However, Wilson also changes this racquet by increasing the beam width by 1.5 mm to 23 mm, which improves the racquets power by making the frame slightly more rigid or stiff. The feel with these is insane. Lives up to it's claims. I've used various racquets from Prince, Babolat, and Yonex, and I can say this is by far the best racquet for me. So far, so good. However, we would limit our player recommendation on this model to junior players ages 12-13. These are the specs for the standard Wilson Pro Staff 97 racquet. They said they would take them and evaluate them and reimburse me later. Despite its lighter weight, the frame still falls on the heavier end of the spectrum when considering racquets more broadly. The image for this product is generic and may not reflect the actual product Wilson Pro Staff RF97 / 97 Grommet Details: Head Size: 97 sq. Only thing I might switch up is to use a hybrid set up with Solinco Tour Bite 16 mains, but keep Hyper G Soft 16 in the crosses, for more jump on kick serves, but retain the comfort. All in all, theyll both terrific options. Is it not significantly better than the previous 315g version? MP Length: 27 inches Weight: Strung 11.6 oz Unstrung 11.1 oz Tension: 50-60 Pounds Balance: 10 Pts Head Light Beam Width: 21.5mm Composition: Braided Graphite Flex: 65 Grip Type: Wilson Pro Performance Power Level: Low String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses I initially ordered with 17 gauge Volkl Cyclone, but later tried 16 gauge Soft Solinco which I thought felt and sounded better.From: CK, Acton, MA, 1/30/22, Comments: The Pro Staff 97 seems to be much like the older versions as far as the way it hits. It's not apples to apples because I strung this new racquet with gut versus my typical polyester. 9:29 vs. Lets start by looking at the racquets specifications, which are useful to gain a sense of what to expect. Based on the latest reviews and removal of the Countervail, purchased the Pro Staff v13. Wilson recommends a string tension between 50-60 pounds (22.7 27.2kg) for the Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13. I got use to it after a week, and then loved playing with it ever since. I knew I needed something lighter, but previous generations of the Pro Staff 97 just did not feel right, harder to return and to volley. Of course, not all racquet innovations hit the mark, so keep reading to see whether the Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 v13 gets it right. inches; String Pattern: 16 mains (19 crosses) Check Current Price & Reviews. Very stable on volleys. After trying the Federer signature model, I knew it had the feel I like, but was a bit too heavy for me. I am sure Wilson may play with the weight and balance slightly. Description. String pattern: Wider Cross-Strings (Open 16x19 string pattern) for added Power, Control and Spin. We are a wholesale tennis distributor and retail store based in West Lawn, Pennsylvania. All those racquets are great, arm-friendly and I'm sure you'll find a good match! I notice this frame absorbs the shock really well, not too muted, so you can feel the ball. In essence, Countervail dampened the racquets feedback and subsequently reduced its feel. 3.5 out of 5 stars 8. . Give it a try.From: AJI, Walnut Creek, 2/21/22, Comments: Strung my brand new Pro Staff 97 v13 with Solinco Hyper G Soft (16g) at 52/50 lbs and a Gamma Razortac overgrip: exactly 12 oz. 0:45 Specs in: Length: 27 in: Weight (strung) 11.7 oz / 330g: Balance: 7pts Head Light: Flex: 66: String Pattern: 1619 . The Pro Staff 97 weighs in at a reasonable 315 grams (unstrung) with a very head light balance and an open 16x19 string pattern, making it forgiving and easy to use. There are four distinct Pro Staff models available, which are primarily distinguished by their weight to appeal to a broader range of players. With heavier racquets I struggle to generate as much topspin and am late setting up on fast balls, with lighter racquets I can't serve as hard or generate as much power. I have strung it with Gamma TNT since I had developed elbow tendonitis and shoulder issues, and I wanted less impact and stress on my joints. Another time-tested Pro Staff technology is Wilsons Perimeter Weighting System (PWS), which strategically places extra weight at three and nine oclock on the racquets head to reduce twisting and improve stability. Roger Federer has once again partnered with Wilson to redesign the Pro Staff, the new Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph Tennis racquet is even better than before. 4.0+ player and still prefer racquets on the heavier side, but the RF made sure 3rd sets were a guaranteed loss. Close to 12 oz with 16 gauge, so not too heavy or light. Want the head-light feel and precision of our Pro Staff line in a frame that's easier to maneuver? in. Aesthetics-wise, I love the paint job, but in true Wilson fashion, it won't last long. I would recommend but also demo first. It's great at the net, stable with plenty of mass and crispiness behind my volleys. Although he now has a signature model, Federer has worked closely with Wilson to help evolve and refine the Pro Staff line for the modern game. It's definitely a control racquet, and not as powerful as RF97. However, while helpful for comparison, they wont tell you how a racquet will feel, so I encourage players to demo a racquet whenever possible. So, overall, the backhand is okay, forehand still needs work, the volleys needs some training as well, the serve works great. The 2015 version gives you more pop, a much more connected feeling to the ball, and a slightly larger sweetspot. The Pro Staff 97 is a modern take on the RF97. That's when I tried my coach's Clash and Pro Staff 97 v13. Exclusive Offers Sent Right to Your Inbox. From a design standpoint, the Pro Staff 97 v13 pays subtle tribute to the Pro Staff Original 6.0 while refining its modern and sleek aesthetic. Great control and accuracy. Roger Federer's personal racket ; Heavy composition ideal for advanced players with experience swinging substantial frames ; Braided Graphite composition delivers a pure, consistent feel However, Im confident the update to the Pro Staff 97 will appeal to a broader audience than the RF97. I know this line of racquets inside and out. It's not the easiest racquet to use, but once you get a feel for it, it's very reliable. The Pro Staff 6.0 version was manufactured in four head sizes: 85, 95, 110, and 125 square inches. Additional nuances include the grip and butt caps. I recommend stringing at a lower tension. The general heavier weight and exclusive 97 in (626 cm) head size of the Pro Staff line makes a statement that targets experienced players who demand a responsive control-oriented racquet. I even bought the TW reissues when they were around. I used ALU Silver at 55 pounds on the mains and a Babolat string at 52 pounds on the crosses for control. I started playing with the Pro Staff line back in 2012 with the Six.One Classic 95. Enjoy! The Pro Staff 97 maintains its 1619 string pattern for this release, but theyve adjusted the string beds density by decreasing the space between them for a more tightly woven sweet spot. Some Restrictions Apply. I demoed several racquets. Love the black paint job. Catered toward intermediate to advanced players with an all-court style of play who value precision and control, the Pro Staff 97 v13 is a terrific frame and one of my picks for the best tennis racquets in 2022. Same on my backhand, but it has to be clean contact and not muscle-ing the ball. I was excited to see the new v13 line with the amazing old school eighties look, in homage to the famous tennis players, well done Wilson! It is a tank. The sweetspot is pretty small. Generating racquet head speed is easier for v13 and so I liked it on serves. Designed with Paradigm Bending technology to optimize the bending profile between the shaft and hoop, this racket offers precision and pinpoint control. This creates a more consistent feel across the string bed. I also notice the frame is a bit heavier, but I think with a few more hitting session to get use to.From: Jonyu, 1/4/21, Comments: New to the Pro Staff series and really happy with this particular iteration. 2 X Pro Staff 97 V13 Night Session Plus Tennis Bag - 579,95 - Wilson - Pro Staff - Tennis rackets - Racket package - black - Brands color name: Black/Black - Head size (cm): 626 - String pattern: 16/19 - Weight unstrung (g): 315 - Length (mm): 685 - Collection: Wilson racket packages - Balance (mm): 310 - Strung: No . Volleys were butter with good contact. The first time if you are used to using a lot of lift, you will have to review your gesture because it is more difficult to hit the sweetspot. The one drawback is that it does not have too large of a "sweet spot". From: Mikey, LA, CA, 8/11/21, Comments: I have both the 340 gram Pro Staff RF97 and this 315 gram Pro Staff v13. I can place my shots short or deep very easily and precisely. We offer 100% Price Protection for 7 days on all orders. For the most part, the Pro Staff 97 specs remain very close to the prior generation from 2017. With Pro Staff 97 v13, I noticed that to get the best out of the service, I had to be very accurate in the strike zone. Although the modern and evolved Pro Staff 97 v13 will work well for various styles of play, aggressive baseliners who rely on maximum topspin and free power will likely want to look elsewhere. The Clash is a newer frame from Wilson that offers an innovative approach to materials and construction, which marries the control of a flexible racquet with a stiffer racquets power. I am comparing it to the non-Countervail Pro Staff, all black or red and black, because the Countervail is just too muted.From: Carter, 9/25/20. Now enough about the playability, can we talk about this awesome matte black paint job? Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game. 2023 Model Year Rackets. From: Craig, Acton 8/27/21, Comments: My opinion on this racquet at first was critical. Tennis warehouse was very organized starting from order placement and stringing to delivery and tracking. The 97UL's weight (9.5oz/270g unstrung) makes this a great racket for those who grew up . I my opinion, it feel great as it has lower stiffness rating, too. Welcome to Racquet Sports - The Pro Shop Pros and your store for tennis, running and fitness. Featuring Spin Effect Technology with a 18x17 string pattern, the 97S allows for extreme spin creation without sacrificing control and feel. We will match or beat any posted overall price advertised in-store or online on in stock items. This is what people mean by having a difficult racket to master, but the reward is certainly there if you are strong enough and coordinated to hit that sweet spot. However, keep in mind that most professional tennis players customize their racquets, so although the players mentioned below are endorsing the Pro Staff, theyve likely made additional customizations to suit their preferences. Technical specifications for Wilson Pro Staff 97 racket. I am not sure what Wilson has done, but it's almost as if they intended to string this racquet as a one-piece. Pro Staff 97 w/ Countervail I have not demoed EZONE Tour and new Radical Pro. Compared to the first version,2015, this v13 is lousy. Share your list with your family and friends for any occasion, Quickly move list items to your bag when you're ready to checkout. Perimeter Weighting System (PWS) For a person to swing this, they need to hit the sweetspot consistently. The volleys on this racquet make for some great shots, I kind of felt like Federer hitting volleys out there which gave me a confidence boost. The Blade has a thinner beam, lower stiffness, and keeps more weight in the racquets head, for maximum flex, added feel, and comfort. I get more control and more spin from the v13. The feel on volleys, slices, and attacking strokes is great. Wilson Pro Staff 97 Specs; Head Size: 97 sq. On the inside of the racquets throat, youll find a few of the racquets specs, including its weight, balance, and recommended tension. I used to play with a Radical Pro.From: Charly, 11/20/20, Comments: I have the stick for around four days and played already five hours with it. Half an ounce lighter. Beyond helpful customer service. Even on serves I found the v13 better. Having used and enjoyed the heavier Fed model --albeit with limited success due to being a mere mortal -- this lighter, less head-heavy version simply fits my all-court game to a T. Regardless of your level, your style of play or the racquet that you are currently using, I would definitely recommend that you at least demo this one before buying something else. Maybe a thinner frame would be better on improving the feel and as well a little bit more swingweight. My slices are epic. Demoed this along with several Yonex models and this one delivers on control and is very comfortable on the arm. It is for 'big hitters' or any way of saying it, is for players with big swings. String Pattern String Length ' ' ' ' Pro Sta RF 97 Autograph Recommended String Tension 50 - 60 lbs. From: Anonymous, 8/19/21, Comments: I played with Wilson Pro Staff 90 that Federer used and then switched to the RF97 for many years.I tried this Pro Staff 315 grams, and did not like the very low swing weight. Shortly after, Wilson adapted the design to the now-iconic 85 square inch head size, a.k.a., the Pro Staff Original 6.0. The current local time in Vitry-sur-Seine is 63 minutes ahead of apparent solar time. For more information on string patterns, check out our . I did notice uncontrollable power, and the racquet spray at times. You can also pick up the racquet on Wilsons website, and they have an excellent demo program you can use to try the racquet before making a decision. I used to use the RF 97, but at 51 now, it's just too heavy after one and a half hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. With that being said, after playing with the racquet several times, I'm sad to report it was one of the most uncomfortable, jarring, and odd feeling racquets I've ever played with. Racket Specs. However, many others, who enjoy the classic Pro Staff feel werent fans of the update. The Pro Staff 97UL v13 also gets updated with Wilson's String Mapping, which creates denser spacing in the hitting area for a more predictable and controlled response. Although the slightly tightened up string bed left me wanting a bit more topspin on groundstrokes, I found it worked well for me on returns offering extra control, especially with a more compact stroke. I bought a couple of these v13 racquets sight unseen because the reviews cleared up any concerns I might have had. Given that it's lighter than RF97, I find it better for serves and volleys, but miss the plow through and power in the groundstrokes. The Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 is one of my favorite updates to the Pro Staff line in years, which I expect will resonate with long-time enthusiasts. If possible, Id encourage players to consider trying or demoing the racquet before buying. Although the Pro Staff is a fan favorite, its only one of a handful of purpose-built tennis racquet lines from Wilson designed to cater to a wide variety of player needs and preferences. Similar to the 97L, the Pro Staff 97UL is an even lighter version of the full-size Pro Staff racket line, again coming with all of the new technology updates. The first racquet that makes this list is the smallest in its size, but probably the biggest in overall hype. I went from the v11.0, non-Countervail to this. I am going to experiment with lower tension to see how the racquet plays.From: Charles, 12/30/20, Comments: I'm a long time Pro Staff user, 3.5 to 4.0 Rating, mid 40's. For this model, Wilson removes Countervail, a somewhat controversial material added to the racquets layup in 2017. It's more rounded. However, what further distinguishes these two racquet lines is their feel. I have bought two Pro Staff 97 v13 racquets, with Luxilon 1.15, as recommended by Wilson at 54 pounds, and am loving it. I'd say the TW reviews were on point except for comfort. Also they're not the easiest on the wrist or arm. ft. tennis warehouse is home to approximately 22,000 unique racquet sport product SKUs. It's solid, easy to swing, and sharp looking. Wilson needs to rethink the racquet, especially since so many pros use it. Hitting the serve flat is much easier while getting big topspin is harder, although that is probably the string. For the volleys I could volley deep and the next ball, drop volley. Coming from the BLX Pro Staff 95, this was a fairly easy transition. I'm sure I have more to say about the racquet, but for now I hope this review helps you make your decision. Also, the tighter stringbed in the sweetspot they got by adjusting the positioning of some of the grommet holes is evident by the effortless spin and control you get when you hit the sweetspot. The string pattern plays more like an 18x20 with a relatively low launch angle, so a high follow through is a must. Here are a few additional of my favorite polys worth considering from a variety of brands: Although I dont get much durability out of the 1.25 guage, its a reasonable tradeoff with this frame for a bit extra bite and added feel, which you could buffer with string savers if you feel compelled. String Pattern String Length ' ' ' Pro Sta RF 97 v13.0 WILSON.COM 2020 WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO. EST. My two-handed backhand definitely requires some cleaning, but I am blasting winners from anywhere in the court with my forehand. The feel is unbelievable. The thing I like most about this racquet is it is solid at every stroke in the game. . Good balance of power and control. Wilson Grommet Strips stocked for nearly all Wilson tennis racquet models. 6:57 Volleys . I'm happy it's working for some players though, so I encourage you to demo for yourself. Overall the Wilson Pro Staff 97 ULS is a great frame for players that want a very light and easy swinging control racquet that can deliver a lot . This racquet hits very well, even with the 65 tension on a full bed of ALU Rough, the frame is stiff and has get feeling on the serve and volley. And when you do make contact in the "sweet spot", I found myself either hitting winners or getting weak returns for a second shot put-away. My opponent also said that my balls are much heavier with the v11 compared to the v13, this may be because of lower swingweight on the v13. (23 - 27 kgs.) The image shown is a stock image and used for display purposes. However I find them to be erratic when you don't hit with a ton of spin. The Pro Staff v13 has a more plush feel and better control than my past racquets. Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis. String pattern: 18 Mains / 16 Crosses Mains skip: 8T,10T,8H,10H One Piece No Shared Holes: Length: 27in / 68.58cm: Beam width: 23mm / 23mm / 23mm / Composition: Carbon Graphite: Power level: Low-Medium: Stroke style: I love the weight of the racquet. *Price comparisons are based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") or Original Selling Price. Sunrise: 08:28AM. Wilson Yonex All . We will then ensure the correct grommets are sent. It's amazing how much his game improved once we were able to find the exact right fit.From: Steve, 4/13/21, Comments: It's a nice racquet. For the 2020 line, we brought forth new, advanced technologies to enhance Pro Staffs playability and precision, while honoring the rackets roots with cues from its iconic past and 117 Grand Slam wins.. However, relative to the prior version, some crucial changes are worth noting, directly impacting the racquets feel and performance. String pattern: Wider Cross-Strings (Open 16x19 string . Kudos to Wilson quality control who really have stepped up their game! The feel is very strange as well. It is, even when adding beautiful calfskin leather grips to both. Description. I then added a Wilson Pro Overgrip, the only customisation, bringing the strung weight to 326.6g. Until recently, my primary stick was the Pro Staff RF97, I loved stability and plow through, however for long rallies it was quite a challenge to handle, especially off position shots. The control and feel is incredible. Sunset: 05:38PM. Wilson boasted about that 45 carbon weaving and I thought it was just marketing lingo, but it truly does make a difference. Players who have wanted to upgrade but have held off should absolutely consider this model, which I expect to be a popular upgrade. The Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14 is a precision-oriented racket ideal for advanced players. WILSON Pro Staff 97 UL V13 Tennis Racquet Specifications: Playability: The Pro Staff 97 V11 is a great option for Advanced players looking for control-oriented racquet. Braid 45 construction arranges the double braided fibers at 45 degree angles for enhanced pocketing feel alongside incredible stability. . I would recommend to friends for sure.From: Anonymous, 12/23/21, Comments: Following my review of a couple of days ago, I tail weighted one of my Pro Staff 97's to achieve a 8 point head light balance, mainly to knife my backhand slice and it worked!From: Raj, USA/India, 9/18/21, Comments: Bought two frames to replace my RF97's and was really surprised that the weight was almost spot on! Players looking to put their spin on the design should keep an eye on Wilsons custom racquet center, where I expect the pain job will be customizable in the future. WILSON Pro Staff 97L V13 Tennis Racquet Specifications: Playability: The Pro Staff 97L V13 is a great option for the Intermediate players looking for control-oriented racquet. If you're like me and a Pro Staff 95 user, now is the time to upgrade!From: Joshua, 12/31/20, Comments: I started learning and playing tennis actively in November 2019. Beyond the frames impressive credentials, its become a cult favorite among competitive players from club to college who appreciate the classic feel that results from the time-tested formula of braided graphite, perimeter weighting system, thin beam, and head light balance. The Ultra line is lighter and offers a more generous 100 in (645 cm) head size, making it more approachable than the Pro Staff. The frame has an illustrious history, which began back in 1983. You want something else then the Blade or Clash are there for you.From: Kris, 10/4/20, Comments: This new Pro Staff has a denser pattern due to the 45 degree angle braid. And has a lot of pop. Both are strung with Solinco Hyper-G 18 at 55 lb. john added a stringing of Yonex Poly Tour Spin 1.25 16L Blue to Yonex EZONE 98 (285g) about 2 months: cm* Length: 685mm** Weight: 315g (11.1oz)* / 330g (11.64oz)** Balance: 310mm (10HL)* / 321mm (6.8HL)** Beam: 21.5mm* String pattern: 16x19 ____________________________________ I do like weighted tape at the top of the frame, but the racquet is well balanced on its own. 2:48 String Mapping Had to weight up the frames at the 3 and 9 position to increase the swing weight from 318 to Mid 320's and counterbalance with tail added weight for an 8 point head light balance. From: Anonymous, 7/24/21, Comments: Got it for my husband, who was playing with Countervail. With strings installed, youll find the balance reduces a bit to 7 pts HL at 32cm. About this item . 4:43 Playtest String Setup, 5:37 Playtest Very maneuverable with the right amount of weight. Wilson is committed to achieving Level AA conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and achieving compliance with other accessibility standards. According to Wilson, Countervail intended to reduce player fatigue and improve comfort by reducing vibration passed to a players arm. TW always helps when you need it. While the RF plow was superb, the stick didn't allow the racquet head speed I should be hitting with. Very light in weight. You've to create your own power and a hybrid string it's always a good choice in this outstanding racquet. To this end, Wilson offers a few lighter versions to consider. It feels perfect in my hands and such a major difference from my previous gifted racquet. In this section, youll find my thoughts and experience hitting with the racquet, which I hope helps serve as a useful reference point whether youre considering this racquet or just curious what it has to offer. The other said that is fast enough, even faster than current stick he used, Blade v7 18x20. Players with healthy arms looking to get the most out of the racquets excellent feedback and response will likely appreciate swapping out the synthetic grip for leather, which will add a small bit of extra weight too. When I was on the run and returned the balls they were falling short. He is happy with this racquet performance.From: Alena, FL. The feel is definitely improved and feels tighter, just a little bit, than the previous version. Although many players gravitate toward the Pro Staff for its higher weight, not all players can comfortably swing the heaviest models. The last generation of the Pro Staff 97 incorporated Countervail into the graphite layup, which resulted in a somewhat muted feel and less feedback. 11:00: Wrapping Up. The Pro Staff 97 uses a synthetic grip and a red butt cap with rounded edges, while the RF97 uses a leather grip and a more traditional flat black butt cap. I did find the racquets new tighter string pattern to reduce its bite on slice and kick serves a bit, but Id expect that to become insignificant after spending more time with the frame. The feel is much better than the previous version. To help broaden the Blade's appeal, Wilson offers a lighter version that weighs only 10.1 oz (285 g) unstrung, which helps improve the frame's maneuverability for a more user-friendly option. Featuring a refined, elegant design and coloring inspired by rich earth tones, the Wilson Pro Staff 97UL v14 is an even lighter version than the Pro Staff 97L v14, with the same dense string pattern that allows you to swing aggressively while maintaining pinpoint accuracy. This Pro Staff is also great for adding more spin to the ball on groundstrokes and serve. If I need to be a serve and volleyer, it's solid. I used to play with the RF97 in the past and then switched to the Babolat Pure Aero. Grip Type:Wilson Pro Performance: String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses: Mains skip: 8T,7H,9H: One Piece: No Shared Holes: String Tension:50-60 pounds: . And for Federer it's the reverse, the mains are strung tighter to create a more even feeling. Great for volleys. As you might expect from a Pro Saff, its a lively racquet that can deliver exceptional pace derived through sound technique. It hits precisely. I've been hitting with the Pro Staff for my whole life and am now a 50+ year old, 3.5 level male.