Wilson Pro Staff V14.0

[ZeroandOne]

Dusted off the 97 v14 for some club doubles after work. It had old alu/synthetic gut hybrid installed. Racquet played really smooth and felt so natural on serve and volleys. What's everyone's favorite poly setup for the 97? It seems to me the racquet wants something lively and crispy like alu.

 

[morten]

Dusted off the 97 v14 for some club doubles after work. It had old alu/synthetic gut hybrid installed. Racquet played really smooth and felt so natural on serve and volleys. What's everyone's favorite poly setup for the 97? It seems to me the racquet wants something lively and crispy like alu.

Yes.. Even if i love the frame i just have not figured out the right strings yet.. i may even try different hybrids..

 

[TennisManiac]

Dusted off the 97 v14 for some club doubles after work. It had old alu/synthetic gut hybrid installed. Racquet played really smooth and felt so natural on serve and volleys. What's everyone's favorite poly setup for the 97? It seems to me the racquet wants something lively and crispy like alu.

Full bed of Alu Power 1.20

Nothing beats it imo.

 

[aaron_h27]

Full bed of Alu Power 1.20

Nothing beats it imo.

Did you finally try 1.20 Alu Power? I know you had been using 1.25

 

[Halfdan]

Has anyone else noticed that TW has adjusted the stock SW on the product page down to 325?
Does this gel with the experience of those of you who have tried it?

 

[TennisManiac]

Did you finally try 1.20 Alu Power? I know you had been using 1.25

Yep. I think I like it a little better. Seems to be a tad bit more comfy. And I'm not exactly sure yet because I only hit with it once for about 20 minutes, but I think it produces a tad bit more spin also. I ordered a reel of it for this coming season. I'm excited to continue using it.

 

[TennisManiac]

Has anyone else noticed that TW has adjusted the stock SW on the product page down to 325?
Does this gel with the experience of those of you who have tried it?

The "unstrung" swingweight on the two I purchased were 302 and 303. So with 1.25 gauge poly the swingweights turn into 334 and 335.

 

[Yamin]

Has anyone else noticed that TW has adjusted the stock SW on the product page down to 325?
Does this gel with the experience of those of you who have tried it?

The "unstrung" swingweight on the two I purchased were 302 and 303. So with 1.25 gauge poly the swingweights turn into 334 and 335.

Yes unfortunately. Try to find one of the higher sw. Difference between a great racket and a forgettable one.

 

[chizzle]

Back in love with this…

You gotta get on the gas pedal with this one, and let the chips fall where they fall.

My last 2 results are telling:
Last week I played a grinding, get the ball in with my “safe“ stick: Speed MP; ran outta gas and nose-dived hard in the second and third. Let many shots go unpunished. Safe returns, meh serving….

Yesterday, I was determined to play the opposite. And decided I would need precision, so committed to the 97, I beat a much better player (rating wise and generally regarded as such). Attacked second serves and served as fearlessly as I could. Caught a few breaks but fortune favors the bold.?!

For me, NXT and ALU crosses are working really well for feel, touch and still all the control I need. More to come!

 

[pico]

anyone rocking the v14 97L stock?

 

[TennisManiac]

anyone rocking the v14 97L stock?

Any 12 year olds on the board?

 

[jj4545]

Does anyone know if the grommets and bumper on the PS 97 (315g model) are interchangable between v14 and v13?

 

[Cowboy]

anyone rocking the v14 97L stock?

Any 12 year olds on the board?

The non L version that I demo'd felt cumbersome. I saw someone on my local classifieds listing a 97L and I'm tempted to pick it up just to try.

 

[Mischko]

97L v14 is very demanding, you need to perfectly line up and centre every shot, on time, with nice technique. Stable, stiff and crispy clean feel. Tried it over several sessions, stock at around 315sw and with lead at 325 335 and 340ish, with counterbalancing in the handle

I would absolutely recommend Blade instead, to practically anyone, much more playable

 

[pico]

97L v14 is very demanding, you need to perfectly line up and centre every shot, on time, with nice technique. Stable, stiff and crispy clean feel. Tried it over several sessions, stock at around 315sw and with lead at 325 335 and 340ish, with counterbalancing in the handle

I would absolutely recommend Blade instead, to practically anyone, much more playable

The crispy clean feel is addictive. I played a 4.5 player last week. We played this rally game. I used my usual PAVS and lost the first one. I noticed his racquet and he had a second one which he let me try. It was the 97L v14 stock. I went on to win the next two rally games with it. So it piqued my interest. I bought one. Will try it stock for a week and assess.

 

[Mischko]

Put yellow 4G 1.25 in it at a low tension, or something else that will enlarge the sweet spot and make it more forgiving. But still, I can't imagine playing with it without constant 200% focus, watching and anticipating the ball maniacally, to line up shots with perfect timing

It's rewarding when you line it up perfectly, and powerful enough, and relatively precise, but it's absolutely not forgiving if you don't

 

[TennisManiac]

Could someone please refresh my memory. Does the RF97 V13 have the same string mapping as the Regular 97 V13 and the 97 V14. I know as of the V13 Wilson began their new tighter string pattern in the center of the stringbed. But was it done to the RF97 as well?

 

[aaron_h27]

97L v14 is very demanding, you need to perfectly line up and centre every shot, on time, with nice technique. Stable, stiff and crispy clean feel. Tried it over several sessions, stock at around 315sw and with lead at 325 335 and 340ish, with counterbalancing in the handle

I would absolutely recommend Blade instead, to practically anyone, much more playable

Not trying to invalidate your personal experience, but I just don't see how the Blade is that more "playable" than the 97L. The 97L has a 23.5 beam vs 21 for the blade. The 97L is 68 RA, the blade is 61 RA. I seriously don't think 1 sq inch makes a huge difference in being user friendly. If you can hit with a blade 98, there's no reason why a pro staff 97L should be demanding for you...

So I really don't see this being an issue for majority of players.

 

[Mischko]

That high stiffness and wide beam, along with the 'flat game' design, although you can spin for control fairly easily, but it's not great if spin is your main tennis mode, is what makes it so demanding. Thinner beam flexier racquets are more forgiving.

I kind of explained how 97L v14 behaves, I don't feel the need to repeat myself. Blade 98 v8 16x19 is way more forgiving and playable, and v9 is a significant improvement precisely where v8 was perhaps lacking, power/easy depth and spin, while still being very forgiving and just so playable overall. I haven't tried lighter Blades, I play with 18x20

I think 97L has a small market though, a very high level junior or WTA but who takes initiative and control of points, and can make the tiny sweet spot, flat game, and high stiffness work for them in a very fast paced game. Ons Jabeur plays a 97L, v13 I think, but there hasn't been that much difference over gens, I've hit with a guy who plays previous gens 97L too

 

[aus89]

That high stiffness and wide beam, along with the 'flat game' design, although you can spin for control fairly easily, but it's not great if spin is your main tennis mode, is what makes it so demanding. Thinner beam flexier racquets are more forgiving.

I kind of explained how 97L v14 behaves, I don't feel the need to repeat myself. Blade 98 v8 16x19 is way more forgiving and playable, and v9 is a significant improvement precisely where v8 was perhaps lacking, power/easy depth and spin, while still being very forgiving and just so playable overall. I haven't tried lighter Blades, I play with 18x20

I think 97L has a small market though, a very high level junior or WTA but who takes initiative and control of points, and can make the tiny sweet spot, flat game, and high stiffness work for them in a very fast paced game. Ons Jabeur plays a 97L, v13 I think, but there hasn't been that much difference over gens, I've hit with a guy who plays previous gens 97L too

To me the 97L is almost a reimagining of the old Tour 95's that Henin etc... used - weighted up I could see them being a viable and effective racquet. But at the light weight it is, obviously it would be anemic even with the stiffer frame and thicker beam. The Old Tour 95 was light but had the hammer balance, 300-305ish strung but a 330 swingweight so it didn't get pushed around (and obviously the Tours ranged in stiffness over the years too)

Jabeur uses the LS with the spin effect string pattern.

 

[aaron_h27]

That high stiffness and wide beam, along with the 'flat game' design, although you can spin for control fairly easily, but it's not great if spin is your main tennis mode, is what makes it so demanding. Thinner beam flexier racquets are more forgiving.

I kind of explained how 97L v14 behaves, I don't feel the need to repeat myself. Blade 98 v8 16x19 is way more forgiving and playable, and v9 is a significant improvement precisely where v8 was perhaps lacking, power/easy depth and spin, while still being very forgiving and just so playable overall. I haven't tried lighter Blades, I play with 18x20

I think 97L has a small market though, a very high level junior or WTA but who takes initiative and control of points, and can make the tiny sweet spot, flat game, and high stiffness work for them in a very fast paced game. Ons Jabeur plays a 97L, v13 I think, but there hasn't been that much difference over gens, I've hit with a guy who plays previous gens 97L too

If you don't like the PS97L that's fine, but I just think some of your comments are inaccurate. Thinner beams and lower flex rackets are for advanced players otherwise why would beginner frames mostly be oversized with thick beams if thinner and flexible was easier to use? Like that doesn't make sense. I myself prefer thinner beams too as an advanced player but not because they're easier to use

 

[aaron_h27]

To me the 97L is almost a reimagining of the old Tour 95's that Henin etc... used - weighted up I could see them being a viable and effective racquet. But at the light weight it is, obviously it would be anemic even with the stiffer frame and thicker beam. The Old Tour 95 was light but had the hammer balance, 300-305ish strung but a 330 swingweight so it didn't get pushed around (and obviously the Tours ranged in stiffness over the years too)

Jabeur uses the LS with the spin effect string pattern.

I really want to try the 97L in 27.5 length. Henin was one of my favorite players. I really can't gel with head heavy rackets though, no idea how her technique is so smooth with her head heavy frame.

 

[aus89]

I really want to try the 97L in 27.5 length. Henin was one of my favorite players. I really can't gel with head heavy rackets though, no idea how her technique is so smooth with her head heavy frame.

I would guess you might need the UL to be able to match the balance and get the weight etc... but I imagine it would be kind of similar with a slightly thicker beam - Believe Henin herself now uses a Blade from what ive seen of her at her academy which is not necessarily surprising given the head heavy balance of the Blade - The tours are kinda interesting bc they're v light but the head heavy balance/extra length gives it stability with the beefy swingweight.

 

[aaron_h27]

I would guess you might need the UL to be able to match the balance and get the weight etc... but I imagine it would be kind of similar with a slightly thicker beam - Believe Henin herself now uses a Blade from what ive seen of her at her academy which is not necessarily surprising given the head heavy balance of the Blade - The tours are kinda interesting bc they're v light but the head heavy balance/extra length gives it stability with the beefy swingweight.

I would probably get a 97L and extend it to 27.5. But i prefer 6-7 pts HL, so the UL would require too much weight to get there

 

[wangs78]

RF97 user here who is starting his search for a lighter racquet bc the RF97 is just too unwieldy when I don't have time to get my body positioned (playing defense, on the run, or against hard hitting opponents). So my question is - is the improvement in maneuverability for the PS97 v14 versus the RF97 meaningful enough for me to make the switch? Especially given that the PS 97 v14seems to have a swing weight closer to that of the RF97 than previous iterations of the PS97? Ie, is the reduced weight actually noticeable/impactful? There or so many options in the ~11.7oz/310-315g unstrung weight category (such as the Dunlop CX200, Prince Tour 95, Yonex Percept 97, PS97, etc), with the PS97 v14 probably having the highest SW of the bunch. The PS97 just seemed like the easy choice given the same mold, string pattern, handle shape as the RF97.

I've always played with a heavy racquet (Wilson Sting as a kid, then Pro Staff HPS 6.1 95 in my 20s, then fooling around with the PS90 until finally settling on the RF97 about 7 years ago). Against even competition, I am fine but I'm trying to go from 4.0 to 4.5 and wow, those 4.5 guys make the RF97 seem so much heavier in my hands. I'd love to stay with the RF97 and do have time to improve my physical fitness / footwork which would help but there's only so much I can do on the fitness side as I'm into my 40s now.

Thoughts?

 

[aaron_h27]

RF97 user here who is starting his search for a lighter racquet bc the RF97 is just too unwieldy when I don't have time to get my body positioned (playing defense, on the run, or against hard hitting opponents). So my question is - is the improvement in maneuverability for the PS97 v14 versus the RF97 meaningful enough for me to make the switch? Especially given that the PS 97 v14seems to have a swing weight closer to that of the RF97 than previous iterations of the PS97? Ie, is the reduced weight actually noticeable/impactful? There or so many options in the ~11.7oz/310-315g unstrung weight category (such as the Dunlop CX200, Prince Tour 95, Yonex Percept 97, PS97, etc), with the PS97 v14 probably having the highest SW of the bunch. The PS97 just seemed like the easy choice given the same mold, string pattern, handle shape as the RF97.

I've always played with a heavy racquet (Wilson Sting as a kid, then Pro Staff HPS 6.1 95 in my 20s, then fooling around with the PS90 until finally settling on the RF97 about 7 years ago). Against even competition, I am fine but I'm trying to go from 4.0 to 4.5 and wow, those 4.5 guys make the RF97 seem so much heavier in my hands. I'd love to stay with the RF97 and do have time to improve my physical fitness / footwork which would help but there's only so much I can do on the fitness side as I'm into my 40s now.

Thoughts?

Yes, the 25g static weight reduction makes a big difference even if the SW is in the same ballpark.

 

[forzamr_b]

Yes, the 25g static weight reduction makes a big difference even if the SW is in the same ballpark.

Yes, it will make a difference and for the better in my opinion. You will gain more manoeuvrability and racket head speed. What you lose is stability on half-volleys and perhaps on the OHBH (I use DHBH so can’t say for certain), all other strokes the PS97 suffices. Also, for the same energy input, the RF will still hit a slightly heavier ball.

 

[Mischko]

Also used RF97A for 5 years, had difficulties finding a replacement, have a PS97 v14, and it's just not there. Level - advanced, very consistent, I like clean really hard hitting, one handed bh, also in my 40s

Easily the closest is new Blade v9, I play with 18x20 but demo both 16x19 and 18x20, low tension. Find a 16x19 at a swingweight of around 325kg/cm2 strung, and 18x20 also if you can find one, at least below 296 unstrung / 328 strung swingweight. Many come heavier in the handle, so 308 or 310g static, and they really really play like the RF, even feel very close

PS97 v14 needs fast swinging, is demanding, has a relatively small sweet spot, you have to line up shots nicely and swing through. Feel is very crispy, but it tires my arm and shoulder quite a bit, dunno why, feels like high frequency ringing after impact, and several youtubers have complained about it too. Many here have said it has a swingweight of around 330, but mine is around 320, and when I was looking to buy I couldn't find a single one higher than that absolutely anywhere, either online or in shops

Demo v14 had a swingweight of 336, just too high, not maneuvrable, and racquet just felt off, although I can swing up to 350 without any issues. I'd aim for a strung sw of 325-328, so 292-295 unstrung, so that you can string 1.30 gut/multi in it also if you want, without the strung sw going over 328

 

[morten]

Also used RF97A for 5 years, had difficulties finding a replacement, have a PS97 v14, and it's just not there. Level - advanced, very consistent, I like clean really hard hitting, one handed bh, also in my 40s

Easily the closest is new Blade v9, I play with 18x20 but demo both 16x19 and 18x20, low tension. Find a 16x19 at a swingweight of around 325kg/cm2 strung, and 18x20 also if you can find one, at least below 296 unstrung / 328 strung swingweight. Many come heavier in the handle, so 308 or 310g static, and they really really play like the RF, even feel very close

PS97 v14 needs fast swinging, is demanding, has a relatively small sweet spot, you have to line up shots nicely and swing through. Feel is very crispy, but it tires my arm and shoulder quite a bit, dunno why, feels like high frequency ringing after impact, and several youtubers have complained about it too. Many here have said it has a swingweight of around 330, but mine is around 320, and when I was looking to buy I couldn't find a single one higher than that absolutely anywhere, either online or in shops

Demo v14 had a swingweight of 336, just too high, not maneuvrable, and racquet just felt off, although I can swing up to 350 without any issues. I'd aim for a strung sw of 325-328, so 292-295 unstrung, so that you can string 1.30 gut/multi in it also if you want, without the strung sw going over 328

I could not agree more..

 

[Kitchen5ink]

RF97 user here who is starting his search for a lighter racquet bc the RF97 is just too unwieldy when I don't have time to get my body positioned (playing defense, on the run, or against hard hitting opponents). So my question is - is the improvement in maneuverability for the PS97 v14 versus the RF97 meaningful enough for me to make the switch? Especially given that the PS 97 v14seems to have a swing weight closer to that of the RF97 than previous iterations of the PS97? Ie, is the reduced weight actually noticeable/impactful? There or so many options in the ~11.7oz/310-315g unstrung weight category (such as the Dunlop CX200, Prince Tour 95, Yonex Percept 97, PS97, etc), with the PS97 v14 probably having the highest SW of the bunch. The PS97 just seemed like the easy choice given the same mold, string pattern, handle shape as the RF97.

I've always played with a heavy racquet (Wilson Sting as a kid, then Pro Staff HPS 6.1 95 in my 20s, then fooling around with the PS90 until finally settling on the RF97 about 7 years ago). Against even competition, I am fine but I'm trying to go from 4.0 to 4.5 and wow, those 4.5 guys make the RF97 seem so much heavier in my hands. I'd love to stay with the RF97 and do have time to improve my physical fitness / footwork which would help but there's only so much I can do on the fitness side as I'm into my 40s now.

Thoughts?

It's funny. I was playing with the Gpro and DR98 a lot more recently instead of my fav RFs. But some time a few weeks ago I started hitting with a really big hitter. I realized I had no chance against him with my lighter rackets.

I picked up my RF and boom, I started to play a lot better. I was able to redirect pace much more easier, with just better timing. It was even better with my Vpro 97HD.

 

[TennisManiac]

RF97 user here who is starting his search for a lighter racquet bc the RF97 is just too unwieldy when I don't have time to get my body positioned (playing defense, on the run, or against hard hitting opponents). So my question is - is the improvement in maneuverability for the PS97 v14 versus the RF97 meaningful enough for me to make the switch? Especially given that the PS 97 v14seems to have a swing weight closer to that of the RF97 than previous iterations of the PS97? Ie, is the reduced weight actually noticeable/impactful? There or so many options in the ~11.7oz/310-315g unstrung weight category (such as the Dunlop CX200, Prince Tour 95, Yonex Percept 97, PS97, etc), with the PS97 v14 probably having the highest SW of the bunch. The PS97 just seemed like the easy choice given the same mold, string pattern, handle shape as the RF97.

I've always played with a heavy racquet (Wilson Sting as a kid, then Pro Staff HPS 6.1 95 in my 20s, then fooling around with the PS90 until finally settling on the RF97 about 7 years ago). Against even competition, I am fine but I'm trying to go from 4.0 to 4.5 and wow, those 4.5 guys make the RF97 seem so much heavier in my hands. I'd love to stay with the RF97 and do have time to improve my physical fitness / footwork which would help but there's only so much I can do on the fitness side as I'm into my 40s now.

Thoughts?

Go with the V14. Trust me

 

[TennisManiac]

Also used RF97A for 5 years, had difficulties finding a replacement, have a PS97 v14, and it's just not there. Level - advanced, very consistent, I like clean really hard hitting, one handed bh, also in my 40s

Easily the closest is new Blade v9, I play with 18x20 but demo both 16x19 and 18x20, low tension. Find a 16x19 at a swingweight of around 325kg/cm2 strung, and 18x20 also if you can find one, at least below 296 unstrung / 328 strung swingweight. Many come heavier in the handle, so 308 or 310g static, and they really really play like the RF, even feel very close

PS97 v14 needs fast swinging, is demanding, has a relatively small sweet spot, you have to line up shots nicely and swing through. Feel is very crispy, but it tires my arm and shoulder quite a bit, dunno why, feels like high frequency ringing after impact, and several youtubers have complained about it too. Many here have said it has a swingweight of around 330, but mine is around 320, and when I was looking to buy I couldn't find a single one higher than that absolutely anywhere, either online or in shops

Demo v14 had a swingweight of 336, just too high, not maneuvrable, and racquet just felt off, although I can swing up to 350 without any issues. I'd aim for a strung sw of 325-328, so 292-295 unstrung, so that you can string 1.30 gut/multi in it also if you want, without the strung sw going over 328

I usually tend to agree with everything you say. But not this time. The Blade plays nothing like an RF97. And the V14s that I bought both have swingweights of 303 unstrung. So 335 strung with no lead. And are very easy to swing. As for the small sweetspot. Not mine. I string a full bed of Alu Power at 43 lbs. and the sweetspot is as big as I'd like it to be. But to each their own I guess.

 

[aus89]

RF97 user here who is starting his search for a lighter racquet bc the RF97 is just too unwieldy when I don't have time to get my body positioned (playing defense, on the run, or against hard hitting opponents). So my question is - is the improvement in maneuverability for the PS97 v14 versus the RF97 meaningful enough for me to make the switch? Especially given that the PS 97 v14seems to have a swing weight closer to that of the RF97 than previous iterations of the PS97? Ie, is the reduced weight actually noticeable/impactful? There or so many options in the ~11.7oz/310-315g unstrung weight category (such as the Dunlop CX200, Prince Tour 95, Yonex Percept 97, PS97, etc), with the PS97 v14 probably having the highest SW of the bunch. The PS97 just seemed like the easy choice given the same mold, string pattern, handle shape as the RF97.

I've always played with a heavy racquet (Wilson Sting as a kid, then Pro Staff HPS 6.1 95 in my 20s, then fooling around with the PS90 until finally settling on the RF97 about 7 years ago). Against even competition, I am fine but I'm trying to go from 4.0 to 4.5 and wow, those 4.5 guys make the RF97 seem so much heavier in my hands. I'd love to stay with the RF97 and do have time to improve my physical fitness / footwork which would help but there's only so much I can do on the fitness side as I'm into my 40s now.

Thoughts?

Prestige Tour worth a look too potentially

 

[aaron_h27]

I usually tend to agree with everything you say. But not this time. The Blade plays nothing like an RF97. And the V14s that I bought both have swingweights of 303 unstrung. So 335 strung with no lead. And are very easy to swing. As for the small sweetspot. Not mine. I string a full bed of Alu Power at 43 lbs. and the sweetspot is as big as I'd like it to be. But to each their own I guess.

Yeah hes been going around saying that the Blade is the closest thing to the RF97 and that the PS97 has no sweetspot for a few days now. Odd.

 

[Mischko]

I usually tend to agree with everything you say. But not this time. The Blade plays nothing like an RF97. And the V14s that I bought both have swingweights of 303 unstrung. So 335 strung with no lead. And are very easy to swing. As for the small sweetspot. Not mine. I string a full bed of Alu Power at 43 lbs. and the sweetspot is as big as I'd like it to be. But to each their own I guess.

Yeah I can't play with such a low tension, it would just fly way too much in a stiff 16x19. In the Blade 18x20 maybe, but even 21kg/46lb feels too low by a tiny bit in the Blades. I played with my v14 extensively with up to 350 sw, with and without counterbalancing in the handle, not great not terrible. I most definitely couldn't reproduce anything that plays similarly to RF97A, but a bit lighter, and I was really disappointed about that. Just too different overall

To me Blade v9 really is similar to RF97A in terms of weight and stiffness distributions, and feel somewhat, if feel is your thing. Many people only seem to judge racquets on feel, completely disregarding torsional stiffness, overall stiffness and flex distribution, stability, weight distribution etc. Feel is very secondary to me personally, but still important

RF97A crushes the ball, like the K88 I played with previously, you can often just put the racquet on the ball etc. None of that is true for a 305g Blade, but that was obvious, and I was lazy to expand on my comparison

They both have that stability, and overall tip to handle balanced dampened stiffness, laterally and torsionally. Stable in the throat and shoulders. No twisting in the hoop either, very very obvious on fast serves compared to v8, you get the ball in upper hoop and the racquet just hooks it however you like, very nice bend, super easy to put serves on the spot, pin point precision. If you get a 325-330sw strung Blade v9 18x20 at 308-310g it really plays like a much lighter RF97A to me. And I wrote plays, not feels, although feel is also close. Mass, kevlar braid dampening and foam filling just can't be easily reproduced in a much lighter racquet, and Blade has lower flex, so no crazy high energy return either, but it's more forgiving, which I like

 

[pico]

Prestige Tour worth a look too potentially

I just bought one today. Good sale on the 2021s.

 

[ChaelAZ]

Coach friend I played with tonight had the 100 V14. I did a game of serving and returning. As a Blade V7 user, I could feel the weight, albeit more balance, it is still cumbersome to swing in my opinion. Easy to access, but hair trigger power and quite a higher launch angle. Still not a fan of 100sq in.

 

[tennis_balla]

The PS97v14 works best with a hybrid setup, if you can afford gut/alu it makes the racket play completely different.
I have 3 matched at 358gr and 31.5cm balance. Fairway leather, silicone in the handle, lead at 3 and 9..

 

[wangs78]

Thanks, everyone. From all the replies, I feel like maybe I should just stick with the RF97 and just work on my footwork and conditioning. I love everything about it except playing defense with it! As well as serving, but I think I can do some things to strengthen my arm, shoulder, wrist, etc. to improve my racquet acceleration. I do play with gut in the mains and Lux 4G in the crosses and if I switched to the PS97 v14, would continue using that string setup. Anyway, I think Wilson deliberately made the v14 have a higher swing weight to make it play more like the RF97 given that the RF97 has been discontinued. In other words, they didn't want to lose the RF97 devotees to another brand so move the PS97 up in weight a little.

 

[johnjoes]

Hi, have you guys ever tried pro staff v14 with Babolat rpm blast? I have speed pro 2022 but I’m planning to buy pro staff v14 because I have one handed backend and I want to increase my volley power.

 

[Mischko]

I've played all that you mention, and I'd go for Blade v9 18x20 instead, but demo both 16x19 and 18x20. Especially on volleys you'll gain a lot, but also on one handed backhand it's great, better than PS97 v14

Blast isn't great on volleys, RPM Power is much better. But v14 is stiff, not sure if you want to string it with such a stiff string as Blast

 

[Jono123]

I've played all that you mention, and I'd go for Blade v9 18x20 instead, but demo both 16x19 and 18x20. Especially on volleys you'll gain a lot, but also on one handed backhand it's great, better than PS97 v14

Blast isn't great on volleys, RPM Power is much better. But v14 is stiff, not sure if you want to string it with such a stiff string as Blast

How would you compare the V8 18x20 to the V9?

 

[aus89]

Hi, have you guys ever tried pro staff v14 with Babolat rpm blast? I have speed pro 2022 but I’m planning to buy pro staff v14 because I have one handed backend and I want to increase my volley power.

rpm team might be worth a look too - bit softer than blast... or a hybrid, something like multifeel maybe - but im not sure a poly will increase power by any means on the volley

 

[Jono123]

I just pulled the trigger on the PS97 today. My current stick is a Gravity Pro which I like but it can be a little demanding. I had previously bought the PS X last year but I found it to be an erratic frame and I had no confidence when going for the lines. My style is more flattish with an Eastern forehand and the X didn't seem to like that forehand drive which my game is built around.

My current back up frame is a Blade 18x20 which is great and super steady. I did think about the V9 but I dont see that much of a difference. and I hate muted rackets like the V7. Ive been flirting with the PS 97 for sometime, read all the reviews but worried about the smaller head size and weight etc. But as I can hang with the GP, admittedly with somewhat mixed results I think Im ready for The Stick of the Gods.

I just hope Im worthy enough to wield it.

 

[TennisManiac]

I think Im ready for The Stick of the Gods.

I just hope Im worthy enough to wield it.

You'll be fine. Just believe in your abilities. Anyone can play with any racket.

 

[Cowboy]

I just pulled the trigger on the PS97 today. My current stick is a Gravity Pro which I like but it can be a little demanding. I had previously bought the PS X last year but I found it to be an erratic frame and I had no confidence when going for the lines. My style is more flattish with an Eastern forehand and the X didn't seem to like that forehand drive which my game is built around.

My current back up frame is a Blade 18x20 which is great and super steady. I did think about the V9 but I dont see that much of a difference. and I hate muted rackets like the V7. Ive been flirting with the PS 97 for sometime, read all the reviews but worried about the smaller head size and weight etc. But as I can hang with the GP, admittedly with somewhat mixed results I think Im ready for The Stick of the Gods.

I just hope Im worthy enough to wield it.

That Blade v8 18x20 is on sale right now....just sayin'

I also demoed a PS X and did not like it. I read several reviews and watched several videos where people just raved about how steady and wonderful it was. Not my experience. I felt it was cumbersome and I was ready to return the demo after one session with it. I will admit that I had never played with the strings that were in the demo....they looked like Hyper-G, but I couldn't say for certain...so it may just be that the string/racquet combo wasn't jiving. Either way, I wasn't impressed enough to get it another shot.

 

[tennis_balla]

2024 Wilson “Pete Sampras” Pro Staff 97 and of course it has a Fairway leather underneath the Tourna. Dampener available at your local Home Depot

 

[aus89]

2024 Wilson “Pete Sampras” Pro Staff 97 and of course it has a Fairway leather underneath the Tourna. Dampener available at your local Home Depot

You can always do a late career Sampras with a Wilson Cushion Aire Classic Sponge grip too!

 

[Cowboy]

You can always do a late career Sampras with a Wilson Cushion Aire Classic Sponge grip too!

Hey! I like that grip!

 

[tennis_balla]

You can always do a late career Sampras with a Wilson Cushion Aire Classic Sponge grip too!

Haha yea. I was just messing around, this is my coaching racket. I don’t play with a dampener. This one isn’t bad actually, but I prefer the feel of no dampener but silicone in the handle.