RF97 about lighter?

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
Love my RF97. Particularly love the power/plowthrough. I play for my uni and am a LTA rating 2.1 which I’m not sure what it gets translated to in USTA. But I’ve come to realise when facing higher level opponents, for example my mate who’s a 1.1, I struggle to time the ball as well with the weight of the racket and also difficult to brush up a lot. And it’s also hard to wield on the defence. What would be a viable candidate to demo? I’m perhaps looking at a pure drive as I know it’s a lot lighter, but packs a punch. I guess my other option is just to go to the gym more

title was supposed to say but lighter
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
Without a doubt, you should try the Pure Strike Tour, not the PD IMHO.
Just checked and it has a 333 swing weight. That’s very similar to the RF97 isn’t it? And also, is it as powerful or is it more control orientated? I’ve never tried a pure strike ever. Have had a go with pure drives (which was fun) and aero pro drives (which I hated).
 

chic

Hall of Fame
Friend of mine who hits with an RF loves my vsense 10 tours (slightly modified w leather grip and a little lead). And I've heard that the vfeel 10 320 is an improvement on that frame with close specs to my modified version. Recommend stringing poly in the low 40s.

Might be worth checking out if you do a demo run.
 

chic

Hall of Fame
An aside: ime timing has less to do with strength and fitness than preparation. Not sure the gym will help unless it's an issue that gets progressively worse as you tire or you're going to the gym to do explosive/ footwork drills.
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
An aside: ime timing has less to do with strength and fitness than preparation. Not sure the gym will help unless it's an issue that gets progressively worse as you tire or you're going to the gym to do explosive/ footwork drills.
It definitely does get worse as time goes on. I’ve found that I becomes very lazier and lazier with my torso rotation and my wrist movement as that match/hitting session goes on. Even from the get go, I have to try pretty hard to generate spin and it’s hard to defend as then I’m more arm dependent than body.
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
Pure aero tour is also an option but the feeling will be different
I’ve tried my mates aero pro drive 2013 and I absolutely despise it. It controllable power. I’ve found that the racket is very prone to swinging up due to the beam aerodynamics, which doesn’t work with my more flatter and aggressive game. Maybe that’s just a placebo.
 

brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
Try the Wilson blade 98 16x19 or 18x20. You’ll notice the more maneuverability and lighter weight.

My experience is the opposite to yours. I like a heavier racquet with harder hitting players. The weight provides more stability and plow. Lighter racquets get tossed around when playing against heavy hitters unless you have very fast swing speed. Yes heavier takes more time to swing but if you adjust your timing I think you’ll like the heavier weight against harder hitting players. Just play against your friend more frequently.
 

terg

New User
Prestige Pro seems like a similar racquet to me. Also 22mm beam and powerful. You'll be able to optimize the specs since it's a little lighter.
 

Ft.S

Semi-Pro
Just checked and it has a 333 swing weight. That’s very similar to the RF97 isn’t it? And also, is it as powerful or is it more control orientated? I’ve never tried a pure strike ever. Have had a go with pure drives (which was fun) and aero pro drives (which I hated).
It is not as powerful as a frame, but as stable and more control oriented, which allows me to take much bigger cuts at the ball than I ever could with the RF97A. After using the RF97A for nearly two years, the transition was easier than I thought, they have similar feel, and I am very pleased I made the switch.
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
Try the Wilson blade 98 16x19 or 18x20. You’ll notice the more maneuverability and lighter weight.

My experience is the opposite to yours. I like a heavier racquet with harder hitting players. The weight provides more stability and plow. Lighter racquets get tossed around when playing against heavy hitters unless you have very fast swing speed. Yes heavier takes more time to swing but if you adjust your timing I think you’ll like the heavier weight against harder hitting players. Just play against your friend more frequently.
Good point actually with the stability. Gym may be looking likely
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
The Wilson Pro Staff 97 is the lighter version of the RF97.
324 SW
11.7 Strung
*easy to tweak with Leather Grip and lead tape if looking for tweener.
 

Dolgopolov85

G.O.A.T.
Love my RF97. Particularly love the power/plowthrough. I play for my uni and am a LTA rating 2.1 which I’m not sure what it gets translated to in USTA. But I’ve come to realise when facing higher level opponents, for example my mate who’s a 1.1, I struggle to time the ball as well with the weight of the racket and also difficult to brush up a lot. And it’s also hard to wield on the defence. What would be a viable candidate to demo? I’m perhaps looking at a pure drive as I know it’s a lot lighter, but packs a punch. I guess my other option is just to go to the gym more

title was supposed to say but lighter

I don't play at anywhere near your level. BUT I moved from my Tour G 310 for similar reasons in spite of loving its feel. I switched to a 6.1 95 18X20 L. I don't intend to weight it up but you could, easily...would have the added benefit of making the racquet more HL. So you won't lose maneuverability in your quest for stability. IF your arm can take it, then a Pure Drive is not a bad option. The one drawback I found with the PD was it was wont to flutter against hard serves or even hard and deep groundies (where you get late). I find the 6.1 95 (even the L version) able to handle incoming pace very well. I would also suggest the PS97 or the Clash as lighter and more maneuverable alternatives to the RF. What I've found is as much as the solidity of a heavy, plush racquet is delightful in terms of feel, you are just not able to allow that natural flex of the wrist to happen when you are not holding the racquet too tight and as a result, you lose out on spin. Ever since switching over, I am catching myself flat-swatting balls and trying to make a more exaggerated 'up' swing instead on forehands with a light grip. The old racquet kinda forced me to get too flat in search of power. You ideally want power to come from great timing, not by muscling the ball. But it's much harder to time when the racquet is so heavy (especially if heavy in the throat) that it doesn't come around soon enough.
 

joah310

Professional
Get a lighter racket and add some lead to the hoop. I dont reccomend the ps97 because its alot more flexy and doesnt carry the same crisp feel. I use a head graphene speed pro with 2g of lead at 12 and a leather grip. Now weighs 342 with overgrip and strings. But swing weight is around 340. But if you're having trouble with manerverability you might want to look for a racket with a sw around 330. Or customize a racket to that spec.
 

Shroud

Talk Tennis Guru
Love my RF97. Particularly love the power/plowthrough. I play for my uni and am a LTA rating 2.1 which I’m not sure what it gets translated to in USTA. But I’ve come to realise when facing higher level opponents, for example my mate who’s a 1.1, I struggle to time the ball as well with the weight of the racket and also difficult to brush up a lot. And it’s also hard to wield on the defence. What would be a viable candidate to demo? I’m perhaps looking at a pure drive as I know it’s a lot lighter, but packs a punch. I guess my other option is just to go to the gym more

title was supposed to say but lighter
add 20g of lead at the top of the handle and see. Bet it fixes it. IMHO what is really going on is the timing of the racquet not that its too heavy. If you put weight on the top of the handle it will help speed up the racquet at contact. If you put weight at the tip of the racquet it will slow at contact. The trick is to put the right amount at the right spots so that at contact the racquet it neither speeding up or slowing at contact but is "still".

Its pendulum physics apparently. And from my own experience it works. You may have to add more than 20g or less at 7" but do try it. Nothing to lose and you can tune things to your liking.
 

joah310

Professional
add 20g of lead at the top of the handle and see. Bet it fixes it. IMHO what is really going on is the timing of the racquet not that its too heavy. If you put weight on the top of the handle it will help speed up the racquet at contact. If you put weight at the tip of the racquet it will slow at contact. The trick is to put the right amount at the right spots so that at contact the racquet it neither speeding up or slowing at contact but is "still".

Its pendulum physics apparently. And from my own experience it works. You may have to add more than 20g or less at 7" but do try it. Nothing to lose and you can tune things to your liking.
does the same not happen when you use around 3 grams? Ime it makes it feel heavier and more beefy
 

Shroud

Talk Tennis Guru
does the same not happen when you use around 3 grams? Ime it makes it feel heavier and more beefy
at the 7" point at the top of the handle? It takes alot in that area to make it noticeable. You could start at 3g and keep adding. I typically add 30g but I add a bunch in the hoop too so maybe its more for me. The point is that the OP can fine tune things before spending time and money. He likes his stick just when playing the better guy is there timing problems. My suggestion is pretty easy to test and IME will make the racquet FEEL faster.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
The Wilson Pro Staff 97 is the lighter version of the RF97.
324 SW
11.7 Strung
*easy to tweak with Leather Grip and lead tape if looking for tweener.
i agree, if you already like the RF97 but for the weight, the pro staff 97 is made for you. and last i checked you can grab a pair off TW for $120 apiece
 

joah310

Professional
I wouldn't reccomend the ps97 if he enjoys the crisp feel of the rf97. I have the 1st gen for both so I dont know how CV affects the feel of the ps97. Ime the ps97 needs some weight at 12 for extra plow, but it feels softer than the rf97, resulting in a different less crisper feel. But it's also better for the elbow I guess
 

joah310

Professional
at the 7" point at the top of the handle? It takes alot in that area to make it noticeable. You could start at 3g and keep adding. I typically add 30g but I add a bunch in the hoop too so maybe its more for me. The point is that the OP can fine tune things before spending time and money. He likes his stick just when playing the better guy is there timing problems. My suggestion is pretty easy to test and IME will make the racquet FEEL faster.
Just wondering but how do you get so much weight on your rackets?
 

Shroud

Talk Tennis Guru
Just wondering but how do you get so much weight on your rackets?
Sorry a couple similar threads. If you mean the 30g at 7" that is 60" of 1/2" lead wrapped around the handle repeatedly and covered with electrical tape
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
Cheers guys. I’ve reserved and will pick up some good recommendations for demos and see how they fare against him. If, not I think gym may be the way
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
The Wilson Pro Staff 97 is the lighter version of the RF97.
324 SW
11.7 Strung
*easy to tweak with Leather Grip and lead tape if looking for tweener.
Get a lighter racket and add some lead to the hoop. I dont reccomend the ps97 because its alot more flexy and doesnt carry the same crisp feel. I use a head graphene speed pro with 2g of lead at 12 and a leather grip. Now weighs 342 with overgrip and strings. But swing weight is around 340. But if you're having trouble with manerverability you might want to look for a racket with a sw around 330. Or customize a racket to that spec.
This is what I was confused about. Heard that from a couple of people. But I will demo it anyhow and see what happens
 

AMGF

Hall of Fame
Hit the gym for sure. This is my son, at 11yo he was swinging a 338sw frame. He’s now 13 and swings a Dr98+ at 343sw.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
Hit the gym for sure. This is my son, at 11yo he was swinging a 338sw frame. He’s now 13 and swings a Dr98+ at 343sw.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I’ve been using the RF97 since I was 14. But I’ve only recently come across this weight issue with me now facing much better opponents now at uni that hit a much heavier ball. I think gym is the way. I mean it’s only going to help
 

AMGF

Hall of Fame
I’ve been using the RF97 since I was 14. But I’ve only recently come across this weight issue with me now facing much better opponents now at uni that hit a much heavier ball. I think gym is the way. I mean it’s only going to help
Did you do any tennis specific weight training? My kid is part of a development program for high potential players and they do gym training every day. Why not give it a go?

To add to your list of frames to try, I second the Yonex extended frame suggestion. I play with Vcore 98+ and hit against very hard hitting players and never feel pushed around. I only have added leather grip and 2g of lead at 3 and 9.
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
Did you do any tennis specific weight training? My kid is part of a development program for high potential players and they do gym training every day. Why not give it a go?

To add to your list of frames to try, I second the Yonex extended frame suggestion. I play with Vcore 98+ and hit against very hard hitting players and never feel pushed around. I only have added leather grip and 2g of lead at 3 and 9.
I haven’t actually. Never done any weight training in my life whatsoever. Only cardio. Definitely need to start
 

Jonesy

Legend
If you are flat hitter the RF97 should prove excelent for an agressive game, but if you play an attacking style with some good spin the PD might suit you better.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Adding 100g of weight to an RF97 would make the pain in ones arm feel minimal in comparison to the pain in ones shoulder.
 
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USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
I wouldn't reccomend the ps97 if he enjoys the crisp feel of the rf97. I have the 1st gen for both so I dont know how CV affects the feel of the ps97. Ime the ps97 needs some weight at 12 for extra plow, but it feels softer than the rf97, resulting in a different less crisper feel. But it's also better for the elbow I guess


The PS97 without the CV is a good hitting frame. Go back and forth from my RF97 fairly often. Play a good bit of doubles with the PS97. String it with full poly at 52-54 which is a bit tighter than I string the RF97 with full poly. A little weight at 3 and 9 and a leather grip makes it a good tweener. It is definitely the closest thing to an RF97 but lighter. Same family of frames.
 
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Anton

Legend
Love my RF97. Particularly love the power/plowthrough. I play for my uni and am a LTA rating 2.1 which I’m not sure what it gets translated to in USTA. But I’ve come to realise when facing higher level opponents, for example my mate who’s a 1.1, I struggle to time the ball as well with the weight of the racket and also difficult to brush up a lot. And it’s also hard to wield on the defence. What would be a viable candidate to demo? I’m perhaps looking at a pure drive as I know it’s a lot lighter, but packs a punch. I guess my other option is just to go to the gym more

title was supposed to say but lighter

Tough to give advice on this without seeing your game.

How much time you have to put in a good storke has alot to do with how fast you are, how agressive you hit, positioning, footwork and how you setup for the stroke.


Still, if you want to try something lighter with a punch I would actually recommend trying 2019 PA over PD. You'll probably want some extra heft, so get some lead tape too. Tthere is also the heavier Tour version if you don't like customizing.
 
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joah310

Professional
The PS97 without the CV is a good hitting frame. I go back and forth from my RF97 fairly often. Play a good bit of doubles with the PS97. I string it with full poly 52-54. A little weight at 3 and 9 and a leather grip makes it a good tweener. It is definitely the closest thing to an RF97 but lighter.
I also am able to switch between the ps97 and the rf97, but like I said, it lacks that ultra crisp feel from the rf97.
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
Co-sign on the Blade 18x20 recommendation

It has all the beloved plow and stability of my 6.1 95, but the Blade’s just so much easier to swing over the course of two hours or more.

Totally different balance from an RF97, obviously. So expect an adjustment period.
 

joah310

Professional
Co-sign on the Blade 18x20 recommendation

It has all the beloved plow and stability of my 6.1 95, but the Blade’s just so much easier to swing over the course of two hours or more.

Totally different balance from an RF97, obviously. So expect an adjustment period.
Blade 98 was nice but with the new flex feel tech, it's not crisp like the 69 RA of the rf97. But I do like the blade 98 very much but maybe even more with a leather grip.
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
Tough to give advice on this without seeing your game.

How much time you have to put in a good storke has alot to do with how fast you are, how agressive you hit, positioning, footwork and how you setup for the stroke.


Still, if you want to try something lighter with a punch I would actually recommend trying 2019 PA over PD. You'll probably want some extra heft, so get some lead tape too. Tthere is also the heavier Tour version if you don't like customizing.
I’ve tried my mates APD and I absolutely hated it. Felt it had uncontrollable power and the shoe of the beam made it very awkward to flatten it out with my eastern fh. Maybe that’s just a placebo but was not a fan. I’ve tried PDs before and they were a lot more fun to use
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
@TheIntrovert are you looking for the same crisp feel or just good plow in a more maneuverable frame?
Pretty much nailed it with the good plow in a manoeuvrable frame. The feel I can get used to, but the weight I feel is necessary against the heavier shots I’m facing, particularly returns (which is one of my fav shots to hit with the RF). I’m kinda inclined to just go the gym more and make myself able to wield this thing properly instead of looking for compromises
 

joah310

Professional
Pretty much nailed it with the good plow in a manoeuvrable frame. The feel I can get used to, but the weight I feel is necessary against the heavier shots I’m facing, particularly returns (which is one of my fav shots to hit with the RF). I’m kinda inclined to just go the gym more and make myself able to wield this thing properly instead of looking for compromises
Honestly if you like the rf97 that much I would say that your idea of exercising more. But otherwise you'll be just fine with any of the rackets mentioned above. Except for the pure aero/drive, cuz that's for a completely different style of play. I hear good things about the new prestige mp and that might be your best option, but honestly if you plan on getting a new racket getting a SW around 330 is probably where you want it. I personally would reccomend any of the 6.1 95 except for the 2010 model if ur not looking to add weight. They're my favorite, but they need some weight at 3 and 9. But if you're ok with lead and customization, demo a few rackets with a lower sw and bring it up to the spec you want. With lead its alot easier to change specs and try out new things without buying a new racket. If you get something like a blade you'll probably want to add a leather grip or some weight to the handle to make it more hl. There's my 2cents, but I do reccomend the customization path a lot more than the stock path, but if you find a racket stock that you like alot, you might just be better off sticking with that. And yonex frames are pretty good so u might wanna try out some of the vcore pro line. My sister has a duel g 310, and with a little weight it is a very nice and solid racket.
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
Honestly if you like the rf97 that much I would say that your idea of exercising more. But otherwise you'll be just fine with any of the rackets mentioned above. Except for the pure aero/drive, cuz that's for a completely different style of play. I hear good things about the new prestige mp and that might be your best option, but honestly if you plan on getting a new racket getting a SW around 330 is probably where you want it. I personally would reccomend any of the 6.1 95 except for the 2010 model if ur not looking to add weight. They're my favorite, but they need some weight at 3 and 9. But if you're ok with lead and customization, demo a few rackets with a lower sw and bring it up to the spec you want. With lead its alot easier to change specs and try out new things without buying a new racket. If you get something like a blade you'll probably want to add a leather grip or some weight to the handle to make it more hl. There's my 2cents, but I do reccomend the customization path a lot more than the stock path, but if you find a racket stock that you like alot, you might just be better off sticking with that. And yonex frames are pretty good so u might wanna try out some of the vcore pro line. My sister has a duel g 310, and with a little weight it is a very nice and solid racket.
Thanks a bunch. The 6.1 95 is something I’ve always been interested in but never used. I used to use a 6.1 team when I was 12 actually. Will be tough to get one as a demo now though. May have to buy one
 

TheIntrovert

Hall of Fame
I don't play at anywhere near your level. BUT I moved from my Tour G 310 for similar reasons in spite of loving its feel. I switched to a 6.1 95 18X20 L. I don't intend to weight it up but you could, easily...would have the added benefit of making the racquet more HL. So you won't lose maneuverability in your quest for stability. IF your arm can take it, then a Pure Drive is not a bad option. The one drawback I found with the PD was it was wont to flutter against hard serves or even hard and deep groundies (where you get late). I find the 6.1 95 (even the L version) able to handle incoming pace very well. I would also suggest the PS97 or the Clash as lighter and more maneuverable alternatives to the RF. What I've found is as much as the solidity of a heavy, plush racquet is delightful in terms of feel, you are just not able to allow that natural flex of the wrist to happen when you are not holding the racquet too tight and as a result, you lose out on spin. Ever since switching over, I am catching myself flat-swatting balls and trying to make a more exaggerated 'up' swing instead on forehands with a light grip. The old racquet kinda forced me to get too flat in search of power. You ideally want power to come from great timing, not by muscling the ball. But it's much harder to time when the racquet is so heavy (especially if heavy in the throat) that it doesn't come around soon enough.
Six one 95 has always caught my eye but ever used it. Used to use the six one team when I was 12 and then the pro staff 95 when I was 14 before switching to the RF97. Looking at it, it does look very enticing. Both the weight, the softness and the precision are attractive. Annoying that it’d be quite tough to find one for a demo. The pure drive I was thinking I could start off using and slowly add lead as I start weight training, but am now thinking the lack of weight wouldn’t help against the heavier ball.
 

Dolgopolov85

G.O.A.T.
Six one 95 has always caught my eye but ever used it. Used to use the six one team when I was 12 and then the pro staff 95 when I was 14 before switching to the RF97. Looking at it, it does look very enticing. Both the weight, the softness and the precision are attractive. Annoying that it’d be quite tough to find one for a demo. The pure drive I was thinking I could start off using and slowly add lead as I start weight training, but am now thinking the lack of weight wouldn’t help against the heavier ball.
Far easier to demo Pure Drives so think about it, don't rule it out. I haven't played the new iterations of the PD so for all I know, they may be more stable than when I happened to own one.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Thanks a bunch. The 6.1 95 is something I’ve always been interested in but never used. I used to use a 6.1 team when I was 12 actually. Will be tough to get one as a demo now though. May have to buy one

The 2017 version of the 6.1 95 18x20 you can track down. I bought two new for $89.99 each and a used one from a TT member for $75. Great racquets and it is a toss up for me between it and my RF97’s. With the 6.1 18x20 I feel like I can’t miss off the ground at times. The RF97 generates more spin and power.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
I also am able to switch between the ps97 and the rf97, but like I said, it lacks that ultra crisp feel from the rf97.

Believe that is why I prefer full poly in the PS97 and not my standard Gut/poly used in my RF97’s. If the lighter version was as stiff as the RF97 is would be an arm crusher.
The PS97 is 66RA as opposed to 68RA with the RF97. Not a huge difference.
 
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