Some live photos of RF97 and RF97 Autograph

[ringwraith]

Thanks for the review Hank! Looks like the high static/swing weight on the autograph version doesn't go so much with the 97" head for whipping the ball for topspin.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Intrigued. I am mainly a doubles player and gravitate towards heavier sticks for dubs. Thoughts on doubles specialist use?

 

[BreakPoint]

For some reason I can't quote Hankenstein's review post, but I can quote the other posts. It just shows up as blank.

Anyway - "Made for flat hitters that hit one attacking shot and rushes to the net."

Sounds like it's right up my alley!

 

[Hankenstein]

For some reason I can't quote Hankenstein's review post, but I can quote the other posts. It just shows up as blank.

Anyway - "Made for flat hitters that hit one attacking shot and rushes to the net."

Sounds like it's right up my alley!

Strange?

Yep. If thats your game it will be a good match. Dont string it to low though

 

[Hankenstein]

Intrigued. I am mainly a doubles player and gravitate towards heavier sticks for dubs. Thoughts on doubles specialist use?

Volleys Great! Serve great! Returns.. Here you really have to work. In doubles, atleast the level i play at, a block return is just hammered down by the opposite team net player. I have to hit all returns and for me the frame is not fast enough. To much mass

 

[Power Player]

Hank the Fed sounds like the Tour G 330. Same type of thing.

How is the feel of the 315? Since it is not like a wilson what is it like to you? That is interesting to me.

Also curious what you would guess the SW is on the 315 as well.

 

[mats88]

ok guys! Now i have tried both.


315 on the other hand.. Here we are onto something. Easier to generate speed with. Spin was no problem. Solid enough on both wings, but on the backhand it was easier to hit one then two handed shots. Serves was easy and the sweetspot is big. No jarring on mishit´s. Volleys really easy and solid.
Only thing we both felt was the grip was to spongy for this type of frame. I will install a leather grip and string it up with champions choice and take it out for a spin early next week.


315 version. This is the frame to use for most. Dont bother about the autograph in the 340 version. Its this frame the normal player shall use. Easy to add some weight just by replacing the synt grip with leather. The interior of the handle is foamfilled on both versions so not easy to inject silicone.

Sounds like you are no fascinated by the 315 g version too. Could you tell sth more? What about stability, control, power, stiffness and most important the feel and ? Could you compare it to sth...?

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Volleys Great! Serve great! Returns.. Here you really have to work. In doubles, atleast the level i play at, a block return is just hammered down by the opposite team net player. I have to hit all returns and for me the frame is not fast enough. To much mass

Makes sense. What do you reckon the swing weight on the 315 is?

 

[Federerkblade]

feds playing awesome with his fed 97 tonight so far. unbelievable how he makes using it so easy

 

[BreakPoint]

Strange?

Yep. If thats your game it will be a good match. Dont string it to low though

Yes, I just tried to quote your review post again and it still shows up as blank. Very strange.

Anyway, you mentioned that it doesn't feel like a Wilson. I'm surprised because it's supposed to be made from the same braided graphite and kevlar as the previous ProStaffs, and also because in drakulie's review he said it feels very much like a ProStaff. So I guess it doesn't feel like any of the previous ProStaffs to you?

 

[aimr75]

What was the flex like with the 315 in comparison?

 

[realplayer]

ok guys! Now i have tried both.

Both are strung with Luxilon Savage white 51lbs on a Ektelon Neos 1000.
Tourna Grip XL and a pacific ring damper.

340 gram autograph version.
I am a decent player. Maybe 5.5-6.0 with a good ranking here in Sweden. I like to hit big shots with much topspin.
With the 340 gram version it was very hard to generate enough racquet head speed to hit with spin. This frame is good on serve, volley (the best!) and sliced backhands. 51 lbs was to soft though. Very hard to control the ball for me. Returns was really tough to hit as the heavy frame is simply to demanding for me.

My hitting partner for the evening, a good college-player with a monster serve said same thing. To heavy to snap through on topspin shots. Made for flat hitters that hit one attacking shot and rushes to the net.
We both agreed it did not feel like a wilson frame. If it was black painted and the PWS was not visable, we could not say it was a Wilson.

315 on the other hand.. Here we are onto something. Easier to generate speed with. Spin was no problem. Solid enough on both wings, but on the backhand it was easier to hit one then two handed shots. Serves was easy and the sweetspot is big. No jarring on mishit´s. Volleys really easy and solid.
Only thing we both felt was the grip was to spongy for this type of frame. I will install a leather grip and string it up with champions choice and take it out for a spin early next week.

Conclusion; 340 version. Will be hard to use for the normal player. Good if you are like Max Mirnyi or similar playing type. To demanding for both. Got a word with a guy ranked 900 ATP and he said same thing. 340 version is to much mass in the corners.

315 version. This is the frame to use for most. Dont bother about the autograph in the 340 version. Its this frame the normal player shall use. Easy to add some weight just by replacing the synt grip with leather. The interior of the handle is foamfilled on both versions so not easy to inject silicone.

Is the racket too powerful for a full bed multi?

 

[burn1986]

Wow, that's a bad racquet!

 

[Biogenic]

Wow, that's a bad racquet!

We all have different opinions about everything sir so we won't know if its bad yet or not.

 

[movdqa]

What does it feel like if not like a Wilson?

 

[tennisnut09]

Maybe modern feel, just like they did with the dunlop M3 line???

 

[Blitzball]

The 315 is solid for its weight. No problem there.

The feel of the 340 is more a crushing the ball type of feel. You can not hesitate (spelling?) with it. It has to be 100 % flat out each shot

Great, I planned on getting the lighter version anyway. Even if it's too light, the specs indicate plenty of space for customization. Can't wait!

Thanks for your review Hankenstein

 

[West Coast Ace]

OP, tremendous pics and review and thanks for sharing. Glad you got the sticks to test before the snows arrived... You need to come to So Cal.

Going to be fun to watch 3.5/4.0 hacks hitting the 340 into the bottom of the net - they'll all be too stupid/vain to get the lighter version.

 

[dgoran]

 

[SpinToWin]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[dgoran]

^^^^
Just a little comic relief hope no one gets it the wrong way

 

[big ted]

i think alot of people may realize the rf97 may be too much to handle. its one thing to use a 12.6oz+ 90sqin frame with a 18mm beam, but to increase headsize to 97 and beam to 21-22mm, and keep the same weight, it probably feels like a tank. the racquet kind of reminds me of the original white head speed pro racquet that djokovic first "apparently used" that was so heavy.

 

[dr325i]

i think alot of people may realize the rf97 may be too much to handle. its one thing to use a 12.6oz+ 90sqin frame with a 18mm beam, but to increase headsize to 97 and beam to 21-22mm, and keep the same weight, it probably feels like a tank. the racquet kind of reminds me of the original white head speed pro racquet that djokovic first "apparently used" that was so heavy.

however, that white head Speed Pro was nowhere close to 22 mm

 

[Devilito]

i think alot of people may realize the rf97 may be too much to handle. its one thing to use a 12.6oz+ 90sqin frame with a 18mm beam, but to increase headsize to 97 and beam to 21-22mm, and keep the same weight, it probably feels like a tank. the racquet kind of reminds me of the original white head speed pro racquet that djokovic first "apparently used" that was so heavy.

My PS85 is heavy as heck yet easy to swing and get spin on. Other racquets can be 1oz lighter and feel way bulkier, heavier and harder to swing. Maybe they messed something up on this. Either way, I'm positive Federer's stick is not exactly set up like the retail. I bet if retail feels bulky, his does not.

 

[movdqa]

Federer added 6-8 inches of lead on his 90s so I'd guess that he's adding lead at the top of the frame on this one too. So his real frame isn't for mere mortals or even most ATP pros.

His new bag has an interesting 1950s US Diner look.

 

[Bartelby]

Yes, the retail version minus the 20-30 extra swing weight points is the 'easy' version of the real Federer racquet.

 

[Steve Huff]

It looks as though Wilson decided to leave off the PWS at 3 & 9. Nice looking frame though.

 

[SpinToWin]

It looks as though Wilson decided to leave off the PWS at 3 & 9. Nice looking frame though.

nope, they're there, albeit smaller/less obvious than what we are accustomed to.

 

[hoodjem]

Sure is a purdy racquet. Can't wait to buy it used!

There'll be plenty.

 

[bert96]

does the 97ls have the same mold as the 97 and 97rf?

 

[veecee]

^ I don't think so. I remember it had a slightly thicker beam in their marketing material.

 

[radu]

95 Pro Staff vs 97-315g Pro Staff

Hi Hankenstein,
I am really interested to buy the 315g version. Did you played with 95 Pro Staff? I found the 95 Pro Staff very maneuverable but also very low powered. Is the 315g Pro Staff 97 as maneuverable as 95 version ?
I play with a Angell TC95 very close in specs with the 97 PRo Staff i like it a lot , but the swing weight is around 345 and the maneuverability is not as I want.

Thank you,
Radu

 

[Hankenstein]

Hi Hankenstein,
I am really interested to buy the 315g version. Did you played with 95 Pro Staff? I found the 95 Pro Staff very maneuverable but also very low powered. Is the 315g Pro Staff 97 as maneuverable as 95 version ?
I play with a Angell TC95 very close in specs with the 97 PRo Staff i like it a lot , but the swing weight is around 345 and the maneuverability is not as I want.

Thank you,
Radu

I just played the 2013 Pro Staff 95 version a very short time. Like 15 minutes. Then it was factory strung at something like 60 pounds with a multi. Did not like it. Felt stiff like a frying pan. The new 97 is much more powerful. Big difference. Bigger sweetspot by a good number.
The old PS95 was quicker through the air though.
I didnt like the old Pro Staff line at all. This new 315 is much better. I think it will be THE racquet on this forum.

 

[radu]

I just played the 2013 Pro Staff 95 version a very short time. Like 15 minutes. Then it was factory strung at something like 60 pounds with a multi. Did not like it. Felt stiff like a frying pan. The new 97 is much more powerful. Big difference. Bigger sweetspot by a good number.
The old PS95 was quicker through the air though.
I didnt like the old Pro Staff line at all. This new 315 is much better. I think it will be THE racquet on this forum.

Thank you very much for your quick reply.

 

[EasternRocks]

How does the 315 compare to the Six one 95 18/20

 

[SpinToWin]

I just played the 2013 Pro Staff 95 version a very short time. Like 15 minutes. Then it was factory strung at something like 60 pounds with a multi. Did not like it. Felt stiff like a frying pan. The new 97 is much more powerful. Big difference. Bigger sweetspot by a good number.
The old PS95 was quicker through the air though.
I didnt like the old Pro Staff line at all. This new 315 is much better. I think it will be THE racquet on this forum.

sounds like the racquet is right in my sweetspot!

 

[iceman_dl6]

I just played the 2013 Pro Staff 95 version a very short time. Like 15 minutes. Then it was factory strung at something like 60 pounds with a multi. Did not like it. Felt stiff like a frying pan. The new 97 is much more powerful. Big difference. Bigger sweetspot by a good number.
The old PS95 was quicker through the air though.
I didnt like the old Pro Staff line at all. This new 315 is much better. I think it will be THE racquet on this forum.

What is the strung weight (w/ the Tournagrip), balance, an SW you obtained for your PS97 315?

Thanks for your in depth review Hank!

 

[realplayer]

I just played the 2013 Pro Staff 95 version a very short time. Like 15 minutes. Then it was factory strung at something like 60 pounds with a multi. Did not like it. Felt stiff like a frying pan. The new 97 is much more powerful. Big difference. Bigger sweetspot by a good number.
The old PS95 was quicker through the air though.
I didnt like the old Pro Staff line at all. This new 315 is much better. I think it will be THE racquet on this forum.

Ok, so it is indeed a rocket launcher!!

Any experience with a blade 18x20 or blx pro open. If i know the difference between these then I'm beginning to have an idea what kind of racket this is.

 

[Hankenstein]

Ok, so it is indeed a rocket launcher!!

Any experience with a blade 18x20 or blx pro open. If i know the difference between these then I'm beginning to have an idea what kind of racket this is.

Blade 98 18/20 is more control but smaller sweepspot and less solid/stable. Have not used pro open. Only 2014 juice.

I would presume they started the very first sample for Fed with a Blade 98, then they tweeked it more and more and in the end the RF97 came out of the oven.

I would say the new RF97 is like Blade 98, Head Radical Pro and PT57A has had a ménage à trois and then the RF97 was born

 

[Power Player]

Thats awesome. All great frames.

 

[realplayer]

Blade 98 18/20 is more control but smaller sweepspot and less solid/stable. Have not used pro open. Only 2014 juice.

I would presume they started the very first sample for Fed with a Blade 98, then they tweeked it more and more and in the end the RF97 came out of the oven.

I would say the new RF97 is like Blade 98, Head Radical Pro and PT57A has had a ménage à trois and then the RF97 was born

would you say that the powerlevel is somewhere between a blade 18/20 and a pure drive? I can always adjust the tension if necessary.

 

[osutennis24]

Was thinking about going to the Blade 98 (16x19 ) if it is close to feeling like a Blade, I may just pull the trigger on the RF97 afterall

 

[Hankenstein]

would you say that the powerlevel is somewhere between a blade 18/20 and a pure drive? I can always adjust the tension if necessary.

PD is more powerful. Think Radical Pro or similar

 

[macguyvur]

I just played the 2013 Pro Staff 95 version a very short time. Like 15 minutes. Then it was factory strung at something like 60 pounds with a multi. Did not like it. Felt stiff like a frying pan. The new 97 is much more powerful. Big difference. Bigger sweetspot by a good number.
The old PS95 was quicker through the air though.
I didnt like the old Pro Staff line at all. This new 315 is much better. I think it will be THE racquet on this forum.

Great, thanks Hank, very helpful. If I had seen this thread I would not have created a separate one for PS 97 Discussion just now.

 

[smalahove]

I'm guessing the headsize has significant impact on feel then. Mu old jr. stick, the Prince Graphite Pro 90, has about the same specs as the RF97A when it comes to balance, weight and sw, but has a significant smaller and thinner beam (93 and 17-19sh mm). That doesn't feel heavy to swing -and I'm no 5.0 player

I would love to try the RF97A, but these descriptions tell me it is even heftier than the specs indicate.

 

[Hankenstein]

I'm guessing the headsize has significant impact on feel then. Mu old jr. stick, the Prince Graphite Pro 90, has about the same specs as the RF97A when it comes to balance, weight and sw, but has a significant smaller and thinner beam (93 and 17-19sh mm). That doesn't feel heavy to swing -and I'm no 5.0 player

I would love to try the RF97A, but these descriptions tell me it is even heftier than the specs indicate.

I LOVED the old white Head YT Speed pro, and that had 18 mm wide beam. Did not feel heavy at all compared to the RF97 autograph.

 

[canuckfan]

Hankenstein, thanks so much for your insights. Have you hit with the six-one 95S? If you can compare it to the prostaff 97, that would be great. I really liked the 95S and I'm curious about any similarities and differences.

 

[Rivers Scott]

Sounds like it plays quite similarly to the HEAD iPrestige MP

 

[macguyvur]

Hankenstein, thanks so much for your insights. Have you hit with the six-one 95S? If you can compare it to the prostaff 97, that would be great. I really liked the 95S and I'm curious about any similarities and differences.

I'd be very interested to hear a comparison as well... on all fronts. These are in my top three right now, with the Ai 98 being the third.

Can anyone compare PS 97 with Six.One 95S on stability, spin, control, power, size of sweet spot, forgiveness on off-center hits... ?

 

[Hankenstein]

Sounds like it plays quite similarly to the HEAD iPrestige MP

Not really. I have 7 i.Prestige MP at home and the PS97 is more lively from the stringbed. More a Radical 16/19