Do you have any recommendations for other stiff throat and general lateral stiffness but lighter racket？
Wilson Pro Staff V14.0
- Thread starter DJTaurus
- Start date
Do you have any recommendations for other stiff throat and general lateral stiffness but lighter racket？
I agree, I also have 2 on the heavy side, both weight and swingweight. Was also used to heavy frames before, RF97, PS90, PS85, and even wood..
Well all stiff light racquets fit into that category, Aero, Ezone, Pure Drive, Ultra, Radical etc
But I don't know how their lateral stiffness measures, I can only guess that Aeros and Ezones have higher lateral stiffness due to throat shape
optic yellow
Legend
My 2HBH isn't good enough to form an opinion on the suitability of the racquet but I could easily believe this is true because it is a racquet that demands confident (wo/)manliness from the user.
Ribbing aside probably look to adopt more the style of players like Agassi and Becker known for releasing the off-hand very early through the contact.
yourtennisfit
Professional
I know what you're saying - the Pro Staff just feels like it is designed for either a sliced or one-handed backhand.
Part of it may be due to the headlight balance, but rather high twistweight
I sometimes struggle to find the right distance to the ball on my backhand, where it still generates power, but doesn't get too hard to hit.
It really needs you to step into the ball and take the power from your opponent's shot with it
AlexKangaroo
Rookie
Isn't the Pro Staff v14 handle even a bit too short for 2 handed backhand? I know you can just tape the grip longer, but it does signal that they would prefer only 1 handed backhand.
Agree, somehow this stick works perfect for one-handed backhand.. has to do with relatively high SW, and headlight?
yourtennisfit
Professional
In comparison to some Prestige models, it actually has a decent grip length
Not quite a modern one, but good to handle for a two hander
It's because on the one hander we need to always step into the ball and really swing through, while most double handed players half block at all times, while on the outer leg, and often heel. Even when just hitting crosses, drilling, most double handed players never step into the ball and swing through
So for a single handed player a more depolarized racquet that you need to attack with will work better, with more mass in the throat and handle, and for a double hander it's often a more polarized racquet you can dig yourself out with easily that works best, mass in the handle and throat can be completely reduced without issues bc there's the other hand supporting the racquet
So for a single handed player a more depolarized racquet that you need to attack with will work better, with more mass in the throat and handle, and for a double hander it's often a more polarized racquet you can dig yourself out with easily that works best, mass in the handle and throat can be completely reduced without issues bc there's the other hand supporting the racquet
Grip length is rather normal.
Also agree with @yourtennisfit feels much more natural on the slice backhand.
Also when you step in and take the ball on the rise and flatten it out.
That's why I was curious on others thoughts/experience because just average, rally/neutral topspin backhands always leave me wanting a bit more and I can't quite figure out what it is.
The SW is decent so it should have "plowthrough" and I have no problem whipping up topspin on the forehand side, so it doesn't add up.
Also agree with @yourtennisfit feels much more natural on the slice backhand.
Also when you step in and take the ball on the rise and flatten it out.
That's why I was curious on others thoughts/experience because just average, rally/neutral topspin backhands always leave me wanting a bit more and I can't quite figure out what it is.
The SW is decent so it should have "plowthrough" and I have no problem whipping up topspin on the forehand side, so it doesn't add up.
optic yellow
Legend
No the length is fine the racquet just tells you the entire time that you are a ***** for hitting it that way.
optic yellow
Legend
I was memeing about the confident manliness part but I think there is something real to think about with the Agassi style. The 1HBH is more of a finesse flick even at max power and the the 2HBH is more of a brutal bludgeon so it would make sense certain frames feel more fit for one of these or the other. It does seem very common when reading racquet reviews of standard 100in² frames that the 1HBH testers complain about it not feeling great for them.
I saw your post, completely changing my backhand seems a bit unrealistic.
I was more looking for anyone else with minor foibles on the 2-hander with the pro staff and if they overcame it or just accepted it.
Hard to find a racquet that does everything exactly perfectly, especially when it is usually on the player. That being said, some racquets naturally do things better than others.
optic yellow
Legend
Oh sorry I thought it was easy for someone with a good 2HBH to change how they hit it but that again belies the absolutely terrible standard of my own
Yes you are right on that last point. When I sing the PS97v14's praises I should probably remember to add that caveat instead of saying it truly does everything perfectly.
I can't tell if you're trying to troll or what, but that's cool everyone needs a hobby.Oh sorry I thought it was easy for someone with a good 2HBH to change how they hit it but that again belies the absolutely terrible standard of my own
Yes you are right on that last point. When I sing the PS97v14's praises I should probably remember to add that caveat instead of saying it truly does everything perfectly.
optic yellow
Legend
No I'm not trolling at all. I am saying the same that others have noticed, that the stick promotes the feel of the 1HBH over the 2HBH. I realize what I said about the good 2HBH could be construed as mocking yours but no I was actually serious, I assume yours is good, whereas I know for sure mine is not, so I was acknowledging I underappreciated the difficulty of changing the style of the 2HBH.
Hulger
Semi-Pro
It’s excellent if you can find the center and tend to hit through the ball. Not so great for defensive thbh reaches or dirty brushing style swings.
It requires time and practice to truly master this hammer.
Last edited:
Unforgiven79
Semi-Pro
Hi @Mischko , can I make you a question, since I read you have/have had RF97A, PS97, and Blade 18x20/16x19?
I just love the classic ProStaff handle shape (not the buttcap, the section itself): I have both PS90 and RF97 and, for whatever reason, thier handle feels just perfect for my hand, especially with my OHBH when it rests perfectly - it could lay there forever.
The Blade lines has a slightly different shape, sort of more narrow - still great, but not THAT. Last week I demo'ed a RF01 Pro: I had given for granted it would have the same RF97A handle given its design purpose, but in fact it was more similar to by Blade.
Now: has the PS97 a handle like the RF97A? Thanks!
Hi, not sure since it has the same synthetic base grip. Perhaps it's slightly less rectangular, but it seemed identical to me, PS97v14 vs Blade v8/v9. I definitely hit the same flatter forehands with cover with both, really no difference.
Surprised you say that RF 01 Pro has a more rectangular shape, I have the opposite impression, and grips aren't even something I care all that much about. To me RF01 Pro has a more squared, less rectangular, grip shape. I don't now remember everything I've read or watched on Youtube, but maybe it was said somewhere it had a more squared shape, as in what Roger plays with, not sure. But I did really like it, and noticed it immediately when I was hitting.
RF97A had that cheap-ish and hard on the hand Wilson leather grip, with too sharp bevels, I never had the impression that it's oh so great. And I didn't know enough then to replace it with something better. RF01 Pro's leather grip is really nice, forms a great shape and bevels, to me at least. Way more similar to PS90s, vs RF97A
Surprised you say that RF 01 Pro has a more rectangular shape, I have the opposite impression, and grips aren't even something I care all that much about. To me RF01 Pro has a more squared, less rectangular, grip shape. I don't now remember everything I've read or watched on Youtube, but maybe it was said somewhere it had a more squared shape, as in what Roger plays with, not sure. But I did really like it, and noticed it immediately when I was hitting.
RF97A had that cheap-ish and hard on the hand Wilson leather grip, with too sharp bevels, I never had the impression that it's oh so great. And I didn't know enough then to replace it with something better. RF01 Pro's leather grip is really nice, forms a great shape and bevels, to me at least. Way more similar to PS90s, vs RF97A
I concur with this. RF01 Pro has a more square shape grip and bigger grip which feels like a 2.5 which is perfect for me (I use L2). V14 L2 feels like L1 and it's more rounded on the edges, have to double overgrip it.
croplayer22
New User
Hello to all,
Probably new Pro Staff user here, looking to order one. What string setup would you recommend?
Probably new Pro Staff user here, looking to order one. What string setup would you recommend?
ZeroandOne
Rookie
4G desert bronze.
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
Toroline
Poly Tour Strike 1.20 is really good.
Lux ALU 1.15 is ok, plays like ALU, great and dies quickly. Not a huge fan of how ALU feels, much prefer BBO.
Hawk Power is decent, good all-rounder, not exceptional anywhere but the feel is nice.
HyperG/HyperG Round hybrid 1.20 is really good.
Big Banger Original does well at 45lbs.
48lbs is my go-to tension for this racquet except as noted above.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Add lead
I've got a gram at the tip of one and going to see if that helps.
I know I'm starting small but I tend to overestimate how much lead I need, so I'm trying to be conservative this time.
It may just take more focus on my part to actually fix it
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
It's all about the swing weight. If your frame had a lower swing weight to start with, you may need 3 or 4 grams at the tip. If it was on spec with a hefty swing weight to begin with, you may only need 2 grams. But honestly... I wouldn't even notice a difference with just a gram.
anarosevoli
Semi-Pro
Maybe try a Blade? Sorry, but there seems to be a quite strong correlation with Blade-2HBH and PS-OHBH.
Hit 'em clean
Semi-Pro
Late to the party on this frame. Have always loved the Pro Staff line and the 6.0 95 version is one of the GOATs IMO. Last PS I played with was the 6.0 Hyperstaff 95. Since then I just didn't like the newer versions. The PS RF97 was a worth frame, but just too heavy for match play. The standard weight PS97's just felt disconnected and anemic to me especially with countervail, etc. The stiffness was also something I had been concerned about as I'm getting older. I recently broke out the original 6.0 95 for a hitting session and Wow was it fantastic. I've been playing with lighter frames, but they are all so light in the handle & SW heavy in the tip. I still prefer a head light racquet 7+ points, but the issue I tend to run into is most offerings are a higher static weight and SW than I really want these days. I can adjust, but I still prefer some handle weight (especially for 2HBH) and lighter SW in tip so I can really accelerate it while still having some plow.
I've been testing the Gravity Tour 98 and Ezone 98 recently and was pretty sure I was going with one of those. I was leaning toward the EZ98, but the feel was so disconnected I was having doubts. The GT98 is fantastic as well, but my match results were that the EZ98 was 'helping' me more. I just wasn't totally convinced either way and decided maybe to go back with a heavier static weight and with 7+HL and realized the PS97 might fit the bill. PS97 has been a real coming home again. Definitely feels like the Pro Staff again... the bump in SW to mid 320's helps the lighter weight feel substantial enough while still being HL enough to rip the tip through. V14 PS97 is more forgiving and comfortable, while still retaining enough stiffness to provide surprising pop and feel. There is just a touch of muted feel, but compared to most current racquets it has great feel in comparison. Spin is also very good, while not a spin frame... you can create a ton of spin, but it just doesn't come for free. Serves and volleys are great with all pop, spin and precision you need.
V14 is giving me more power on groundies and serve than my Speed Pro (2022). Power is equal to the GT98, but not as much as the EZ98. Best part is I know exactly how well I hit the ball and what it's going to do at contact. The EZ98 would feel great, but I'd have no idea how well I hit it at contact... I'd have to wait and see what happened. I'm really enjoying the feedback so I can dial in my strokes. Some frames are so forgiving you don't know how far off the sweet spot you are until you're way off. There's enough forgiveness on the PS97 that I can get away with stuff, but still know that wasn't my best.
Hoping that this frame continues to feel good for my arm because this could be my main stick for hopefully a while.
I've been testing the Gravity Tour 98 and Ezone 98 recently and was pretty sure I was going with one of those. I was leaning toward the EZ98, but the feel was so disconnected I was having doubts. The GT98 is fantastic as well, but my match results were that the EZ98 was 'helping' me more. I just wasn't totally convinced either way and decided maybe to go back with a heavier static weight and with 7+HL and realized the PS97 might fit the bill. PS97 has been a real coming home again. Definitely feels like the Pro Staff again... the bump in SW to mid 320's helps the lighter weight feel substantial enough while still being HL enough to rip the tip through. V14 PS97 is more forgiving and comfortable, while still retaining enough stiffness to provide surprising pop and feel. There is just a touch of muted feel, but compared to most current racquets it has great feel in comparison. Spin is also very good, while not a spin frame... you can create a ton of spin, but it just doesn't come for free. Serves and volleys are great with all pop, spin and precision you need.
V14 is giving me more power on groundies and serve than my Speed Pro (2022). Power is equal to the GT98, but not as much as the EZ98. Best part is I know exactly how well I hit the ball and what it's going to do at contact. The EZ98 would feel great, but I'd have no idea how well I hit it at contact... I'd have to wait and see what happened. I'm really enjoying the feedback so I can dial in my strokes. Some frames are so forgiving you don't know how far off the sweet spot you are until you're way off. There's enough forgiveness on the PS97 that I can get away with stuff, but still know that wasn't my best.
Hoping that this frame continues to feel good for my arm because this could be my main stick for hopefully a while.
Yes v14 is a good one. I still lacked a bit of that stability and maybe even stiffness and power, but it is maneuvrable, pin point precision too. Plays best at 328-330sw with a low tension string with generous power, like Alu or Razor code white etc
Have you tried the RF 01 Pro maybe? I liked that one way more, 5g more but more power more stability, but it's stiff and needs a forgiving string in mains, although full bed Alu is OK, but not great
Have you tried the RF 01 Pro maybe? I liked that one way more, 5g more but more power more stability, but it's stiff and needs a forgiving string in mains, although full bed Alu is OK, but not great
Hit 'em clean
Semi-Pro
Haven't tried the RF01 Pro... it's a little higher in static weight, etc. than where I want to be. My current two PS97's came in at specs below. Plenty of stability and plow for me while still feeling pretty maneuverable and not tiring me out.
332g, 325 SW (strung with PTP 17ga at 50#)
330g, 323 SW (strung with Solinco Hyper G soft at 50#)
Haven't hit with the hyper g stick yet as I just strung it up, but PTP felt great to me. Hoping for similar power level with the HyperG and a little more spin.
332g, 325 SW (strung with PTP 17ga at 50#)
330g, 323 SW (strung with Solinco Hyper G soft at 50#)
Haven't hit with the hyper g stick yet as I just strung it up, but PTP felt great to me. Hoping for similar power level with the HyperG and a little more spin.
forzamr_b
Rookie
If you love the 6.0 95, why not stick with it? If you swap out the leather for a synthetic grip, the static and balance would be similar to a PS 97. The SW would be lower so you lose some plow but gain RHS. The thinner beam provides better feel too. I ask because I used to main the 6.0 95 but switched to the PS X because it was getting too demanding for me. My experience has been that in terms of forgiveness, the 6.0 95 is similar to the PS 97. So if you can handle either of these frames, I think the 6.0 95 is the better option. That’s why I still have my 6.0 95s but sold off my PS 97s. Curious to hear your thoughts on the PS 97 vs 6.0 95? But I do agree that the v14 is the best version of the PS 97 to date.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
I always use Alu Power in my V14s. I tried PTP last summer and couldn't believe how low powered it was. PTP has got to be one of the worst strings I've ever used in the V14.
ZeroandOne
Rookie
I've been powering through winter trying some string setups in the 97 v14. No mods anymore, no dampener too. Extremely cold winter.
RPM 1.25 @ 45 - good spin and power but so harsh outside the sweetspot. Worst string for my arm. Sent terrible vibrations up my arm. Of course the cold weather accentuated it.
Fire 1.25 @ 45 - Firm, stable, muted, lower powered than RPM, less spin too but more linear and predictable. Performance degrades gradually but less so than RPM. Doesn't bag out like rpm but string response seems degrades like it loses grab on the ball.
4G 1.25 @ 45 - Unbelievable string as always. Stable, powerful and retains its playability until breakage. Comfortable too (don't kill me please). Strings ended up looking like spaghetti but still played fine, actually got insane spin as it bagged out. I also love desert bronze 4G. These strings are match ready in the pro staff, the only mistake is stringing too tight. My limit is 50-52.
4G Bronze 1.25 / Multifeel 1.25 @ 50/48 - Broke the multi cross in 4 hours, won't try multi or synthetic soon again.
Right now I'm trying 1.20 Fire and 1.20 Rev white both at 50. Got a tournament coming up so I hope I can hit plenty of balls. Lovely racquet but a bit punishing.
RPM 1.25 @ 45 - good spin and power but so harsh outside the sweetspot. Worst string for my arm. Sent terrible vibrations up my arm. Of course the cold weather accentuated it.
Fire 1.25 @ 45 - Firm, stable, muted, lower powered than RPM, less spin too but more linear and predictable. Performance degrades gradually but less so than RPM. Doesn't bag out like rpm but string response seems degrades like it loses grab on the ball.
4G 1.25 @ 45 - Unbelievable string as always. Stable, powerful and retains its playability until breakage. Comfortable too (don't kill me please). Strings ended up looking like spaghetti but still played fine, actually got insane spin as it bagged out. I also love desert bronze 4G. These strings are match ready in the pro staff, the only mistake is stringing too tight. My limit is 50-52.
4G Bronze 1.25 / Multifeel 1.25 @ 50/48 - Broke the multi cross in 4 hours, won't try multi or synthetic soon again.
Right now I'm trying 1.20 Fire and 1.20 Rev white both at 50. Got a tournament coming up so I hope I can hit plenty of balls. Lovely racquet but a bit punishing.
Hit 'em clean
Semi-Pro
If they still sold them new (like they do with the 85 re-release) I would strongly consider it. Unfortunately I sold all of my 6.0 95’s years ago and only have a used one I bought on the bay. The little extra forgiveness and pop/plow on 97 helps and makes it a little easier to play with. I think spin comes a little easier on the 6.0 simply because it’s so head light and you can really whip up on the ball.
Just tried HyperG soft and spin was a little easier, but not in a good way… tended to hit ball short and spin modulation was harder to manage. I think I’m going to prefer round strings. PTP gives me more predictable spin that I can control.m along with better depth.
ZeroandOne
Rookie
Played a day tournament with the 97 strung with 4g@46. Thought about stringing rev1.20 but chickened out since it's a tournament and I wanted to use something familiar. Won my first 3 matches comfortably but in the 4th backhand errors started creeping in and by the 5th completely lost the plot. Played a lefty who kept spinning it viciously to my backhand. Tried stepping into it but couldn't hit it cleanly, consistently. Also -2° by 5PM so swing speed decreased and couldn't punch through the balls with my half swings. You win some you lose some.
Last edited:
Hyper g round
You should try Strike 1.20.
I used it at 48 and it was really nice. Great control and not dead like 4G.
Lasts a really long time too.
If you like it crisp, go with Lux 4g or Solinco Tour Bite, although shaped strings enhance the erratic behavior of the PS when hitting outside of the sweetspot.
However, general consensus is to use softer setups. I'm toying with Multis & Hybrids, but cannot trust them to last a competitive match.
My fave's:
- Lux 4G Soft
- TF Multifeel natural
- Head Lynx Tour champagne (not soft, but comparatively softer...)
Next setup on my list is a poor man's champions choice: Wilson Sensation + Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough.
ZeroandOne
Rookie
Thanks.
TwinCinema
Professional
I’m loving razor code white 1.20 in the 97. It’s a great string in almost any racket but it’s crisp enough to keep the sensation of the Staff but also not so firm you feel it as overly stiff. It helps with the spin and keeps driving flat shots (my 2HBH with this one) very precise and controlled.
ZeroandOne
Rookie
Thanks for all the string recs. I still have yet to play with 1.20 fire so it might be a few weeks before I can restring, but early March it's time for another 1 day tournament. As my tennis shop doesn't carry 1.20 razor code white or any poly tour strike, I'll probably just stick with 4g and keep focusing on my technique. Feels like 4g is starting to open up, in a good way.
I'm also taking some lessons and getting a good arm feel for the staff. It's like my body is slowly giving in to how the racquet wants to be swung, and I'm fighting it less and less. It makes me think of all the senseless switching I've been doing these past few years. Still, this stick highlights my flaws clearly. I'm caught napping most of the time, not prepared, committed, in position and not processing the incoming ball fast enough. Enough ranting
Specs now at 340g, 324sw and 32cm bal, with og, no damp, strung with 4g.
I'm also taking some lessons and getting a good arm feel for the staff. It's like my body is slowly giving in to how the racquet wants to be swung, and I'm fighting it less and less. It makes me think of all the senseless switching I've been doing these past few years. Still, this stick highlights my flaws clearly. I'm caught napping most of the time, not prepared, committed, in position and not processing the incoming ball fast enough. Enough ranting
Specs now at 340g, 324sw and 32cm bal, with og, no damp, strung with 4g.
As someone who uses heavy 12.5-13 oz racquets and struggles with anything lighter than 11.5 ounces, I'm really interested in your perspective on moving up in weight class. How were you swinging the racquet before, and how are you swinging now so that it doesn't feel more cumbersome to move?Thanks for all the string recs. I still have yet to play with 1.20 fire so it might be a few weeks before I can restring, but early March it's time for another 1 day tournament. As my tennis shop doesn't carry 1.20 razor code white or any poly tour strike, I'll probably just stick with 4g and keep focusing on my technique. Feels like 4g is starting to open up, in a good way.
I'm also taking some lessons and getting a good arm feel for the staff. It's like my body is slowly giving in to how the racquet wants to be swung, and I'm fighting it less and less. It makes me think of all the senseless switching I've been doing these past few years. Still, this stick highlights my flaws clearly. I'm caught napping most of the time, not prepared, committed, in position and not processing the incoming ball fast enough. Enough ranting
Specs now at 340g, 324sw and 32cm bal, with og, no damp, strung with 4g.
ZeroandOne
Rookie
I haven't moved up in weight class, as my previous main was a customized tf40 315 18x20. 344g,327sw,32cm. However, it does feel like spending more time with the staff smoothes out the kinks in my swings, or simply put, getting used to this stick and not touching anything else.
