Official Pro Staff 97 S Club

Sander001

Hall of Fame
Nice to see this thread bumped, I still play with the original 97S. Just a solid all 'round frame, nothing fancy, even the spin pattern is conservative.

I'm so happy with the racquet I've stopped being interested in different racquets and don't even come on the forum as often!

My specs in signature
 

FedLIKEnot

Professional
I think they took it too far away from the preceding 95s. Similar balance in an 18/15 to account for the bigger headsize from the 95 sq in. I would love a similar stick to my 95spin. But the closest I have felt is the Blade 98s.
 

anfield

Semi-Pro
I just accidently bought one, thought it was the regular 2015 PS97. I just ditched a couple 18x20 sticks because they are too boardy for me, esp on lower powered shots like approach shots and flickers. I did not like the PS97CV because it was too muted and way too open of a pattern. My main stick is a Duel 310 at 345g. Love the linear power and predictability of the 16x20.

On the 18x20 I had to use 19g strings to open it up. Are people going with thinner strings because of the density in the middle? Is the spacing there like a 18x20? Has anyone tried a thicker cross? My fave strings in the Duel are VS16-Alu Rough or full bed of Lux Savage at 45. I guess I'll figure it out, the one that's coming has full bed of 18g Cyclone Tour. Just wondering if anyone has a setup for a more consistent string bed.

Thanks, is there a secret PS97s handshake or do I have to post photos to get in the club?
 

Sander001

Hall of Fame
I just accidently bought one, thought it was the regular 2015 PS97. I just ditched a couple 18x20 sticks because they are too boardy for me, esp on lower powered shots like approach shots and flickers. I did not like the PS97CV because it was too muted and way too open of a pattern. My main stick is a Duel 310 at 345g. Love the linear power and predictability of the 16x20.

On the 18x20 I had to use 19g strings to open it up. Are people going with thinner strings because of the density in the middle? Is the spacing there like a 18x20? Has anyone tried a thicker cross? My fave strings in the Duel are VS16-Alu Rough or full bed of Lux Savage at 45. I guess I'll figure it out, the one that's coming has full bed of 18g Cyclone Tour. Just wondering if anyone has a setup for a more consistent string bed.

Thanks, is there a secret PS97s handshake or do I have to post photos to get in the club?
Do you know what tension the Cyclone is at?

The racquet has outstanding control, feels like a mid ime. So you can string it very low to get a soft feel plus great spin. For many years I used full polyester but I switched to a multi filament main.

Forgot to mention that I’m using the original 97S. I haven’t tried the 2nd generation.
 

anfield

Semi-Pro
I ordered a Gamma leather grip, I think it's the thickest. Wilson L3 feels a bit small for me, also it should add some weight down where I need it. And if the but cap does not flare enough, I've been using this great thing from Tourna called the Power Cap, It slips on the end and gives a nice grip for my OHBH, it also adds 6 grams, 3 if I trim it. It's so simple but effective, you can find it at that Ohio store. Another trick I've picked up to add weight down there is instead of messy more permanent silicon, just shove some saran wrap up the handle, absorbs shock pretty well.

I'm sure the Cyclone 18 @ 47 will lighten up the hoop a bit. I really don't like the feel of HH, but that's been in modern polarized frames like the Blade, that even if I put 20g on handle, I can still feel that weight up top when when static. Is that feeling more gradual with the red 97s, so that it will feel normal with a 7 pt HL balance?

For string tension and gauge, I should treat this stick like I would an 18x20 by putting in thinner lighter strings?

I'm glad I accidently bought this, I prefer thinner beamed sticks. I played with the Arias Donnay Pro Cynetic 1 when I was younger and it was sweet feeling.

One last thing, if I like this stick and want to pick up a few more, is the QC any better with this model? I'm used to Yonex and not having such variances.
 

IowaGuy

Hall of Fame
is the QC any better with this model? I'm used to Yonex and not having such variances.

All of mine are +/- a few grams and +/- 1 point balance. I customized each racket by adding weight to the buttcap and/or lead to the hoop to try to make them as close as possible in weight and balance. 27.5", 360g, and 6 points HL balance is how this stick hits best for me.

My RF97A sticks have more variance than my 97S. YMMV...
 

mike schiffer

Semi-Pro
I just hit with it for the first time on Saturday, it was awesome. Need to hit with it more to see if I wanna go to it (currently have the blade 98 16x19)
Just had first exposure to the frame and fell in love with it's firm bite on the ball and spin....my OHB slice was unreturnable when hitting with a 4.5 player half my age(67)....One question...does the frame have a foam core?
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Just had first exposure to the frame and fell in love with it's firm bite on the ball and spin....my OHB slice was unreturnable when hitting with a 4.5 player half my age(67)....One question...does the frame have a foam core?
Not sure if it’s foam filled, but IIRC Pro Staffs generally are foam filled.
 

mike schiffer

Semi-Pro
Do you know what tension the Cyclone is at?

The racquet has outstanding control, feels like a mid ime. So you can string it very low to get a soft feel plus great spin. For many years I used full polyester but I switched to a multi filament main.

Forgot to mention that I’m using the original 97S. I haven’t tried the 2nd generation.
Red version?
 

anfield

Semi-Pro
It just came in the mail. I really like the classic look of the red and black with a thin beam. What's really impressive is just in hand, it does not feel head heavy like a newer Blade or Head Prestige Touch Mid. With those, no matter how much weight you put on the handle, you will always feel the tip weight when static. This even balance seems so evenly distributed.
 

David Le

Hall of Fame
It just came in the mail. I really like the classic look of the red and black with a thin beam. What's really impressive is just in hand, it does not feel head heavy like a newer Blade or Head Prestige Touch Mid. With those, no matter how much weight you put on the handle, you will always feel the tip weight when static. This even balance seems so evenly distributed.
If I still had mine, I would try and repaint 3&9 gold or white. Maybe try to make the Wilson on the side either color as well.
 

Sander001

Hall of Fame
Red version?


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IowaGuy

Hall of Fame
One question...does the frame have a foam core?

As far as I can tell it has some foam in the hoop (2015 version). I replaced the bumper guard on one of mine, and when looking into the grommet holes, I could see what looked like a thin layer of white foam...

As far as the handle, mine have foam there as well, on both sides of the internal divider. I have heard some stories of one side of the handle having silicone, so YMMV...
 

anfield

Semi-Pro
I was just able to hit against a wall and compared to my Duel I could feel the ball going all over the place, I could not replicate shots as easy. One drill I do is put a piece of tape on the wall and just try and hit it there no matter what, so if I have to scramble at times. With my main stick I can keep it on target without have to take more than a step for a at least ten strokes. With the red PS97s I was getting three to four before moving my feet.

Now it could be that the 18g Cyclone Tour at 47lbs is not the right set up. I'm thinking to go to a 1.27 or 1.30 string. Has anyone found any luck with thicker strings to get a more consistent response?
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I was just able to hit against a wall and compared to my Duel I could feel the ball going all over the place, I could not replicate shots as easy. One drill I do is put a piece of tape on the wall and just try and hit it there no matter what, so if I have to scramble at times. With my main stick I can keep it on target without have to take more than a step for a at least ten strokes. With the red PS97s I was getting three to four before moving my feet.

Now it could be that the 18g Cyclone Tour at 47lbs is not the right set up. I'm thinking to go to a 1.27 or 1.30 string. Has anyone found any luck with thicker strings to get a more consistent response?
Yes. I preferred thicker strings in it. 1.25 was my minimum.
 

anfield

Semi-Pro
Yes. I preferred thicker strings in it. 1.25 was my minimum.
Has anyone thought to put two extra crosses on bottom of 9 and 10m. The grommet seems to be exactly halfway the last two crosses. If using a 1.25mm string, the grommet could fit both, but maybe it would break too easily because of the angle? I really like the feel of the layup, but have not had a chance to hit live with it, just against a wall, I seem to get a flyer if I hit low on the string bed. Maybe those two extra strings will give it a more uniform response. Would it damage the frame if strung on the low side, like 42?

The only other gripe is it seems slow to defend. I was trying to do a running flick and even with it at 4 pts HL at 326g, it does not come around that easy. I guess I should add more weight at the bottom, or is trying to make it more HL take away the way the stick is supposed to play?

Or maybe I just need to try the regular PS97, I used to own black RF97a, but it was too stiff and sluggish, and did not like the very open pattern.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Has anyone thought to put two extra crosses on bottom of 9 and 10m. The grommet seems to be exactly halfway the last two crosses. If using a 1.25mm string, the grommet could fit both, but maybe it would break too easily because of the angle? I really like the feel of the layup, but have not had a chance to hit live with it, just against a wall, I seem to get a flyer if I hit low on the string bed. Maybe those two extra strings will give it a more uniform response. Would it damage the frame if strung on the low side, like 42?

The only other gripe is it seems slow to defend. I was trying to do a running flick and even with it at 4 pts HL at 326g, it does not come around that easy. I guess I should add more weight at the bottom, or is trying to make it more HL take away the way the stick is supposed to play?

Or maybe I just need to try the regular PS97, I used to own black RF97a, but it was too stiff and sluggish, and did not like the very open pattern.
The lower hoop is rather lively but you shouldn’t be hitting there anyhow. In live play I think that doesn’t bother as the rhs lower in the hoop is lower too.

Regarding flicks, the most you could do is use a lighter string I guess? Or get used to the swingweight haha ;)
 

anfield

Semi-Pro
Or get used to the swingweight haha
The power is quite intoxicating, love the solid Pro Straf feel with the thin beam and kevlar braid. I'm just so used to the even, but lively, 16x20 of the Tour and Duel G stringbed. I don't think I'm hitting the ball down there, it just seems like there's an uneven response, so putting in those two extra crosses might stabilize it, or break it. But I'm just speculating, because of hitting partners flaking and weather I've just used the wall. I'll have to give it a go with a human before I move it on. But I will say the 1.30 smooth poly gave it a much more even response than the 18g Cyclone it came with.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
The power is quite intoxicating, love the solid Pro Straf feel with the thin beam and kevlar braid. I'm just so used to the even, but lively, 16x20 of the Tour and Duel G stringbed. I don't think I'm hitting the ball down there, it just seems like there's an uneven response, so putting in those two extra crosses might stabilize it, or break it. But I'm just speculating, because of hitting partners flaking and weather I've just used the wall. I'll have to give it a go with a human before I move it on. But I will say the 1.30 smooth poly gave it a much more even response than the 18g Cyclone it came with.
18g cyclone wouldn't be my first choice in that frame, let's put it like that haha
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I think the unevenness you speak of (not that it is such a thing) comes from the lesser crosses making for a livelier stringbed (more ease of movement for the mains). You will adapt to it as you play more with the frame I'd wager.
 

IowaGuy

Hall of Fame
The power is quite intoxicating, love the solid Pro Straf feel with the thin beam and kevlar braid. I'm just so used to the even, but lively, 16x20 of the Tour and Duel G stringbed. I don't think I'm hitting the ball down there, it just seems like there's an uneven response, so putting in those two extra crosses might stabilize it, or break it. But I'm just speculating, because of hitting partners flaking and weather I've just used the wall. I'll have to give it a go with a human before I move it on. But I will say the 1.30 smooth poly gave it a much more even response than the 18g Cyclone it came with.

Gut/poly is also nice in this frame (not currently using any poly, due to elbow sensitivity, but I tried it for a while and really liked it).

I think gut/poly might open up the racket sweetspot/evenness a little more than just pure poly?

Anyway, you might give it a try if you're experimenting with string combos on this frame...
 
Another Bump.

Not a part of the club yet, but on the fence of getting some PS97S (second ver.) from a nearby shop.

Never got the chance to demo it so I wanted to ask members of this club.
How does this compare to the normal PS97 (assuming specs are proper)? Particularly in terms of how it swings through the air, since I liked that about the regular 97 I demo'd a while back.(strings were crap, so can't comment on feel or power, etc.). The fact people say this feels close to classic pro staffs intrigues me as well.

Also, I figure string life of the 18x17 is shorter than 18x20 (what I currently play), but how's it compared to a typical 16x19? I can string myself, but I'd like to stock on string if it's a drastic difference. :-D
 

IowaGuy

Hall of Fame
Another Bump.whi

Not a part of the club yet, but on the fence of getting some PS97S (second ver.) from a nearby shop.

Never got the chance to demo it so I wanted to ask members of this club.
How does this compare to the normal PS97 (assuming specs are proper)? Particularly in terms of how it swings through the air, since I liked that about the regular 97 I demo'd a while back.(strings were crap, so can't comment on feel or power, etc.). The fact people say this feels close to classic pro staffs intrigues me as well.

Also, I figure string life of the 18x17 is shorter than 18x20 (what I currently play), but how's it compared to a typical 16x19? I can string myself, but I'd like to stock on string if it's a drastic difference. :-D

97S vs. 97

Thinner beam (19.5 vs 21.5). IME swings through air easier with thinner beam, YMMV.

1st version 97S has slightly more flex (65 vs 66). 2nd version same flex (66 vs. 66).

97S slightly more swingweight (336 or 325, depending on which edition, compared to 320 or 324 for PS97).
 
97S vs. 97

Thinner beam (19.5 vs 21.5). IME swings through air easier with thinner beam, YMMV.

1st version 97S has slightly more flex (65 vs 66). 2nd version same flex (66 vs. 66).

97S slightly more swingweight (336 or 325, depending on which edition, compared to 320 or 324 for PS97).

Thanks (again, lol) IowaGuy. Pulled the trigger and got some. Let's see how this goes.
 

Nextman916

Professional
Could somebody clarify for me if the 2016 version of the 97S had a leather grip on it? All the listings seem to mention it comes with a leather grip but I've seen photos of the black grip, and it looks synthetic to me, some are perforated as well.
 

David Le

Hall of Fame
Could somebody clarify for me if the 2016 version of the 97S had a leather grip on it? All the listings seem to mention it comes with a leather grip but I've seen photos of the black grip, and it looks synthetic to me, some are perforated as well.
The PS97S V2 has a black leather grip on it.
 

j1mster

New User
Amazing racket. I picked up an almost brand new one for dirt cheap on kijjiji, grip smaller than my preference. Since I hate even balance or HH rackets I modified my big time to make it really head light:

1. I cut off the bumper guard plastic(5grams removed) now its bumperless grommet like the original prostaff 85 midsize. I never scrape the ground with my rackets so I'm use to shaving off the bumper if necessary.

2. I took off the leather grip and glued a layer of road bike tyre's thin inner tubes onto the foam handle, then re-installed the leather grip on top. This added 20grams to handle. The grip size now went from original 4 1/4 to 4 1/2(which is my size anyways)

Total weight with poly strings, inner bike tubes, leather grip, overgrip and dampener about 350grams, 12 pts HL!!! my ideal spec for all of my rackets.

I still use the RF97 but the beams are too thick for my style or competitive play as I don't get many aces with it. I feel less drag when serving with thin beams especially on windy days, also slicing feels better. I love my modified dunlop srixon tour(355g 12pts HL) and Prostaff 97s(350g 12 pts HL) just a bit more than the RF97.
 
How did your 97S work out for you?
Hit the best drop shots of my life with them since. Safe to say I like how it feels!
I like that it feels more connected like a classic Pro Staff than compared to the new ones.

The launch angle took a bit to get used to but since it isn't a drastic pattern like 16x15 I got used to it pretty quick.

A bit low powered, but I was expecting it. That can always be fixed with string/tension/lead..
Currently tinkering with lead placements to bump the power and fine tune the balance.

Thanks again for the help!
 

Creon

New User
I'm biased and switched to PS97S after Dimtrov ATP Tour finals win. I have PS97S v1 retail specs and v2 tail-weighted 350+g 6HL. Both are amazing frames I like them for the mix of modern and classic feel.
 

Brianliuok

Rookie
Hey guys, I got two of this about a month ago after hearing so many recommendations. I strung both of them up with Luxilon Gut 59lbs and 4g 57lbs. For some reason, it just has a vibration consistently hurting my arm even if I keep hitting the sweet spot. I plays really well as I expected, but the jarring response makes me wonder whose fault it is. Did I string it too tight or is it just the bad quality of the one I got. Or do I need to add some weight to it since it’s in stock form with a Tourna grip. Did you guys have the similar problem? Thanks
 

David Le

Hall of Fame
Hey guys, I got two of this about a month ago after hearing so many recommendations. I strung both of them up with Luxilon Gut 59lbs and 4g 57lbs. For some reason, it just has a vibration consistently hurting my arm even if I keep hitting the sweet spot. I plays really well as I expected, but the jarring response makes me wonder whose fault it is. Did I string it too tight or is it just the bad quality of the one I got. Or do I need to add some weight to it since it’s in stock form with a Tourna grip. Did you guys have the similar problem? Thanks
Which one is it? The Gen1 (red, blk, gold) or Gen2 (red, blk)
 

David Le

Hall of Fame
I thought there shouldn’t be a big difference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The two differences would be the beam style (Gen2 is boxed beam) and SW (Gen2 is 10pts lighter than Gen1) Anyway, I wouldn’t string the tension of a hybrid that high, especially the cross string. Imo, I would try mid 40s to low-mid 50s. I would also try a 16L or 17g for my strings since it’s a “tight“ pattern. See if that helps any with your arm/vibration problem.
 
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David Le

Hall of Fame
I would also maybe add strips of lead at 3&9 to reduce the twistweight. In other words, it will be more stable against miss-hits.
 

Fxanimator1

Hall of Fame
Hey guys, I got two of this about a month ago after hearing so many recommendations. I strung both of them up with Luxilon Gut 59lbs and 4g 57lbs. For some reason, it just has a vibration consistently hurting my arm even if I keep hitting the sweet spot. I plays really well as I expected, but the jarring response makes me wonder whose fault it is. Did I string it too tight or is it just the bad quality of the one I got. Or do I need to add some weight to it since it’s in stock form with a Tourna grip. Did you guys have the similar problem? Thanks
I would lower the tension to around 52-53lbs.
They are sweet racquets though. I don't think the gen 1 and gen 2 are even close to each other. I much prefer the gen 2.
 

Creon

New User
I would lower the tension to around 52-53lbs.
They are sweet racquets though. I don't think the gen 1 and gen 2 are even close to each other. I much prefer the gen 2.
I am agree with you. Gen 1 remind me the best classic Hammers and that is why I keep it in stock form. Gen 2 is rather different (my customization is mentioned above in this topic). I prefer tight tension 60-57 lbs Wilson multi Reaction 16g (or NXT) than 57-55 lbs Hybrid 16g (LXN BB/Natural gut). As cheap alternative I have tested syn gut like Volkl v-wrap 17g 60-57 lbs that isn't bad too. I am using vibrostop and comfort OG to mute the racquet jarring. Anyway PS 97S is one of the best wilson racquets ever made on my opinion and which is important allow customization.
 
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