Rackets with similar grip shapes to RF97 v13?

[RafaPower]

Hey everyone, my never ending search for the perfect racket has now lead me to start questioning the grip shapes I prefer.

I love the feel of the RF97 v13 and I think a big part of that is the pointy/squarish nature of the grip. I feel really connected to my BH and FH when I use it, and much prefer the sharp ridges over a smooth, rounded feel. I don't currently use it for matches, however, because it's a bit unwieldy for me - I do prefer heavy rackets though!

I currently play with the Volkl C10 pro, and I've just realised how different its grip is by comparison. Otherwise, I'm a big fan of this racket, and its classic feel. Ideally, I'd swap it out for something that's matches the RF97 v13 grip profile and also something with a bit more spin/power potential - maybe a bit more forgiving as well.

I was looking at the RF97 v14 frame, but the buttcap looked significantly more rounded than the RF97 v13?

In summary, my perfect racket is some random combination of being reasonably heavy, good spin potential (I topspin everything), classic feel and something akin to the grip shape of the RF97 v13.

Hoping someone can help me or put me out my misery.

Thanks.

 

[pastashop42]

Interesting post! I'm also very sensitive to grip shape and am very used to the ProStaff 85... This is a particularly big deal for my 1hbh – I feel like I can rip a topspin crosscourt or knife a slice down the line at ease with it, but all other sticks make it impossible for me to locate the face of the racquet by feel... Is the RF97/13 the same or different?

 

[naturalexponent]

There are two different aspects of the grip you are talking about. The shape of the grip itself, which is more 'rectangular' ie long in the plane of the racquet face on Volkl racquets, as well as old Head racquets, and current Tecnifibre racquets, and the buttcap, which has sharp ridges in older Pro Staff models (and the RF). I'm not aware of any current Wilson model with the sharp edges on the buttcap but I suppose you could alway repurpose from older models.

 

[PRS]

If you're talking about a more rectangular/elongated shape as opposed to a more square shaped handle, that's one discussion. But if you're talking about sharp edges/good bevel feel, that's another.

One way to enhance bevel feel is to switch to a thinner or leather base grip.

You can always change the grip shape by adding some duct tape beneath the base grip on certain sides.

 

[RafaPower]

Interesting post! I'm also very sensitive to grip shape and am very used to the ProStaff 85... This is a particularly big deal for my 1hbh – I feel like I can rip a topspin crosscourt or knife a slice down the line at ease with it, but all other sticks make it impossible for me to locate the face of the racquet by feel... Is the RF97/13 the same or different?

As a fellow single hander I feel the exact same! I have an slightly extreme backhand grip, and a semi western forehand, so it gets a bit muddy for me sometimes between the two. Looking at some pics now and it does look like the Pro Staff 85 has a similar shape.

 

[RafaPower]

Thanks for the comments everyone! You've got me thinking that's it's the sharp edges I particularly like. I'll see if I can experiment with thinner grips. I use the head prime tour overgrip at the moment, I'll try popping a leather grip underneath.

 

[gino]

I agree the rf handle has more pronounced buttcap flare then other Wilson counter parts. I flare the cap of every frame I use, can cut a leather grip length wise in half then wrap it around the base of your replacement grip to simulate similar ergonomics

 

[KungfuTennis]

Hey everyone, my never ending search for the perfect racket has now lead me to start questioning the grip shapes I prefer.

I love the feel of the RF97 v13 and I think a big part of that is the pointy/squarish nature of the grip. I feel really connected to my BH and FH when I use it, and much prefer the sharp ridges over a smooth, rounded feel. I don't currently use it for matches, however, because it's a bit unwieldy for me - I do prefer heavy rackets though!

I currently play with the Volkl C10 pro, and I've just realised how different its grip is by comparison. Otherwise, I'm a big fan of this racket, and its classic feel. Ideally, I'd swap it out for something that's matches the RF97 v13 grip profile and also something with a bit more spin/power potential - maybe a bit more forgiving as well.

I was looking at the RF97 v14 frame, but the buttcap looked significantly more rounded than the RF97 v13?

In summary, my perfect racket is some random combination of being reasonably heavy, good spin potential (I topspin everything), classic feel and something akin to the grip shape of the RF97 v13.

Hoping someone can help me or put me out my misery.

Thanks.

V14 is definitely far rounder than V13

 

[smithie]

Yonex grips to me seem similar with little flare of the butt cap.

I used to replace the standard butt caps and replace them with ‘Pro staff butt caps’ on my ultra tours/ultra pros. So maybe you can find some of them (if they’re still about) and put them on the v14 prostaff?

 

[DariaGT]

Have you tried the 2012 HEAD Youtek IG Prestige Pro?
Head allows many grip varieties using its pallet system
A little less spin than the RF97 but way better feel, control
just easier to maneuver day in day out easier to find form
with RF sticks you have to be on your A game and most
pros stay away from them for this reason.

Otherwise 2024 Dunlop cx200 tour are a great platform unit
a precision instrument and stable from factory.

 

[Power Player]

I think the volkls can be customized, aren’t the c10s palleted? If so you can probably get a new shape and buttcap for them. Ron in New York can probably do this for you.