I really don't think higher twistweight is associated with classic racquets. Previous pro staff 97s had lighter twistweights than the current model, and if you go back further to the 6.1 95, which is admittedly a 95, twistweight was far lower. Many of the Dunlop 300 series racquets (98 inches) also had very low twistweights. Looking at the Ezone 98, the twistweight has gone up since the DR 98, which was in the 13s, but I think most would say the newer one is more "modern". The Tecnifibre Tfigght ISO 305 racquets also have higher (~15) twistweights.
I think 14-15 TW is about the sweet spot for modern racquets. Admittedly there was a phase (in the DR era) where brands were going the other extreme of super light, stiff racquets with low TW, resulting in horrendous products. Over the last few years things have came back to equilibrium. Personally, I don’t see TW going up any higher.
Yes, I think most modern racquets are in the 14-15 range, at least according to the TW database, and I also think that they probably won't get much higher, as that results in a pretty sluggish frame. My point was just that twistweights seemed to be lower, not higher, in the past. Otherwise, sounds like we pretty much agree.
Great point. This is why I think the X and 100 are doing better than most think (perhaps) - but they don't have the love / history / pedigree of the 97.
Interesting. The stock PS97 serves bigger than the stock Blade (at least the 16x19) IMO.
Maybe that’s the new PS 97 tag phrase: Be better.
Sam Groth or Mpetshi Perricard use babolat racquet..Why?!
Reilly Opelka does okay with his pro staff, though it is not a v14–it is an even heavier model.
That was one of the softer widebody racket. You just might like it today. You can find them on the bay
Yeah,sure, I forget about him, he is tall,of course...
Interesting approach
He's not wrong its not a racquet you choose when you want to accentuate spin as part of your game.
For some reason Babolat has dominated the market, you keep playing heh...XD
Exactly. Worst case IMHO is that Wilson will mess with its specs (remove PWS/make it lighter/make it more head-heavy/...) and then release it as "the ProStaff for the Next Gen of players" of some sort.
I am interested how you feel this because for me the experience of PS97 is more or less identical to the revered mid/late-1980s Head Graphite Pro.
If you switch from a D-shaped or O-shaped racquet to such a 100% box-beam racquet, having to push it through the air to produce acceleration, only to be rewarded with a tide of vibrations, will necessarily get your arm and shoulder sore.
That is a key point: companies have to invest just so much to build a recognizeable brand, only eventually to throw everything down the bin. Prestige and Pro Staff are well-known all across the board as "racquets for those who know what it takes to play": personally I am very proud to have been able to play tournaments with these two racquets in my hand, because I know for a fact most reacreational players simply would not be not able to.
No, please. RF 97 Pro in fact is a blend of PS and Pure Aero, but the PS97, with its box-beam, 315g, HL balance.... no, there is nothing in common.
I am afraid the idea underneath PS X was correct, but the product simply fall short by ending in the middle of nowhere: still a PS for most people (hence to avoid), not enough of a PS for die-hard fans.
I don't think RF Pro is better at finishing at the net than a PS: still it has great maneuvrability, but it feels more of a racquet to fire groundstrokes and to counterpunch by receiving some free help when on the backfoot.If you like the PS, I don´ really think you would like the new RF Pro...it is a very demanding racquet, kind of unique within today´s portfolio of all frames but very specific. Had a chance to test it but for me it´s a no go for sure. It might suite to a certain type of attacking advanced players who have great technique and their playstyle is mainly attack + finishing points at net. It´s not a baseliner´s dream at allthis racquet doesn´t like neutral shots and hates to defend. No help whatsoever, very low launch angle, simply not for an average 4.0 Joe
I’ve really only heard positive things about the PS X. Why it’s not more of a hit could be as you hinted just the name. I don’t think the PS X was created to appeal to old PS die hards but rather a new generation who want to be competitive in the landscape of modern but still want a control racquet (now obviously that hasn’t gone according to plan and i hope the PS X isn’t next on the chopping block). I don’t think the PS X is any less playable than either blade 98.
My personal experience has been great but I’ve only met one other opponent who has wielded the X and for this guy the X wasn’t even his main frame. And it was clear that the static weight was too high for him.
that’d be interesting. Yeah I came from the Dunlop Cx 200 tour 18x20 and was looking at three frames, the PS X, Percept 100D, and Prestige MP. Ultimately ended up going with the prestige because i love head, but i’d still love to try the PS X.
I find that the reviewers always have the same pattern they use in their videos. They will take the pro's and con's, but generally will always be more positive about the racquets they review. Viewers on youtube want to be excited about new frames so the reviewers will hype them even though they aren't really liking it. Then after a while when they make a Tier list video or the never version will drop, they can start "hating" on the racquet. But I agree that the PS X did receive a very mediocre reaction from the influencers. They seem to not like the "inbetwen" position and identity crisis the racquet occupies. Also whenever a racquet lacks a super star endorsment I feel like some influencers will immediately be ½ the usual enthusiasm for a new frame
.
I don’t hate it, but it’s not a replacement for my beloved RF 97 Autographs as I had hoped it would be. I’m still searching for something that could be a viable replacement given that the RF 97 Autographs were dc’d.
worries me they made the clash all black
I like the bronze - I got two of them and a marching bag. I put some luxion element in it this week and it looks beautiful!!!
The V13 paint job was indeed very attractive.
Can't agree. I have 2 frames bought second hand and one of them is used more than 4 years regularly, only minor dark greyish scratches, no peeling or chipping whatsoever. Have I friend who bought the RF 97 V13 1,5 year ago, looks worse than mine. Maybe there is variations with the QC as always with Wilson.
