The RF97 Is The Best Player's Frame For The Modern Game

[asifallasleep]

The RF97 is the best player's frame made to compete in the modern game, bar none!!!

A pro stock frame offered to the masses, the RF97 is the real deal; a game changer. It offers power, control, stability, feel and access to spin all in one stick, stock, with no mods necessary. It took me quite a few excursions with it, but as Coloskier told me, stick with it because in the end, it will be well worth it and then some.

Loved my thin beam K90 and PS88's but i am now converted to a ghastly thick flat beam and am loving it.

RF97 the game changer:

I mean one hand backhands are unreal, and I do mean unreal. Other worldly. Crushed. I don't think there is a better stick in production for the one hand backhand. Seriously, the stability and plow is unreal. If you have a one hand backhand, you need to be using this frame.

Easy power and spin on forehands, especially if you keep the ball in front, you can really rip the ball. If you're late on forehands some trouble can be had. This stick is demanding and it's rewarding for those who can handle it. Gotta keep the wheels moving for sure on the forehand and one is rewarded.

On both wings you can change the direction of the ball on a dime, hit on the rise to abuse your opponent, and block back winners.

Serves are just bombs away. Cuts through the air tons better than my K90 and with the entire face being a sweet spot, spin generation and placement are incomparable. Volley's are well, just get the strings on the ball and big bubba will do the rest!!! It's almost like cheating!

For me personally, strung at 45lbs with a full bed of 18g Volkl Cyclone gives me great feel; drops shots, precise lobs, and biting line clipping, skidding offensive slices are all at my disposal.

If you have this stick and aren't loving it, I'd say stick it out for 2-3 months before getting rid of it. This is my third time owning it as I'm pretty impatient, luckily I was able to get most of my money back each time I sold it. Thanks Coloskier.

The RF97 is a keeper. Took me awhile to get dialed in with it but I'm sooooo glad I kept trying.

 

[coloskier]

The RF97 is the best player's frame made to compete in the modern game, bar none!!!

A pro stock frame offered to the masses, the RF97 is the real deal; a game changer. It offers power, control, stability, feel and access to spin all in one stick, stock, with no mods necessary. It took me quite a few excursions with it, but as Coloskier told me, stick with it because in the end, it will be well worth it and then some.

Loved my thin beam K90 and PS88's but i am now converted to a ghastly thick flat beam and am loving it.

RF97 the game changer:

I mean one hand backhands are unreal, and I do mean unreal. Other worldly. Crushed. I don't there is a better stick in production for the one hand backhand. Seriously, the stability and plow is unreal. If you have a one hand backhand, you need to be using this frame.

Easy power and spin on forehands, especially if you keep the ball in front, you can really rip the ball. If you're late on forehands some trouble can be had. This stick is demanding and it's rewarding for those who can handle it. Gotta keep the wheels moving for sure on the forehand and one is rewarded.

On both wings you can change the direction of the ball on a dime, hit on the rise to abuse your opponent, and block back winners.

Serves are just bombs away. Cuts through the air tons better than my K90 and with the entire face being a sweet spot, spin generation and placement are incomparable. Volley's are well, just get the strings on the ball and big bubba will do the rest!!! It's almost like cheating!

For me personally, strung at 45lbs with a full bed of 18g Volkl Cyclone gives me great feel; drops shots, precise lobs, and biting line clipping, skidding offensive slices are all at my disposal.

If you have this stick and aren't loving it, I'd say stick it out for 2-3 months before getting rid of it. This is my third time owning it as I'm pretty impatient, luckily I was able to get most of my money back each time I sold it. Thanks Coloskier.

The RF97 is a keeper. Took me awhile to get dialed in with it but I'm sooooo glad I kept trying.

You are most welcome....

 

[SpinToWin]

Gotta be honest, your experiences (all of them together) read like a comedy skit :lol:

Glad it's finally working out for you though

 

[RalphJ]

Cool, I think we all just sit back and look at it wondering if we are ready to give up three months of our tennis life in order to be proficient with it, or just continue using a weighted up a racket. I agree with you though, it is a wonderful stick in today's world of light piny rackets. I want to buy one, I just haven't committed to it. I'm still enjoying my tail weighted blade.

 

[Attila_the_gorilla]

Video or it didn't happen.

 

[ShahofTennis]

This is my third time owning it

By the bedpan of Gene Reyburn!

 

[JoelDali]

Just imagine if Tommy Haas switched to RF 97.

Just imagine.

 

[JJK947]

What are the specs on your current frame(s) and did you change from the previous frames you had?

 

[JoelDali]

OP well said. The RF 97 has lived up to the expectations. Wilson has finally and officially killed off the pro staff lineage in favor of a SuperBlade with Bassault and AmlpliFeel scaled out with rising 5.0 Immortality.

Roger will get 2015 CYGS with RF 97.

 

[ShahofTennis]

Just imagine if Tommy Haas switched to RF 97.

Just imagine.

Any minute now...

 

[asifallasleep]

What are the specs on your current frame(s) and did you change from the previous frames you had?

I always recognized the advantages of the RF97 but I just couldn't get used to the feel compared to my thin beam Wilson's. I've had other modern frames that I played really well with, but in the end it always came back to my love for the feel of a thin box beam. Feel was always the deal breaker no matter what. Add in the difference in feel along with a huge jump in head size and beam thickness from my 90 and 88, and you can get the picture that this was a big shift for me. Even though initially I didn't stick with it, I couldn't deny the advantages that came with the RF97.

I would think that the RF97 would a natural and easy progression for anyone who previously used a modern flat beam 12+ ounce frame.

I was finally able to make the change this go around because of a couple of things:

1) I got some correct spec RF97's. 11.9 stock and 12.6 strung with overgrip and dampener. A few I had before were on the heavier static and sw side of things.

2) I got the right string, gauge and tension setup for me this time. In terms of feel this is huge for me. Often I think we give up on frames without exhausting the numerous string and tension options that can drastically shape how a racquet performs. Full bed of 18g Volkl Cyclone @ 45lbs works for me.

3) I couldn't deny how much better a stick the RF97 is compared to my K90, Blade 93 and PS88. It just does everything better on a much higher level. The only limitations is on the player and not the frame. Drakulie was dead on in his review.

 

[Seth]

Just imagine if Tommy Haas switched to RF 97.

Just imagine.

It feels so good to imagine.

I like it when we imagine together.

 

[RoddickistheMan]

Video or it didn't happen.

haters gonna hate....

 

[ultradr]

reviews on this frame seems to be all over the place. I guess I got to at least demo it.


federer's racquet change certainly triggered my decision to change frame.

I just couldn't continue using old fashioned frame when even federer changes his old fashioned frame with more modern one.

 

[BreakPoint]

Just imagine if Tommy Haas switched to RF 97.

Just imagine.

Even more injuries and surgeries? Is that even possible? :shock:

 

[RalphJ]

I wonder if it's better to weight up the PS97 instead? The RF97 just seems too big, and it would seem that the lighter clone could be weighted up just right.

 

[Bogdan_TT]

Your third time owning it? Hahaha, that alone tells pages about you and your game. LOL. Did you fall asleep trying it the first 2 times?

Personally, I thought the racket was mediocre, way too much hype. Only rackets that have surpassed everyone's expectations is the Graphene Prestiges, which I've come to realize is way too much for the average 3.5 TT hacks that browse these forums.

Why the heck do you keep attacking people's opinions!? Childhood problems?
You sound exactly like an Apple fan boy... doing the Prestige line more harm than good. The man expressed his personal opinions. Stop jumping on everybody's throat.
On the other side, you're like the cab driver that knows exactly how this world should work, from politics to economy and science. Everybody else is an idiot, right? Be constructive or shut up. Bloody forum warriors.


I apologise to everybody else for this, but I have a cold and, thus, a short fuse. I've just had enough with these bullies... They're like cockroaches... Everywhere. Even on tennis forums...
________________________
Sent from my Hackintosh

 

[SpinToWin]

Why the heck do you keep attacking people's opinions!? Childhood problems?
You sound exactly like an Apple fan boy... doing the Prestige line more harm than good. The man expressed his personal opinions. Stop jumping on everybody's throat.
On the other side, you're like the cab driver that knows exactly how this world should work, from politics to economy and science. Everybody else is an idiot, right? Be constructive or shut up. Bloody forum warriors.


I apologise to everybody else for this, but I have a cold and, thus, a short fuse. I've just had enough with these bullies... They're like cockroaches... Everywhere. Even on tennis forums...
________________________
Sent from my Hackintosh

no worries, I've had enough with 2.5 a long time ago.

By the way, also sent from my Mastertosh

 

[Bogdan_TT]

no worries, I've had enough with 2.5 a long time ago.

By the way, also sent from my Mastertosh

I see! My bad then, being new here. I'll just ignore him, his posts or threads from now on.

Cheers! :twisted:

 

[coloskier]

There's no point being nice when you're on top of the food chain.

Anyone who posts a topless photo of the ultimate pusher is hardly on top of ANY food chain..........

 

[sansaephanh]

I still maintain the YTIGPrestige mid is the best starter just because of its low stock weight. Match the specs to what you want and it's a monster. Just too bad it never came in a 16x19

 

[JoelDali]

Was watching the top 3.5 players at Randall's Island scrimmage doubles this morning and all 4 of them were playing an RF 97. This racket is remarkable in its impact in rec communities and has proven its air worthiness again and again.

 

[JoelDali]

Most of the top 3.5 guys in my section have competed the saucy migration to the RF 97. Eventually there will be no more 90s. Ever.

 

[5point5]

Most of the top 3.5 guys in my section have competed the saucy migration to the RF 97. Eventually there will be no more 90s. Ever.

Prestige line only getting stronger. Next year they shall implement the XT technology which will appeal to an even broader base of players.

All your base are belong to us.

 

[RalphJ]

Prestige line only getting stronger. Next year they shall implement the XT technology which will appeal to an even broader base of players.

I hope so, but I doubt it. Head's destroyed its classic Prestige and Radical user base in hopes of gaining a younger modern player base ( I can hear the young, green, Head market analyst now). So, long time Prestige players like myself, who could not come to terms with the Graphene Prestige, were forced to venture out to find a new racquet. After going through a long demo phase, pre-Graphene users are finding other racquets to compliment their game. And it sounds like the RF97 may have filled some of the vacuum created by Pre-Graphene Prestige/ Radical users.

Sounds like the XT line will benefit the Speed line, but many players won't return to Head when they're finding better, more player friendly lines with other brands.

 

[Cavvallini]

The RF97 is the best player's frame made to compete in the modern game, bar none!!!

A pro stock frame offered to the masses, the RF97 is the real deal; a game changer. It offers power, control, stability, feel and access to spin all in one stick, stock, with no mods necessary. It took me quite a few excursions with it, but as Coloskier told me, stick with it because in the end, it will be well worth it and then some.

Loved my thin beam K90 and PS88's but i am now converted to a ghastly thick flat beam and am loving it.

RF97 the game changer:

I mean one hand backhands are unreal, and I do mean unreal. Other worldly. Crushed. I don't think there is a better stick in production for the one hand backhand. Seriously, the stability and plow is unreal. If you have a one hand backhand, you need to be using this frame.

Easy power and spin on forehands, especially if you keep the ball in front, you can really rip the ball. If you're late on forehands some trouble can be had. This stick is demanding and it's rewarding for those who can handle it. Gotta keep the wheels moving for sure on the forehand and one is rewarded.

On both wings you can change the direction of the ball on a dime, hit on the rise to abuse your opponent, and block back winners.

Serves are just bombs away. Cuts through the air tons better than my K90 and with the entire face being a sweet spot, spin generation and placement are incomparable. Volley's are well, just get the strings on the ball and big bubba will do the rest!!! It's almost like cheating!

For me personally, strung at 45lbs with a full bed of 18g Volkl Cyclone gives me great feel; drops shots, precise lobs, and biting line clipping, skidding offensive slices are all at my disposal.

If you have this stick and aren't loving it, I'd say stick it out for 2-3 months before getting rid of it. This is my third time owning it as I'm pretty impatient, luckily I was able to get most of my money back each time I sold it. Thanks Coloskier.

The RF97 is a keeper. Took me awhile to get dialed in with it but I'm sooooo glad I kept trying.

Could you give more comparative feedback on the 97 vs the 88? I own and love my 88s but I must admit having slight curiosity about this giant "pro staff".

For me it's all about that hard, raw graphite feel that I get with the 88. For example, I've hit with and enjoyed the Stan Yonex. It's a wonderfully solid frame but at the end of the day it doesn't have that raw feel.

Does the RF97 have that or something similar, like say, the old 6.1?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JoelDali]

2 completely different frames/feel. No comparison at all. It's hardly a giant pro staff. It's a giant Blade more than anything.

Stick with the 88.

(Sorry to jump in)

 

[Pro Kenneth]

Could you give more comparative feedback on the 97 vs the 88? I own and love my 88s but I must admit having slight curiosity about this giant "pro staff".

For me it's all about that hard, raw graphite feel that I get with the 88. For example, I've hit with and enjoyed the Stan Yonex. It's a wonderfully solid frame but at the end of the day it doesn't have that raw feel.

Does the RF97 have that or something similar, like say, the old 6.1?

Thanks in advance.

I have played with the 88 (KPS) for a while and just demoed the RF97.

Compared to the KPS88, the RF97 seemed just stiff and not as "true to the shot" as they say. I didn't like it nor did the others I let try it. No "raw graphite feel". It feels more like a "club".

It was easier to hit a two-handed backhand with it though.

 

[UCSF2012]

Anybody put gut\poly on their hyper pro staff's or Prince Triple Threat? I'd put it on the Michael Chang LB OS, and the ground strokes were simply brutality. Screw the RF97. Serves, however, were another matter. Terrible.

I think 90's rackets make the most ideal modern frame, because they're heavy and stiff.

 

[RalphJ]

Could you give more comparative feedback on the 97 vs the 88? I own and love my 88s but I must admit having slight curiosity about this giant "pro staff".

For me it's all about that hard, raw graphite feel that I get with the 88. For example, I've hit with and enjoyed the Stan Yonex. It's a wonderfully solid frame but at the end of the day it doesn't have that raw feel.

Does the RF97 have that or something similar, like say, the old 6.1?

Thanks in advance.

The comparison to the RF97 is not with any Pro Staff, but with the Ultra II. It is between the Ultra II Midsize (85) and Ultra II Largehead (104). The RF shows no resemblance to any Pro Staff other than materials. It may have the Pro Staff name but it is an Ultra II 97, just without the PWS.

 

[UCSF2012]

It's a heavier, lower powered Blade 98 with PWS.

 

[JoelDali]

It's a heavier, lower powered Blade 98 with PWS.

In other words, the truest holy grail.

 

[Cavvallini]

2 completely different frames/feel. No comparison at all. It's hardly a giant pro staff. It's a giant Blade more than anything.

Stick with the 88.

(Sorry to jump in)

Well put. Thanks.

 

[Cavvallini]

The comparison to the RF97 is not with any Pro Staff, but with the Ultra II. It is between the Ultra II Midsize (85) and Ultra II Largehead (104). The RF shows no resemblance to any Pro Staff other than materials. It may have the Pro Staff name but it is an Ultra II 97, just without the PWS.

Hmmm. I don't think I ever played with an Ultra II. I'll look it up to refresh my memory. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Cavvallini]

I have played with the 88 (KPS) for a while and just demoed the RF97.

Compared to the KPS88, the RF97 seemed just stiff and not as "true to the shot" as they say. I didn't like it nor did the others I let try it. No "raw graphite feel". It feels more like a "club".

It was easier to hit a two-handed backhand with it though.

Sounds like the Blade parallels are accurate. Thanks.

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

Point is, everyone has an opinion, this is just this guy's experience, why attack him over it?

I have finally had a hit with the thing, by the way.

Heavy, for sure, crushes the ball if you get it right, but nothing too fantastic and it's a little harsher than I expected

The worst player's racquet Wilson ever made? I haven't hit them all, but it certainly isn't the best

 

[asifallasleep]

Could you give more comparative feedback on the 97 vs the 88? I own and love my 88s but I must admit having slight curiosity about this giant "pro staff".

For me it's all about that hard, raw graphite feel that I get with the 88. For example, I've hit with and enjoyed the Stan Yonex. It's a wonderfully solid frame but at the end of the day it doesn't have that raw feel.

Does the RF97 have that or something similar, like say, the old 6.1?

Thanks in advance.

PS88 feels much softer, has better feel, is harder to swing after a bunch of hours, more even balanced. Both have tons of power. You won't like the RF unless you are able to switch away from the thin beam feel. Took me awhile but now I am happy I did.

 

[asifallasleep]

I have played with the 88 (KPS) for a while and just demoed the RF97.

Compared to the KPS88, the RF97 seemed just stiff and not as "true to the shot" as they say. I didn't like it nor did the others I let try it. No "raw graphite feel". It feels more like a "club".

It was easier to hit a two-handed backhand with it though.

The clubby feeling goes away after you've gotten used to the weight. Takes a few months. Also you have to find the right string setup to appreciate it. I too initially thought it felt like a club. No longer. Finesse shots are not a problem.

 

[RalphJ]

Hmmm. I don't think I ever played with an Ultra II. I'll look it up to refresh my memory. Thanks for the insight.

These were the heavier version before the Pro Staff 85 (around 1986). They had a fairly thick beam that tapered toward the head. They were heavy racquets - close to 13 oz strung. Hana Mandlikova used one (I don't know how she actually swung it). They were super solid and powerful, with a 16x18 pattern.

 

[Cavvallini]

PS88 feels much softer, has better feel, is harder to swing after a bunch of hours, more even balanced. Both have tons of power. You won't like the RF unless you are able to switch away from the thin beam feel. Took me awhile but now I am happy I did.

Hmmm. Thanks for this. The thin beam precision is something I don't think I could live without. But after reading this I may still demo it.

 

[Cavvallini]

These were the heavier version before the Pro Staff 85 (around 1986). They had a fairly thick beam that tapered toward the head. They were heavy racquets - close to 13 oz strung. Hana Mandlikova used one (I don't know how she actually swung it). They were super solid and powerful, with a 16x18 pattern.

I DO remember those now, after looking them up. Someone has few on the bay. And looking at the specs it does resemble the RF97. Interesting.....the more things change...lol

 

[Cavvallini]

These were the heavier version before the Pro Staff 85 (around 1986). They had a fairly thick beam that tapered toward the head. They were heavy racquets - close to 13 oz strung. Hana Mandlikova used one (I don't know how she actually swung it). They were super solid and powerful, with a 16x18 pattern.

The official stats for that monster were:

85''
13oz/369g strung
357 sw
71 RA
6 pts headlight
25mm to 18mm beam

Wow.....haha. I might buy one.

 

[KHSOLO]

I love the racquet, comming from the 90 line for the past 10 years i believe its a great improvement, feels like a game changer specially in the backhand side, solid in every aspect and plenty of easiness to use

 

[TennisCJC]

I have only demo-ed the RF97 and it is good racket. But my custom Volkl V1 Pro (12.1, 6HL, 335ishSW) is better in my not so humble view. SW for mine is about the same as RF97, but less static weight makes it easier to handle. Also, plow through is equally as good on mine. The kicker for me is the feel at contact - my custom Volkl has a more solid feel with little vibration. I realize rackets are subjective but to me, the V1 Pro was better.

 

[RalphJ]

X2 ^^ The RF is okay, but its a little heavy. Plus its kind of stiff. Certainly, there's racquets that can be weighted up to 12oz to feel better than this one. The head is a little wide. My best shot with the RF was obviously my one handed backhand (ohbh).

I have an Ultra 2 Largehead coming, so I'll see how it compares. I think the weight is pretty close to the RF, with the Ultra 2 maybe a little heavier.

 

[Fintft]

Don’t buy what the OP said:

The R97 Autographed felt worse than my 6.1 95 BLX for two reasons:

- Vibrations
- Less forgiving sweet spot (by contrast the 6.1 95 2013 BLX with its parallel drilling felt like it had a larger sweet spot).

 

[bigdaddyps]

Bullshlaga!

 

[RalphJ]

I would pick the RF97 over the six one 95. The RF feels more manuverable than the six one. Both of the heads of these racquets are too wide imo.

 

[mhkeuns]

These were the heavier version before the Pro Staff 85 (around 1986). They had a fairly thick beam that tapered toward the head. They were heavy racquets - close to 13 oz strung. Hana Mandlikova used one (I don't know how she actually swung it). They were super solid and powerful, with a 16x18 pattern.

I had a few... And actually preferred it over the Pro Staff 85 St. Vincent for my baseline game. Ball crushing anyone??? One of the most solid racket ever built... I think the comparison of the Ultra II to the RF97 is very fitting.

 

[mental midget]

The official stats for that monster were:

85''
13oz/369g strung
357 sw
71 RA
6 pts headlight
25mm to 18mm beam

Wow.....haha. I might buy one.

i'll take this opportunity to reference another racket along that lineage, the ultra fpk. electric blue frame, tapered beam...i've hit with all the classic rackets and i'd rank that frame as an unequivocal all-time great. that stiff frame but flexy hoop gave it enough power, and truly exquisite touch. man i miss that thing. i think you'll get a similar opinion from anyone who played with it for any length of time, it was an exceptional design.