Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
qyuestion i have is does the stock grip on the pro staff 97 feel thin
Playtest: RF97 vs PS97 vs PS97 LS
- Thread starter Automatix
- Start date
Automatix
Legend
Thank you Soul. The 95D is a strange frame. Its stiffness rating is low and yet it feels stiff and isn't easy on the wrist.
As for your question. It depends what is the problem when you make shots on the run. You lack mass in the head? You have troubles generating enough pace or spin? Your description is a bit vague for me.
What I can say is for me the PS97 feels like a rock compared to the PS95 - way more solid.
Soul_Evisceration
Hall of Fame
It's definately mass the issue since the Spin department on the Prostaff 95 is really good IMO.
There are many times I'm almost borderline shanking on the top hoop of the racquet when pulling on the run shots. I know that if I needed 2 extra square inch, it would rectify the issue.
Great about the solidness of the racquet. For return of serves, is it easy to be aggresive/defensive with the RF/Prostaff 97? How is it also for Volleys in comparaison to the Prostaff 95?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I hit my best on the run shots maybe ever with the PS95, so I think it is all about how you set it up.
I weight mine to 345 and the SW is around 320. My Pro Staff 95s feel very solid with these mods.
It will boil down to control versus power. What do you want? I seem to play better with the laser control of the PS95, but I'm going to give the PS97 a demo at some point to see.
I weight mine to 345 and the SW is around 320. My Pro Staff 95s feel very solid with these mods.
It will boil down to control versus power. What do you want? I seem to play better with the laser control of the PS95, but I'm going to give the PS97 a demo at some point to see.
Soul_Evisceration
Hall of Fame
Yeah I should of added lead tape since stability was an issue but I played stock with a Yonex Overgrap. I take Power over Control personnally. Therefore why I like to have multifilament or Synthetic Guts strung @ 46-48lbs for demo testings. I strung with Natural Gut/Luxilon Power Rough a little higher once I get the right specs.
I forgot to add that my VCore was weighted up to 340. Not sure about the Swingweight and it feels perfect except a certain shot here and there phucks my wrist at times and it sucks.
Thanks for the feedback Auto and PP.
Automatix
Legend
For me it was easiest to be aggressive on return with the PS97 because it allowed me to return a deeper ball without any stability issues.
The RF97 was the best for blocking returns that is if I was able to make it in time. You can have a racquet as heavy as stable as you want but it means nothing if you can't position it in time.
With a stock PS95 returns were easy when it came to positioning but I struggled with depth and power especially when I had to poach the service.
So overall the PS97 was the best returning stick of the three.
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Automatix
Legend
I think this is spot on.
Comparing these stock. The 97 gives you more power and stability sacrificing a bit of that scalpel control however it still provided more control than any Blade for me.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
The reviews so far have me thinking that the PS97 may play and feel like the Slazenger Pro X-1? Does anyone remember that racquet (black and blue)? If so, can you compare it with the PS 97 and RF97A?
To me, the Slazenger Pro X-1 felt solid as a rock with almost no vibration and sort of played and felt like a lighter and less stiff PS 6.1 Classic. From the reviews so far, it seems like the PS 97 and RF97A are closer to the PS 6.1 Classic than to the PS 6.0 or Tour 90s.
Angel TC95
Automatix, maybe you are tired to da so many comparison with other rackets, but if you played with Angell TC95 please make a short parallel. Thank you, Radu
Automatix, maybe you are tired to da so many comparison with other rackets, but if you played with Angell TC95 please make a short parallel. Thank you, Radu
Soul_Evisceration
Hall of Fame
Well based on what you said, it looks like the PS97 will be my new stick of choice.
Will still demo this one and the RF97 to compare but I'm pretty sure I've already made up my mind.
Thanks for the feedback.
Automatix
Legend
Sadly I think I missed that one so can't compare...
I did not, for obvious reasons - no demo option being one of them, the other ine being that the specs are of your own choosing. I did do an interview with Paul though. Super nice guy, very informative and dedicated to what he does.
As for comparisons I try to provide... we help each other out if we can. We all benefit from such contributions.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah without lead tape the PS95 is not going to impress. Its a platform frame.
But if you want power over control, the PS95 is not the frame for you anyway.
Automatix
Legend
I tell everyone who asks me for an opinion about their potential racquets to ALWAYS demo if possible.
Specs are one thing.
Experience/Opinions of others is another.
And in the end it all comes down not to what's on paper or what anyone else thinks but what do you think.
Good luck!
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
The two averag specs are up 66 flex 314 sw and 329 g weight and 7 pts HL for pro staff 97...
Discuss
Discuss
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Nice platform racquet.
tkdojo
New User
Thanks for the review and comments. Sounds like exactly what I was looking for before I went with Blade 98 16x19! 
Thank you very much
Lukhas
Legend
Review: Wilson Prostaff RF97 Autograph
Here is my review of the soon to be released (if not already for some lucky ones) Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph
First impressions:
It already has been mentioned often enough, but the racquet looks nice in person. I never was disappointed with the paintjob on pictures; surprised, at most. And it feels nice in the hands too. I like a lot the matte finish of this racquet.
Groundstrokes:
The specs do not lie, and you won’t be able to lie on court either. The penetration is excellent, the sweetspot generous and the precision very enjoyable. The racquet also is reasonably spin-friendly. The higher stiffness and weight grant excellent stability. The ball comes off the racquet rather quickly with a crisp response but still allows me to enjoy the ball pocketing in the stringbed. Slices are very good. The only matter at hand is whether you will be able to pay the price that comes with such a frame or not. Whenever you’re late, the results will invariably and inevitably shift accordingly. Short balls, lack of consistency, you name it.
Volleys:
There isn’t a lot to say at net in detriment of the racquet. The raw mass acts as a wall, the stability and crispness allows you to punch the volley deep, and the precision and touch are enough to enjoy drop volleys.
Serve:
In absolute, serves were enjoyable. Enough mass to let the racquet do the work for you, enough precision to pick your targets reasonably well, enough spin to make the ball dip in the box comfortably. However, due to the effect of the static weight of the racquet on the shoulder, I don’t see myself serving with it for the duration of a match.
Returns:
Not surprisingly so, blocked and sliced returns are very fine; swung-out returns can leave hazardous results depending of your timing and ability to read the incoming ball. Using the pace of your opponent works very well; concentrating on timing and precision, leaving the racquet working for you on power and stability is very enjoyable.
End-notes:
This racquet is very enjoyable to play with… for fun. If you want to be serious with it, it’s going to be difficult. You need commitment because it will not bow down to you. This frame shows you a glimpse of “what could be”. I do not see myself using it; it is not a racquet I can play with reasonably well when tired. However I could probably pull it once in a while to be reminded of the intrinsic qualities it has.
Of course, thanks to both Tennis Warehouse Europe and Wilson for allowing me to playtest these racquets.
Here is my review of the soon to be released (if not already for some lucky ones) Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph
First impressions:
It already has been mentioned often enough, but the racquet looks nice in person. I never was disappointed with the paintjob on pictures; surprised, at most. And it feels nice in the hands too. I like a lot the matte finish of this racquet.
Groundstrokes:
The specs do not lie, and you won’t be able to lie on court either. The penetration is excellent, the sweetspot generous and the precision very enjoyable. The racquet also is reasonably spin-friendly. The higher stiffness and weight grant excellent stability. The ball comes off the racquet rather quickly with a crisp response but still allows me to enjoy the ball pocketing in the stringbed. Slices are very good. The only matter at hand is whether you will be able to pay the price that comes with such a frame or not. Whenever you’re late, the results will invariably and inevitably shift accordingly. Short balls, lack of consistency, you name it.
Volleys:
There isn’t a lot to say at net in detriment of the racquet. The raw mass acts as a wall, the stability and crispness allows you to punch the volley deep, and the precision and touch are enough to enjoy drop volleys.
Serve:
In absolute, serves were enjoyable. Enough mass to let the racquet do the work for you, enough precision to pick your targets reasonably well, enough spin to make the ball dip in the box comfortably. However, due to the effect of the static weight of the racquet on the shoulder, I don’t see myself serving with it for the duration of a match.
Returns:
Not surprisingly so, blocked and sliced returns are very fine; swung-out returns can leave hazardous results depending of your timing and ability to read the incoming ball. Using the pace of your opponent works very well; concentrating on timing and precision, leaving the racquet working for you on power and stability is very enjoyable.
End-notes:
This racquet is very enjoyable to play with… for fun. If you want to be serious with it, it’s going to be difficult. You need commitment because it will not bow down to you. This frame shows you a glimpse of “what could be”. I do not see myself using it; it is not a racquet I can play with reasonably well when tired. However I could probably pull it once in a while to be reminded of the intrinsic qualities it has.
Of course, thanks to both Tennis Warehouse Europe and Wilson for allowing me to playtest these racquets.
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Lukhas
Legend
In between the review wrap-up (as I so soon have to send 2 racquets back). I'll probably will keep either the Autograph or the LS. However if I had to buy one, I'd probably would buy the 315. The rationale here is that I want to keep a racquet I do not have; something unique. The 315 is a very fine frame, but I already have "match play" racquets: my Pure Drive Cortex Plus. I do not have need to stock other "match play racquets"; racuqets I can take to the court and play a match with. And I do not intend to change racquets for the moment being. Either the Autograph or the LS would be much funnier to pick up every once in a while; the Autograph for being Gilda, the LS for being a SET racquet AND a very, very fine base to mod IMO and to toy with.
Now I have played a little more with this racket, 1 hour training and 1 hour match.
You get a lot of speed with it and you don't have to hit the ball so hard just follow through, it's still rock stable
I'm used with smaller frames like the 6.1 95s and pro staff 90 and 85, where I have to hit the ball a little harder but I'm going to get used to this
Forehand and backhand , volley Serv smash slice every one feels great.
Yo can really get some speed in the serves, returns is also nice,
If I'm going to be a little negative is the grip it feels very small I have 4 3/8 but I'm trying different setups with over grips , right now I have 2 overgrips stretched pretty hard,
1 overgrip is to small and I having trouble with my forehand there's no stability
Do you have any tips?
Overall I really like this racket just need to play a lot more
You get a lot of speed with it and you don't have to hit the ball so hard just follow through, it's still rock stable
I'm used with smaller frames like the 6.1 95s and pro staff 90 and 85, where I have to hit the ball a little harder but I'm going to get used to this
Forehand and backhand , volley Serv smash slice every one feels great.
Yo can really get some speed in the serves, returns is also nice,
If I'm going to be a little negative is the grip it feels very small I have 4 3/8 but I'm trying different setups with over grips , right now I have 2 overgrips stretched pretty hard,
1 overgrip is to small and I having trouble with my forehand there's no stability
Do you have any tips?
Overall I really like this racket just need to play a lot more
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
You're playing with the PS97 and not the RF97A, correct?
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
Having played with my pro staff 97 today strung with firestorm 56/54 one piece I'm thinking it's not the right string for the racquet .I echo a lot of automatix review but do feel it can have a inconsistent stringbed at tmes which is prob bec it's not a cleanly timed shot however this is not apprenr in other racquets . I do feel these racquets are made for one handers slice and topspin.
Question is what is the best string set up for this racquet . string and tension and gauge . its got the inherent power . just need a string to offer the control to compliment the string bed and pattern .
Im thinking a smooth poly quite low powered would be good or perhaps sonic pro 1.25 mm around 61/59 one piece .
I think it will perform even better with the right string in it . its solid great on slice just needs a great string ?
4g 1.25 ? Or tour bite 1.30 ?
Question is what is the best string set up for this racquet . string and tension and gauge . its got the inherent power . just need a string to offer the control to compliment the string bed and pattern .
Im thinking a smooth poly quite low powered would be good or perhaps sonic pro 1.25 mm around 61/59 one piece .
I think it will perform even better with the right string in it . its solid great on slice just needs a great string ?
4g 1.25 ? Or tour bite 1.30 ?
Yes i play with PS97, 315gram
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
PS 97 LS anyone?
Has anyone hit with the PS 97 LS as yet? As I play with a siliconed Blade 98S, I'm wondering how it compares.
Has anyone hit with the PS 97 LS as yet? As I play with a siliconed Blade 98S, I'm wondering how it compares.
Matchball
Semi-Pro
If you want slick and low powered you can try Prince XC or Yonex Poly Tour HS. But make sure to string them low, lower than firestorm.
Automatix
Legend
This review was possible thanks to Tennis Warehouse Europe and Wilson.
This is a review of the upcoming Wilson Pro Staff 97LS
Setup: Luxilon 4G 1.41mm @ 24kG (1 piece)
Specs:
Headsize: 97 sq.in. / 625.81 sq. cm*
Length: 685mm**
Weight: ±289g (10.2oz)* / ±310g (10.9oz)**
Balance: ± 325mm (6HL)* / ±335mm (2.4 HL)**
Beam: 23mm*
String pattern: 18x16
Stiffness: 66RA***
Swingweight: 314***
____________________________________
* Unstrung manufacturer advertised specs.
** Strung specs of the owned model.
*** TWE specs.
Initial impressions...
When you pick up the racquet you immediately notice the thicker beam and the specific string pattern. The 6 central mains are however spaced the same as on the RF97 and PS97. It swings quite easy even though the almost even balance is very much noticeable.
Feel, comfort & stability...
For me the racquet was comfortable and quite muted. The feel was OK however I didn't enjoy it. I preferred that connected crisper more direct feel with the braided kevlar which isn't a feature of this frame. Stability for a circa 290g is good providing you are not late on your shots. Off-centre hits are noticeably unstable and when blocking you get a sense of being pushed away. I'd say that it is very similar in these aspects to the Blade 98S. Maybe a bit more stable.
Power, spin & control...
Power is definitely a trait of this racquet. Even when strung with a 1.41mm poly, which absolutely fits this frame, the ball explodes of the string bed. You have to really watch those strokes or the ball will hit the ball park. Topspin is exceptional with this frame but you can't hesitate, you have to be confident and brush the ball through the strings fast and fluidly. I often struggled with a good low slice with this one. I often ended up with floaters, placed deep in the court but floaters none the less - this is generally a problem for me with the spin pattern frames. However, probably due to the string spacing, when compared to the Blade 98S I've found that I could generate more topspin but when it came to sliced shots the Blade was slightly better. Funny enough control is very similar and I'd say that choosing between the 98S and 97LS will come down to preference and game style - if you rarely use slice and mainly go for extreme topspin then the 97LS is for you. If you more often go for a slice shot and insist on spin pattern frame then I'd recommend the Blade.
Overall playability...
Power, comfort, topspin... these 3 words would nicely summarize this racquet. I'd definitely recommend potential users to string this one with a string of at least 1.35mm gauge lower power poly. The 1.41mm Lux 4G was right on the mark for this frame.
I preferred this one over the Blade 98S even though they don't differ that much however it felt more natural to me, probably due to the slightly more head light balance which with the lower swingweight made it less cluby.
While this frame is light and quite easy to handle I don't recommend it to beginners who in my opinion may struggle with keeping the ball in court... on the other hand it could be a good tool for them to practice their strokes.
This is an attractive choice for baseline players seeking a fast lighter feeling, easy power, topspin friendly frame.
This is a review of the upcoming Wilson Pro Staff 97LS
Setup: Luxilon 4G 1.41mm @ 24kG (1 piece)
Specs:
Headsize: 97 sq.in. / 625.81 sq. cm*
Length: 685mm**
Weight: ±289g (10.2oz)* / ±310g (10.9oz)**
Balance: ± 325mm (6HL)* / ±335mm (2.4 HL)**
Beam: 23mm*
String pattern: 18x16
Stiffness: 66RA***
Swingweight: 314***
____________________________________
* Unstrung manufacturer advertised specs.
** Strung specs of the owned model.
*** TWE specs.
Initial impressions...
When you pick up the racquet you immediately notice the thicker beam and the specific string pattern. The 6 central mains are however spaced the same as on the RF97 and PS97. It swings quite easy even though the almost even balance is very much noticeable.
Feel, comfort & stability...
For me the racquet was comfortable and quite muted. The feel was OK however I didn't enjoy it. I preferred that connected crisper more direct feel with the braided kevlar which isn't a feature of this frame. Stability for a circa 290g is good providing you are not late on your shots. Off-centre hits are noticeably unstable and when blocking you get a sense of being pushed away. I'd say that it is very similar in these aspects to the Blade 98S. Maybe a bit more stable.
Power, spin & control...
Power is definitely a trait of this racquet. Even when strung with a 1.41mm poly, which absolutely fits this frame, the ball explodes of the string bed. You have to really watch those strokes or the ball will hit the ball park. Topspin is exceptional with this frame but you can't hesitate, you have to be confident and brush the ball through the strings fast and fluidly. I often struggled with a good low slice with this one. I often ended up with floaters, placed deep in the court but floaters none the less - this is generally a problem for me with the spin pattern frames. However, probably due to the string spacing, when compared to the Blade 98S I've found that I could generate more topspin but when it came to sliced shots the Blade was slightly better. Funny enough control is very similar and I'd say that choosing between the 98S and 97LS will come down to preference and game style - if you rarely use slice and mainly go for extreme topspin then the 97LS is for you. If you more often go for a slice shot and insist on spin pattern frame then I'd recommend the Blade.
Overall playability...
Power, comfort, topspin... these 3 words would nicely summarize this racquet. I'd definitely recommend potential users to string this one with a string of at least 1.35mm gauge lower power poly. The 1.41mm Lux 4G was right on the mark for this frame.
I preferred this one over the Blade 98S even though they don't differ that much however it felt more natural to me, probably due to the slightly more head light balance which with the lower swingweight made it less cluby.
While this frame is light and quite easy to handle I don't recommend it to beginners who in my opinion may struggle with keeping the ball in court... on the other hand it could be a good tool for them to practice their strokes.
This is an attractive choice for baseline players seeking a fast lighter feeling, easy power, topspin friendly frame.
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
Thanks Automatix for the comparisons to the 98s.
please post your play level and style of play when you do the review so people have a better understanding of your review.. I just hit with the RF97 Auto for half an hour this morning and it's not impressed me at all.. I will get one with champion choice install and have a better review when my local store get the racket next week.. so far 3 guys 5.0 player hit with the racket for a few minutes are not impressed with it.. They are long time users of KFactor 90 and PS BLX 90..
Nevermind, I got your style and level of playing on the first page.. my bad.. !!
Nevermind, I got your style and level of playing on the first page.. my bad.. !!
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prosealster
Professional
I was a long time k90 user who's around 5.0/5.5, can you please elaborate why it did not impress?
bertrevert
Legend
A well reasoned review Automatix.
In fact all three of your reviews are clear and concise - I wonder if you might link them from your first post?
Slice - the thinner Blade 21.5mm and rolled edge profile would certainly make for a slicier racquet. The LS is a fatter 23mm, probably higher-ridged profile, yeah?
I use a pro-open which goes 24-26mm. The higher-ridge profile makes slice just less penetrating than say a thin beamed radical etc.
But you get more oomph and more resilience from these fatter hoops.
The Blade 98S was underpowered for me, Pro Open a bit overpowered, sort of hoping the LS sits between... will wait for TW power maps.
bertrevert
Legend
Comfort-level?
Anyway - let me get to another nub, no, lump of the matter...
I got a lump of GE/TE elbow when using poly in the Blade 98S.
I'm not blaming that configuration it's just what happened.
No braiding in the 97LS? True, but it's a thicker beam.
How was it's comfort level?
I agree you can feel being overpowered with these lighter spinier frames however in heavy hitting besides being pushed did you feel that the frame was maxing out and transmitting shock down its length?
Anyway - let me get to another nub, no, lump of the matter...
I got a lump of GE/TE elbow when using poly in the Blade 98S.
I'm not blaming that configuration it's just what happened.
No braiding in the 97LS? True, but it's a thicker beam.
How was it's comfort level?
I agree you can feel being overpowered with these lighter spinier frames however in heavy hitting besides being pushed did you feel that the frame was maxing out and transmitting shock down its length?
Lukhas
Legend
Review Wilson ProStaff 97 (315g)
Here is my review of the soon to be released (if not already for some lucky ones) Wilson Pro Staff 97 (315g).
Groundstrokes:
Frankly speaking, this came out as a good surprise considering what I experienced with the PS95. The power is good, the spin is good, the stability also is and it still retains very good precision. Not jarring at all, not sluggish but not whippy. A very fine balanced racquet IMO. Well if you’re used to tweeners it’s definitively a more control-oriented drive; a pleasant one. The balls do not fall short either, leaving you with a pleasant feel but with good results.
Volleys:
The racquet has the good balance of power, control, and stability to make volleying a nice experience. Written like this it doesn’t seem to say much; however it simply feels “right”, not much to blame, and too much to praise.
Serves:
With this racquet you get what you put in it. It’s possible to hit with good precision and placement as well as it allows to hit flatter. The racquet doesn’t feel “in the way” of your serve; I did not believe it was detrimental or boosted this stroke in a particular way.
Returns:
Still a rather neutral but pleasant experience. Enough stability to block returns reasonably well, and enough power and precision to swing out and punish floaters too. Manoeuvrability is good, the racquet doesn’t “drag behind” and just gets where you want it to be.
End-notes:
Most likely my most shallow review of the new ProStaff line, and I’m very well aware of this fact. I must reckon that it also was the racquet I enjoyed the most out of the three, and a much welcome update to the PS95. It’s simply a very balanced racquet with no glaring weak points nor very outstanding features; at least not to the point one of these features would overshadow the rest. I believe that it’s just is very good in stock form, and a very good addition to the Wilson line-up.
Of course, thanks to both Tennis Warehouse Europe and Wilson for allowing me to playtest these racquets.
Here is my review of the soon to be released (if not already for some lucky ones) Wilson Pro Staff 97 (315g).
Groundstrokes:
Frankly speaking, this came out as a good surprise considering what I experienced with the PS95. The power is good, the spin is good, the stability also is and it still retains very good precision. Not jarring at all, not sluggish but not whippy. A very fine balanced racquet IMO. Well if you’re used to tweeners it’s definitively a more control-oriented drive; a pleasant one. The balls do not fall short either, leaving you with a pleasant feel but with good results.
Volleys:
The racquet has the good balance of power, control, and stability to make volleying a nice experience. Written like this it doesn’t seem to say much; however it simply feels “right”, not much to blame, and too much to praise.
Serves:
With this racquet you get what you put in it. It’s possible to hit with good precision and placement as well as it allows to hit flatter. The racquet doesn’t feel “in the way” of your serve; I did not believe it was detrimental or boosted this stroke in a particular way.
Returns:
Still a rather neutral but pleasant experience. Enough stability to block returns reasonably well, and enough power and precision to swing out and punish floaters too. Manoeuvrability is good, the racquet doesn’t “drag behind” and just gets where you want it to be.
End-notes:
Most likely my most shallow review of the new ProStaff line, and I’m very well aware of this fact. I must reckon that it also was the racquet I enjoyed the most out of the three, and a much welcome update to the PS95. It’s simply a very balanced racquet with no glaring weak points nor very outstanding features; at least not to the point one of these features would overshadow the rest. I believe that it’s just is very good in stock form, and a very good addition to the Wilson line-up.
Of course, thanks to both Tennis Warehouse Europe and Wilson for allowing me to playtest these racquets.
Lukhas
Legend
Review:Wilson ProStaff 97 LS
Here is my review of the soon to be released (if not already for some lucky ones) Pro Staff 97 LS.
Groudstrokes:
An interesting experience. I do not usually play with a Spin Effect racquet nor an 18 mains racquet either. You have to consider the launch angle of the 18 mains but with having the spin of a 16 mains racquet. Else, its specs do not lie: the racquet feels good in the sweetspot, the power and length are good. And most of what isn’t in the sweetspot will be short since there’s not inherent mass to carry the ball further in the court. You’ll have to make up with higher swing speed. And there’s not, in my opinion, a fear to overdo it: the power is controllable thank you very much; and the spin brings the ball in nicely. I reckon felt a bit more hazardous with the slice as I’m more used to let the weight of the racquet “cut” the ball; however I also think it would have been fixed with time.
Volleys:
The first time I came up to the net, I didn’t really knew what to expect that much. And for its weight category it was much better than I expected it to be. Well timed volleys were easy. Well you may say that tennis is easy with good timing. But it was comfortably stable, with a bit less pocketing than the other two ProStaff. Of course, there are no miracles there: we are still talking about a racquet designed at a 290g unstrung weight. It’s not going to do the work for you completely, and off-center shots will die in the stringbed.
Serve:
Whippier, but not in an uncomfortable way. It took a bit of time to get completely used to the pattern, but the rather generous sweetspot of the racquet allowed me to find good depth. I would’ve wished that the racquet did a bit more of work, but it’s not as bothering as the specs would have left me to guess.
Returns:
A much similar experience to the one I had when it volleyed. It’s possible to block, it’s possible to swing out, but only (or rather, “mostly) if you meet the sweetspot. Anything outside of it is not going to produce pretty results honestly. The tighter mains allow however to keep a bit of control on the stroke. The racquet isn’t going to do the work for you: it’s up to you to try a bit harder. Not in a bad way, but it’s definitively noticeable.
End-notes:
The first one I played with, and the last one I reviewed. It doesn’t feel exactly like the other two, but it’s not as sharply different as I thought it would be. “Cousin” is a word that was mentioned, and I also believe it is the correct one. This racquet reminded me much more of the “late” ProStaff 95 than the ProStaff 97 was able to. With of course an interesting twist: it’s designed 25 grams lighter. And out of the three, I believe this is the best platform racquet of the line. Despite not having been able to try it out personally, I do believe lead at 3 and 9 o’clock (or a bit higher) counterbalanced in the handle would allow to raise the stability lacking due to the static weight of the racquet while keeping an interesting ride on its own, and a different one from the PS97 315.
Of course, thanks to both Tennis Warehouse Europe and Wilson for allowing me to playtest these racquets.
Here is my review of the soon to be released (if not already for some lucky ones) Pro Staff 97 LS.
Groudstrokes:
An interesting experience. I do not usually play with a Spin Effect racquet nor an 18 mains racquet either. You have to consider the launch angle of the 18 mains but with having the spin of a 16 mains racquet. Else, its specs do not lie: the racquet feels good in the sweetspot, the power and length are good. And most of what isn’t in the sweetspot will be short since there’s not inherent mass to carry the ball further in the court. You’ll have to make up with higher swing speed. And there’s not, in my opinion, a fear to overdo it: the power is controllable thank you very much; and the spin brings the ball in nicely. I reckon felt a bit more hazardous with the slice as I’m more used to let the weight of the racquet “cut” the ball; however I also think it would have been fixed with time.
Volleys:
The first time I came up to the net, I didn’t really knew what to expect that much. And for its weight category it was much better than I expected it to be. Well timed volleys were easy. Well you may say that tennis is easy with good timing. But it was comfortably stable, with a bit less pocketing than the other two ProStaff. Of course, there are no miracles there: we are still talking about a racquet designed at a 290g unstrung weight. It’s not going to do the work for you completely, and off-center shots will die in the stringbed.
Serve:
Whippier, but not in an uncomfortable way. It took a bit of time to get completely used to the pattern, but the rather generous sweetspot of the racquet allowed me to find good depth. I would’ve wished that the racquet did a bit more of work, but it’s not as bothering as the specs would have left me to guess.
Returns:
A much similar experience to the one I had when it volleyed. It’s possible to block, it’s possible to swing out, but only (or rather, “mostly) if you meet the sweetspot. Anything outside of it is not going to produce pretty results honestly. The tighter mains allow however to keep a bit of control on the stroke. The racquet isn’t going to do the work for you: it’s up to you to try a bit harder. Not in a bad way, but it’s definitively noticeable.
End-notes:
The first one I played with, and the last one I reviewed. It doesn’t feel exactly like the other two, but it’s not as sharply different as I thought it would be. “Cousin” is a word that was mentioned, and I also believe it is the correct one. This racquet reminded me much more of the “late” ProStaff 95 than the ProStaff 97 was able to. With of course an interesting twist: it’s designed 25 grams lighter. And out of the three, I believe this is the best platform racquet of the line. Despite not having been able to try it out personally, I do believe lead at 3 and 9 o’clock (or a bit higher) counterbalanced in the handle would allow to raise the stability lacking due to the static weight of the racquet while keeping an interesting ride on its own, and a different one from the PS97 315.
Of course, thanks to both Tennis Warehouse Europe and Wilson for allowing me to playtest these racquets.
Hi played one hour tonight again, tried some lead tape but it didn't work for me , I have trouble that the ball goes to far, but tonight nothing happen so I go back to normal but I will use a damper,
The bad thing that happened was when I took the lead tape off, tha paint come off to
so very bad paint job I think.
The bad thing that happened was when I took the lead tape off, tha paint come off to
so very bad paint job I think.
Lukhas
Legend
I had pulled protective tape on these back and forth and didn't experience this issue personally. Well it isn't exactly as sticky either.Hi played one hour tonight again, tried some lead tape but it didn't work for me , I have trouble that the ball goes to far, but tonight nothing happen so I go back to normal but I will use a damper,
The bad thing that happened was when I took the lead tape off, tha paint come off to
Hi,
Thanks for sharing your review on the RF97LS. Im guessing based on what you wrote its power level is somewhat on the low side ? Compared to Head MicroGEL Radical Midplus which has more power ? Im also guessing that they play similar somewhat expect for Wilson RF97LS generates more spin.
Have you ever tried Wilson Steam 99LS if yes, which do you think is much better overall ?
Thanks
I'd be interested in a comparison to the steam 99 ls as well. This is a great thread by the way.
Lukhas
Legend
The power level isn't exactly low. It's not ultra high, but there's power in this racquet. It just doesn't have a lot of mass, so results slightly outside the sweetspot can be hazardous. Especially when replying to strong balls. Nothing lead tape cannot fix IMO. As I wrote, compared to a 16/19 pattern it has similar spin but a different launch angle. Not that it's inconsistent, but it's a 18 mains racquet so you have to get familiar with these two datas. I'm not familiar with the Microgel Radical nor the SteamLS; these racquets simply never appealed to me.
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
Sorry can you please elaborate, is the launch angle higher on the 16/19 or the 18/16?
With the Blades I found that the 18/16 was higher, but that is because the 16/19 is almost as tight as the 18/19.
Lukhas
Legend
Using a similar swingpath, the 18/16 hits a bit lower over the net but with as much spin.
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
Thanks for clairfying. Interesting, given that it was mentioned that the spacing on the middle strings was similar bewteen the two patterns.
Hello,
Thanks for your feedback. I hope others could provide other more reviews about the RF97LS, but basing on your reviews looks like, i may have found my replacement for my prince rebel 98.
Automatix
Legend
Done. Good idea.
Automatix
Legend
It was quite muted and comfortable for me. However when someone asks me about comfort etc. I always advise them to go as heavy as they can. If you are not willing to go with a soft string you need mass to dampen vibrations.
Automatix
Legend
By the way, the strings were cut out and they weighed 22 grams!
I expected them to be in the 20g vicinity.
So the demos were...
PS97 -> 330g - 22g = 308g unstrung
RF97 Autograph -> 361g - 22g = 339g
So the Autograph had almost exact advertised weight.
The PS97 was underweight.
The 97LS had a different string pattern BUT if we assume the 2 extra mains and 1 less cross of the LS equals 3 extra crosses and 2 less mains of the RF97/PS97 then we'd have 310g - 22g = 288g (advertised unstrung weight being 289g).
This would confirm what I suspected.
I expected them to be in the 20g vicinity.
So the demos were...
PS97 -> 330g - 22g = 308g unstrung
RF97 Autograph -> 361g - 22g = 339g
So the Autograph had almost exact advertised weight.
The PS97 was underweight.
The 97LS had a different string pattern BUT if we assume the 2 extra mains and 1 less cross of the LS equals 3 extra crosses and 2 less mains of the RF97/PS97 then we'd have 310g - 22g = 288g (advertised unstrung weight being 289g).
This would confirm what I suspected.
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
The PS 97 LS review is up --->
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJUi8XdnF8w&list=UUmgyIibKmFosnm-LyZEB7uQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJUi8XdnF8w&list=UUmgyIibKmFosnm-LyZEB7uQ
