Official Pro Staff 97 S Club

moon shot

Hall of Fame
I think if you like a PS that is evenly balanced then yes add some in the head of the new one but traditional PS played grip heavy at least the 6.1's I used back in the day are all very grip heavy. This new one is getting closer to tradition going a bit heavier in the grip.

It depends on which victors wrote history. Check these out, they were all 0-3pts:
Pro Staff 4.7 EB Stretch 100
Pro Staff 5.7 EB Stretch 100
ProStaff 6.6 Titanium
Hyper ProStaff 6.5
Hyper ProStaff Extreme 6.7 95
ProStaff Torch

most ended up being spun into different lines or died, but Wilson did try.
 

Raizu

Semi-Pro
It depends on which victors wrote history. Check these out, they were all 0-3pts:
Pro Staff 4.7 EB Stretch 100
Pro Staff 5.7 EB Stretch 100
ProStaff 6.6 Titanium
Hyper ProStaff 6.5
Hyper ProStaff Extreme 6.7 95
ProStaff Torch

most ended up being spun into different lines or died, but Wilson did try.
The Hyper ProStaff 6.5 wasn't bad! They just came out with a bunch of racquets that didn't sell at the time. I still believe until recently the Hyper ProStaffs were the best line they made. I even went as far as customizing a 97S to 27.5 and balancing it like my old Hyper Carbon 6.1 Stretch 18x20 but that was a failed experiment.

I remember the 6.6 titanium but never used it as well as the 6.7 95.
 

Wick

New User
Do tail weight it a bit. I hope you get a good sample spec wise

Hi STW, I am also demoing the "old" PS97s. I really love the racquet,t but I am struggling a bit with my top spin OHBH (backspin is great). I have already put 10g of lead in the handle, hoping to solve the problem. How much weight would you suggest to add in the handle? Thanks!
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Hi STW, I am also demoing the "old" PS97s. I really love the racquet,t but I am struggling a bit with my top spin OHBH (backspin is great). I have already put 10g of lead in the handle, hoping to solve the problem. How much weight would you suggest to add in the handle? Thanks!
It depends on you I would say... What are you coming from?
 

Wick

New User
It depends on you I would say... What are you coming from?

Thanks STW.

I learnt to play tennis in the 80s, and enjoyed playing with racquets like the PS85. Then I stopped playing for 20 years and started again 2 years ago with an RF97. I liked the RF from the baseline and at the net but I found it too tiring. Especially with the serve, I could hit 110mph for about a set and then my shoulder started complaining and my game suffered (in the UK most tournaments I play force me to play two matches on the same day). I then move to the PS97 and added some weight at 3 and 9, but never felt as good as the RF, so I keep going back to the RF.
 

Franklin_B

Semi-Pro
Thanks STW.

I learnt to play tennis in the 80s, and enjoyed playing with racquets like the PS85. Then I stopped playing for 20 years and started again 2 years ago with an RF97. I liked the RF from the baseline and at the net but I found it too tiring. Especially with the serve, I could hit 110mph for about a set and then my shoulder started complaining and my game suffered (in the UK most tournaments I play force me to play two matches on the same day). I then move to the PS97 and added some weight at 3 and 9, but never felt as good as the RF, so I keep going back to the RF.
If you like the RF but find it tiring you could try swapping the leather grip for a lighter synthetic one. That would be a less dramatic change than going to the more even balanced 97S.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Thanks STW.

I learnt to play tennis in the 80s, and enjoyed playing with racquets like the PS85. Then I stopped playing for 20 years and started again 2 years ago with an RF97. I liked the RF from the baseline and at the net but I found it too tiring. Especially with the serve, I could hit 110mph for about a set and then my shoulder started complaining and my game suffered (in the UK most tournaments I play force me to play two matches on the same day). I then move to the PS97 and added some weight at 3 and 9, but never felt as good as the RF, so I keep going back to the RF.
Try bumping up the amount of weight in the handle by a few gram. 15g in the handle should still make for a more manageable static weight than the RF97.
 

Wick

New User
Try bumping up the amount of weight in the handle by a few gram. 15g in the handle should still make for a more manageable static weight than the RF97.

Thanks STW. I will add 5g more today and see how it goes. Apart from the problem with the topspin OHBH, I really love this frame. I find it less powerful and stable than the RF, but the feel and manoeuvrability are better. The serve is also great as it is faster in the air than the RF.
 

Franklin_B

Semi-Pro
Thanks, I did not even consider this option.
It's worth a try if you like the feel of the RF97. I will probably try out the new 97S at some point to see if the new balance and beam shape are worth a change. For now I swapped the leather grip on my RF97 to a head hydrosorb pro, which shaved off about 10g I think.
 

TUPAC_RIP

New User
Does anyone know if the grip has a silicone fill in stock form of this racquet?
Same question for the Six One 95S.
Thank you.
 

joshtige600

New User
Does anyone know if the grip has a silicone fill in stock form of this racquet?
Same question for the Six One 95S.
Thank you.

Just got mine today and I was disappointed to find that it had a silicone fill in the handle (it's maybe 1pt HL stock and strung)

Now, how am I going to add 10-15g to the handle!? (i dont' like nails or screws in the handle.) Maybe I'll dig out their silicone and add more of my own.
 

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
Just got mine today and I was disappointed to find that it had a silicone fill in the handle (it's maybe 1pt HL stock and strung)

Now, how am I going to add 10-15g to the handle!? (i dont' like nails or screws in the handle.) Maybe I'll dig out their silicone and add more of my own.

You could wrap lead tape under the grip.
 

tkdojo

New User
I demoed the new 97s(52lbs Head Hawk Touch) for about 1 1/2 hour and here are some of my thoughts on it. BTW, I play with the 'old' 97s with 10g in the handle and been using 56(gut)/52(poly) combo last 6 months.

- A bit less plow-through on flat shots
- Generally less power, slightly
- More crisp feeling giving an impression(?) of increased accuracy
- Head-lightedness was felt especially on return of serve, my reaction time was shorter.

After adding 10g in the handle it became a bit more solid as it did for the older version. And some less power impression can be attributed to the choice of string on the demo. Overall, it didn't feel too much different than current and I prefer the 'old' 97s where I can just add extra weight to the handle whereas I would put some lead tape in the hoop in addition to the weight in the handle.

Looking forward to other's comparison of the two.
 

moon shot

Hall of Fame
Just got mine today and I was disappointed to find that it had a silicone fill in the handle (it's maybe 1pt HL stock and strung)

Now, how am I going to add 10-15g to the handle!? (i dont' like nails or screws in the handle.) Maybe I'll dig out their silicone and add more of my own.

From what I understand Wilson adds a variety of materials in the handles to meet their QC guidelines, so their silicone may be shallow. I've used fishing bullet weights wrapped in tan nexcare tape as it dampens vibration well. 10 grams (3/8oz) or less in a very compact package.
 

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
I demoed the new 97s(52lbs Head Hawk Touch) for about 1 1/2 hour and here are some of my thoughts on it. BTW, I play with the 'old' 97s with 10g in the handle and been using 56(gut)/52(poly) combo last 6 months.

- A bit less plow-through on flat shots
- Generally less power, slightly
- More crisp feeling giving an impression(?) of increased accuracy
- Head-lightedness was felt especially on return of serve, my reaction time was shorter.

After adding 10g in the handle it became a bit more solid as it did for the older version. And some less power impression can be attributed to the choice of string on the demo. Overall, it didn't feel too much different than current and I prefer the 'old' 97s where I can just add extra weight to the handle whereas I would put some lead tape in the hoop in addition to the weight in the handle.

Looking forward to other's comparison of the two.

Hmm this is my dilemna...Do I demo the new one or just try to find a old one for a good price. My issue is I don't like the posted high SW of the old 97S of 336. The only reason I would move on from the RF97 is better manuverability and if it is the same swingweight can't imagine much more maneverable. I would prefer 325-330 range.

Do you know what the swingweight is on yours?
 

tkdojo

New User
Hmm this is my dilemna...Do I demo the new one or just try to find a old one for a good price. My issue is I don't like the posted high SW of the old 97S of 336. The only reason I would move on from the RF97 is better maneuverability and if it is the same swingweight can't imagine much more maneverable. I would prefer 325-330 range.

Do you know what the swingweight is on yours?

I don't know how to measure the swing weight, since adding extra weight, but coming from a RF97 before landing on the 97s, iirc, it felt a bit easier to maneuver, but it may not be that different. I didn't pay much attention to the SW because the reason I switched from RF 97 to 97s was due to the static weight and the stiffness of the RF97, which combined with my regrettable decision to give a multi/poly a try resulted in a wrist injury that I still carry. Now about your dilemma, the only way I can think of is for you to try both. ;)

Hope this helps.
 

joshtige600

New User
From what I understand Wilson adds a variety of materials in the handles to meet their QC guidelines, so their silicone may be shallow. I've used fishing bullet weights wrapped in tan nexcare tape as it dampens vibration well. 10 grams (3/8oz) or less in a very compact package.


Thanks for this. I will probably get curious and pull their silicone out at some point. For now, I replaced the black leather grip with a TW tan one (personally pref) and it added 5g. I wrapped two overgrips around it (tightly to add weight but minimize thickness) and that added another 9g so its probably about `2-4pt hl and 340-345g now. I'd prefer more like 6pts but I'll try it this way first. Haven't even hit with it yet!

I have 2 of the previous PS97s's and I put silicon in both and I believe they are about 6pts hl. they weigh 350g with 2 overgrips.
 
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tV8K3lV

Let's see if this works
tV8K3lV

How's the paint durability on the new PJ? Better/same/worse than the red/black?
 

Bhairava

Rookie
I can't say measurement wise but I did put the racquet on top of my old PS Hyper Carbon 18x20 and the center squares are the same size. I break a lot less string with this pattern. With the 18x16 16g poly lasted no more than 90 min, hybrids 45 min max. With the 18x17 I'm breaking 1 every 2-3 hours with a hybrid so it's a big difference even if your coming from 16x19 in my opinion
Thanks so it seems more a tight 18x20 pattern then an open 16x19 pattern. :)
 

Raizu

Semi-Pro
How's the paint durability on the new PJ? Better/same/worse than the red/black?
Much much better. A month in and not a single chip! My old ones had chips that I didn't even know happen. I even smacked racquets with the new one playing dubs and nothing!
 

joshtige600

New User
I'm not a string breaker, but i haven't noticed more wear on my 18*17 than i did on my 16*19.

As far as 'spacing' of the string pattern, I would say that it is 'open' in the middle of the racquet. I can't say it's 'closer to 18*20 though as I've had 18*20 sticks that were 'open' in the middle spin machines like my pro kennex black ace 98 and others that were 'tight' in the middle, control machines like my donnay pro one. I def. put the 97s in the camp of 'spin helpful' racquets. Plenty of spin on kick serves and groundstrokes to suit me.
 

Raizu

Semi-Pro
I'm not a string breaker, but i haven't noticed more wear on my 18*17 than i did on my 16*19.

As far as 'spacing' of the string pattern, I would say that it is 'open' in the middle of the racquet. I can't say it's 'closer to 18*20 though as I've had 18*20 sticks that were 'open' in the middle spin machines like my pro kennex black ace 98 and others that were 'tight' in the middle, control machines like my donnay pro one. I def. put the 97s in the camp of 'spin helpful' racquets. Plenty of spin on kick serves and groundstrokes to suit me.
I've compared the 18x17 pattern with the PS 6.1 Hyper Carbon 18x20 and the squares in the middle 8 strings are definitely the same size.
 

joshtige600

New User
I've compared the 18x17 pattern with the PS 6.1 Hyper Carbon 18x20 and the squares in the middle 8 strings are definitely the same size.

I'm not sure exactly what racquet that is but I have a 2 of the black pro staff 90's with the yellow inside hoop and red lettering and I would say the 97s is slightly more spin friendly. The black and yellow pro staff 90 was my main stick for 2-3 years and my favorite of the ps90's, fwiw.

but i think the 'PS 6.1 hyper carbon 18x20' is a diff. racquet so I can't compare.
 

Raizu

Semi-Pro
I'm not sure exactly what racquet that is but I have a 2 of the black pro staff 90's with the yellow inside hoop and red lettering and I would say the 97s is slightly more spin friendly. The black and yellow pro staff 90 was my main stick for 2-3 years and my favorite of the ps90's, fwiw.

but i think the 'PS 6.1 hyper carbon 18x20' is a diff. racquet so I can't compare.
I know which one your talking about. The Hyper Carbon is the 2nd generation of the Pro Staff 6.0 and 6.1. Your racquet is the one that followed. Very different in my opinion, I didn't like it but my brother did.
 

Raizu

Semi-Pro
Does this match up with what you are seeing? The crosses match up quite well relative to a 6.1 16x18 if there were one less cross at 7 inches from the head and then averaged the spacing of three on either side.

The strings are not very straight on the product photo for the new one.

Kwitreg.jpg
Ok here's some data for you. Let me know what else to measure.

New 97s
PWS Length - 2.5 inches long (5strings in PWS)
Throat to Grip length 6.5 inches long
Guard - Ends on 4th cross
Center strings separation - Less than .5 inch

Old 97s
PWS Length - 2.5 inches long (5 strings but different position. )
Throat to Grip length - 6 inches
Guard - ends on 3rd cross
Center Strings separation - .5 inch.

6.1 Hyper Carbon Stretch 18x20 (Added for reference)
PWS Length - 1 3/4 inches (4 strings only)
Throat to Grip Length - 6 1/4 inches
Guard - Ends on 5th cross
String Separation - less than .5 inch.
 

1990's Graphite

Hall of Fame
Ok I may have just about switched to this frame from the ai98. I now have two of these. The second one I have acquired is a bit more head heavy than the first, I'd say the first is like 1-2 points strung and the second more like even, will measure them at the stringers.
The handle has foam, so I am not sure if I can stuff 5gr of blutac.. I'd rather not chip the foam away, I think it works well in dampening..
Posters here have folded lead, might just do that and stick it down with blutac in the buttcap.
No one has been able to answer my Q regarding the white string that comes with the racquet of the shelves? Revolve? If it is it's a beauty.
The first one is getting maxpower 16
The second one we will see, currently has WC ultracable and YPTP yello hybrid in it....

Great underrated sticks !
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Ok I may have just about switched to this frame from the ai98. I now have two of these. The second one I have acquired is a bit more head heavy than the first, I'd say the first is like 1-2 points strung and the second more like even, will measure them at the stringers.
The handle has foam, so I am not sure if I can stuff 5gr of blutac.. I'd rather not chip the foam away, I think it works well in dampening..
Posters here have folded lead, might just do that and stick it down with blutac in the buttcap.
No one has been able to answer my Q regarding the white string that comes with the racquet of the shelves? Revolve? If it is it's a beauty.
The first one is getting maxpower 16
The second one we will see, currently has WC ultracable and YPTP yello hybrid in it....

Great underrated sticks !
Most definitely Revolve I would say.
 

kosmikgroove

New User
Could use some of your input guys!

Been demoing racket after racket after racket and this one is next on my list. Recently broke one of my 2 Wilson kBlade Tour 93, and felt like it was a sign to actually switch to a new frame that offers more spin. What I liked about this racket was the slightly heavier weight (11.8 if i remember correctly) and also the thin beam. I demoed the PS97 and could not get over the wider beam, so I'm hoping this 97S will be just the right fix. It's stock form is too head heavy and overall light compared to kblade, so I think just some weight in the handle will fix that, but will that help at all with plow through?

The current best demo I have right now is the Yonex ezone DR98 but having some difficulty adjusting to that rectangular shaped head. Demoed 3-4 Babolats and for some reason just cannot get my rhythm set with that brand... Thoughts?
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Could use some of your input guys!

Been demoing racket after racket after racket and this one is next on my list. Recently broke one of my 2 Wilson kBlade Tour 93, and felt like it was a sign to actually switch to a new frame that offers more spin. What I liked about this racket was the slightly heavier weight (11.8 if i remember correctly) and also the thin beam. I demoed the PS97 and could not get over the wider beam, so I'm hoping this 97S will be just the right fix. It's stock form is too head heavy and overall light compared to kblade, so I think just some weight in the handle will fix that, but will that help at all with plow through?

The current best demo I have right now is the Yonex ezone DR98 but having some difficulty adjusting to that rectangular shaped head. Demoed 3-4 Babolats and for some reason just cannot get my rhythm set with that brand... Thoughts?
If you want to add swingweight, a few grams at 12 do the job. I personally fill the handle with poster tack to achieve a lower balance point/higher static weight, works like a charm. I'd add weight to the handle first and test the racquet then, adding lead to the hoop only if you are looking for more plow/power.
 

Fxanimator1

Hall of Fame
If you want to add swingweight, a few grams at 12 do the job. I personally fill the handle with poster tack to achieve a lower balance point/higher static weight, works like a charm. I'd add weight to the handle first and test the racquet then, adding lead to the hoop only if you are looking for more plow/power.
I basically did this too, but soon realized I was essentially making the balance the same as what it is in stock form, only heavier. I wound up removing all weight and have been enjoying it in stock form since. It feels very much like the new Blade 98, only more connected and accurate.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I basically did this too, but soon realized I was essentially making the balance the same as what it is in stock form, only heavier. I wound up removing all weight and have been enjoying it in stock form since. It feels very much like the new Blade 98, only more connected and accurate.
I need the higher swing weight on serve unfortunately :p
 

Tartar

New User
Anyone kind enough to share a picture of the grip pallet without any grip overgrip or atleast is it identical to the 95S?

Thanks!

P.S. Interested in the 2014/2015 version, red/black PJ
 
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Tartar

New User
Ok. So, in the case of PS95S there's something that looks like a tungsten lead tape on the pallet underneath the grip. If that's the case for PS97S than i can shift the balance by a few points without changing too much the original specs. That's why the interest. If not i can send the racket back without removing the plastic seal from it.

Looking forward to an on point reply.

Cheers
 
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zalive

Hall of Fame
There was no lead tape on the handle of my 95s...usually there's something like double sided tape or similar. Possibly they corrected the specs after manufacturing if it was too light.
 
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