Wilson releasing Pro Staff 97S for Dimitrov (specs. included)

Mickael122 said:
Does anybody know (more or less) the final balance after adding 20 grams in the handle ?
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Adding 20 grams to the handle at 4" from the butt cap will make a racquet approximately 5 points more headlight (it moves the balance point .59" or 1.5cm). Adding weight at 2" from the butt cap will make a racquet 6 points more headlight. The challenge with adding a significant amount of weight is having it as close to a specific point to achieve the desired result.
 
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Thanks! It sounds interesting but it's a bit of a challenge : if after customization one doesn't like the way it plays (too heavy, too HH for are my fears); you can't sell it and I guess the frame won't be cheap! I wonder how it plays side by side with PS 6.0 95, which I currently play with and loves but is a bit heavy for me. I guess the SW will be the deciding factor
 
sixone90 said:
Previous thread got deleted because of the downgrade back to the old forum.

Head Size: 97"
Unstrung Weight: 310g
Unstrung Balance: 335mm (no that is not a typo!)
String Pattern: 18x17
Beam Width: 19.5mm Flat Beam

Cosmetics: Same as on the Pro Staff 97 except the W above the grip is gold, the Wilson logo on the outside of the throat is gold, the W logo at PWS is gold, the Pro Staff logo at 12 o'clock is gold and the 97S logo at 6 o'clock is gold. So basically, everything that was silver on the Pro Staff 97 is now gold on the Pro Staff 97S.

It comes with a synthetic grip, the same orange one that comes with the Pro Staff 97.

It will be released in September from what I have heard.

Please stop asking me to double check the specs, that is what is exactly what is written in the catalog. Yes, I do have pictures of the catalog but will not be posting them on this thread.
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You said it would be released in September from what you have heard. Do you think it will be releasing sometime earlier? Because the U.S Open starts August 31st, he couldn't release the racquet in the middle of the US Open could he? Just saying
 
I haven't played with an 18x17 pattern before, what would be the differences to the traditional 16x19 or 18x20? I have only one RF97 at the moment and am tossing up whether this or the RF97 becomes my next long term frame.
 
Franklin_B said:
I haven't played with an 18x17 pattern before, what would be the differences to the traditional 16x19 or 18x20? I have only one RF97 at the moment and am tossing up whether this or the RF97 becomes my next long term frame.
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Have you tried playing with the blade 98S? It has a 18x16 string pattern which helped with control and spin. I liked that frame, but I'm waiting for the PS97S to come out. 16x19 offers more spin/pop. The 18x20 offers more control with less pop/spin. I would say the 18x17 would be in between them two string patterns, offers not only control but spin as well which gives you less margin for error. Also is the RF97 too heavy for you? Did you lead it up in any sort of way?
 
PeterFig, any chance you could check the swingweight on this frame? The balance is so strange for a Pro Staff, and the sw is going to say a lot as to whether or not I could customize this stick into my spec range. I would guess I am not alone on that front? Anyway, I suppose I can wait another 6 weeks or so until it's released, but the anticipation is starting be a bit much! :)
 
David Le said:
Have you tried playing with the blade 98S? It has a 18x16 string pattern which helped with control and spin. I liked that frame, but I'm waiting for the PS97S to come out. 16x19 offers more spin/pop. The 18x20 offers more control with less pop/spin. I would say the 18x17 would be in between them two string patterns, offers not only control but spin as well which gives you less margin for error. Also is the RF97 too heavy for you? Did you lead it up in any sort of way?
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I've always played with relatively heavy racquets so I don't mind the RF97's weight. I'm using it stock with 2 overgrips. Before that I was using the PS90 and 95 (weighted to match 90). I haven't tried the 98S as I never liked the feel of the blades, always preferred the pro staffs.
 
Franklin_B said:
I've always played with relatively heavy racquets so I don't mind the RF97's weight. I'm using it stock with 2 overgrips. Before that I was using the PS90 and 95 (weighted to match 90). I haven't tried the 98S as I never liked the feel of the blades, always preferred the pro staffs.
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Got ya. What's your grip size btw? Since you add two over grips on top of the leather grip. Yeah I don't like the blade either, I just wanted to check out the 18x16 string pattern it offered. I always prefer the ProStaffs myself. I own 1 2014 PS 95S with a 18x16 pattern(custom made), 2 2014 PS 95, 2 PS 6.1 95 BLX, and 1 PS 6.0 95. I grew up playing with PS since my Dad used them back in the day.
 
David Le said:
Got ya. What's your grip size btw? Since you add two over grips on top of the leather grip. Yeah I don't like the blade either, I just wanted to check out the 18x16 string pattern it offered. I always prefer the ProStaffs myself. I own 1 2014 PS 95S with a 18x16 pattern(custom made), 2 2014 PS 95, 2 PS 6.1 95 BLX, and 1 PS 6.0 95. I grew up playing with PS since my Dad used them back in the day.
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I play with a 4 3/8 grip but I'm experimenting with 1 vs 2 overgrips. I feel like I volley better with a thicker grip but can't whip groundstrokes as much. Looks like I might have to check this racquet out. I grew up with the i.Prestige mid so I don't mind the denser main pattern, but curious how 17 crosses changes things. I quite like that the only customisation I would need is to the handle for a more headlight balance.
 
Hmnnn said:
PeterFig, any chance you could check the swingweight on this frame? The balance is so strange for a Pro Staff, and the sw is going to say a lot as to whether or not I could customize this stick into my spec range. I would guess I am not alone on that front? Anyway, I suppose I can wait another 6 weeks or so until it's released, but the anticipation is starting be a bit much! :)
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Hi, sorry don't have access to RDC at the moment so can't check swingweight for you. (not to mention the frames I have are customized with silicone/lead in handle and other mods.)
Peter
 
I tried this racquet about two weeks ago when Wilson office here organised test of 2016 year racquets for big distributors. I could not play with it in stock version 'cause it's too light. The only model that was comfortable for me in stock version was RF97 Autograph.
 
BorgCash said:
I tried this racquet about two weeks ago when Wilson office here organised test of 2016 year racquets for big distributors. I could not play with it in stock version 'cause it's too light. The only model that was comfortable for me in stock version was RF97 Autograph.
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Are you just used to heavier frames? Wouldn't it be around 11.6 ounces strung?
 
Wasn't Dimitrov known to use a fairly head heavy (almost even) balance racquet in the past? Does he really put all the weight in the handle?
 
Maybe he's straightened it out in the racquet composition since, but for the first several months of the year I remember seeing him fussing with/peeling off 5 inch strips of lead tape around 3 & 9 in the middle of his matches. He also said Fed's new racquet was too hard to use, and it might have been as much of a balance issue as the sheer weight
 
David Le said:
YBecause the U.S Open starts August 31st, he couldn't release the racquet in the middle of the US Open could he? Just saying
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I think we ran that Logic last year for the RF97A - didn't work out. Wilson didn't bite. And the RF97A sales did ok. :)

Kalethan said:
Maybe he's straightened it out in the racquet composition since, but for the first several months of the year I remember seeing him fussing with/peeling off 5 inch strips of lead tape around 3 & 9 in the middle of his matches. He also said Fed's new racquet was too hard to use, and it might have been as much of a balance issue as the sheer weight
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Did he win that match or lose? :)

Even with the pro balls moving a lot faster, I have a huge problem believing GD couldn't handle the RF97A weight - the guys at the shop said his forearm is huge.
 
Mickael122 said:
Thanks! It sounds interesting but it's a bit of a challenge : if after customization one doesn't like the way it plays (too heavy, too HH for are my fears); you can't sell it and I guess the frame won't be cheap! I wonder how it plays side by side with PS 6.0 95, which I currently play with and loves but is a bit heavy for me. I guess the SW will be the deciding factor
Click to expand...

Customization isn't permanent for the most part. You use lead tape to change different characteristics of the racquet.
 
Interesting frame this one, loved the 2014 95s but strings didn't last, didn't get on with the new pro staff 97 or the RF prostaff's though...however this new one has thinner beam, is lighter and 18x17.
Currently using the 18x16 2015 blade 98s, I wonder if this will play very similar?
 
ClintimusPrime said:
Customization isn't permanent for the most part. You use lead tape to change different characteristics of the racquet.
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Actually lead tape has been forbidden by the EU, so it's getting really hard if not impossible to find some in Europe. Then, to customize a handle, it's going to be silicone.

AeroPro Staff said:
Peter, what were the weight and balance on your 97S after you customized it?
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Yeah I'm really interested in that too.
 
Mickael122 said:
Actually lead tape has been forbidden by the EU, so it's getting really hard if not impossible to find some in Europe. Then, to customize a handle, it's going to be silicone.
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bert96 said:
what?? TWE and any other major tennis retailer still sells lead tape
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Yeah, somehow I doubt that lead tape has been forbidden… For that to happen lead nails and any other working utensil out of lead would have to be forbidden.
 
I think it has to do something with the ROHS directive. If I remember fine, it's about children who could have direct contacts and get illness. I've been told by shop managers they are allowed to sell their stocks but lead tape can't be produced anymore. Mine buys in the States.
Then, manufacturers developed the tungsten tape you've seen since last year. Actually in France (at least in Paris), it's getting harder and harder to find lead tape stripes.

I might be wrong but I honestly think it is the reason. I plead mercy to every lawyers here on the board if I'm wrong - just be cool guys!

Back on topic, that balance scares me a little.
 
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Mickael122 said:
I think it has to do something with the ROHS directive. If I remember fine, it's about children who could have direct contacts and get illness. I've been told by shop managers they are allowed to sell their stocks but lead tape can't be produced anymore. Mine buys in the States.
Then, manufacturers developed the tungsten tape you've seen since last year. Actually in France (at least in Paris), it's getting harder and harder to find lead tape stripes.

I might be wrong but I honestly think it is the reason. I plead mercy to every lawyers here on the board if I'm wrong - just be cool guys!

Back on topic, that balance scares me a little.
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Sounds more like local shops find it easier to sell tape that does not include a potentially toxic substance. Tats why you can still find lead tape rather easily in online shops, even those based in Europe.

However, I am not aware of any sort of recent legal action which restricts the production and selling of lead tape. Additionally, the legal basis for such a intervention in the market is not present, so I'd wager you're just making an uninformed and somewhat naive conjecture. At most there would be the basis for a law which restricts the selling of lead utensils to kids.
 
Well RoHS and WEEE are a fact. Though they mainly target electronic equipment.
There is the category of sport eq. in RoHS however I don't think it covers lead tape.
 
Yeah well the fact is you can't find lead tape anywhere other than online. All manufacturers seem to have stopped making lead tape last year, at the same moment, because any shops I've been in Paris told me the exact same thing. So, either they and I are somehow right, or manufacturers realized after, what, 30 or 40 years lead tape could be toxic.

Legals basis : Directive 2011/65/UE 8th june 2011. Category 7 : SPORTS. If you wanna check, go see art. 4 § 1, and Annex 1 and 2.

By the way, if people here showed just a bit of respect, this forum would be so much nicer...
 
Mickael122 said:
Legals basis : Directive 2011/65/UE 8th june 2011. Category 7 : SPORTS. If you wanna check, go see art. 4 § 1, and Annex 1 and 2.
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Art. 4 § 1 is about EEE which stands for Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

Article 4
Prevention
1. Member States shall ensure that EEE placed on the market,
including cables and spare parts for its repair, its reuse, updating
of its functionalities or upgrading of its capacity, does not
contain the substances listed in Annex II.
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Furthermore read what is in the Annex before the categories are listed :
Categories of EEE covered by this Directive
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Which means that sports equipment is understood as a category of certain Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Lead tape isn't such. A sports watch will be, a Sony Sensor or whatever will be. But lead tape won't.
 
The key is to read Article 1:
Article 1
Subject matter
This Directive lays down rules on the restriction of the use of
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
(EEE) with a view to contributing to the protection of human
health and the environment, including the environmentally
sound recovery and disposal of waste EEE
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CLVoCuXUMAA6DXd.jpg

From grigor's twitter.
 
jwjh said:
CLVoCuXUMAA6DXd.jpg

From grigor's twitter.
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Yeah I was about to post that up. Thanks for posting it! Anyways, remember when he asked us for our opinion about what font to use? I thought it was going to be on the racquet like an autograph edition but it's too early for that. Plus, I thought it was for a tennis bag. Oh well close enough right?
 
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