Official Pro Staff 97 S Club

I've been using Lux 4G at 53lbs and Wilson Sensation at 54lbs

has felt great, last me a good while (not much a string breaker to begin with). I'm thinking about trying Alu Power Rough in the mains
 
Count me in! I just tried my brand new Pro Staff 97S which is tail weighted with 3/4 ounce of lead weight. It is the perfect amount of weight to get the balance right where I want it around 6 points. The feel is solid with the added silicon in the handle and flex is perfect. My arm does not hurt and was not at all jarred the entire hitting session. Even on mishits I still got decent feel. The weight is not too heavy but still allows me to drive right through the ball as hard as I want. I will have to leave the Graphene Prestige Pro club now for the Pro Staff 97S Club. Now, just need to trade in for two more 97's. :)
 
I would try one but I've got two glaring issues:
  1. I love my Pro Staff 90 too much. Why Wilson has to go off break my heart and discontinue the 90 is beyond my comprehension (like a girlfriend leaving me for a deadbeat wife beater).
  2. I just bought a Pro Staff 95S, dagnabbit!
 
Do you find the 95S underpowered? I have leaded mine up and I still have to swing like a mad man to get any power.
 
goosala said:
Count me in! I just tried my brand new Pro Staff 97S which is tail weighted with 3/4 ounce of lead weight. It is the perfect amount of weight to get the balance right where I want it around 6 points. The feel is solid with the added silicon in the handle and flex is perfect. My arm does not hurt and was not at all jarred the entire hitting session. Even on mishits I still got decent feel. The weight is not too heavy but still allows me to drive right through the ball as hard as I want. I will have to leave the Graphene Prestige Pro club now for the Pro Staff 97S Club. Now, just need to trade in for two more 97's. :)
Click to expand...
What strings and tension you use?
 
My setup in the 20's is still going strong! My next setup will be Yonex PTP 125 mains, Yonex PTP 120 crosses, 30/20lbs. I only wish PTP 120 came in black!
 
Count me in, just added very slightly used 97S to my immodest collection.

Didn't get a chance to measure specs but feels really good to swing without any mods (that I see anyway). Will get to hit with it soon.
 
Anton said:
Count me in, just added very slightly used 97S to my immodest collection.

Didn't get a chance to measure specs but feels really good to swing without any mods (that I see anyway). Will get to hit with it soon.
Click to expand...

Also picked one up last week...felt really good dry swinging but it was sluggish as heck when actually hitting with it. Coming from using various HL Pro Staffs for the last twenty years or so, that HH/Even balance really threw me off I guess.

Will most likely stay with my PS97 for now...only wish they came slightly heavier without modding
 
inwoodnyc said:
Also picked one up last week...felt really good dry swinging but it was sluggish as heck when actually hitting with it. Coming from using various HL Pro Staffs for the last twenty years or so, that HH/Even balance really threw me off I guess.

Will most likely stay with my PS97 for now...only wish they came slightly heavier without modding
Click to expand...

This is interesting to hear from someone.
Like you, I had only used Prostaff's in the past...since 1993 (PS 85, PS 90 and finally PS 95). I bought the PS 97S and had to get used to the balance of it, which I did, and really liked it, what I didn't like about the PS 97S, is the seemingly random string pattern and I liked the flex of the PS 95 (2014) better than the PS 97S.
My unlikely solution...I weighted the PS 95 rackets to the same balance as the PS 97S (I added weight in the handles of the 97S).
The PS 95 are a bit heavier than the PS 97S after the same balance was achieved, but they came out to be 350 gm and 4 pts head light, finally.
 
Fxanimator1 said:
This is interesting to hear from someone.
Like you, I had only used Prostaff's in the past...since 1993 (PS 85, PS 90 and finally PS 95). I bought the PS 97S and had to get used to the balance of it, which I did, and really liked it, what I didn't like about the PS 97S, is the seemingly random string pattern and I liked the flex of the PS 95 (2014) better than the PS 97S.
My unlikely solution...I weighted the PS 95 rackets to the same balance as the PS 97S (I added weight in the handles of the 97S).
The PS 95 are a bit heavier than the PS 97S after the same balance was achieved, but they came out to be 350 gm and 4 pts head light, finally.
Click to expand...

Yeah, us, Pro Staffers just can't deal with that funky balance...I was never into modding my sticks so guess it'll stay in my bag and come out from time to time for sh!+s and giggles. I'm just glad I picked it up on the boards for cheap and not spent $400 for a matched pair lol
 
inwoodnyc said:
Yeah, us, Pro Staffers just can't deal with that funky balance...I was never into modding my sticks so guess it'll stay in my bag and come out from time to time for sh!+s and giggles. I'm just glad I picked it up on the boards for cheap and not spent $400 for a matched pair lol
Click to expand...

Adding weight to the handle is very simple: take off the grip, stick on some lead and re-apply the grip. While at it, double loop the grip at the bottom, so you get more flared grip on the butt-cap.

Yes you can :)
 
inwoodnyc said:
Also picked one up last week...felt really good dry swinging but it was sluggish as heck when actually hitting with it. Coming from using various HL Pro Staffs for the last twenty years or so, that HH/Even balance really threw me off I guess.

Will most likely stay with my PS97 for now...only wish they came slightly heavier without modding
Click to expand...

Actually I just realized there is some weight in the handle of my PS97s - the seller did say he dug out some of the foam about an inch into the handle and put blue-tac putty in there. That's why it felt right and not too light down low.
 
Anton said:
Actually I just realized there is some weight in the handle of my PS97s - the seller did say he dug out some of the foam about an inch into the handle and put blue-tac putty in there. That's why it felt right and not too light down low.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I added Blue-Stik to the inside of the handle for my weighting, but like I said, it was lack of flex and the string pattern that I am not crazy about. So I weighted and balanced out my PS 95 to be closer to the PS 97S, albeit, heavier.
I like that I can feel the racket(PS95) flexing when I hit serves, I didn't get that with the PS 97S.
 
Anton said:
Adding weight to the handle is very simple: take off the grip, stick on some lead and re-apply the grip. While at it, double loop the grip at the bottom, so you get more flared grip on the butt-cap.

Yes you can :)
Click to expand...

I hear ya, but to get the balance to where I like, 6-8 pts HL, it'll up the static weight too much in the end...reason why I finally switched over to PS97 from my trusty N6.1 95's last year was because my forty something body couldn't take the 12+oz racquets anymore
 
goosala said:
Do you find the 95S underpowered? I have leaded mine up and I still have to swing like a mad man to get any power.
Click to expand...
I use one as a backup stick for my Pro Staff 90s.

1g lead tape at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock for 3g total in the hoop, leather grip, and about 8g lead tape under the buttcap for a static weight of about 350g total. Strings are Kirschbaum Pro Line No II 17G"cherry" strings in the mains, with Luxilon 4G 17G in the crosses. Tensions completely escape me right now, but they should be around 50 lbs in the mains, and about 47 lbs in the crosses.

I wouldn't call it underpowered, but it's much more difficult to hit flat with, meaning that any hard shot I hit will end up being a very aggressive topspin ground stroke unless I take a lot of care in flattening the stroke out. That said, my normal swing creates heavy topspin, so playing with it is such a joy. Plus, it really helps my 2HBH, which I find a little difficult to hit with spin with my 90.

Edit: the net effect (no pun intended) is that the 95S now swings like a slightly head heavy, extremely skinny version of my 90. No complaints there!
 
Last edited:
inwoodnyc said:
I hear ya, but to get the balance to where I like, 6-8 pts HL, it'll up the static weight too much in the end...reason why I finally switched over to PS97 from my trusty N6.1 95's last year was because my forty something body couldn't take the 12+oz racquets anymore
Click to expand...

Just measured my stick - 12oz even, 6 pts hl.
 
Hey guys,
i have a question. Does anybody of you heard about fake 97s?I bought a new 97s for 130€ on ****. I can't belive that someone sells this racket for that price.
I will take a close look at it when it arrives, but maybe you can also help me.
 
Anton said:
Just measured my stick - 12oz even, 6 pts hl.
Click to expand...

Curious your thoughts in comparion to the RF. Especially in control and manuverability. Love the RF just wish for a little more manuverability and maybe this stick is the answer but with it's hefty sw not so sure.
 
KaiserW said:
Curious your thoughts in comparion to the RF. Especially in control and manuverability. Love the RF just wish for a little more manuverability and maybe this stick is the answer but with it's hefty sw not so sure.
Click to expand...

PS97S is a bit more maneuverable, less power and better depth control due to more loop flex, but it's a mixed bag because it seems to also play with less spin than RF97.

I like how PS97S swings and it has a nice feel, but for me it plays a bit anemic, esp. compared to RF97s ball dominance and put away power and spin.
 
For now I think I will stick with the RF but might demo the PS 97 again at some point. It has been a while since I demoed it and I remember wanting more plow thru thus leading me to the RF.
 
Count me in!! Had my first session yesterday, raquet in stock form with Wilson overgrip och Solinco TB 1.15 gauge at 23 kg. Felt very nice on groundstrokes but a bit sluggish in the serve department and at net. Would about 10g in the but cap help to overcome this or do I need to go to the gym?
 
MAPE said:
Count me in!! Had my first session yesterday, raquet in stock form with Wilson overgrip och Solinco TB 1.15 gauge at 23 kg. Felt very nice on groundstrokes but a bit sluggish in the serve department and at net. Would about 10g in the but cap help to overcome this or do I need to go to the gym?
Click to expand...
The serve took several weeks for me, it takes more concentration because I wasn't accustomed the even balance. I find it perhaps the quickest at net I've ever used, I was comfortable with that right away.
 
Sander001 said:
The serve took several weeks for me, it takes more concentration because I wasn't accustomed the even balance. I find it perhaps the quickest at net I've ever used, I was comfortable with that right away.
Click to expand...
Well actually at net it felt wonderful except for overheads, same problem as with the serve :-) I need more muscles I guess.
 
MAPE said:
Well actually at net it felt wonderful except for overheads, same problem as with the serve :) I need more muscles I guess.
Click to expand...
Nah I think you just have to get used to the racquet's natural timing. Anything above the head tends to take the most adjustment IME.
 
I'm selling a used one that has been customized. ~350g, ~5 pts HL with blu tac in the handle and lead on the handle and hoop. It's more powerful and stable than a stock RF97 which I played with for nearly 3 months before finding my personal Holy Grail (h22). The ps97s does hit a heavy ball even stock, though its not much more maneuverable than the RF which was surprising to me.
 
a>
Damn, I can't get my pic to load. I was curious for those of you that have multiple frames, are they all the same paint? One of mine is glossy and the other flat.
 
o0lunatik said:
IMO, the 97S is the best feeling of all the 97 series. I currently tailweighted my 97S' in the buttcap with 1/4 oz fishing weights and added two overgrips to bring the total strung weight to 12.5oz. Plays like a beast at 4.5 HL that's more maneuverable than the rf97 with better feel and knife-like characteristic on slices. Stability of the hoop when swinging these babies through the air is impressive. My ohbh is definitely benefiting from the stability.
Click to expand...

What did yo use to hold the fish weights in the butt? And is this set up more powerful than the RF97?
 
Count me in the club.

I've been using the RF97 on and off since 2014 and recently since October full time.

I demo'd this stick this week and holy cow I love it. It's just a nice solid stick that feels the control of my old blx90 just slightly easier to swing.

I also used the ps97 previously and it was just a dead stick. No feel and ball was jumping off the racket in a bad way.

I'm shopping for a used 1/4 stick somewhere.
 
MasturB said:
Count me in the club.

I've been using the RF97 on and off since 2014 and recently since October full time.

I demo'd this stick this week and holy cow I love it. It's just a nice solid stick that feels the control of my old blx90 just slightly easier to swing.

I also used the ps97 previously and it was just a dead stick. No feel and ball was jumping off the racket in a bad way.

I'm shopping for a used 1/4 stick somewhere.
Click to expand...

What is it that you like better than the RF? Is it just the feel with the thinner beam or other things also?
 
KaiserW said:
What is it that you like better than the RF? Is it just the feel with the thinner beam or other things also?
Click to expand...

I just cannot get the plow on the serve with RF. Groundies don't effect me that much but I'm 5"6 145lbs so to generate power with the forehand it's really tiring. Backhand not too much. Easier to absorb pace.

And the bigger beam just doesn't give me the maneuverability that the thinner 97s beam does.

The 97s just feels like the blx90/K90 that I used yeats ago. Thinner beam definitely helps.
 
MasturB said:
I just cannot get the plow on the serve with RF. Groundies don't effect me that much but I'm 5"6 145lbs so to generate power with the forehand it's really tiring. Backhand not too much. Easier to absorb pace.

And the bigger beam just doesn't give me the maneuverability that the thinner 97s beam does.

The 97s just feels like the blx90/K90 that I used yeats ago. Thinner beam definitely helps.
Click to expand...

Thanks, will demo once the weather gets warmer. I don't like to demo during indoor season as I only play once a week and it is matches.

I do wish it had a headlight balance in stock form though, not crazy about the even balance on paper but have to try it to see.
 
MasturB said:
Count me in the club.

I've been using the RF97 on and off since 2014 and recently since October full time.

I demo'd this stick this week and holy cow I love it. It's just a nice solid stick that feels the control of my old blx90 just slightly easier to swing.

I also used the ps97 previously and it was just a dead stick. No feel and ball was jumping off the racket in a bad way.

I'm shopping for a used 1/4 stick somewhere.
Click to expand...

Have you given any other racquets a try? i.e.: Extreme 95?
 
MasturB said:
Count me in the club.

I've been using the RF97 on and off since 2014 and recently since October full time.

I demo'd this stick this week and holy cow I love it. It's just a nice solid stick that feels the control of my old blx90 just slightly easier to swing.

I also used the ps97 previously and it was just a dead stick. No feel and ball was jumping off the racket in a bad way.

I'm shopping for a used 1/4 stick somewhere.
Click to expand...
Yea it very much reminds of the BLX90 only better feel and more comfort.
SpinToWin said:
Am I the only one using full poly in these? Lol
Click to expand...
Peep my sig. Got it strung in January and still going strong but I've reduced my playing time. Next time I think I'll go Poly Tour Pro 125 30lbs mains and Poly Tour Pro 120 20lbs crosses.
 
Sander001 said:
Yea it very much reminds of the BLX90 only better feel and more comfort.
Peep my sig. Got it strung in January and still going strong but I've reduced my playing time. Next time I think I'll go Poly Tour Pro 125 30lbs mains and Poly Tour Pro 120 20lbs crosses.
Click to expand...
Wow that is low! I don't think my dropweight even goes that low haha
 
goosala said:
Do you find the 95S underpowered? I have leaded mine up and I still have to swing like a mad man to get any power.
Click to expand...
I don't find it underpowered at all, but I switched from the PS95S from the Babolat Pure Storm LTD which might have been one of the most under-powered rackets ever designed. If it helps, I was stringing with Polystar Turbo 15L at 38/46.

I don't have any issues with generating my own pace, but I do have to move on from that racket because strings ended up breaking for every hour of hitting. I was never a string breaker until I played with the 95S, and I think that all the 16x15 pattern gave me was more trips to my stringer.
 
MasturB said:
Nope. I'm using full bed of topspin Cyberflash 17g at 52 lbs strung on am electric.
Click to expand...
+1. Tour Bite Soft for me. Did just put a hybrid w Head PPS syn gut in the crosses in my 2nd frame, just for grins. Will start hitting with it once the strings break in my other.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

slice it
*_*_*_*_*_-Official Head Prestige PRO Club-*_*_*_*_*_
Replies
1
Views
629
Gemini
G
matchmaker
***The Donnay Pro One Int'l MP Club***
7 8 9
Replies
410
Views
40K
accidental
A
D
Official Pro Staff 97 Club!!
7 8 9
Replies
407
Views
51K
Fxanimator1
Fxanimator1
macguyvur
Pro Staff 97 315g Discussion
2
Replies
92
Views
19K
Jocke
J
D
Kneissl Official info
2
Replies
80
Views
29K
vsbabolat
vsbabolat
Back
Top