RF97 VS PS97 Question for Troy or?

[pfrischmann]

Hi Troy,
I noticed in a blog that you were playing around with a PS97 to get a spec between stock and the slightly too heavy RF97.

I'm looking to do the same thing. How is it going?

I'm really curious if adding weight helped stabilize the ps97 and reduce the erratic string bed issue the TW testers found? I found more of a hot spot that would give shots crazy power seemingly out of nowhere..

Thanks for your input.

Paul

 

[TW Staff]

Hello Paul, Thanks for your inquiry.

After some time of testing out the the Pro Staff 97, weighted-up to roughly 12.3 ounces and a swingweight around 330, I eventually parted ways. I did notice that the racquet played more stable and the feel was a bit more predictable, with the added weight. With this being said, even with the added weight I didn't quite as feel as connected to the ball as I do with the RF97 Autograph or the Six.One 95. Over the past month or so, I have become more and more comfortable with the RF97 Autograph; the one I have been using has a swingweight around 332 and I am liking it a lot.

Hope this helps,

Troy, TW

 

[pfrischmann]

Thanks Troy,
While I got you..

Did it take much adjustment to go from the 18x20 of the six one to the 16X19 of the RF97? It's been my experience you'd gain power and spin but lose a little control.

BTW,
I'm curious how you progressed to such heavy sticks? did you creep up in increments over the years or was it a conscious decision to jump to a "players frame"?

I ask because I like 12+ ounce frames on everything but my forehand, there I get fatigued pretty quickly. I learned on pure drives etc..but I am starting to appreciate "all court sticks" for their feel and predictability...just not sure how to get there...

Thanks again,
Paul

 

[TW Staff]

Initially during the first couple of weeks, there were days where I felt a bit of drop in control compared to the Six.One 95 (18x20). What I have found through many years of testing racquets with various string patterns, is that the launch angle will vary. When I go for a put away shot, for instance with my forehand, I find that with the RF97 I have to aim slightly higher over the net, or else I find that many of my shots end up clipping the top of the net. I am gradually becoming accustom to this, although the Six.One 95 (18x20) creates a more predictable ball trajectory and makes it easier to drive the ball flat.

Back about eight years ago, when I began getting serious about tennis, the first racquet I purchased from Tennis Warehouse was the Dunlop M-Fil 200. At the time I was on a budget being in college, and it was on sale for $69.99. I was also a huge James Blake fan, so that helped seal the deal! This racquet was way too demanding for my game at that time, but I didn't know any better. I was ignorant to the different racquet categories and specs at the time, prior to working here at TW. Being that I sort of developed my game with a racquet such as the Dunlop M-fil 200, I find that I have gravitated to similar racquets ever since.

Troy, TW

 

[pfrischmann]

Hi Troy,
Have you or Michelle settled on strings for the RF97?

 

[TW Staff]

Hi Troy,
Have you or Michelle settled on strings for the RF97?

I haven't. I haven't had a chance to try my string of choice (Savage) in it yet, but am hoping to very soon.

I've had Wilson Revolve in mine for the last couple weeks for a playtest, which works, but won't be my go-to with the RF97.

I think Troy has one of the Lux ALUs in his, not sure?

Michelle, TW

 

[rider4ever]

I haven't. I haven't had a chance to try my string of choice (Savage) in it yet, but am hoping to very soon.

I've had Wilson Revolve in mine for the last couple weeks for a playtest, which works, but won't be my go-to with the RF97.

I think Troy has one of the Lux ALUs in his, not sure?

Michelle, TW

What is the string of choice for the TW staff with the RF97?

 

[TW Staff]

What is the string of choice for the TW staff with the RF97?

@rider4ever,

Depends on who you ask! But, personally I've been loving Tecnifibre Ice Code and Solinco Hyper G in there.

Definitely will get some playtesters opting for something like Champions Choice though!

Michelle, TW