Racquet suggestions?

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james2906

New User
Hey, So I am currently using the 2016 RF97A which is around 340g, I play at around 5.5 level and its going decently up until the past few months where I have noticed I have been late on balls and generally find it difficult in longer matches to create the racquet head speed required, I would be willing to sacrifice the stability with volleys.

Are there any racquets you guys would recommend as alternative options to the RF97A which are slightly lighter? Budget is not an issue.

Thanks for any help!
 
edelp

edelp

Rookie
VCORE PRO 97 330
Yonex VCORE Pro 97HD 18x20
Pro Staff 97 With some lead?
Wilson Blade 98 ?
Tecnifibre TF40 305

Maybe you do not need that much weight? And can add a bit on some of the above?
 
Fairhit

Fairhit

Semi-Pro
n8dawg6 said:
give the blade 98 a whirl ... probably 18x20 at your level. lighter weight but healthy SW for stability against pace.
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Do you by any chance work at Wilson and have a commission only on Blade sales? Or is it really that good?
 
T

tariqsaleem

New User
Have you tried replacing the leather grip. I find it makes the RF97 more maneuverabile. Different balance obviously but worth experimenting with

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk
 
brownbearfalling

brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
The easiest switch would be the non-autograph PS97. Comes in two models: standard and countervail. You also have two different generations to choose from: the stealth or the tuxedo. I don’t see any reason to switch away from Wilson.
 
AJvR

AJvR

Rookie
If you are open for extended length frames, the Dunlop CX200+ might be worth a demo. I played 2 seasons with an RF97A (2016) and - although on a lower level (4.0 - 4.5) - I experienced more or less the same. The CX200+ stability, plow, access to spin, flex, powerlevel and feel are similar to the RF97A, and despite being extended, I am able to move the CX200+ faster than the RF97A during a full 3 set close match. However, I do not know the exact swingweights of both the RF97A I played with in the past and my current CX200+, and I am using a thin string in the CX200+ (did not so in the RF97A).
 
1HBHfanatic

1HBHfanatic

Hall of Fame
Wilson.ps.97 is the lighter next step down, but still stable frame for its weight
Wilson.blade 16/19 is slightly dif. than the prostaff. but lighter/faster solid racquet
 
T

tariqsaleem

New User
I was thinking synthetic replacement grip to be honest... Should reduce the overall weight of the racket by 5-10 odd grams depending on what you use

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk
 
OjoLOCO

OjoLOCO

New User
Gravity Pro with Head Hawk Touch 17g at 52 lbs full bed. Only weighs around 11.9 oz with dampener and overgrip.

It is the "Easy Button" for winning points.

Must demo before buying anything else.
 
D

Daniel Waters

Rookie
james2906 said:
Hey, So I am currently using the 2016 RF97A which is around 340g, I play at around 5.5 level and its going decently up until the past few months where I have noticed I have been late on balls and generally find it difficult in longer matches to create the racquet head speed required, I would be willing to sacrifice the stability with volleys.

Are there any racquets you guys would recommend as alternative options to the RF97A which are slightly lighter? Budget is not an issue.

Thanks for any help!
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I'll second the Vcore Pro 97 (330), which would be about 8 grams lighter, but not quite as head light as the RF97A, so may not feel as light as the RF97A when you swing it. It's a thin beam, control frame as well but enough mass to offer plenty of plough through. The Vcore Pro 97 HD might be another option, but you'd be running around 18 grams lighter than the RF 97A, and it's a bit more flex than the RF97A and Vcore Pro 97 (330).
 
3

34n

Rookie
I
james2906 said:
Hey, So I am currently using the 2016 RF97A which is around 340g, I play at around 5.5 level and its going decently up until the past few months where I have noticed I have been late on balls and generally find it difficult in longer matches to create the racquet head speed required, I would be willing to sacrifice the stability with volleys.

Are there any racquets you guys would recommend as alternative options to the RF97A which are slightly lighter? Budget is not an issue.

Thanks for any help!
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I happened to try in a realatively short time interval rf97, regular ps97, vcore 97( two models) and PD.
In my experience PD is the closest thing to rf97 in terms of power level, sweet spot location, stiffness and overall vibes it passes to your hand.
Vcores on contrary felt like totally different frames.
 
SpinToWin

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
To start with, I'd look for frames in the same basic ball park. Around 22mm beam width, 98 sq. inch head size, 16*19 string pattern, but just slightly lighter in terms of static weight and swingweight.

This includes, among others: Pure Strike Tour, Pro Staff 97, Blade 16*19 (this one may need some weight in the handle for you), etc. From then on out it's up to you to demo some of these frames and see for yourself how you like them. The feedback you get here will improve the more frames you can compare (as you can see, you're getting recommended things that are all over the place because there's only one reference point (RF97) and criterion (lighter)).
 
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