Wilson ProStaff RF97 Autograph

[slice bh compliment]

Yep, that is how i remember it, too. Makes sense. Built up shaft, thin head above the shoulders. Challenge ones were similar, naturally.
Then you look at bancrofts and wilsons with the thinner shaft and the beefier heads.

Well, i miss those days. I do not miss stringing 20 mains, though. I do not miss cracking or folding frames. I do not miss presses. I do not miss bare leather. Well, a little. On nice, no sweat days.

Back on topic...
Rf 97. Any one getting the light version which might be the best seller? Or the wuss'S' version that is basically a mktg play for people's wallets?

Who else is shelling out $219 for the autograph?

 

[WhereIsMacMac]

Yep, that is how i remember it, too. Makes sense. Built up shaft, thin head above the shoulders. Challenge ones were similar, naturally.

Then you look at bancrofts and wilsons with the thinner shaft and the beefier heads.



Well, i miss those days. I do not miss stringing 20 mains, though. I do not miss cracking or folding frames. I do not miss presses. I do not miss bare leather. Well, a little. On nice, no sweat days.



Back on topic...

Rf 97. Any one getting the light version which might be the best seller? Or the wuss'S' version that is basically a mktg play for people's wallets?



Who else is shelling out $219 for the autograph?

 

[michaelscoots]

Hilarious!!!

 

[Ghost3789]

Who else is shelling out $219 for the autograph?

I thought the RF97 Autograph going to retail at $250 ?

 

[slice bh compliment]

I think it said $230 but the minimum ad price is set by wilson at 21niner.

 

[slice bh compliment]

hahhaa,
This very real infographic reminds me of the day the crowd in springfield, while being addressed by its unscrupulous and inept mayor, chanted, "give us hell Qumby!"

 

[JoelDali]

The Prince Graphite was $299 at my club in 1981.

$299 for the stealth black secret Rogi Raquet is fair.

 

[BreakPoint]

The Prince Graphite was $299 at my club in 1981.

$299 for the stealth black secret Rogi Raquet is fair.

Factoring inflation, $299 in 1981 is the equivalent of $784 today, so to make an even comparison, the RF97 should be selling for at least $749. :shock:

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

Stop giving wilson any more bad ideas. ^

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

@169$ wilson can sell a few hundred thousands. 299$ sell a few thousands. 749$ a few hundreds.

 

[TennisLogic]

@169$ wilson can sell a few hundred thousands. 299$ sell a few thousands. 749$ a few hundreds.

Wonder how many they're projecting to sell...
does anybody have an idea how we can go about figuring this out?

 

[TennisLogic]

@169$ wilson can sell a few hundred thousands. 299$ sell a few thousands. 749$ a few hundreds.

I'd pay $250, or even anything higher within reason, if the racquets were made in the USA.
I wouldn't pay $750 though.

 

[henryshli]

I wonder how much goes to Federer per racket. I don't necessarily mean he gets a percentage of each racket but Wilson may have an additional profit mark up on the racket to recover Federer sponsorship.

 

[federer87]

I wonder how much goes to Federer per racket. I don't necessarily mean he gets a percentage of each racket but Wilson may have an additional profit mark up on the racket to recover Federer sponsorship.

hahahah....you think that Roger didn't take enough money from Wilson?

anyway.....no one has some leaked pics of New ProStaff 97 (315g)? i hope is little bit different from RF97 ('couse the concept of PeterFig is really better than the final release).

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

I'd pay $250, or even anything higher within reason, if the racquets were made in the USA.
I wouldn't pay $750 though.

You know, I follow the high end stereo industry(as an audiophile, not as an insider) and many manufacturers say that it is easier to sell a $100,000 per pair speaker(or amplifier) than it is to sell a $35,000 item. It just depends on the market.

 

[TennisLogic]

You know, I follow the high end stereo industry(as an audiophile, not as an insider) and many manufacturers say that it is easier to sell a $100,000 per pair speaker(or amplifier) than it is to sell a $35,000 item. It just depends on the market.

I understand what you mean... it is a somewhat valid point.


Personally, I have come to love pro staffs. However, I'd rather play with a babolat than pay $750 for a wilson racquet. Not saying babolats aren't good racquets, but they don't suit my style.

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

I understand what you mean... it is a somewhat valid point.


Personally, I have come to love pro staffs. However, I'd rather play with a babolat than pay $750 for a wilson racquet. Not saying babolats aren't good racquets, but they don't suit my style.

I forgot to mention the reason why it is easier to sell more expensive things to hobbyists. When someone buys something that is expensive, they don't want the peasant down the street to have one too.

 

[Rabbit]

I'd pay $250, or even anything higher within reason, if the racquets were made in the USA.
I wouldn't pay $750 though.

I'm with you 100%

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

I forgot to mention the reason why it is easier to sell more expensive things to hobbyists. When someone buys something that is expensive, they don't want the peasant down the street to have one too.

Lol. If only Wilson was interested selling 4 racquets at 750$ and paying Fed for 12mil a year. Great business plan.

Haven't you heard? "The poor pays all."

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

I'd pay $250, or even anything higher within reason, if the racquets were made in the USA.

I wouldn't pay $750 though.

Sorry I am not doing anything over 200$. I will wait for the clearance when Fed changes his mind. 2014 ps are now 169 from 209. Local shop tells me they will soon be sub 130$. Yeah. I wait a year for Fed to change his mind.

And no, not paying 50$ or more for a plastic sticker that says Made In USA but actually Porto Rico.

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

And no, not paying 50$ or more for a plastic sticker that says Made In USA but actually Porto Rico.

OK Mr. Fred Sanford.

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

That's just racist.

 

[TennisLogic]

OK Mr. Fred Sanford.

haha. that's not racist.

 

[Rock Strongo]

I'm pretty sure the stiffness ratings for the Maxply Fort and Challenge 1 were quite a bit lower then the "low fifties". Probably more like in the thirties. Even the graphite Max 200G had a low RDC rating of only 40RA and those wood racquets were certainly more flexible than that.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/MW200G/MW200GReview.html

The Max 200G only plays or feels like a 40RA if you're content with pushing or flexing it over your knee to show off. It's NOT 40RA when power is applied.

Anyway, back on topic. $219!? I'm gonna have to work for a trillion years!

I'd much rather spend my money on one of these:

And have change for a few beers.

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

haha. that's not racist.

Racial profiling.

Bt seriously though...I hear in the media Fed is blaming the racquet for his lacklustre performance in Finals. 0 for 4.

You know what that means?

Back to the drawing board. So hold on to your wallets. For the

"Genuine RF Official Pro Staff" launching sometimes in 2015 (Aprilish). This time its going to be all black with way less red!!!

 

[Ragamuffin]

https://www.rogerfederershop.com/en/shop/detailansicht/procat/2013/prod/rome-open-racket-2014.html

If someone is interested...

 

[NickH]

Reading some peoples answers are laughable!

"Fed blames racket for losses in final?" Yeah...... It's fine for the 45 wins for the rest of the season, but hell...... Wilson clearly added some "lose final" material to it!

Oh.... And the people who are saying "I'll wait until he switches back", would you please wake up and smell the coffee.

Fed has spent 2 years plus helping wilson develop the first signature series racket for X amount of years. He has won 40 plus games with it this year and reached numerous finals. Do you honestly think he will switch back?? You people are clearly holding on to the 90 square inch era, and I'm sorry to say but it's gone! Nothing is stopping you from playing with those rackets, and people will understand that is what you grew up with back in the day....

The guys who complain about "I don't buy a racket based on what the pros use" seem to be the same people crying about no pro using a 90".

Will Fed ever be as good with a 97" as he was with a 90"? No......

Will Fed win more at 34 with a 97" than he would with a 90"..... Yes.

Will people buy the racket based SOLELY on Federers name even if it's terrible for them? .... Yes.

Will people buy the racket based on Wilson actually releasing something that has more weight and less need for customisation..... Yes.

 

[Rogael Naderer]

https://www.rogerfederershop.com/en/shop/detailansicht/procat/2013/prod/rome-open-racket-2014.html

If someone is interested...

That price is ridiculous!

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

Answer yes or no.

Has Fed made up his mind?

No.

Has Fed openly admit he has yet to gel with his current racquet?

Yes.


Is Fed satisfied?

No

Is Fed a demanding perfectionist?

Yes

Is he likely going tweak his tool like rest of us racketholics infinitely?

Yes.

Could Wilson release another improved model "besterer" next year?

Yes

Will the 2014 betterer 97 be heavily discounted by then?

Yes. You betterer your azz it will.

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

That price is ridiculous!

Fed is reading the forum and responding to many of us who want an all black Betterer. To think it was only Made in China. Outrageous.

Well here is your chance. Only 18000euros.

 

[NickH]

Answer yes or no.

Has Fed made up his mind?

No.

Has Fed openly admit he has yet to gel with his current racquet?

Yes.


Is Fed satisfied?

No

Is Fed a demanding perfectionist?

Yes

Is he likely going tweak his tool like rest of us racketholics infinitely?

Yes.

Could Wilson release another improved model "besterer" next year?

Yes

Will the 2014 betterer 97 be heavily discounted by then?

Yes. You betterer your azz it will.

If you have references for all these statements I'd love to see them. Every interview I've seen Fed has said he's loving it.

As for the next model.... Of course there will be. But If you think Wilson will release it next, you have to be deluded! Even if Fed changed slightly, you can bet this current RF97 (along with its paint job) will be around for a couple of years (and sure, this version of the RF97 will then get discounted).

It wouldn't surprise me if Wilson did an Apple here. Release the RF97 in October, have it sell out immediately and become "the fastest selling racket in history". Magically run out of stock until December and then sell a ton more in time for Christmas!

 

[BreakPoint]

If you have references for all these statements I'd love to see them. Every interview I've seen Fed has said he's loving it.

Then you haven't seen all the Federer interviews.

 

[NickH]

Then you haven't seen all the Federer interviews.

Exactly, which is why I'd like to see some references of recent interviews where he says he still hasn't gelled with his racket.

 

[gusgrand]

Exactly, which is why I'd like to see some references of recent interviews where he says he still hasn't gelled with his racket.

I've seen every released interview too so...good point!

 

[jorel]

isnt this racquet just a 6.1 95 with an extra cross string?

 

[SpinToWin]

isnt this racquet just a 6.1 95 with an extra cross string?

no
1,000,000nos

 

[anubis]

isnt this racquet just a 6.1 95 with an extra cross string?

It's not a Pro Staff. It's a modified H22, just as Drakulie has said in the past. The H22 was Wilson's answer to the venerable Head Pro Tour line.

 

[Power Player]

I guess my thinking is - who cares if RF tweaks it or not. At the end of the day many of us are trying the racquet.

Will it soothe your mind to go out and lose with a racquet that doesn't suit you, but Roger likes it?

Probably not.

 

[Harry_Wild]

The color choices in the 97 RF is just plain terrible. It looks completely like a cheap $49 racquet that you find at a retail discount store like Walmart or Target.

I been hitting with it; and I don't like it at all! It bulky and ugly at the same time. The super bright fluorescent red is too much for me to feel comfortable using this racquet! The color looks like it was part of the color scheme of the current Head racquets!

It does hit nicely however!
But the colors and the bulky feel is a big turn off and I would not use this as my "racquet"!

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

Yup do what tech phone companies do. Release updates every 6 months like samson and 12 months like apple. Also run the resale and trade-in programs. Sell the previous models in Asia, India and other impoverished places.

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

Last I checked Apple and Samson are gadzillion dollar companies. Not some small sporting goods outfit that runs out of business and needs to get sold every now and then.

Who knows. Just some ridiculous thoughts.

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

Also note: racketholics will buy the latest and greatest. Regardless how well they hit with puma becker 1981. I bet everyone on this forum has more than 2 rackets that are less than 2 generations old.

We are all tennis like fashion victims.

 

[NickH]

The color choices in the 97 RF is just plain terrible. It looks completely like a cheap $49 racquet that you find at a retail discount store like Walmart or Target.

I been hitting with it; and I don't like it at all! It bulky and ugly at the same time. The super bright fluorescent red is too much for me to feel comfortable using this racquet! The color looks like it was part of the color scheme of the current Head racquets!

It does hit nicely however!
But the colors and the bulky feel is a big turn off and I would not use this as my "racquet"!

Please post this in one more thread..... I don't think I've read it enough

 

[SpinToWin]

Please post this in one more thread..... I don't think I've read it enough

the more he writes it, the less I believe him :lol:

 

[Power Player]

Yeah sorry Harry but Im not buying it. If somehow true, worst racquet review ever. Seriously.

And I personally thought the PJ was sweet on the new Prestiges so I have no problem with this one.

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

^lol i bet you will!!!!

 

[Straight-Arm-FH]

We will all buy at least one. Lol. I am still having a tough time unloading my second tour g. So many used for sale on the market.

 

[BreakPoint]

Exactly, which is why I'd like to see some references of recent interviews where he says he still hasn't gelled with his racket.

Federer did a post match interview with Justin Gimelstob on Tennis Channel (USA) after his match with Pospisil yesterday in which he implied that he's still not completely comfortable with the new racquet by saying that he's still "looking for rhythm" on groundstrokes, and that it's really just helped him "get a bit more margin and perhaps pace" on his 2nd serves. It certainly wasn't a rave review of the new racquet.

Here's the interview: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23ls5c_rog-and-gimel-chat_tech

He talks about the racquet at around 5:00.

 

[NickH]

Federer did a post match interview with Justin Gimelstob on Tennis Channel (USA) after his match with Pospisil yesterday in which he implied that he's still not completely comfortable with the new racquet by saying that he's still "looking for rhythm" on groundstrokes, and that it's really just helped him "get a bit more margin and perhaps pace" on his 2nd serves. It certainly wasn't a rave review of the new racquet.

Here's the interview: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23ls5c_rog-and-gimel-chat_tech

He talks about the racquet at around 5:00.

Cor BP, I think you're searching a bit there!

I think it can be interpreted both ways, but sure, he is still trying to find some rhythm with it. I don't think that means he's unhappy or wants to make changes.

I wouldn't read into that as "he's hot happy with his racket". He openly says it gives him more on his serve, and he's won more points than anyone else this year on second serve.

I think people who buy the RF97 are safe

 

[JoelDali]

The interview proves once again that Rogi's game is not well suited for this teeener.

It is only the uncoordinated non-tennis playing Internet athletes who cannot recognize this. Those that do not understand what it takes for a precision game and a one hander.

But again, who cares and just enjoy his last years of total sexi time.