JOSHL
Hall of Fame
I didn’t find the control to be bad really. I also still have 2 pro staff 97CV in my collection which is kinda why I’m not interested in the current 97 but more the X. Like PP I’m going to see if my local shop will match price.
Wilson Pro Staff V14.0
- Thread starter DJTaurus
- Start date
gino
Legend
usually when a thread with future "speculation" gets deleted, it's because the brand/retailer does not want that information circulating in the public
LevinaMax
New User
am looking for it too lol, must be true and wilson rep doesnt want us to know of it yet?
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Know what? That a new Blade is coming this summer?
gino
Legend
Know what? That a new Blade is coming this summer?
is it really new if they sell it on their site already
LevinaMax
New User
Yeah and a new clashKnow what? That a new Blade is coming this summer?
VitalSigns
New User
Heard talk at my local tennis club that a new RF prostaff will be coming out? I know there's been rumors like that circulating for a while, but has there been any recent development/change that I missed or is it more of the same rumor?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I have one PS97 with full poly and one with multi poly. The multi poly will be a gut poly soon, I just need to dial in the setup first. Obviously multi cant hold tension like gut or last as long, but it helps me get an idea of how I should string the frame.
Full poly in this frame feels real nice. It is very firm but has a nice sweet spot to it. Bit of a ping sound on contact but that may be the new grommets. It's not as easy of a setup though, and the sweet spot is condensed a bit, even at 44#s. On serve it is fantastic. Tons of spin and grip on the ball. But anything less than a full swing can be a dud. The multi/poly setup encourages a much more varied game of power mixed with touch and finesse. I am leaning towards gut/poly as the go to on this frame but I want to give full poly a fair chance, so Ill continue to log hours with this stringbed of razor code soft/HIT pro.
Big picture is this racquet is so pure and enjoyable to use. If I hit a bad shot, I know why and I adjust right away. As a result, it is not very demanding to me. It's just a highly enjoyable frame that coaches, but never feels like it is punishing. Loving it so far.
Full poly in this frame feels real nice. It is very firm but has a nice sweet spot to it. Bit of a ping sound on contact but that may be the new grommets. It's not as easy of a setup though, and the sweet spot is condensed a bit, even at 44#s. On serve it is fantastic. Tons of spin and grip on the ball. But anything less than a full swing can be a dud. The multi/poly setup encourages a much more varied game of power mixed with touch and finesse. I am leaning towards gut/poly as the go to on this frame but I want to give full poly a fair chance, so Ill continue to log hours with this stringbed of razor code soft/HIT pro.
Big picture is this racquet is so pure and enjoyable to use. If I hit a bad shot, I know why and I adjust right away. As a result, it is not very demanding to me. It's just a highly enjoyable frame that coaches, but never feels like it is punishing. Loving it so far.
BringBackNCode
New User
Is the RF 97 really 95 sq in? I have the 2018 Laver Cup version and visually it appears to be the exact same area as the v13 Pro Staff 6.1 95 sq in model. If anything the RF might be slightly smaller. I was surprised at how much punchier the RF was even with tighter and thicker strings. I thought maybe it was the head size but they literally seem identical. The RF is also about 30+ grams heavier strung.
D
Deleted member 775108
Guest
Nope - the RF97 has longer mains so there is area getting added along the entire bridge area till the second cross from the bottom.
The RF was designed to compete with Rafa's APDO so I'm does flex a lot less in the other direction than many rackets, even tweeners (you know the direction the Wilson Shift had that extra flex) - It punches well above expectations as a result. Its basically a heavy tweener kinda, pretending to be a control frame.
Last edited by a moderator:
BringBackNCode
New User
12" & 5/8ths on the PS 6.1 95 versus 12" & 3/4ths on the RF 97. 1/8th inch longer on length but the RF has a thinner beam in the lower part of the frame. PS is 8 & 1/2 inches along the fourth cross from bottom, and the RF is 8 & 1/4th inches on the fourth cross. The RF is 1/8th longer on the center mains but is 1/4th thinner in the lower beam. At the center cross they look identical. At the 3rd cross from the top they're both exactly 8 inches long. Basically if you break the hoop up into 2 parts, the top parts of the hoop are identical but the bottom part of the hoops differ, with the RF being 1/8th longer but 1/4th thinner in the bottom section. Basically, I think the RF is probably the same head size as the PS 95. 97 is probably just marketing since it's the only major racket marketed as a 97 sq in head (PS APD etc.).
gino
Legend
Your username is GOATed & interesting takes here
Power Player
Bionic Poster
What tension are you all stringing Gut poly in this frame? I feel like 56#s on the gut may work, but I use a semiwestern grip and like poly in the frame at 43#s. I tried multi at 50#s and ill revisit again tomorrow, but it felt a bit too powerful, although the soft cross (Element) made a big differnce there too. Also the spin with Gut poly is better than multi/poly.
I have 3 of these now. The one I have with full poly feels fantastic too. It plays incredibly well in the low 40's. I tried a hybrid of Razor Code Soft and HIT Pro crosses. Nice and thumpy feel, just really fantastic. I am either going to have 2 with full poly and 1 with gut poly or vice versa. Still figuring it out.
I have 3 of these now. The one I have with full poly feels fantastic too. It plays incredibly well in the low 40's. I tried a hybrid of Razor Code Soft and HIT Pro crosses. Nice and thumpy feel, just really fantastic. I am either going to have 2 with full poly and 1 with gut poly or vice versa. Still figuring it out.
Gut 59/sniper or alu rough 56. Tried 56/53 it's way too launchy.
After a period of trying to change from the X to the Blade 16x19 and then to the Aero 98, I find that the X is the best racquet for me when it comes to the mix of power, spin and stability. The X helps me a lot especially on my BH. Of course, the X is not the best racquet when it comes to control, but the power of this racquet helps me on days when I don't have as much power to play. I don't know whether to try to play PS 97 (I have the possibility to demo it) - I'm afraid that this racquet might be too demanding for me.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Try it out. I had the same thoughts on the ps97. Imo it’s easier to use than most feel frames out there. Think some of it is due to the string pattern. I’ve switched to it now full time.
I’d say if you are the type of player who wants to use and improve technique the ps97 is a perfect racquet. If you play the game with active feet and have good strokes than this racquet will reward you and make you better.
The aero98 is more powerful but still a frame meant for more skilled players so if you can use that you should be fine with the ps97.
I also have a 16x19 v9 blade and think it’s great. It is punchy and has more free power to it. But the shape I can put on the ball with the ps97 while still hitting small targets is next level.
Yep i noticed that is Pure Aero 98 is quite demanding and need almost perfect technique in every shot. For example my BH in Pure Aero dint exist. In one shot Pure 98 is better than X - in serve. I have some troubles with my serve in X - especially in my second serve. So i wonder to try PS 97 because maybe the 97inch will be better for serve.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
It’s amazing for serve for sure. If you can demo it’s well worth it. I carry the blade and ps97 right now so I can compare and contrast long term. So far I prefer the ps97 but I’ll really know after 3 months or so of matches.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Do you hit pretty flat? For me 56/53 sounds like a potentially good setup but i also like my full poly beds at 43#s in this thing.
Speaking of that, good lord that’s a fun setup. Starting to favor the full poly setup now but I have not strung up gut poly yet. Doing that tomorrow.
I hit with spin but my trajectory is not loopy ala Rafa and as I mentioned before I couldn't get the same spin with this vs my RF. It's so easy to generate spin with the RF but not so with the ps97 v14. Possibly due to the string spacing and paradigm bending. The v14 have more penetration and heavier ball. I'm gonna try to experiment with 1 OG again and see how it feels.
Hence with the gut being so powerful + my 340 SW makes the racket too powerful the last time I use 56/53 lbs.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Ok makes sense. I am playing at 331-334 sw so it’s a little lighter of a weight. I get really good spin with this frame, one of the highlights of it for me.
Between seeing the lower swingweights, reading this thread, and starting to second guess the stiffness of my Whiteout 18x20....I have a PS97 demo back in my possession.
Strung with multi CX 16, which could be appealing except it feels/sounds tight.
This was the demo I used previously (same shop) which I believe was overspec, so from that perspective not helpful but maybe I missed something. I plan to keep it a couple weeks.
Strung with multi CX 16, which could be appealing except it feels/sounds tight.
This was the demo I used previously (same shop) which I believe was overspec, so from that perspective not helpful but maybe I missed something. I plan to keep it a couple weeks.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I got all mine from the same shop, so probably they were all made in the same timeframe..etc. Anyway, the specs are rather consistent, the widest difference is 1 frame weighs 3 grams more. Which I don't really notice on court. Swingweight wise, all 3 of mine came in at 293-295 unstrung SW. I'd suggest modding to 300-305 range unstrung. I found that lead across the top has the most benefits in terms of solidifying the frame and raising SW. The balance after will still be 8 pts. Anyway, hopefully you get a good spec too. The frame swings super fast with the SW under 300. I wanted to slow mine down just a touch and add some plow as well.
When did you buy yours, approximately?
Just curious because based on this demo and TW, early ones must've had higher stock swingweights.
TW recently updated the average down to a lower number indicating recent models were coming in lower.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Just bought them all within the past month. All from the same local shop. I rarely buy 3 of a frame unless I love the frame, but I love this racqet and the memorial day sale really made it an easy call.
My guess is you will get a new one with a SW around 295 unless it's just out of spec. So the new models very well may be coming in lower.
That makes sense and definitely tracks.
Good to know they're a little lower to allow light mods.
Obviously much harder to make a slow swinging racquet fast, at least to me.
Honeymoon has started....successfully
2hrs of mixed doubles, pretty low intensity but I miss the heft of a 315g racquet.
Sure my Whiteout probably weighs 315 now with a leather grip and 5g buttcap, but the frame, the real mass is 305g or even lighter because the stock grip. So all things equal, the frame mass is higher on the PS97.
Also just miss a softer/plusher feel. The whiteout is nice, not too dampened and solid feeling, but a few stiff polys have caused me to question whether it's too stiff for me long-term.
As an aside, Multi CX is pretty decent in this frame. Strung a little tight and lacking a little spin [compared to poly] but honestly pretty good. I think it'll break quickly, but nice power and not bad spin. Very comfortable feel, a little floaty for my touch shots and slices but I assume 50% responsibility there.
2hrs of mixed doubles, pretty low intensity but I miss the heft of a 315g racquet.
Sure my Whiteout probably weighs 315 now with a leather grip and 5g buttcap, but the frame, the real mass is 305g or even lighter because the stock grip. So all things equal, the frame mass is higher on the PS97.
Also just miss a softer/plusher feel. The whiteout is nice, not too dampened and solid feeling, but a few stiff polys have caused me to question whether it's too stiff for me long-term.
As an aside, Multi CX is pretty decent in this frame. Strung a little tight and lacking a little spin [compared to poly] but honestly pretty good. I think it'll break quickly, but nice power and not bad spin. Very comfortable feel, a little floaty for my touch shots and slices but I assume 50% responsibility there.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I played with gut/kirschbaum flash at 56/52. Totally get what you mean, even coming from poly at 43#s, the power level from this setup takes some adjustment. I think I can play at this tension though, but I will probably string another Staff at 59/54 so I can get used to all the free power from the gut. Once I do that I think I can slowly get lower in tension, but it's quite the adjustment from using full poly for so long.
The positives are very apparent though. Incredible ball feel and spin. My touch on drop shots was far better, and I was able to gauge and control depth a lot easier on lobs. Off the ground, its a lot of free power. The key for me was to keep my arm and wrist loose and not tighten it up to try and control the power. If I found myself not letting my wrist flow through the shot, on the next ball back I'd slice or hit a punch shot just to get a clean ball strike, and then attack again with a loose arm.
This setup and racquet combo is so incredible that it's tough to really put into words. It's just a pretty major adjustment from full poly so I'm going to give myself plenty of time with it so I can get used to how it plays. A major benefit for me is that I can really train myself to swing loosely since the setup is so powerful. It makes the Pro Staff play like a tweener in terms of power and help on defense while retaining the precise control that defines the frame. Of course the enhanced feel takes the frame to ridiculous levels of sweet spot bliss.
Povl Carstensen
Legend
(wrong thread)
chizzle
Rookie
I'm still playing my best with the X. Had yet another fling with the Bab PD, but could not trust it in big situations - even though the power was fun, it was tough for me to trust in tight spots. I just need to remember to make tension adjustments 45lb in the cool - 53lb in the heat for example... (poly)
I have the 97 (x2) in the bag as well, (this would be my preference if I was only playing dubs).
I finally measured my 4 Xs - 11.88, 11.95, 11.96, 11.97 static with OG and damp. Not bad for 3 different sources.
I have the 97 (x2) in the bag as well, (this would be my preference if I was only playing dubs).
I finally measured my 4 Xs - 11.88, 11.95, 11.96, 11.97 static with OG and damp. Not bad for 3 different sources.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
How do you compare the x to the 97? Less feel, more forgiveness? Interested in your impressions there.
chizzle
Rookie
I think the feel is similar. One main feel thing for me, is that I can play a 1.20 poly in the X and it feels right. But the same poly in the 97 feels just slightly more dead in comparison. Also, more forgiveness a teeny bit more oomph - and with that a little more height on groundies. For me I can be a tiny bit off center with the X and still feels super solid (eg on returns).
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
What string you using in the X? I have poly tour drive Mayami hit pro and it’s way too powerful/erratic.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I have been tweaking my forehand technique and can now get much easier power. Need some time to work it in and control it, so I strung up a Ps97 with Lux gut at 60 and Grapplesnake Irukandji at 57.
Really great setup. The sweet spot feel is fantastic. I can see myself dropping the tension down to 57 or so down the road, but I still get plenty of power for now with this.
I think I will string my full poly job at 49#s and see how that goes. I am still not sure which setup I prefer, but since I have 3 of these frames, it really doesn't matter too much.
I like this frame so much that I am considering replacing my Blade 100 with the Pro Staff X, but I don't know yet. It is tough now to go back to the V9 98 Blade because the feel is just not even close to the Pro Staff for me. So I may list that one.
Really great setup. The sweet spot feel is fantastic. I can see myself dropping the tension down to 57 or so down the road, but I still get plenty of power for now with this.
I think I will string my full poly job at 49#s and see how that goes. I am still not sure which setup I prefer, but since I have 3 of these frames, it really doesn't matter too much.
I like this frame so much that I am considering replacing my Blade 100 with the Pro Staff X, but I don't know yet. It is tough now to go back to the V9 98 Blade because the feel is just not even close to the Pro Staff for me. So I may list that one.
forzamr_b
Rookie
I prefer the v14, better plow (higher sw) and feel. Didn’t like the v13 because it lacked weight in the hoop. I liked it the least among the versions I’ve tried: v14, v11, v10, v13.
I'm still demoing, about to restring with PT Strike 1.20
Thinking of 48 or 50lbs, any thoughts?
I formerly used the Ultra Pro 16x19 with the same string at 48lbs and it was good, the UP was similarly spec'd to this PS so thought it would be a good comparo but the layups are obviously different and that can impact how a string feels/performs.
Thinking of 48 or 50lbs, any thoughts?
I formerly used the Ultra Pro 16x19 with the same string at 48lbs and it was good, the UP was similarly spec'd to this PS so thought it would be a good comparo but the layups are obviously different and that can impact how a string feels/performs.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah I string poly at 48 in this and I’m in the mountains. So you can get away with 48 easily imo.
Only variable is the string is 1.20. So maybe to be safe I’d string at 50.
Ended up going 48, since I have a reference point with my UP with the same string at the same tension.
We'll see, playing tonight
2.5 hrs of doubles, 48 felt about right for this string.
I don't know how I've settled on that as my go-to tension, but it seems to work in quite a few different racquets
The balance of control, spin, and power seemed pretty goldilocks.
Spin was a massive improvement over the multi that was strung tightly, and PT Strike isn't even a spinny string. (Probably an obvious observation)
I also prefer a little softer stringbed, so while going up would get a little more control, not sure it is worth in exchange for a firmer stringbed.
Plus, control was ptetty good anyway.
The only thing that stood out is maybe the string is a little muted for this frame. It seems like Wilson has started making their frames more muted and the Pro Staff is no exception.* It is terrible, no. Also Yonex strings are known for being a little muted too.
*To fully form this opinion, I need more time with the string/frame combo, so this isn't concrete at this point.
Otherwise, a really good outing and no real weaknesses.
I don't know how I've settled on that as my go-to tension, but it seems to work in quite a few different racquets
The balance of control, spin, and power seemed pretty goldilocks.
Spin was a massive improvement over the multi that was strung tightly, and PT Strike isn't even a spinny string. (Probably an obvious observation)
I also prefer a little softer stringbed, so while going up would get a little more control, not sure it is worth in exchange for a firmer stringbed.
Plus, control was ptetty good anyway.
The only thing that stood out is maybe the string is a little muted for this frame. It seems like Wilson has started making their frames more muted and the Pro Staff is no exception.* It is terrible, no. Also Yonex strings are known for being a little muted too.
*To fully form this opinion, I need more time with the string/frame combo, so this isn't concrete at this point.
Otherwise, a really good outing and no real weaknesses.
jj4545
New User
One can easily add swing weight to v13 with 3-4g to the hoop. The v14 has more flex in the throat. It really depends on your style. The more SW messed up my timing on the backhand, I hit much better BH (higher racket speed) with the lower SW of V13. For FH and service the higher SW was nice in the 1 Set, but after that again it was working against me. So it really depends on your level and style. The paintjob of the normal v14 also plays role, noir&night versions look much better.
forzamr_b
Rookie
I did add weight to the v13 hoop to have it in strung 325-330 SW, but still didn’t feel as nice as the v11 and v14. Perhaps it was too polarised for my liking.
I agree, lead doesn't always feel the same as the racquet having mass from the factory.
yourtennisfit
Semi-Pro
The v14 is just more refined, which is a pity as the paintjob is so much nicer on the v13
But I did the same and also didn't have the solid and plush feel of the new generation so far
2nd-srv-ace
New User
I just got this racquet (PS v14 97, 11.7 oz strung) and it is amazing. It plays like my Prestige 93 sq in 18x20. It really complements my 1HBH and I can hit hard and deep on FH side. Volleys and backhand slices are on point. Not sure who was crapping all over the PJ, but I think is beautiful; the bronze color which flashes golden tones when light hits it in certain angles, it is awesome looking. ah and my server was great too.
