RF97 alternatives - 2018 edition

N

NAVM

New User
I combed through the forums and found some old articles. But given the new rackets introduced recently, I figured I’d poll the community for advice.

I’m a 4+ player and have been using the RF97 for the last couple of years and have loved it. I’m 45+ years old and leaned to play Tennis in the mid 80’s which means my game is traditional and I like rackets with a classic feel.

As I’m getting older (and clearly not doing enough strength exercises), I’m finding it increasingly difficult to swing it.

So I’m doing a demo to look for alternatives with lower swing weight and greater maneuverability.

What rackets would you recommend I demo?

Some on my list currently:
- ProStaff 97 (I tried the countervail but found it too soft but really like the maneuverability)
- Prince Phantom Pro 93P
- Yonex VCore Pro 97 310 & 330
- Yonex VCore SV95

Suggestions?
 
NAVM said:
I combed through the forums and found some old articles. But given the new rackets introduced recently, I figured I’d poll the community for advice.

I’m a 4+ player and have been using the RF97 for the last couple of years and have loved it. I’m 45+ years old and leaned to play Tennis in the mid 80’s which means my game is traditional and I like rackets with a classic feel.

As I’m getting older (and clearly not doing enough strength exercises), I’m finding it increasingly difficult to swing it.

So I’m doing a demo to look for alternatives with lower swing weight and greater maneuverability.

What rackets would you recommend I demo?

Some on my list currently:
- ProStaff 97 (I tried the countervail but found it too soft but really like the maneuverability)
- Prince Phantom Pro 93P
- Yonex VCore Pro 97 310 & 330
- Yonex VCore SV95

Suggestions?
Click to expand...
I've played a lot with rf97 and felt the lack of maneuverability to be issue too, especially when we want to create sudden rackethead speed. I played the with the Prince textreme tour 95 and it worked well, but for a long time now I've been playing with the angell tc97 16x19 and its been great. I would suggest adding these to your list too.
 
Try the SV98+, which has similar swing weight to the RF97A but can be about 20-30g lighter. The link below shows my thread about the transition. I am the same age and found the SV98+ to have the swing weight and added power to compensate for my age. I'd thought the RF97A would last me at least 3-4 years before age caught up, but it only took 2-3 years to notice a decline in my stats and ball speed.
Demo it and balance it to the balance and swingweight of your RF97A. You'll find this thing is easier to swing on all strokes, but the feel will definitely be different!

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/replacing-the-rf97a-with-the-yonex-sv98.604597/
 
Yonex V Pro 97 330
Volkl C 10 Pro
Prince Phantom 93P
Head Prestige mp plus leather grip
Angell TC 97 330g 305 balance
These racquets you can buy straight off the rack and need very little customisation.
For more customisation try these:
Dunlop Srixon 2.0 revo
Wilson Ultra Tour
Prince Textreme Phantom 100P
Volkl Sense Tour 10
 
Angell TC97 (330/305) is very similar but 'easier' to use/control in my opinion. Less stability/plowthrough more control/maneuverability. Stan's Yonex (and related models) are probably worth a try although I have no first hand experience other than a short demo.
 
joshtige600 said:
Angell TC97 (330/305) is very similar but 'easier' to use/control in my opinion. Less stability/plowthrough more control/maneuverability. Stan's Yonex (and related models) are probably worth a try although I have no first hand experience other than a short demo.
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I don't see the similarities other than head size to be honest. play completely different.
 
Maybe a six one 95 off the bay with some lead at 12.

Or try a PD or APD with some lead. The PA is fun too, but the string pattern is so open, is almost impossible to really control.
 
NAVM said:
I combed through the forums and found some old articles. But given the new rackets introduced recently, I figured I’d poll the community for advice.

I’m a 4+ player and have been using the RF97 for the last couple of years and have loved it. I’m 45+ years old and leaned to play Tennis in the mid 80’s which means my game is traditional and I like rackets with a classic feel.

As I’m getting older (and clearly not doing enough strength exercises), I’m finding it increasingly difficult to swing it.

So I’m doing a demo to look for alternatives with lower swing weight and greater maneuverability.

What rackets would you recommend I demo?

Some on my list currently:
- ProStaff 97 (I tried the countervail but found it too soft but really like the maneuverability)
- Prince Phantom Pro 93P
- Yonex VCore Pro 97 310 & 330
- Yonex VCore SV95

Suggestions?
Click to expand...

I think you have a good list. may want to try DR98 too - many people like it.
 
Anton said:
I think you have a good list. may want to try DR98 too - many people like it.
Click to expand...

I am demoing the DR98 right now. A little under powered for my taste. It does have Yonex Poly Tour Pro in it though which is low powered. Thinking my normal gut/poly would add some pop to it and maybe some more stability.

Tough decisions...tough to move on from my RF but feel like it is time to. Just don't keep up the racquet head speed later in matches.
 
NAVM said:
I combed through the forums and found some old articles. But given the new rackets introduced recently, I figured I’d poll the community for advice.

I’m a 4+ player and have been using the RF97 for the last couple of years and have loved it. I’m 45+ years old and leaned to play Tennis in the mid 80’s which means my game is traditional and I like rackets with a classic feel.

As I’m getting older (and clearly not doing enough strength exercises), I’m finding it increasingly difficult to swing it.

So I’m doing a demo to look for alternatives with lower swing weight and greater maneuverability.

What rackets would you recommend I demo?

Some on my list currently:
- ProStaff 97 (I tried the countervail but found it too soft but really like the maneuverability)
- Prince Phantom Pro 93P
- Yonex VCore Pro 97 310 & 330
- Yonex VCore SV95

Suggestions?
Click to expand...

I am in the same boat as you. I am 44, grew up playing in the 80's with a Pro Staff 85. Have moved on to the RF97 for about 3 years now. I have flirted with other racquets but just keep coming back to the RF. Just tough to move on from it's rock solid nature. But as a match gets into a third set I do really start to tire with it.

Currently have these demos DR 98, Pure Strike 16x19, Pure Strike VS Tour, and Pro Staff 97 CV.

Played a match Sunday with DR 98. I played well but felt it was too under powered, it does have a nice plush feel to it. If I can get one used for a good price I will buy and string with gut/poly.
Was able to hit a little with the Pure Strike 16x19 but was too stiff for me so I cannot judge it correctly. I checked out the strings and the demo was strung with 4G. Not sure why TW would string with one of the stiffest strings possible, was disappointed could not give it a fair assessment.
Also hit a little with the Pure Strike VS Tour (replacing Pure Control Tour). Thought it had more pop than PCT but only got to hit with for 5 minutes.
Did not get a chance to hit with Pro Staff 97 CV yet. Did it have enough pop and stability for you?

I am going to rent a ball machine tomorrow night to try to get a better feel for these racquets.

The new Pure Drive Tour is tempting me also. Had the last version and it was a beast. Ultimately moved on because I was more accurate with the RF. But I may need to revisit as it was quite a bit more
maneuverable and almost as solid as the RF.
 
KaiserW said:
I am demoing the DR98 right now. A little under powered for my taste. It does have Yonex Poly Tour Pro in it though which is low powered. Thinking my normal gut/poly would add some pop to it and maybe some more stability.

Tough decisions...tough to move on from my RF but feel like it is time to. Just don't keep up the racquet head speed later in matches.
Click to expand...

I do not like YPTP in it, it's plays like pre-stretched Cyclone, too stiff, too plastic. Make sure to use 17G, not 16 and string on the soft side.

Also, I strongly recommend you try to add a bit of lead - ~2-3 grams a bit above 3+9 (total) , 1-2grams at 12, and if you don't use dampener 2 grams on V throat.


This will bring up the power and get stability rock solid.
 
Anton said:
I do not like YPTP in it, it's plays like pre-stretched Cyclone, too stiff, too plastic. Make sure to use 17G, not 16 and string on the soft side.

Also, I strongly recommend you try to add a bit of lead - ~2-3 grams a bit above 3+9 (total) , 1-2grams at 12, and if you don't use dampener 2 grams on V throat.


This will bring up the power and get stability rock solid.
Click to expand...

Thanks will add some lead for my session tomorrow.
 
Anton said:
I do not like YPTP in it, it's plays like pre-stretched Cyclone, too stiff, too plastic. Make sure to use 17G, not 16 and string on the soft side.

Also, I strongly recommend you try to add a bit of lead - ~2-3 grams a bit above 3+9 (total) , 1-2grams at 12, and if you don't use dampener 2 grams on V throat.


This will bring up the power and get stability rock solid.
Click to expand...

By the way what are you using for strings?
 
KaiserW said:
By the way what are you using for strings?
Click to expand...

Cylcone 17 @ 52 lbs.

I then went to Sergetti map with same reference tension - that lets you equalize stringbed, so sweespot is firmer and outsides are softer strung, so you get same response no matter where you land the ball in the stringbed.
 
NAVM said:
I combed through the forums and found some old articles. But given the new rackets introduced recently, I figured I’d poll the community for advice.

I’m a 4+ player and have been using the RF97 for the last couple of years and have loved it. I’m 45+ years old and leaned to play Tennis in the mid 80’s which means my game is traditional and I like rackets with a classic feel.

As I’m getting older (and clearly not doing enough strength exercises), I’m finding it increasingly difficult to swing it.

So I’m doing a demo to look for alternatives with lower swing weight and greater maneuverability.

What rackets would you recommend I demo?

Some on my list currently:
- ProStaff 97 (I tried the countervail but found it too soft but really like the maneuverability)
- Prince Phantom Pro 93P
- Yonex VCore Pro 97 310 & 330
- Yonex VCore SV95

Suggestions?
Click to expand...
That a great list to start with. Being a ex RF97 Player, and similar age, with similar challenges with the RF97.
Id propose you add
Prince TT95 (string in the mid 40's as not much power - but fantastic racket
Burn 95 (i was quite impressed with this one)
the Yonex Pro 330 is great, really great....but same kinda weight/sw as the RF330 so i had similar struggles after getting tired...

I playing with the Pure Aero Tour Now - quite a departure from the 'classic' racket i am so used to....but starting to understand these 'New' Rackets
and really starting to win more matches with it.
 
KaiserW said:
Currently have these demos DR 98, Pure Strike 16x19, Pure Strike VS Tour, and Pro Staff 97 CV.

Played a match Sunday with DR 98. I played well but felt it was too under powered, it does have a nice plush feel to it. If I can get one used for a good price I will buy and string with gut/poly.
Click to expand...

There's a very simple reason why you find the DR98 to be underpowered and lacking bite, there are 8 mains on the throat vs 6 on the SV98+ and RF97A. The string pattern in the center is just tighter. That is why the SV98+ works well for me. The string pattern is open and the swing weight is as high as the RF97, but being 20-30g lighter than the RF97 (depending on customization, WIlson QC etc), it swings much easier. The feel needs quite a bit of adjustment, but gut hybrid does bring some feel to the game.
It doesn't have the same twist weight. and thus stability of the RF97, but nothing a bit of weight won't fix.
 
Sardines said:
There's a very simple reason why you find the DR98 to be underpowered and lacking bite, there are 8 mains on the throat vs 6 on the SV98+ and RF97A. The string pattern in the center is just tighter. That is why the SV98+ works well for me. The string pattern is open and the swing weight is as high as the RF97, but being 20-30g lighter than the RF97 (depending on customization, WIlson QC etc), it swings much easier. The feel needs quite a bit of adjustment, but gut hybrid does bring some feel to the game.
It doesn't have the same twist weight. and thus stability of the RF97, but nothing a bit of weight won't fix.
Click to expand...

I might do one more round of demos. If I do I will add it in.
 
Crocodile said:
Yonex V Pro 97 330
Volkl C 10 Pro
Prince Phantom 93P
Head Prestige mp plus leather grip
Angell TC 97 330g 305 balance
These racquets you can buy straight off the rack and need very little customisation.
For more customisation try these:
Dunlop Srixon 2.0 revo
Wilson Ultra Tour
Prince Textreme Phantom 100P
Volkl Sense Tour 10
Click to expand...
Does this also include the YTIG Prestige MP?
 
I would definitely suggest the Wilson Ultra Tour if you don’t mind adding weight. It truly has the best feel available. With added weight (*my racket weighs 357 grams total but does not feel heavy or sluggish), it offers everything I seek in a racket. I’m a racketaholic, and I have played with almost all of the available rackets (*tweeners and player’s rackets). The Ultra Tour is helping me to end my habit.
 
KaiserW said:
I might do one more round of demos. If I do I will add it in.
Click to expand...

The annoying thing is that that I had a match on Sat where I realized my serving wasn't doing hurting the opponent, and I hadn't adjusted to fully swinging the SV98+ off the forehand when the ball is deep and heavy, so I switched back to the RF97, after I got my butt handed to me in the first set. I played controlled power with change of pace to blunt my opponents heavy spin grinder style. 1st world problems! haha
 
Sardines said:
The annoying thing is that that I had a match on Sat where I realized my serving wasn't doing hurting the opponent, and I hadn't adjusted to fully swinging the SV98+ off the forehand when the ball is deep and heavy, so I switched back to the RF97, after I got my butt handed to me in the first set. I played controlled power with change of pace to blunt my opponents heavy spin grinder style. 1st world problems! haha
Click to expand...

No doubt the RF is the best racquet I have played. Very tough to move on from.

Played a match yesterday with the DR98 with 4 grams of lead at 3&9. This did help up the power and stability some. Very nice stick, I have much better touch with it than the RF.

After match was finished pulled out the Pro Staff 97 CV for the rest of the time. Also very nice feel and control with decent power. Of the two I am leaning towards the DR98 slightly. It seems to swing easier which is the main reason I am thinking of switching.
 
If you want more of the same spin and power of the RF97, the SV98+ is the better option. I didn't like the DR98+ because I still had to do much of the work off the ground. It did nice feel but I prefer to have more power I can control vs having to generate power on the stretch.
KaiserW said:
No doubt the RF is the best racquet I have played. Very tough to move on from.

Played a match yesterday with the DR98 with 4 grams of lead at 3&9. This did help up the power and stability some. Very nice stick, I have much better touch with it than the RF.

After match was finished pulled out the Pro Staff 97 CV for the rest of the time. Also very nice feel and control with decent power. Of the two I am leaning towards the DR98 slightly. It seems to swing easier which is the main reason I am thinking of switching.
Click to expand...
 
Povl Carstensen said:
Use the RF with two overgrips instead of leather grip.
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I tried this once but found it a bit jarring. Maybe I should experiment with thicker overgrips. For now I've replaced the leather grip with a synthetic cut half way through to save some weight. My backhand is single handed anyway. Also ditched the damper for a rubber band. Total weight right now is at 355gms down from 368gms. I haven't measured the balance but its still very much a head light stick. I definitely find it easier to swing and my shoulder is not complaining as much after an hour of play. Didn't notice any significant drop off in plough through or stability. Timing returns off deep balls feels a bit easier. I absolutely miss the comfort and feel of the leather grip and would love to put it back, but its a worthwhile trade off for now.

If only they sold the RF97A without the silly metal inserts in the handle, we would have had a winner for the racquet of the decade. I have been playing regularly with 2 of the red/black ones for the last couple of years and I don't see myself going back to stock weight. Too much stress on the shoulder, even with very low string tensions.
 
I am also in this same process. I believe age is no difference if you are fit enough but then I've not reached your wise levels yet as I'm only 30. I don't get tired from swinging the RF97 but I do find that it lacks maneuverability and I play on clay, adjusting to bounces is critical and my coaches have been telling me for a while now to change to something lighter. This was also corroborated by my stringer who is the brother of a top 20 doubles player.
I bought a cheap used Pro Staff 97 red and black, my coach did tell me that my forehand (eastern) motion was a lot more consistent with this lighter frame but that doesn't mean that the feeling was right and control and depth was there. I find it unstable and very underwhelming on off center hits. Tried it with Sublime and Wilson leather, 4G which it came strung with, Hurricane and gut/RSLyon. Still cant get it right. Trying it one last time with 2 grams at 3 and 9 but I think I already gave up on it.
I have a SV 95 on the way, will try it out and give you an update. It seemed the best compromise between stiffness, control and power from what I've read around here compared to the SV 98, which I will get a demo of. Sardines' comments were helpful also on another thread where I explained my situation. I will try to find a local demo of the 98+ although I am not keen on OS rackets. The other alternatives I see is the Yonex Pro 97 and Duel G 97 both on 310. I prefer to stay on Yonex though, have played with them for the past 10 years.
 
Biggles77 said:
The Prince 93P is getting some stellar feedback. You may want to add that to the list. Seems to offer a lot of the benefits of a ProStaff minus the weight.
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Thanks for this but going down to 93 is a bit too much as I've gotten used to the 97. I also reckon having a bigger head size helps on clay. That Prince sure looks good though.
 
I personally went from the RF97 to the Blade 98 16x19 CV. Whether it's the CV or not, the new Blades feel super solid, so it wasn't a bad transition from the RF. That being said, most lighter racquets just aren't going to give you anything close to the same feeling; however, it might be worth trying a few 18x20 sticks. I used the BLX95 18x20 for a while and I think that was the most solid racquet I've ever used - though I think the swingweight actually came out to be higher than the RF, so I suppose that's unsurprising.
 
leojramirez said:
I am also in this same process. I believe age is no difference if you are fit enough but then I've not reached your wise levels yet as I'm only 30. I don't get tired from swinging the RF97 but I do find that it lacks maneuverability and I play on clay, adjusting to bounces is critical and my coaches have been telling me for a while now to change to something lighter. This was also corroborated by my stringer who is the brother of a top 20 doubles player.
I bought a cheap used Pro Staff 97 red and black, my coach did tell me that my forehand (eastern) motion was a lot more consistent with this lighter frame but that doesn't mean that the feeling was right and control and depth was there. I find it unstable and very underwhelming on off center hits. Tried it with Sublime and Wilson leather, 4G which it came strung with, Hurricane and gut/RSLyon. Still cant get it right. Trying it one last time with 2 grams at 3 and 9 but I think I already gave up on it.
I have a SV 95 on the way, will try it out and give you an update. It seemed the best compromise between stiffness, control and power from what I've read around here compared to the SV 98, which I will get a demo of. Sardines' comments were helpful also on another thread where I explained my situation. I will try to find a local demo of the 98+ although I am not keen on OS rackets. The other alternatives I see is the Yonex Pro 97 and Duel G 97 both on 310. I prefer to stay on Yonex though, have played with them for the past 10 years.
Click to expand...

The SV98+ is not a OS racquet. OS (oversized) refers to head size. Do you mean extended length racquets? For me, the SV98+ is the first extended length racquet I've used that played most closely to a standard length racquet.
 
Chezbeeno said:
I personally went from the RF97 to the Blade 98 16x19 CV. Whether it's the CV or not, the new Blades feel super solid, so it wasn't a bad transition from the RF.
Click to expand...

I did try the a Blade without CV a year ago, but as you mentioned the feel was a bit lacking. Very muted, but otherwise hard to find fault with that stick. The one I played with had champions choice. I'm planning to try it again with a full bed of poly this time. What string/tension do you use?
 
leojramirez said:
I am also in this same process. I believe age is no difference if you are fit enough but then I've not reached your wise levels yet as I'm only 30. I don't get tired from swinging the RF97
Click to expand...
Talk to me in 15 years! haha

I have a SV 95 on the way, will try it out and give you an update. It seemed the best compromise between stiffness, control and power from what I've read around here compared to the SV 98, which I will get a demo of. Sardines' comments were helpful also on another thread where I explained my situation. I will try to find a local demo of the 98+ although I am not keen on OS rackets. The other alternatives I see is the Yonex Pro 97 and Duel G 97 both on 310. I prefer to stay on Yonex though, have played with them for the past 10 years.
Click to expand...
I've found many of my EU ITN 2.5-4 friends who grew up on clay have full strokes and can ramp up the top spin. Most I know tend to use less than 340g, whippy 98-105 size racquets as their clay set up. I tend to have slightly different set ups for hard and grass in terms of weight. I would agree an extra long racquet takes some getting use to and "may" create timing issues. There will be an adjustment. I had a minimal adjustment with the SV98+ because it was 20g lighter, and there's no extra heft to swing round, while I still had the 350 swing weight to hit the ball. Whatever timing issue there is, it's mainly psychological! I would add a bit of weight to the sides to improve twist weight and make it more stable on off center hits.
 
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Crocodile said:
Yonex V Pro 97 330
Volkl C 10 Pro
Prince Phantom 93P
Head Prestige mp plus leather grip
Angell TC 97 330g 305 balance
These racquets you can buy straight off the rack and need very little customisation.
For more customisation try these:
Dunlop Srixon 2.0 revo
Wilson Ultra Tour
Prince Textreme Phantom 100P
Volkl Sense Tour 10
Click to expand...
I don't know about the C 10 Pro. I had that racquet and it plays unique in it's own right.
 
Sardines said:
Talk to me in 15 years! haha


I've found many of my EU ITN 2.5-4 friends who grew up on clay have full strokes and can ramp up the top spin. Most of the I know tend to use less than 340g, whippy 98-105 size racquets as their clay set up. I tend to have slightly different set ups for hard and grass in terms of weight. I would agree an extra long racquet takes some getting use to and "may" create timing issues. There will be an adjustment. I had a minimal adjustment with the SV98+ because it was 20g lighter, and there's no extra heft to swing round, while I still had the 350 swing weight to hit the ball. Whatever timing issue there is, it's mainly psychological! I would add a bit of weight to the sides to improve twist weight and make it more stable on off center hits.
Click to expand...

Wait..you have grass?!?!? Where do you live that you get the opportunity to play on grass regularly?? Note the jealousy in my tone...LOL!
 
Very hard decision. I play with the PS90. I can't switch. I can imagine the RF97 is the same for those who play with it. It is not easily comparable with other racquets. You almost have to change your swing mechanics a bit.
 
A good alternative is a weighted up PD or PA (if you can tame the open string pattern). I switched from the RF to a weighted up PA and it was a brutal racquet (to my opponents) in singles. In doubles it was too uncontrollable.
 
Biggles77 said:
I did try the a Blade without CV a year ago, but as you mentioned the feel was a bit lacking. Very muted, but otherwise hard to find fault with that stick. The one I played with had champions choice. I'm planning to try it again with a full bed of poly this time. What string/tension do you use?
Click to expand...
I was using Volkl Cyclone tour at 56 lbs and it felt great. I've since moved to Colorado and haven't been able to play at all, but I'm sure when I do I might up the tension a bit on account of the elevation.
 
Gemini said:
The SV98+ is not a OS racquet. OS (oversized) refers to head size. Do you mean extended length racquets? For me, the SV98+ is the first extended length racquet I've used that played most closely to a standard length racquet.
Click to expand...

Sorry, yes, that's what I meant, extended lenght.

Sardines said:
Talk to me in 15 years! haha


I've found many of my EU ITN 2.5-4 friends who grew up on clay have full strokes and can ramp up the top spin. Most of the I know tend to use less than 340g, whippy 98-105 size racquets as their clay set up. I tend to have slightly different set ups for hard and grass in terms of weight. I would agree an extra long racquet takes some getting use to and "may" create timing issues. There will be an adjustment. I had a minimal adjustment with the SV98+ because it was 20g lighter, and there's no extra heft to swing round, while I still had the 350 swing weight to hit the ball. Whatever timing issue there is, it's mainly psychological! I would add a bit of weight to the sides to improve twist weight and make it more stable on off center hits.
Click to expand...

Many people play with light versions of the Babolats Pure Drive and Pure Aero which are the most popular here in Spain. I find that bizarre but then I know plenty of people with arm issues due to playing with light frames. Even the regular ones are horrible rigid rackets for me, my arm can't handle that stiffness, I have to play the RF97 with gut on the mains otherwise the whole of my elbow area hurts.
I've also played a Pure Strike 16x19, its a nice frame but I hate that Babolat hollow feeling.
I'll get a demo of the SV 98+ from TWE if I can't find a local demo.
 
leojramirez said:
Many people play with light versions of the Babolats Pure Drive and Pure Aero which are the most popular here in Spain. I find that bizarre but then I know plenty of people with arm issues due to playing with light frames. Even the regular ones are horrible rigid rackets for me, my arm can't handle that stiffness, I have to play the RF97 with gut on the mains otherwise the whole of my elbow area hurts.
I've also played a Pure Strike 16x19, its a nice frame but I hate that Babolat hollow feeling.
I'll get a demo of the SV 98+ from TWE if I can't find a local demo.
Click to expand...

Well it's the addiction to easy power and spin I think. I just played a guy who said he just switched to the new Babolat PDP, because he could, but said he was suffering suffering all sorts of arm pain after the switch. LOL
However, the SV98 + "feels" like it doesn't have the feel of the RF97, but I'm now at least almost over it. My dropshots have come back off the ground. Still have the odd difficulty with the soft angled volleys, but it's getting there. I think I'm just a bit slower getting to the ball. haha
I do remember playing on clay in Zurich, when it was raining and the balls got so heavy and fuzzy. One of the members was telling me that arm problems were rampant when it's rainy. DUH! LOL
 
Just chiming in as a long time RF97 user :)

The SV98+ is a fun alternative, anyone wanting more power that (in my opinion) comes a bit easier will want to look here. That racquet is dangerous in the best way!

The Ultra Tour and Anderson Dunlop Srixon fit in a "similar" category -- but both need weight and more mass behind the ball, plus the tighter pattern doesn't really completely align with the RF97 in my opinion. Definitely more of a control-oriented feel.

The 93P will be a fun demo, but I'd also consider the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 (330) and Duel G 97 (330) (I prefer the older version, mainly because I felt the 16x20 string pattern did separate it from the RF97 and gave it a point of contention and something the RF97 didn't do for me. The newer version just feels like it's going after the RF97 and just seems to be more maneuverable to me, but not any better than the RF97).

You could always have some fun customizing a Pure Aero (Tour) or Pure Drive (Tour/Tour+). Just a bit too much of raw power and I've become a player who appreciates having to work harder to hit the right shot rather than gravitating toward the ease of using the Babolats.

With all that being said, I'm stick with my RF97s!

Michelle, TW

**edit** I also have to add I have an older Dunlop ProStock racquet that you all would LOVE...that is pretty close to the RF97! :) Might need to bring that one out, get it restrung and give it some court time!
 
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I also have to add I have an older Dunlop ProStock racquet that you all would LOVE...that is pretty close to the RF97! :) Might need to bring that one out, get it restrung and give it some court time![/QUOTE]
Pics Please! Dunlop Option 2B?
 
TW Staff said:
Just chiming in as a long time RF97 user :)

The SV98+ is a fun alternative, anyone wanting more power that (in my opinion) comes a bit easier will want to look here. That racquet is dangerous in the best way!

The Ultra Tour and Anderson Dunlop Srixon fit in a "similar" category -- but both need weight and more mass behind the ball, plus the tighter pattern doesn't really completely align with the RF97 in my opinion. Definitely more of a control-oriented feel.

The 93P will be a fun demo, but I'd also consider the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 (330) and Duel G 97 (330) (I prefer the older version, mainly because I felt the 16x20 string pattern did separate it from the RF97 and gave it a point of contention and something the RF97 didn't do for me. The newer version just feels like it's going after the RF97 and just seems to be more maneuverable to me, but not any better than the RF97).

You could always have some fun customizing a Pure Aero (Tour) or Pure Drive (Tour/Tour+). Just a bit too much of raw power and I've become a player who appreciates having to work harder to hit the right shot rather than gravitating toward the ease of using the Babolats.

With all that being said, I'm stick with my RF97s!

Michelle, TW

**edit** I also have to add I have an older Dunlop ProStock racquet that you all would LOVE...that is pretty close to the RF97! :) Might need to bring that one out, get it restrung and give it some court time!
Click to expand...

Thanks for your feedback Michelle, very helpful.
Unfortunately you guys don't have demos available of the SV98+ in the european site and can't find a second hand either.
In my case, I mostly play on clay against 4.0 to 5.0 players, people in Spain defend pretty well and I cannot muscle the ball all the time in order to stay in the rally. I'm going after consistency and control and I think I need to reduce both weight and swing weight coming from the RF97. Perhaps I can only go for up to 310 grams unstrung. Can't wait to get my hands on that SV95.
 
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