. String choice and tension are really huge factors for performance aside from the the frame itself.

Let me also add that the RFA is 2 points stiffer and heavier, but no one complains about any "hot spot"...certainly Federer doesn't!
 

ariwibowo

Rookie
Those with sore wrists what string/tension are you using? Are you sure the pain is not in your forearm?

PS 97 v10 has really good power, spin, and control. I think many of the reviewers either played with more flexible racquets or played with stiffer frames with stiffer strings or played with heavier racquets. String choice and tension are really huge factors for performance aside from the the frame itself.

Let me also add that the RFA is 2 points stiffer and heavier, but no one complains about any "hot spot"...certainly Federer doesn't!

I play eastern with full syngut at 55lbs, it has lose tension now but still gives me sore wrist. My other PS97 has full multifilament but its really hard to control due to overpower and no spin. PS97 has been my choice for the past 2 years but I use it sparingly now.
 
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berneology

New User
Those with sore wrists what string/tension are you using? Are you sure the pain is not in your forearm?

PS 97 v10 has really good power, spin, and control. I think many of the reviewers either played with more flexible racquets or played with stiffer frames with stiffer strings or played with heavier racquets. String choice and tension are really huge factors for performance aside from the the frame itself.

Let me also add that the RFA is 2 points stiffer and heavier, but no one complains about any "hot spot"...certainly Federer doesn't!
I played with PS97L v13 (Prince Syn Gut 16 @ 57lbs) for the first time last Sat and Sun 2 and 3 hours respectively, love the feel and pop with the strings set up but ended up with both wrists and master hand elbow being so sore. Going to try multi and poly next. What's your strings setup?
 

AmericanTwist

Professional
Ariwibowo - try semi western grip and hit with a more closed stance.

berneology - Gosen sheep micro 18 at 53 lbs. I'm gonna try Gosen 17 gauge soon too.
 

ariwibowo

Rookie
Ariwibowo - try semi western grip and hit with a more closed stance.

berneology - Gosen sheep micro 18 at 53 lbs. I'm gonna try Gosen 17 gauge soon too.

Most of people i play hit flats and mostly play doubles, so not worth it changing to semi-w. I am playing with a 95 sq inch now fits my forehand style.
 

AmericanTwist

Professional
But playing with a semi western grip gives you more topspin and still gives you the option of hitting it flat...in my experience. Which 95 are you playing with now?
 

ariwibowo

Rookie
But playing with a semi western grip gives you more topspin and still gives you the option of hitting it flat...in my experience. Which 95 are you playing with now?

Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20 at 315g with leather grip and 6g lead tape; much less power than PS97 but I can play every day with this one.
 

ariwibowo

Rookie
Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20 at 315g with leather grip and 6g lead tape; much less power than PS97 but I can play every day with this one.
Replaced the grip with 2mm synthetic grip (from previously using TW leather grip) and I think it dampens the stiffness better. Also add a long dunlop dampener. This racquet fits well when I play indoor speedy courts due to its power and weight.
 

shamaho

Professional
Ps 97 is a strange racket. It has like nothing to it.. not a good substitute
What do you mean exactly? care to ellaborate...? I don't find them that exotic.... for me, the one feel that cannot be replicated anywhere is the one from the POGs
 

morten

Hall of Fame
What do you mean exactly? care to ellaborate...? I don't find them that exotic.... for me, the one feel that cannot be replicated anywhere is the one from the POGs
Well, it is not stable enough, no real sense of the sweetspot and i dont feel connected to the ball. It lacks charachter. For me atleast
 

shamaho

Professional
Well, it is not stable enough, no real sense of the sweetspot and i dont feel connected to the ball. It lacks charachter. For me atleast
Ahh I see what you mean... have you tried customization like in my sig ? I think it helps a lot with that....

with that customization it sits at a mid point between stock PS97 and the RF
 

morten

Hall of Fame
Ahh I see what you mean... have you tried customization like in my sig ? I think it helps a lot with that....

with that customization it sits at a mid point between stock PS97 and the RF
tried leather grip but i have moved on to other frames long ago..
 

kailash

Hall of Fame
Checking out this now...tried with some lead, but prefer stock for now. Feel is just ok; not as good as the new prestiges, but really like the directional control; able to take big cuts when needed. And the maneuverability.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
I just received a PS 97 v13 to test alongside a Pure Drive Tour 2021 and G360+ Radical Pro. I haven’t had a chance to play with it yet, but just hitting a few soft shots against the garage, I can say that the feel is pretty good. Looking forward to really trying it.
 

zaskar1

Professional
i transitioned from the Blade 9816x19 to the PS97 about 5 years ago. there is a significant difference between the first ones
and the current versions, with the v11 being a bit stiffer and the swingweight seems heavier.
i have a countervail all black PS97 and absolutely hate it, as it has no feel even though i dont use a vibration dampner
but i use them on my other versions.
most likely i will be transitioning to the PS97 v13
i use Solinco HyperG 17 @52#
as i am older, i play primarily doubles, and singles on occasionally when i can find some other old guy to play against
z
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Wilson 2017 PS97. Black with Red at 3 and 9
Wilson Leather grip
Wilson Pro Overgrip.
Wilson Dampener
3” lead strips at 3 and 9 on both sides of the frame.
OEHM Alu Pearl @ 52
355g

*Put this inexpensive string in the PS97 and found control like I have never found it before.
 

shamaho

Professional
Wilson 2017 PS97. Black with Red at 3 and 9
Wilson Leather grip
Wilson Pro Overgrip.
Wilson Dampener
3” lead strips at 3 and 9 on both sides of the frame.
OEHM Alu Pearl @ 52
355g

*Put this inexpensive string in the PS97 and found control like I have never found it before.
similar to my setup - How much does those 3" amount to in grams - total ? must be clubby as heck :)
 

shamaho

Professional
1/4” lead strips and they weigh 4”= 1g

Two 3” strips per side is 1.5g so only adding 3g total.
With my hmmm age, physical ability and swing.... 1.5 g total is already feeling like a bit much.... though my baseline shots result in a heavy ball, I feel I maybe need a tad more maneuverability on my back-hand (especially at night, not so much during day-time)...

I placed mine at 10 and 2 so it's a bit more polarized...

the issue with my 2014/5 version is grommet availability... becoming rarer and rarer, and more expensive...
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
With my hmmm age, physical ability and swing.... 1.5 g total is already feeling like a bit much.... though my baseline shots result in a heavy ball, I feel I maybe need a tad more maneuverability on my back-hand (especially at night, not so much during day-time)...

I placed mine at 10 and 2 so it's a bit more polarized...

the issue with my 2014/5 version is grommet availability... becoming rarer and rarer, and more expensive...

It’s a tough frame to set up. Have put weight on and taken it off several times at 12,3,9,10,2, butt of the handle etc. Finally found a set up with this frame that works for my game. At 355g I’m not too far from the RF97 that I played with for years.
It’s interesting when you start weighing your frames to see what you have been using. I weighted two of my Head Prestige Mids 360+ this morning. One is 344g and the other is 341g. Can’t tell the difference between them on the court.
SW must be really close despite the static weight.
 
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1HBHfanatic

Legend
-i was very surprised how this racquet is string sensitive,, $ME anyway
-all poly setups have been hurting my wrist on this racquet
-this ^ after a hitting session where i had to switch to my blades due to the pain
-i keep tension low, so i know it was not that

-recently switched to soft.mains/hard.cross,, and that seems to work much better for me
 

zaskar1

Professional
Has anyone used the cv version and can compare to the non cv 97?
i use the non cv version, as i might have previously mentioned, the cv version deadens the
"feel" so i cant tell how its hitting. its a big difference for me. i use Solinco HyperG 17 @52#
i have 4 PS97s and 1 PS97CV
z
 

1HBHfanatic

Legend
@zaskar1
-the CV version adds considerable/notable weight to the swing weight!, not necessarily a bad thing
-the added swing weight or weight distribution creates a more solid feel
-the 2020 version is lighter and faster, so it swings nice, but at impact thats when you have to decide if you like the lighter weight or not
-these differences become more clear when comparing side/side, same string, same tension
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
With my hmmm age, physical ability and swing.... 1.5 g total is already feeling like a bit much.... though my baseline shots result in a heavy ball, I feel I maybe need a tad more maneuverability on my back-hand (especially at night, not so much during day-time)...

I placed mine at 10 and 2 so it's a bit more polarized...

the issue with my 2014/5 version is grommet availability... becoming rarer and rarer, and more expensive...
Lowered the tension to 50 and creates a heavier ball still under control with Alu Pearl.
 
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