Wilson Pro Staff V14.0

[Maloya]

Il est étrange que certains considèrent le V14 6.1 comme n'étant pas un véritable Pro Staff. Un ami m'a prêté un de ses vieux Hyper Pro Staff, également un 6.1, ainsi qu'un 95 comme le 6.1 95 V14.

Le HPS 6.1 est certes plus ancien, mais en termes de gameplay, je trouve très peu de différences entre le HPS 6.1 et le 6.1 v14 95. Du coup, faut-il comprendre que le 6.1 HPS 95 n'est finalement pas un vrai Pro Staff ?

 

[Geoff]

My friend smashed his v13 light and it was foam filled...maybe the v14 is not

Pro staffs are foam filled

 

[Geoff]

I bought a couple blue v14 customs off the boards here, they are nice looking but still don't have the feel and predictability of the v13. I'll be posting them, so pretty but can't compare to the pure v13. They messed with the flex and layup so that it does not feel like a Pro Staff anymore.

Believe it or not different colors as well as textures can play differently. I learned that from TT member Peter Figasinski who designed the cosmetics for the first RF97.

 

[optic yellow]

Believe it or not different colors as well as textures can play differently. I learned that from TT member Peter Figasinski who designed the cosmetics for the first RF97.

I remember reading the PS v14 Noir is better than the PS v14 regular for this reason.

 

[anfield]

I remember reading the PS v14 Noir is better than the PS v14 regular for this reason.

I have two custom royal blue v14s and the stock bronze and they defo play different, the custom glossy blue ones feel crisper. But prolly getting rid of all three and stick with v13.

 

[optic yellow]

I have two custom royal blue v14s and the stock bronze and they defo play different, the custom glossy blue ones feel crisper. But prolly getting rid of all three and stick with and stick with v13.

Did you not try the Noir?

 

[optic yellow]

Is it not more textured than Alu Rough which is more like a golf ball with dimples? The Sniper seems like it would not glide over the gut as well as Alu Rough.

Oh **** I am sorry for missing this earlier. Sometimes I accidentally don't see notifications

I have not tried the Alu Rough so I cannot speak to them comparatively, I can only say that the Tour Sniper works very well as the mains with a natural gut hybrid in my Noir. I will provide the caveat that I am not the most heavy spin oriented player but definitely the sense of feel and control I have is exactly what I am looking for as someone with a wide diversity of touch shots.

I am not sure about the golf ball dimple analogy because these work by inducing a thin turbulence layer to insulate the skin of the golf ball from direct drag with the surrounding airflow, whereas friction between the two solid bodies is surely the principle factor dictating string movement. Probably the surface geometry can be engineered in some way to promote less or more friction but I would not necessarily know how without more research. If I get bored I will do this and add more that I find interesting.

 

[pdparos78]

Poignant question indeed.

My follow-up, and a re-bump of my post above -- has anyone thought of using the thicker-beamed 97L or 97UL as a platform frame, in the vein of creating a better counterpunching, more consistent baseline-to-baseline stick (that is still precise)? Somewhat in the blueprint of Justine Henin (she used a Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Stretch MP with Power Holes, Euro-only version -- 95", 16x20, 23mm beam, very stiff 75RA layup). Properly weighted and balanced, I would think the 97L/97UL mold would offer better counterpunch and baseline-to-baseline consistency than the regular 97.

Just wondering if anyone has pondered this, or tried it. Thinking of doing it myself otherwise.

Did you end up doing? I think it's interesting too. I need more help on my backhand side and the PSX is a bit launchy - going to try it with full poly though first.

 

[Trip]

Did you end up doing? I think it's interesting too. I need more help on my backhand side and the PSX is a bit launchy - going to try it with full poly though first.

Not yet. Been in Nordicdots Model 98 land lately.

 

[JasonAlb]

But no more Pro Staff X which is sad because it is such a great racquet and nothing matches its power, comfort and precision.

 

[JOSHL]

But no more Pro Staff X which is sad because it is such a great racquet and nothing matches its power, comfort and precision.

Try a FURI Arma 101. I find it much better than the pro staff X.

 

[aaron_h27]

I got a few pro staff’s for $110 on black friday

First one came strung with wilson sensation 16

335g
319 SW
13.1 TW

Perfect specs for me to mold into something I want.

 

[Hdulay]

Bought two as well. Played with it in doubles this morning and I just wonder why I didn’t use it any sooner. My best racquets have all been Pro Staffs and then coming back after 15 years of not playing, I decided to try other brands and no other racquet felt right. I saw the holiday markdowns and decided to buy 2 and hope. Thankfully I guessed right!

 

[pdparos78]

Bought two as well. Played with it in doubles this morning and I just wonder why I didn’t use it any sooner. My best racquets have all been Pro Staffs and then coming back after 15 years of not playing, I decided to try other brands and no other racquet felt right. I saw the holiday markdowns and decided to buy 2 and hope. Thankfully I guessed right!

I'm pretty much a pro staffer for life over here.

 

[gfwp]

Try a FURI Arma 101. I find it much better than the pro staff X.

Not easy in Europe

 

[pdparos78]

Try a FURI Arma 101. I find it much better than the pro staff X.

I see this, but unless this opinion is repeated around the forums and on reviews, you can understand my reluctance. I'm interested to hear more though, because I myself plan to develop rackets in the near future, and I cannot be so closed minded on challenger brands as I intend to become one at some point.

 

[optic yellow]

The PS is pretty much perfect if you are playing well you don't have to strongly worry about the relative unforgiveness. I don't think people should really be picking racquets on the basis of forgiveness however as it promotes a mindset of tolerating mediocrity. There is practical consideration of not biting off more than one can chew in a competitive setting but beyond this it is unhelpful and self-limiting.

 

[brady1212]

Curious what strings others are using in their Pro Staff? I have been using Gut/Poly the last few years and its great for me but with the recent increase in cost of gut im thinking of switching to something else.

 

[TennisManiac]

Curious what strings others are using in their Pro Staff? I have been using Gut/Poly the last few years and its great for me but with the recent increase in cost of gut im thinking of switching to something else.

Full bed of Alu Power. Restring every 4 to 5 hours. About to give Head Hawk Power a try for sh!ts and giggles. I've also played a Multi main/Alu Power cross and it was really nice as well.

 

[dotmundo]

Curious what strings others are using in their Pro Staff? I have been using Gut/Poly the last few years and its great for me but with the recent increase in cost of gut im thinking of switching to something else.

I have the v13 and just fell in love with having Solinco Mach 10 16L at 50lbs. I now love serving with this racquet more than ever. I can get decent topspin on my forehand. I will go down to 48lbs at the next stringing.

 

[gfwp]

Curious what strings others are using in their Pro Staff? I have been using Gut/Poly the last few years and its great for me but with the recent increase in cost of gut im thinking of switching to something else.

Use Isospeed Professionsl Classic as cross. With this setup gut lives way longer. Only the crosses suffer wear and can be replaced keeping the gut

 

[aaron_h27]

Curious what strings others are using in their Pro Staff? I have been using Gut/Poly the last few years and its great for me but with the recent increase in cost of gut im thinking of switching to something else.

Poly Tour Pro 1.20 is working great for me and looks really good with the bronze paint job

 

[jj4545]

Full bed of Alu Power. Restring every 4 to 5 hours. About to give Head Hawk Power a try for sh!ts and giggles. I've also played a Multi main/Alu Power cross and it was really nice as well.

My stringer made a mistake and put Hawk Power full bed instead of the hybrid I wanted in Blade Pro 18m and it
was very underpowered, no spin, not even worth trying in full bed imho

 

[TheRareCreature]

Curious what strings others are using in their Pro Staff? I have been using Gut/Poly the last few years and its great for me but with the recent increase in cost of gut im thinking of switching to something else.

Vokl gut hybird or champions choice - 52 lb gut in main and 50 lb poly in cross. Softens frame up quite a bit but maintains good feel, spin, and plenty of power.

 

[TennisManiac]

My stringer made a mistake and put Hawk Power full bed instead of the hybrid I wanted in Blade Pro 18m and it
was very underpowered, no spin, not even worth trying in full bed imho

That doesn't sound good. Hopefully it was because your racket was strung too tight. And also because it was such a tight string pattern.

 

[jj4545]

That doesn't sound good. Hopefully it was because your racket was strung too tight. And also because it was such a tight string pattern.

48/46

 

[Hdulay]

I currently am going with Lynx tour/Gamma TnT react pro for one racket and Restring zero / Gamma TnT react pro on the other racket. I’m going to try 4G / Gamma TnT react pro next. All at 53 lbs.

 

[pdparos78]

Klip Gut mains 24.5kg / 4G Bronze Crosses 23kg is Pro Staff nirvana for me personally - crisp and direct. I also have tried Luxilon Gut / Alu Power which is livelier overall but I prefer a crisper response

 

[TennisManiac]

I also have tried Luxilon Gut / Alu Power which is livelier overall but I prefer a crisper response

I wish I could afford this setup. I'd play with it forever and never look at anything ever again.

 

[aaron_h27]

I've been testing the Pro Staff 97 v14 a few days. I was expecting the launch angle to be really high based on what i've read from the pro staff in previous years, but surprisingly it's very controlled. Great on slices and volleys. Dare I say it's very Ezone 98 esque? I guess the string mapping really helps. But I'm glad it's not a rocket launcher. How does everyone else feel about the launch angle?

 

[TennisManiac]

How does everyone else feel about the launch angle?

It's as good as it gets to me. You can do what ever you want with the ball. I'm always in total control of the launch angle.

 

[TheRareCreature]

I've been testing the Pro Staff 97 v14 a few days. I was expecting the launch angle to be really high based on what i've read from the pro staff in previous years, but surprisingly it's very controlled. Great on slices and volleys. Dare I say it's very Ezone 98 esque? I guess the string mapping really helps. But I'm glad it's not a rocket launcher. How does everyone else feel about the launch angle?

Never thought about it, so I would say it is ideal

 

[tele]

I've been testing the Pro Staff 97 v14 a few days. I was expecting the launch angle to be really high based on what i've read from the pro staff in previous years, but surprisingly it's very controlled. Great on slices and volleys. Dare I say it's very Ezone 98 esque? I guess the string mapping really helps. But I'm glad it's not a rocket launcher. How does everyone else feel about the launch angle?

From what I heard, the launch angle got lower starting with v13. I had a v12 that seemed to have some hot spots.

 

[pdparos78]

@TennisManiac I think if you substitute the natural gut with Gamma TNT2 (or X1, Vanquish etc) I think that’s also a nice setup that I’ve tested in other rackets like my blade 93 and head Pro tour 630 but in this set up I would go poly mains gamma crosses

 

[gfwp]

@TennisManiac I think if you substitute the natural gut with Gamma TNT2 (or X1, Vanquish etc) I think that’s also a nice setup that I’ve tested in other rackets like my blade 93 and head Pro tour 630 but in this set up I would go poly mains gamma crosses

My son is testing NXT on mains instead of gut and it's also a relatively cheap and humidity resistant option.

I think that Wilson is also selling NXT + ALU power bundled

 

[pdparos78]

My son is testing NXT on mains instead of gut and it's also a relatively cheap and humidity resistant option.

I think that Wilson is also selling NXT + ALU power bundled

Also a great combo. Look into Zyex / Kevlar hybrid apparently it's amazing for spin and control and lasts forever. I've done that with my RF97 and it was the most consistent stringbed I have every played with. Going to do it again soon.

 

[aaron_h27]

It's as good as it gets to me. You can do what ever you want with the ball. I'm always in total control of the launch angle.

Compared to a few other string beds

2022 Ezone 98 -The Ezone is denser in the middle but the V14 is denser outside the sweetspot.

2024 CX 200 Tour 16x19 - V14 is denser overall especially the edges, but similar in the sweetspot.

Very interesting. That's why it's throwing me a bit off that the Pro Staff 97 v14 actually has a more controlled response/lower launch than the 2024 CX 200 Tour 16x19.

 

[TennisManiac]

Very interesting. That's why it's throwing me a bit off that the Pro Staff 97 v14 actually has a more controlled response/lower launch than the 2024 CX 200 Tour 16x19.

It might have to do with weight distribution throughout the frame and that the PS97V14 has a higher swingweight. Overall simply more solid and stable.

 

[aaron_h27]

It might have to do with weight distribution throughout the frame and that the PS97V14 has a higher swingweight. Overall simply more solid and stable.

I have both customized to about the same spec (345g, 31.9 cm, 331-332 SW), I was just mainly comparing the launch angle of both frames.

The first racket that I got is so polarized though I literally can't get it under 166 RW with the twistweight that I like and ultimately had to settle on 20.8 MGR/I.

I guess those that prefer a higher recoil weight frame should look here. I normally like 162 RW and 21 MGR/I but meh I'm sure after a few weeks of playing I will adjust.

 

[aaron_h27]

I got a few pro staff’s for $110 on black friday

First one came strung with wilson sensation 16

335g
319 SW
13.1 TW

Perfect specs for me to mold into something I want.

Just wanted to update that the balance point was 31.5 cm strung which was a bit overly polarized for my taste. I'll have to see if the other ones I have are closer to 32.0 cm strung.

 

[optic yellow]

Also a great combo. Look into Zyex / Kevlar hybrid apparently it's amazing for spin and control and lasts forever. I've done that with my RF97 and it was the most consistent stringbed I have every played with. Going to do it again soon.

This is an absolutely amazing string combination and I will be forever grateful to @graycrait for having introduced it to me.

 

[pdparos78]

This is an absolutely amazing string combination and I will be forever grateful to @graycrait for having introduced it to me.

tension? racket?

 

[optic yellow]

I've been testing the Pro Staff 97 v14 a few days. I was expecting the launch angle to be really high based on what i've read from the pro staff in previous years, but surprisingly it's very controlled. Great on slices and volleys. Dare I say it's very Ezone 98 esque? I guess the string mapping really helps. But I'm glad it's not a rocket launcher. How does everyone else feel about the launch angle?

It's as good as it gets to me. You can do what ever you want with the ball. I'm always in total control of the launch angle.

^^

 

[aaron_h27]

^^

The Pro Staff 97 v14 is more dense in the sweetspot than the 2024 CX 200 tour 16x19 (my previous frame) until you get to the last 4 crosses then it opens up a bit at the bottom of the racket. I prefer this string pattern I think. The spin is there when needed but also the volleys don't float as much and slices are more knifing.

 

[optic yellow]

tension? racket?

I think 58/56, in VCore 21 100 and VCore 23 98. Will put it in my PS97 v14 Noir once the current strings wear out.

 

[pastashop42]

Curious to hear more recommendations on string set-ups for PS-V14-97, particularly with a newer crop of strings... For reference, I'm a slow middle-aged 4.5 Roger wannabe with a continental / semi-western grip and OHBH, 100-ish mph serve, lots of S&V. My string setups in this stick so far included:

1. Initial demo stick had an old bed of Alu Power:
   --> very direct, "transparent" feel that I enjoyed, but did not enjoy it feeling very underpowered.
2. Ordered my own copy from TW, strung with Grapplesnake Tour Sniper at ~45 lbs
   --> good control, but even more underpowered
3. Restrung with GrappleSnake Tour M8 also at ~45 lbs
   --> way too much power, erratic trajectory off the string bed, can't dial in the range – flat hits either hit the net or land +/- 2 ft from baseline, and occasionally hit the fence; if I put a lot of shape on the ball, it usually lands around the service line and sits up for a putaway.

Have a partial reel of Kirschbaum ProLine II, wondering if that would be a good string for this stick. BTW, I have it set up with a leather grip + overgrip and about 7 g of lead at 12 o'clock.
TIA!

 

[aaron_h27]

Curious to hear more recommendations on string set-ups for PS-V14-97, particularly with a newer crop of strings... For reference, I'm a slow middle-aged 4.5 Roger wannabe with a continental / semi-western grip and OHBH, 100-ish mph serve, lots of S&V. My string setups in this stick so far included:

1. Initial demo stick had an old bed of Alu Power:
   --> very direct, "transparent" feel that I enjoyed, but did not enjoy it feeling very underpowered.
2. Ordered my own copy from TW, strung with Grapplesnake Tour Sniper at ~45 lbs
   --> good control, but even more underpowered
3. Restrung with GrappleSnake Tour M8 also at ~45 lbs
   --> way too much power, erratic trajectory off the string bed, can't dial in the range – flat hits either hit the net or land +/- 2 ft from baseline, and occasionally hit the fence; if I put a lot of shape on the ball, it usually lands around the service line and sits up for a putaway.

Have a partial reel of Kirschbaum ProLine II, wondering if that would be a good string for this stick. BTW, I have it set up with a leather grip + overgrip and about 7 g of lead at 12 o'clock.
TIA!

What gauges are you using?

The current Pro Staff 97 v14 has a dense sweetspot so I'd recommend a 1.20 or 1.25 gauge poly. You can try Alu Power again or Hyper-G for extra spin. If you find that underpowered then your last option is a Gut/Poly hybrid or use a different racket. I use Poly Tour Pro 1.20 as a budget option.

I wouldn't rely on strings for power, the majority of power is going to come from the frame and SW.

 

[aaron_h27]

Also 7g of lead at 12 o clock brings up the Pro Staff SW to around ~345 Sheesh!

 

[pdparos78]

Also 7g of lead at 12 o clock brings up the Pro Staff SW to around ~345 Sheesh!

Too much!! 337sw is plently. 349g static. I still prefer the RF at 363g static though as it's more head light

 

[aaron_h27]

Too much!! 337sw is plently. 349g static. I still prefer the RF at 363g static though as it's more head light

Agreed. I think the Pro Staff works best with a depolarized set up. Im at 346g, 330 SW, 31.85cm balance.