Wilson x RF Aug 8, 2024

@muyun @SteveI

Well, it looks like I'm a 66-year old Futures kinda guy. I hit with both and like the demo I had way back, the 300g just felt sluggish. It's surprising because my prior rackets were the Clash 98 and Yonex EZone 100 both of which felt better with regard to maneuverability. I may try a leather grip or better just be satisfied with what I've got. The Future with a little lead added just felt better to me. I'll be listing my 300g in the near future (pun intended).
 
Rabbit said:
@muyun @SteveI

Well, it looks like I'm a 66-year old Futures kinda guy. I hit with both and like the demo I had way back, the 300g just felt sluggish. It's surprising because my prior rackets were the Clash 98 and Yonex EZone 100 both of which felt better with regard to maneuverability. I may try a leather grip or better just be satisfied with what I've got. The Future with a little lead added just felt better to me. I'll be listing my 300g in the near future (pun intended).
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I did not have the pleasure to test the future version. The "300g" seems to be the magic number these days for me as I am also loving the Prince TeXtreme Warrior 100.

You can do so many things with the Prince with so little effort.. it fits my age and injury profile. With different string set-ups you can really change how the frame plays. That is not the case with so many frames. It is also only $129.00 new. So many frames are $250.00 these days. It is solid and powerful and so easy to use.
 
SteveI said:
I did not have the pleasure to test the future version. The "300g" seems to be the magic number these days for me as I am also loving the Prince TeXtreme Warrior 100.

You can do so many things with the Prince with so little effort.. it fits my age and injury profile. With different string set-ups you can really change how the frame plays. That is not the case with so many frames. It is also only $129.00 new. So many frames are $250.00 these days. It is solid and powerful and so easy to use.
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Well that complicates things! :)
 
@SteveI well based on your comment above, specifically where you said " With different string set-ups you can really change how the frame plays.", I restrung one of my Evo's lower and with Babolat RPM Soft (50/46). It hit great against the ball machine, but I will reserve final judgement until I play a match. However, I have to say again that the C10 (regular or Evo) just feels natural to me; more so than any of the RF's I've hit with. I think I'm going to commit to a reunion with the C10 in its' Evo form. I just need to find the right string/tension.
 
Tried 32.3cm balance and lighter static (341-343g) with 2 of my RF01 Pros today and they definitely play better compared to heavier (345-347g) and 31.9cm balance. Balls were penetrating and kicking up a lot more. Hit the heaviest balls I've hit to date.
 
Demoed RF 01 (not Pro) last weekend. The reason I wanted to try it is that I demoed a Blade v9 98 the week before -- really liked it, except that I was missing some power, particularly on the serves. So I figured I'd give RF 01 a shot.

When I picked it up, I had it measured, and it came up as 315SW. So I added 1.5g at 10 and 2 -- I think it would've been missing some mass for me in the stock form. (The Pro, on the other hand, would be too heavy for me.)

Overall I have mixed feeling about it. It does have more power and less control than the Blade (like people said it would). But it doesn't really play like the Blade. I was hoping for that great Blade pocketing feel, but with more power. But RF 01 feels a lot stiffer. Flies fast through the air, no complaints about power or spin -- but, as others have mentioned, it can feel erratic. I had fun hitting with it, but I probably wasn't playing my best tennis.

So I'm a bit confused about its position in Wilson lineup. Does it only exist for Federer fans who find the Pro too heavy? And wasn't the Ultra Pro supposed to be that more-powerful less-controlled Blade option? (I haven't tried the Ultra Pro, so not sure how they compare.)
 
riptide120 said:
Demoed RF 01 (not Pro) last weekend. The reason I wanted to try it is that I demoed a Blade v9 98 the week before -- really liked it, except that I was missing some power, particularly on the serves. So I figured I'd give RF 01 a shot.

When I picked it up, I had it measured, and it came up as 315SW. So I added 1.5g at 10 and 2 -- I think it would've been missing some mass for me in the stock form. (The Pro, on the other hand, would be too heavy for me.)

Overall I have mixed feeling about it. It does have more power and less control than the Blade (like people said it would). But it doesn't really play like the Blade. I was hoping for that great Blade pocketing feel, but with more power. But RF 01 feels a lot stiffer. Flies fast through the air, no complaints about power or spin -- but, as others have mentioned, it can feel erratic. I had fun hitting with it, but I probably wasn't playing my best tennis.

So I'm a bit confused about its position in Wilson lineup. Does it only exist for Federer fans who find the Pro too heavy? And wasn't the Ultra Pro supposed to be that more-powerful less-controlled Blade option? (I haven't tried the Ultra Pro, so not sure how they compare.)
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Ultra pro would be less powerful more controlled than the blade, but tbh I wouldn't consider the pro labs frames as part of the lineup as such.

I actually found the RF01 to be super consistent, so long as you're hitting the sweet spot... Which is why I'm in the process of moving away from it already. I added 2g at 3 & 9 to expand the sweet spot a bit which did help considerably, I'm just not playing at a level where this is better for me than something easier to use.

I suspect that the people buying this frame are 3.0-4.0 fed fans comparing it to an ezone and the people this frame really comes online for are 5.0+ aggressive shotmakers. Awesome frame but really hard to use.
 
riptide120 said:
Demoed RF 01 (not Pro) last weekend. The reason I wanted to try it is that I demoed a Blade v9 98 the week before -- really liked it, except that I was missing some power, particularly on the serves. So I figured I'd give RF 01 a shot.

When I picked it up, I had it measured, and it came up as 315SW. So I added 1.5g at 10 and 2 -- I think it would've been missing some mass for me in the stock form. (The Pro, on the other hand, would be too heavy for me.)

Overall I have mixed feeling about it. It does have more power and less control than the Blade (like people said it would). But it doesn't really play like the Blade. I was hoping for that great Blade pocketing feel, but with more power. But RF 01 feels a lot stiffer. Flies fast through the air, no complaints about power or spin -- but, as others have mentioned, it can feel erratic. I had fun hitting with it, but I probably wasn't playing my best tennis.

So I'm a bit confused about its position in Wilson lineup. Does it only exist for Federer fans who find the Pro too heavy? And wasn't the Ultra Pro supposed to be that more-powerful less-controlled Blade option? (I haven't tried the Ultra Pro, so not sure how they compare.)
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My rf 01 pro strung with gut & alu rough, 54 x 52 lbs. Power was insane, control and spin still there. You should try it.
 
riptide120 said:
Demoed RF 01 (not Pro) last weekend. The reason I wanted to try it is that I demoed a Blade v9 98 the week before -- really liked it, except that I was missing some power, particularly on the serves. So I figured I'd give RF 01 a shot.

When I picked it up, I had it measured, and it came up as 315SW. So I added 1.5g at 10 and 2 -- I think it would've been missing some mass for me in the stock form. (The Pro, on the other hand, would be too heavy for me.)

Overall I have mixed feeling about it. It does have more power and less control than the Blade (like people said it would). But it doesn't really play like the Blade. I was hoping for that great Blade pocketing feel, but with more power. But RF 01 feels a lot stiffer. Flies fast through the air, no complaints about power or spin -- but, as others have mentioned, it can feel erratic. I had fun hitting with it, but I probably wasn't playing my best tennis.

So I'm a bit confused about its position in Wilson lineup. Does it only exist for Federer fans who find the Pro too heavy? And wasn't the Ultra Pro supposed to be that more-powerful less-controlled Blade option? (I haven't tried the Ultra Pro, so not sure how they compare.)
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Try the Blade 100 if you miss power - it really is a sleeper racket and of course the closest thing to a regular Blade.

The RF line is simply put an entire line for RF enthusiasts, I don't feel like it has a playstyle that it represents more or less than the other lines.
Wilson's lineup in total is a bit all over the place though, they don't have a dedicated spin line for example - but a couple of undefined ones like Clash, Shift etc
And don't get me started with the Ultra, where they combine the most powerful and most controlled racket in one silo :D
 
I've put a few hours in with the RF01 over the last couple of weeks, I get the negatives that others have highlighted, but there's always negatives with any frame and I don't think the RF01 is the worst of them; its the balance of compromises that matter more I think.

I like how it plays, particularly how quickly it comes through the air, which I first appreciated with the Clash 98v1. I was keen to explore aero frames a little more and along came the RF01. It's made enough of a difference to my racquet head speed at point of contact that I'm finally getting some wicked shape on my slice serves and I'm getting through my groundstrokes a little quicker. It is a player's frame, so long as you can accept that it highlights the limits of your game then it's quite fun to play with I think.
 
Aldukuhi said:
My rf 01 pro strung with gut & alu rough, 54 x 52 lbs. Power was insane, control and spin still there. You should try it.
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I would have to get one way under spec, otherwise the Pro is too heavy for me. Every 330+ SW racquet I've tried, I've struggled to consistently swing fast enough.
 
yourtennisfit said:
Try the Blade 100 if you miss power - it really is a sleeper racket and of course the closest thing to a regular Blade.

The RF line is simply put an entire line for RF enthusiasts, I don't feel like it has a playstyle that it represents more or less than the other lines.
Wilson's lineup in total is a bit all over the place though, they don't have a dedicated spin line for example - but a couple of undefined ones like Clash, Shift etc
And don't get me started with the Ultra, where they combine the most powerful and most controlled racket in one silo :D
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I hit with a Blade 100 very briefly, and it does have more power. It felt like it could maybe use a little bit of weight for stability and tip awareness, but only because Blade 98 felt so perfect in that respect. If I wanted to customize, it might be a good starting point.

And it seems like Wilson is trying to sell the idea that each line has its own unique tech, and maybe that's true (unlike Head, where everything is Auxetic).
 
The Pro is not harder to use than any other "tour spec" racket. If you like Pure Strike Tour V3 (almost the exact spec), which has been my frame for a while now, it's a seamless switch. You just need to lower tension like 2 pounds. It slaps the meanest forehand, and is excellent for all the rest of the shots : volley, slice, OHBH, and of course... trick angles. If you know how to hit with normal, yet advanced wrist lag, you will love this frame. It is no harder to use than an old six-one which also had a tight sweet spot. It's easier to use than a gravity pro, and way easier to use than a 18x20 six one, it's got a lower launch and less power than the new T Fight frames, and it also had a lower launch than the Pure Strike Tour V3 which is really nice for me. It has a lot more power than a pro staff v14. And it's easier to swing than an RF97, but I feel like when you hit a perfect shot with the RF97 it's about the same power level that you get from the RF01 Pro, it's just easier to get there. For string tension I found that my usual 58/55 VS Touch/Sync was too tight, and the 18x20 style of stringing down at 42/40 was WAY too loose. So I tried Tour M8 at 55/53 and it was absolutely perfect. It's literally just a nice tennis racket. It is not any harder to use than a frame weighted at 320g unstrung with a 300sw and a balance of around 32.5. It's just another one of those, with it's own strengths and it's own special feel. I feel like if you approach the forehand with a nice flat swing, you can modulate from that point to have higher or lower launch and variable spin. I think if you want to swing like rafa then there are lower static, higher swingweight models that work better for that and that no stick with a spec like this would be the best for that style. But if you have a swing that works well with Pure Strike and Tecnifibre T Fight and TF40s, and you like to be aggressive, you'll dig it. I like the feel of this pro version stick, but also if you want more dead and soft the RF01 would be cool spec'd up. I almost did that but I am used to this stiffness so I just stuck with it. - Oh yeah, on serve you just have to keep your wrist loose and you can rock it all day.
 
TourStrike7 said:
The Pro is not harder to use than any other "tour spec" racket. If you like Pure Strike Tour V3 (almost the exact spec), which has been my frame for a while now, it's a seamless switch. You just need to lower tension like 2 pounds. It slaps the meanest forehand, and is excellent for all the rest of the shots : volley, slice, OHBH, and of course... trick angles. If you know how to hit with normal, yet advanced wrist lag, you will love this frame. It is no harder to use than an old six-one which also had a tight sweet spot. It's easier to use than a gravity pro, and way easier to use than a 18x20 six one, it's got a lower launch and less power than the new T Fight frames, and it also had a lower launch than the Pure Strike Tour V3 which is really nice for me. It has a lot more power than a pro staff v14. And it's easier to swing than an RF97, but I feel like when you hit a perfect shot with the RF97 it's about the same power level that you get from the RF01 Pro, it's just easier to get there. For string tension I found that my usual 58/55 VS Touch/Sync was too tight, and the 18x20 style of stringing down at 42/40 was WAY too loose. So I tried Tour M8 at 55/53 and it was absolutely perfect. It's literally just a nice tennis racket. It is not any harder to use than a frame weighted at 320g unstrung with a 300sw and a balance of around 32.5. It's just another one of those, with it's own strengths and it's own special feel. I feel like if you approach the forehand with a nice flat swing, you can modulate from that point to have higher or lower launch and variable spin. I think if you want to swing like rafa then there are lower static, higher swingweight models that work better for that and that no stick with a spec like this would be the best for that style. But if you have a swing that works well with Pure Strike and Tecnifibre T Fight and TF40s, and you like to be aggressive, you'll dig it. I like the feel of this pro version stick, but also if you want more dead and soft the RF01 would be cool spec'd up. I almost did that but I am used to this stiffness so I just stuck with it. - Oh yeah, on serve you just have to keep your wrist loose and you can rock it all day.
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I used the rf97 from when it came out until 2022 when I had a shoulder issue so swapped to a weighted clash 98 for a year then to blade pro 16x19 that I love. Bought a rf pro and this is the best description I have read - just a really nice racquet. Maybe I don't get as heavy a ball than the rf97 or blade pro if I am really playing well but otherwise whippier and plays lighter than its SW and really nice firm feel
 
Hi everyone, hope your having a good day. I recently demoed the RF01 and loved how it cut fast through the air but found it lacking on spin even though I was getting lots of racket head speed. I was wondering if there was any other rackets that is similar to the RF01's manuevarability but more spin potential?
 
FriendlyAussie said:
Hi everyone, hope your having a good day. I recently demoed the RF01 and loved how it cut fast through the air but found it lacking on spin even though I was getting lots of racket head speed. I was wondering if there was any other rackets that is similar to the RF01's manuevarability but more spin potential?
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maybe babolat pure aero 98
 
FriendlyAussie said:
I think the Pure Aero 98 is good for me and if I was purely basing it on how well I played pure aero 98 would be the best solution. But I personally dislike the feel of the frame and I was never a fan of the aero's aero dynamic frame design.
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yeah feel from PA98 could be hard to get used to, just throwing an option with definitely more spin potential, fast through the air and a 98 head
 
FriendlyAussie said:
Hi everyone, hope you’re having a good day. I recently demoed the RF01 and loved how it cut fast through the air but found it lacking on spin even though I was getting lots of racket head speed. I was wondering if there was any other rackets that is similar to the RF01's manuevarability but more spin potential?
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RF01 isn’t a spin monster, but maybe a different string set up could help?

That being said plenty of other 98” options.
 
FriendlyAussie said:
Hi everyone, hope your having a good day. I recently demoed the RF01 and loved how it cut fast through the air but found it lacking on spin even though I was getting lots of racket head speed. I was wondering if there was any other rackets that is similar to the RF01's manuevarability but more spin potential?
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Haven't played with the RF01, but I'm a Pro Staff (85, 90, RF97) evangelist who got to playtest the new Tecnifibre TFight 315S. The 315S or its little brother the 300S could be exactly what you're looking for. Super fast through the air with a very open string pattern for stupid amounts of topspin and easy power. Feel is good too. Not Pro Staff good, but I understand the RF01 isn't Pro Staff good either.
 
TourStrike7 said:
The Pro is not harder to use than any other "tour spec" racket. If you like Pure Strike Tour V3 (almost the exact spec), which has been my frame for a while now, it's a seamless switch. You just need to lower tension like 2 pounds. It slaps the meanest forehand, and is excellent for all the rest of the shots : volley, slice, OHBH, and of course... trick angles. If you know how to hit with normal, yet advanced wrist lag, you will love this frame. It is no harder to use than an old six-one which also had a tight sweet spot. It's easier to use than a gravity pro, and way easier to use than a 18x20 six one, it's got a lower launch and less power than the new T Fight frames, and it also had a lower launch than the Pure Strike Tour V3 which is really nice for me. It has a lot more power than a pro staff v14. And it's easier to swing than an RF97, but I feel like when you hit a perfect shot with the RF97 it's about the same power level that you get from the RF01 Pro, it's just easier to get there. For string tension I found that my usual 58/55 VS Touch/Sync was too tight, and the 18x20 style of stringing down at 42/40 was WAY too loose. So I tried Tour M8 at 55/53 and it was absolutely perfect. It's literally just a nice tennis racket. It is not any harder to use than a frame weighted at 320g unstrung with a 300sw and a balance of around 32.5. It's just another one of those, with it's own strengths and it's own special feel. I feel like if you approach the forehand with a nice flat swing, you can modulate from that point to have higher or lower launch and variable spin. I think if you want to swing like rafa then there are lower static, higher swingweight models that work better for that and that no stick with a spec like this would be the best for that style. But if you have a swing that works well with Pure Strike and Tecnifibre T Fight and TF40s, and you like to be aggressive, you'll dig it. I like the feel of this pro version stick, but also if you want more dead and soft the RF01 would be cool spec'd up. I almost did that but I am used to this stiffness so I just stuck with it. - Oh yeah, on serve you just have to keep your wrist loose and you can rock it all day.
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Out of curiosity, have you used the Pure Strike VS (97)?

I used the Pure Storm Tour, then the remade Pure Control Tour in mid 2010's. End of the previous decade I used Pure Strike VS Tour which I didn't like as much as the Pure Control Tour which was probably my favorite.

I had the Pro Staff 97 in 2020, because I loved the all blackout look. I added lead tape on the top, and while it did make my forehand a bit mroe crisp with spin, my 1HBH had zero plow and the slice backhands had no bite or firmness to absorb against heavy hitters and knife through the slice with bite. It was fine coaching and rallying with my junior students but when I'd hit against stronger players, former collegiate level guys, my 1HBH had no plow through, and the forehand wasn't able to re-direct or absorb heavy balls/pace.

After being out of the game for a while, I had eye surgery last year, tested a few new racquets like the T Fight and the Eubanks, and tried the new RF lines (both Pro and regular). Added lead tape and tested a few different string jobs. Ultimately, I read about the Pure Strike VS (97) on here, and was recommended to add lead tape on it. I'm probably enjoying it more than my old Pure Control Tour. My 1HBH I can just absolutely rip, and get whatever spin I need on that and my slice backhand. Forehands aren't as good as my Pure Control Tour was, but they're about 90% there. But the fact hitting against stronger players, like former collegiate guys, my 1HBH no longer feels as much of a liability anymore, and I can actually wear them down in backhand to backhand exchanges, and have the plow to drive it cross or up the line at will, is what I really love.

I've been tempted to give the RF lines another try with different modifications/setups. But I just hate to try somethig new again when the Pure Strike VS has been so good to me the last year.
 
MasturB said:
Out of curiosity, have you used the Pure Strike VS (97)?

I used the Pure Storm Tour, then the remade Pure Control Tour in mid 2010's. End of the previous decade I used Pure Strike VS Tour which I didn't like as much as the Pure Control Tour which was probably my favorite.

I had the Pro Staff 97 in 2020, because I loved the all blackout look. I added lead tape on the top, and while it did make my forehand a bit mroe crisp with spin, my 1HBH had zero plow and the slice backhands had no bite or firmness to absorb against heavy hitters and knife through the slice with bite. It was fine coaching and rallying with my junior students but when I'd hit against stronger players, former collegiate level guys, my 1HBH had no plow through, and the forehand wasn't able to re-direct or absorb heavy balls/pace.

After being out of the game for a while, I had eye surgery last year, tested a few new racquets like the T Fight and the Eubanks, and tried the new RF lines (both Pro and regular). Added lead tape and tested a few different string jobs. Ultimately, I read about the Pure Strike VS (97) on here, and was recommended to add lead tape on it. I'm probably enjoying it more than my old Pure Control Tour. My 1HBH I can just absolutely rip, and get whatever spin I need on that and my slice backhand. Forehands aren't as good as my Pure Control Tour was, but they're about 90% there. But the fact hitting against stronger players, like former collegiate guys, my 1HBH no longer feels as much of a liability anymore, and I can actually wear them down in backhand to backhand exchanges, and have the plow to drive it cross or up the line at will, is what I really love.

I've been tempted to give the RF lines another try with different modifications/setups. But I just hate to try somethig new again when the Pure Strike VS has been so good to me the last year.
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I have tried the strike VS. It's was not the stick for me, it felt much stiffer to me than the Pure Strke Tour. I really love the Pure Strike Tour V3, it nearly became my permanent stick, but I found that I just play everything better with a Blade V9 16 X 19 (also it cured my wrist issues). So now I'm a blade convert, long through the honeymoon period and starting to play some decent tennis.
 
So after tinkering with specs for months, I think I found the best one for me thus far. Replaced the leather with RF synthetic grips and played around with different lead placements (different places for each of the 3 that I have). Settled on:
338-339 g static
328 SW - 300 SW (liked the 328 better)
32.25 cm - 32.3 cm balance

I think this spec allows me to swing faster and easier than my previous spec (can be found on my previous post above) but creates a heavier ball. Sticking with this for the time being.
 
skip11 said:
So after tinkering with specs for months, I think I found the best one for me thus far. Replaced the leather with RF synthetic grips and played around with different lead placements (different places for each of the 3 that I have). Settled on:
338-339 g static
328 SW - 300 SW (liked the 328 better)
32.25 cm - 32.3 cm balance

I think this spec allows me to swing faster and easier than my previous spec (can be found on my previous post above) but creates a heavier ball. Sticking with this for the time being.
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If I understood correctly, just a grip swap to the RF Synthetic (no lead)?
Which string and tension did you use?
 
iceman_dl6 said:
If I understood correctly, just a grip swap to the RF Synthetic (no lead)?
Which string and tension did you use?
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RF 01 Pro 1
338.7 g (synthetic grip, 1.4g at 3 and 9, 1g buttcap)
B 32.25 cm
SW 328.6
TW 14
Vs touch 1.25mm/alu rough 1.25mm 58/55 lbs

RF 01 Pro 2
339.2 g (synthetic grip, 5.7g at 12, 2g at 3 and 9, 5g buttcap)
B 32.3 cm
SW 328.5
TW 14
Vs touch 1.25mm/alu rough 1.25mm 58/55 lbs

RF 01 Pro Laver Cup
339.4 g (synthetic grip, 10g buttcap)
B 32.3 cm
SW 330.2
TW 13.9
Vs touch 1.25mm/alu rough 1.25mm 59/56 lbs

Here's the exact spec and string. The laver one felt the heaviest to swing, felt there's a lot of weight at the throat compared to the other 2.
 
I played with RF 01 Pro this whole week (Wilson NXT 1.30 @52lbs - Alu Power Rough 1.25 @50lbs, B 32.2 cm, SW 329)... Great frame: nice power, spin, and control! That said, is it just me / the string combination or is it also tough for you guys to create angles and find the lines?
 
TNNSDR said:
I played with RF 01 Pro this whole week (Wilson NXT 1.30 @52lbs - Alu Power Rough 1.25 @50lbs, B 32.2 cm, SW 329)... Great frame: nice power, spin, and control! That said, is it just me / the string combination or is it also tough for you guys to create angles and find the lines?
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I had more problems than that.

J
 
TNNSDR said:
I played with RF 01 Pro this whole week (Wilson NXT 1.30 @52lbs - Alu Power Rough 1.25 @50lbs, B 32.2 cm, SW 329)... Great frame: nice power, spin, and control! That said, is it just me / the string combination or is it also tough for you guys to create angles and find the lines?
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It takes a lot of practice to get good with it - but it is possible.
 
TNNSDR said:
I played with RF 01 Pro this whole week (Wilson NXT 1.30 @52lbs - Alu Power Rough 1.25 @50lbs, B 32.2 cm, SW 329)... Great frame: nice power, spin, and control! That said, is it just me / the string combination or is it also tough for you guys to create angles and find the lines?
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I don't have any problems with that, I love playing short crosses and angles with this frame. It goes thru the air so fast, faster than pa98 imo.
 
Cheers guys!! OK, it's me then... :laughing: I will keep hitting it and get more used to it. Maybe lowering the tension for more pocketing might help in that regard. Usually, I play with around 48 - 46, but thought to go higher to tame the power. We'll see.
 
TNNSDR said:
Cheers guys!! OK, it's me then... :laughing: I will keep hitting it and get more used to it. Maybe lowering the tension for more pocketing might help in that regard. Usually, I play with around 48 - 46, but thought to go higher to tame the power. We'll see.
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Try adding some tailweight and make the balance 32cm or lower. Should be whippier.
 
Thx! I also have the feeling that RPM Blast 1.30 would work great in this frame like in the VCore 95D or the Babolat Aero(s).
 
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RF01 Pro

Nice racket, but stock its not to my taste. After some tweaks, it plays surprisingly well. Very well actually. For a one hander there isn’t enough weight in the handle stock in my opinion. Adding the right amount of weight inside the trap door and a Fairway opened this racket right up. Thus making it more headlight and way better suited to my game. It took me a few days to really feel it out where the racket should sit weight and balance wise.
As you can see from the photos the stock RF leather is nice quality but fairly light in weight.

My opinion of what Federer and Wilson are doing is as follows. The RF97A was to Fed’s specs more or less, thats why they called it an Autograph. This to me is setup stock to appeal to the masses, regardless if it’s the RF01 Pro, RF01, or RF01 Future version. People were expecting a classic Fed frame, and weight, but were surprised by what is offered, which is a shame. String setup plays a big role with this frame as it’s fairly string sensitive.
The racket itself is easy to use, stable and provides lots of control and power. My initial reaction is it’s a mix between an Aero 98 and a Pro Staff, with typical Wilson feel and qualities. The string bed however feels more like my 18x20 Prestige’s so definitely lower launch angles than a Babolat but not as low as Head.
The way the balls are changing in our sport, for the worse, and how the game has evolved I see what Wilson and Fed are trying to do here and I agree with it. The racket will not appeal to everyone and I believe that tweaking it to your liking makes a big difference. I don’t believe that Fed’s personal rackets are 320gr stock unstrung, and 9pts HL.

My regular playing rackets, Head Pro Tour 2.0 and Head YT IG MP are setup 360gr strung.
I removed the lead tape on the RF after that bottom picture was taken, which was placed at 3 and 9 o’clock, and the RF01 Pro now weighs 352gr strung, with overgrip of course.

Here’s a playing video from December, for level reference.
 
tennis_balla said:
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492368493_10161274978921089_2748637265163828803_n.jpg


RF01 Pro

Nice racket, but stock its not to my taste. After some tweaks, it plays surprisingly well. Very well actually. For a one hander there isn’t enough weight in the handle stock in my opinion. Adding the right amount of weight inside the trap door and a Fairway opened this racket right up. Thus making it more headlight and way better suited to my game. It took me a few days to really feel it out where the racket should sit weight and balance wise.
As you can see from the photos the stock RF leather is nice quality but fairly light in weight.

My opinion of what Federer and Wilson are doing is as follows. The RF97A was to Fed’s specs more or less, thats why they called it an Autograph. This to me is setup stock to appeal to the masses, regardless if it’s the RF01 Pro, RF01, or RF01 Future version. People were expecting a classic Fed frame, and weight, but were surprised by what is offered, which is a shame. String setup plays a big role with this frame as it’s fairly string sensitive.
The racket itself is easy to use, stable and provides lots of control and power. My initial reaction is it’s a mix between an Aero 98 and a Pro Staff, with typical Wilson feel and qualities. The string bed however feels more like my 18x20 Prestige’s so definitely lower launch angles than a Babolat but not as low as Head.
The way the balls are changing in our sport, for the worse, and how the game has evolved I see what Wilson and Fed are trying to do here and I agree with it. The racket will not appeal to everyone and I believe that tweaking it to your liking makes a big difference. I don’t believe that Fed’s personal rackets are 320gr stock unstrung, and 9pts HL.

My regular playing rackets, Head Pro Tour 2.0 and Head YT IG MP are setup 360gr strung.
I removed the lead tape on the RF after that bottom picture was taken, which was placed at 3 and 9 o’clock, and the RF01 Pro now weighs 352gr strung, with overgrip of course.

Here’s a playing video from December, for level reference.
Click to expand...
I used the Pro Tour 2.0 as well, how would you compare the two?
 
ozbikebuddy said:
I used the Pro Tour 2.0 as well, how would you compare the two?
Click to expand...

RF01 Pro is much easier to use, with the obvious difference is easier access to power. The RF01 Pro is also much more muted than the Pro Tour 2.0. The RF is easier on returns and volleys and angles. The PT2.0 is deadly when you want to just murder a ball and are perfectly setup, nothing beats it but the RF is close. Because of how muted the RF is, I believe you have a better ball feel or rather a more raw ball feel with the PT2.0

Similarities is the string bed feel in terms of spacing on the RF and PT isn’t that big of a difference when hitting in the middle. It’s the off center hits with the RF that are very different.
The RF01 Pro is a modern players racket. The PT2.0 is an old school players racket, but can be made very capable if setup right.

The RF01 Pro surprised me a lot, I really enjoyed it. It’s very quick through the air, but like I said without the modifications it wouldn’t feel right.
 
So
tennis_balla said:
491864711_10161274978906089_4577817447426499527_n.jpg


492368493_10161274978921089_2748637265163828803_n.jpg


RF01 Pro

Nice racket, but stock its not to my taste. After some tweaks, it plays surprisingly well. Very well actually. For a one hander there isn’t enough weight in the handle stock in my opinion. Adding the right amount of weight inside the trap door and a Fairway opened this racket right up. Thus making it more headlight and way better suited to my game. It took me a few days to really feel it out where the racket should sit weight and balance wise.
As you can see from the photos the stock RF leather is nice quality but fairly light in weight.

My opinion of what Federer and Wilson are doing is as follows. The RF97A was to Fed’s specs more or less, thats why they called it an Autograph. This to me is setup stock to appeal to the masses, regardless if it’s the RF01 Pro, RF01, or RF01 Future version. People were expecting a classic Fed frame, and weight, but were surprised by what is offered, which is a shame. String setup plays a big role with this frame as it’s fairly string sensitive.
The racket itself is easy to use, stable and provides lots of control and power. My initial reaction is it’s a mix between an Aero 98 and a Pro Staff, with typical Wilson feel and qualities. The string bed however feels more like my 18x20 Prestige’s so definitely lower launch angles than a Babolat but not as low as Head.
The way the balls are changing in our sport, for the worse, and how the game has evolved I see what Wilson and Fed are trying to do here and I agree with it. The racket will not appeal to everyone and I believe that tweaking it to your liking makes a big difference. I don’t believe that Fed’s personal rackets are 320gr stock unstrung, and 9pts HL.

My regular playing rackets, Head Pro Tour 2.0 and Head YT IG MP are setup 360gr strung.
I removed the lead tape on the RF after that bottom picture was taken, which was placed at 3 and 9 o’clock, and the RF01 Pro now weighs 352gr strung, with overgrip of course.

Here’s a playing video from December, for level reference.
Click to expand...
So what's your final spec's like? SW, TW, and balance?
 
skip11 said:
So

So what's your final spec's like? SW, TW, and balance?
Click to expand...
Don’t know, I go by feel not numbers. I also currently don’t have access to an RDC machine. For now I only have one RF01 Pro so it doesn’t matter, and once I find a setup I like and if I decide to switch to this racket I’ll send them off to someone for matching to this test racket. Then I’ll know numbers, until then it’s irrelevant and only a distraction.

I use static weight as a guide, balance is by feel. Every racket is different, I wouldn’t setup these the same as my Prestiges for example, but there needs to be a minimum static weight

Every racket that you test is different, go by what feels good not by what the numbers say.
 
tennis_balla said:
RF01 Pro is much easier to use, with the obvious difference is easier access to power. The RF01 Pro is also much more muted than the Pro Tour 2.0. The RF is easier on returns and volleys and angles. The PT2.0 is deadly when you want to just murder a ball and are perfectly setup, nothing beats it but the RF is close. Because of how muted the RF is, I believe you have a better ball feel or rather a more raw ball feel with the PT2.0

Similarities is the string bed feel in terms of spacing on the RF and PT isn’t that big of a difference when hitting in the middle. It’s the off center hits with the RF that are very different.
The RF01 Pro is a modern players racket. The PT2.0 is an old school players racket, but can be made very capable if setup right.

The RF01 Pro surprised me a lot, I really enjoyed it. It’s very quick through the air, but like I said without the modifications it wouldn’t feel right.
Click to expand...
Ok thanks for the info.

I've been hanging off trying the RF01pro, purely because of the cost here in Australia. Something like $450Aud for a new one. And I have not seen and used 4 1/2s around at all
 
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