questions about RF97

[iamjeff18]

Hi guys,

I usually play with my K90 and PSBLX90.

I tried the RF v10 5 years ago (red black first version) but I personally don't like it at all. I found it is too soft and the swing weight feels so much heavier compared to my K90 & PSBLX90. And I don't have a feeling that the RF97 is a good manoeuvring rackets when it comes to the net, with the same strings the racket don't give me the same strings bed feedback I need. However recently I'm not playing tennis that much and looking for more forgiving rackets, and I am thinking of going back with RF97.

With the RF97 v13 just launched recently, I'm wondering if someone has played with all these RF97 and able to tell the difference / make a comparison between v10, v11, v12 & v13?

I also heard a lot of positive comments about VCore Pro and Pure Strike, would love to hear your opinion about these HL rackets!

thanks!

 

[Bal]

I play with the RF97A v11 on and off. My thoughts are that it’s a super stiff and heavy. I have heard the that the RF97 v13 is lighter from YouTube videos and TW customers reviews so far. I have my v11 strung with gut in the mains and ALU Power in the crosses as per Roger’s setup and this takes some of the stiffness away.

Obviously the RF97A demands sound stroke mechanics, and fluid movement like Roger. If you lack either of those, it’s a struggle to get the most out of the racket. It will improve your game, but will also show any flaws, especially during match play from what I’ve read from other users. I’m starting match play in the next couple of months, so may use it in one set to see how I do. Currently battling a bit of golfers elbow, which I think is a combination of polyester strings and the weight of the RF97A during serving which the racket has brought on, so beware!

I never played with the KPS90 or the PSBLX90 myself to draw any comparison, but those are very old rackets and you are probably aware that the new racket tech is geared towards comfort. I also play with a Blade v7 18x20, which is also a great racket worth trying

Search for the Yonex VCore posts on the TW forums here. Personally I may pick up an RF97 v13 next year once the price drops a little, as I have already spent a small fortune this year on buying and play testing rackets!

Hope this helps!

 

[lelopez]

Hi guys,

I usually play with my K90 and PSBLX90.

I tried the RF v10 5 years ago (red black first version) but I personally don't like it at all. I found it is too soft and the swing weight feels so much heavier compared to my K90 & PSBLX90. And I don't have a feeling that the RF97 is a good manoeuvring rackets when it comes to the net, with the same strings the racket don't give me the same strings bed feedback I need. However recently I'm not playing tennis that much and looking for more forgiving rackets, and I am thinking of going back with RF97.

With the RF97 v13 just launched recently, I'm wondering if someone has played with all these RF97 and able to tell the difference / make a comparison between v10, v11, v12 & v13?

I also heard a lot of positive comments about VCore Pro and Pure Strike, would love to hear your opinion about these HL rackets!

thanks!

If you're looking for something that plays like the k90 in a current racquet, the RF97 is not it. The RF97 is indeed a great racquet, but you have to commit to what it takes to use it and allow yourself time to learn to play with it and adjust your game for it. There's no way around it. I don't believe the v13 is any softer than the previous versions. It is a stiff and heavy racquet.
For a closer playing racquet to the k90 look at the 93P and the Prestige Mid. Still not the Wilson 90, but the maneuverability and heft (when leaded) can be found in their relatively thin beams.

 

[wangs78]

C

Hi guys,

I usually play with my K90 and PSBLX90.

I tried the RF v10 5 years ago (red black first version) but I personally don't like it at all. I found it is too soft and the swing weight feels so much heavier compared to my K90 & PSBLX90. And I don't have a feeling that the RF97 is a good manoeuvring rackets when it comes to the net, with the same strings the racket don't give me the same strings bed feedback I need. However recently I'm not playing tennis that much and looking for more forgiving rackets, and I am thinking of going back with RF97.

With the RF97 v13 just launched recently, I'm wondering if someone has played with all these RF97 and able to tell the difference / make a comparison between v10, v11, v12 & v13?

I also heard a lot of positive comments about VCore Pro and Pure Strike, would love to hear your opinion about these HL rackets!

thanks!

Just seeing this thread. I actually am able to switch quite easily between the PS85, PS90 (in all its iterations including the K90) and the RF97. This is mainly bc of the very similar weight and balance as well as the similar if not identical string spacing in the sweet spot that results in a very similar launch angle of the ball.

The RF97 is obviously going to be more powerful and forgiving bc of the bigger head size. But touch shots are a little harder to execute as are precise/pinpoint winners. And of course the RF97 will feel a little more cumbersome cutting through the air - not because of weight but bc of the head size and beam thickness.

My view is the RF97 will make you reduce mishits and allow you to hit deep penetrating shots more consistently but it will be harder to hit drawjopping winners because of the reduced precision. It's no surprise that the RF97 was designed to make the transition from a PS85 or 90 very easy.

I've also played with a Vcore and I didn't like it at all. It's certainly a heavy player's racquet in the same category as the RF97, but the feel is quite different for me. To be fair I have played with Wilson pro staff racquets my entire life, with only short periods of experimentation of other racquets such as the Vcore. For what it's worth, I really like the Dunlop 200 line, but do not like the Prince TT 95.

 

[pdparos78]

Hey I know i'm late to the party, but I also come from a K90 and i'm now playing with a Prince 97p modded to 340g and a full bed of HyperG Soft. I can 100% recommend this setup if you want an easier to use upgrade. Even easier to use still is the new Solinco White Out 320g 18x20. Both have a similar feel and performace, the Solinco being easier to use by a decent margin, but the 97p has a very nice feel. You definitely need to modify it though with weight at 3 & 9 for stability and heft.