Coming from the BLX Pro Staff 95, this was a fairly easy transition. It is much easier to handle with less weight. However I find them to be erratic when you don't hit with a ton of spin. 5 Point Friday Pro Staff 97L v13. When I was on the run and returned the balls they were falling short. On serves, I thought the Pro Staff 97 held its own, and while it may underwhelm to a degree from a power standpoint, it makes up for it by delivering greater precision. 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 . Wilson hasnt always had the greatest track record in hitting these specs, so its great to see that this particular offering is accurate. A huge thank you to Wilson for sending me the Pro Staff 97 v13 ahead of its release. It is a tank. It's really important to put a nice string like a hybrid, I put in the mains ALU Power Rough and crosses any natural gut, or a full bed of a softer polyester like a Luxilon Hyper-G. The stick has incredible feel and pockets the ball well. Getting used to the weight coming from a 10.8 to 11.4 ounce racquet. I demoed several racquets. Ill also hit the court to showcase how the Pro Staff 97 v13 performs and share my experience, so youll know what to expect from this iconic frame. By comparison, the RF97 is much heavier and probably truer to the original line of Pro Staff models. I am sure Wilson may play with the weight and balance slightly. These are amazing. Wilson offers some of the cleanest racquet designs, and the Pro Staff line is no exception. I strung that up with Luxilon Alu Power 1.30 at 54 lbs or 24.5 kg, added an overgrip, and got: 97 sq inches, 1619 string pattern, 21.5 mm beam, 365g, 31.5 cm, 341.5 SW These specs are pretty heavy, even for the Autograph version. Pro Staff 97 v13 Technologies For the thirteenth generation of the Pro Staff, you'll find many familiar technologies players have come to expect from this line of racquets. Tennis warehouse was very organized starting from order placement and stringing to delivery and tracking. Roger Federer's personal racket ; Heavy composition ideal for advanced players with experience swinging substantial frames ; Braided Graphite composition delivers a pure, consistent feel the Wilson Pro Staff 97UL V13 Tennis Racquet offers superior precision at an arm-friendly swing weight for transitioning juniors and adults with elbow . I pair it with black strings, Wilson NXT at 55 pounds, and pink overgrip to create a black and pink racquet. I demoed a total of seven racquets. I cannot wait to string some natural gut with polyester closer to 50 pounds tension. 1914. Need to swing fully to get power and definitely need good technique to realize the potential of this racquet. It's super solid, not too heavy and it feels great! Spin comes easy thanks to the open 16x19 string pattern. It feels like I don't even have to try. In other words, it took a bit of the life out of the racquet. Wilson recommends a string tension between 50-60 pounds (22.7 27.2kg) for the Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13. Featuring Spin Effect Technology with a 18x17 string pattern, the 97S allows for extreme spin creation without sacrificing control and feel. Pro Staff V14 97UL. 15 of those years I've been playing USTA 5.0 Mens League Singles and Open Middle States Tournaments. The headlight balance allows me to generate fast racquet head speed for a fast serve. 5:55 Playtest Notes Sorry, Yonex, I'm back home at Wilson!From: Phoenix, 10/20/20, Comments: Awesome racquet from Wilson, no more Countervail! The cosmetics are different at the request of Roger himself as he wanted his racquet to look . 2023 Wilson Sporting Goods All rights reserved. Definitely give these a demo. I have been a long time Pro Staff user. Stringing the racquet as a hybrid is a pain because the grommet placement and size is challenging. Highlighted by a design that pays tribute to the historic Pro Staff series, the Pro Staff 97 v13 features a new Braid 45 construction that increases precision by adjusting the angle of the double braided fibers for enhanced feel and stability. Share your list with your family and friends for any occasion, Quickly move list items to your bag when you're ready to checkout. Players who have honed their technique and have an all-court style of play will appreciate the Pro Staffs well-rounded performance, which offers mid-range power and topspin with excellent precision and feel. I can place my shots short or deep very easily and precisely. Mainly used a Pro Staff RF97 for many years. You'll also find the racquet has a control-centric 21.5 mm beam. Cosmetically there are small differences as well. You're eligible for Free Shipping on orders over $49. Then in 2015 I tried out the Pro Staff 97 red and black model and honestly wasn't that much of a fan, so I stuck with the BLX model. The feel is very strange as well. Maybe a thinner frame would be better on improving the feel and as well a little bit more swingweight. Head Size:97 sq. However, if you add some weight to increase it (around 5-8 grams), you will have almost a similar feel to RF97 in a lighter package that performs superbly. And the black paint job is super cool looking. Actual sales may not have occurred at this price. Sunset: 05:38PM. 2019 Model Year Rackets. About this item . We chose this particular Pro Staff after using TW's information tables which we found extremely helpful in finding the right fit. 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. 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. So, I string it with RPM Blast 1.20, at 53 on the mains and 49 pounds on the crosses and usually I'm playing with Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310 grams, the 2018 model with red and dark color not the last one, with around three grams of stain at 3 and 9 o'clock. It feels perfect in my hands and such a major difference from my previous gifted racquet. 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 . 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. Players intrigued by what racquet Roger Federer uses but find themselves intimidated by its higher weight and prefer a lighter weight option will want to consider this racquet, the most popular in the Pro Staff lineup. 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: . The most notable difference between the Pro Staff 97 and the RF97 is weight as the Pro Staff 97 is roughly an ounce or 25 grams lighter, making it easier to swing and maneuver while leaving room for personalized weight customization if desired. The racquet offers a great balance of power and precision. For some players with arm issues or discomfort, this type of change might be welcome. I am not sure what Wilson has done, but it's almost as if they intended to string this racquet as a one-piece. I strung them with a hybrid of Babolat RPM Blast, 51 pounds on the mains, and a Babolat multifilament, 53 pounds on the crosses. All in all, its a subtle yet refined update to an already great looking tennis racquet and one of my favorite designs. Title: Pro Staff 97 2015 Created Date: This is a reasonably open string pattern which means more spin . A 1619 string pattern will give you more topspin on your shots which will allow you to hit your shots harder while an 1820 string pattern will give you more control. Players who werent fans of Countervail will be happy to hear the Pro Staff 97 v13 removes it, so the racquet regains its lively feel and crisp response, but enhances it further with its Braid 45 construction. String pattern: 16 mains/18 crosses. From: Anonymous, 7/24/21, Comments: Got it for my husband, who was playing with Countervail. We never want to change any aspect of the racket unless we can do so in a meaningful way that gives our players a true advantage on the court. Next time, I plan to go with Hyper-G Soft. Even on serves I found the v13 better. Description. cm. First serve doesn't bomb as hard as the RF, but my double fault rate is down quite a bit. inches; String Pattern: 16 mains (19 crosses) Check Current Price & Reviews. Headlight While the RF plow was superb, the stick didn't allow the racquet head speed I should be hitting with. Wilson Tennis Racquet Stringing Patterns About Us Contact Us (847) 742-1300 780 Church Road Elgin, IL 60123 USA Racquet Stringing Machines Racquet Strings Racquet Grips Accessories Gift Cards How to String a Racquet How to Choose the Perfect Racquet String Brand Comparison Racquet Stringing Patterns String Performance Charts It gave new meaning to the concept of a brassy feel. Racket: Wilson Pro Staff 97 LS Tennis Racket. . 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. I use Black Code 16 orange and yellow at 56 pounds. Racket Recommendations I'm happy it's working for some players though, so I encourage you to demo for yourself. Designed with Paradigm Bending technology to optimize the bending profile between the shaft and hoop, this racket offers precision and pinpoint control. 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. 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. cm* Length: 685mm** Weight: 315g (11.1oz)* / 330g (11.64oz)** Balance: 310mm (10HL)* / 321mm (6.8HL)** Beam: 21.5mm* String pattern: 16x19 ____________________________________ I demo'd several Babolat and Yonex racquets, but couldn't make them work. Players who fall into the latter camp will be happy to hear that the latest generation of the Pro Staff line no longer contains Countervail. From: Craig, Acton 8/27/21, Comments: My opinion on this racquet at first was critical. We will then ensure the correct grommets are sent. That's when I tried my coach's Clash and Pro Staff 97 v13. The Pro Staff 97 is a modern take on the RF97. A racquets stiffness measures how flexible the frame is and contributes to the racquets feel and power. Youll find a bit more detail in this written version, but they pair nicely to answer all your questions about this tennis racquet. The one major complaint our playtesters had was the inconsistent depth, especially on groundstrokes and returns. *Price comparisons are based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") or Original Selling Price. 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. The first racquet that makes this list is the smallest in its size, but probably the biggest in overall hype. The feel is definitely improved and feels tighter, just a little bit, than the previous version. 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. Beyond weight, the Pro Staff 97 receives the upgraded Braid 45 construction and String Mapping tech while Federers signature model, the RF97, remains unchanged with identical specs to the prior version. More work is required to generate spin. Furthermore the little tighter string pattern helps to place the ball wherever you want and it's more precise than the v11 version. We will match or beat any posted overall price advertised in-store or online on in stock items. I had really high hopes for this frame, but it was a huge disappointment. I am a 5'9 aggressive 14 year old with a single hander. I even bought the TW reissues when they were around. Players who have wanted to upgrade but have held off should absolutely consider this model, which I expect to be a popular upgrade. Although specs are the same as the 2016 model, the feel and ball pocketing are a world apart in my opinion. I found it easier to string the Pro Staff 97 as there are fewer blocked holes, and the tie-off locations seem a bit more natural than the PS97. All aspects of my game obtained an extra edge, serves, volleys, off position shots, and dirty dirty slices, it is so good! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. I am more confident hitting balls closer to the net tape with this racquet, so the string pattern seems just right for me. Slightly lighter than the Pro Staff RF 97, it still has a high weight that's concentrated in the handle. Finally, the Pro Staff 97UL or ultralight rounds out the Pro Staff lineup for a frame with an entry-level weight. Aug 22, 2022 #34 wonder if the PS97 keeps the denser string pattern on the v13 . These days, Roger Federer continues the Pro Staffs legacy, having used it from the start of his professional career in 1998. My first racquet was a Prestige Tour. To my surprising this frame has a bit more power and comfort. We distribute tennis racquets, tennis apparel, tennis footwear, tennis strings and court equipment to pro . The Pro Staff series of racquets no longer uses laser engraving. As far as touch and finesse goes, Id say this is another area where this generation improves. Good racquet, good control, decent power, until I started using more wrist and shoulder to generate power and spin when I started getting pain on the inner side of the forearm. It seems that I'm getting easier access to power and great feel on volleys. Wilson is forthright about this on their packaging, but its not always readily apparent. The string pattern plays more like an 18x20 with a relatively low launch angle, so a high follow through is a must. The v11 are available again and I personally am planning on buying a couple more of the older version simply due to the lower price. Both are fantastic racquets. . Of course, this is a lighter, spin friendlier version of the legend that is Roger Federer's Pro Staff 97, and that means you get a racket that's as suave as it is a lethal weapon on court. String Pattern Both the PS97 and B98 have a 1619 string pattern so they will be a good option for players who like hitting lots of topspin balls from the baseline Availability Both of these rackets are available to buy on online shops such as Tennis Warehouse, and Tennis-Point. Whilst in recent years the Pro Staff has been made more user friendly thanks to its thicker beam and larger head size, it is still a weighty racket that demands respect. The control and feel is incredible. Wilson Pro Staff RF97 v13 Tennis Racquet. It does not generate a lot of power on its own. 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. Although not ideal for my game, which relies on heavier topspin, I think long-time Pro Staff users will appreciate the tightened up 1619 string pattern, which trades a bit of topspin for a mild improvement to control. My raquet for life!From: Wayne, Bahamas, 12/31/21, Comments: Great racquet! Fearing for my sensitive elbow, I got Bi-Phase 18 gauge. The Pro Staff 6.0 version was manufactured in four head sizes: 85, 95, 110, and 125 square inches. 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. Wilson Pro Staff 97. You get out what you put into it. Great control and accuracy. Not only does the racquet retain the time-tested lively feel and performance youd expect from a Pro Staff, but Wilsons Braid 45 and String Mapping technologies are welcome refinements that enhance rather than detract from the racquets formula. Pro Staff Rf97 v13 For its unstrung weight, Wilson markets the racquet at a somewhat heavier 11.1 ounces (315 grams), and although what ships often differ, my Pro Staff 97 came in spot on at 11.14 ounces or 315.6 grams. It has less power than RF, but I love the accuracy of this v13 and will buy another one soon.From: Bill, 10/15/20, Comments: The best racquet ever produced by Wilson, period.From: JCF, 10/15/20, Comments: Finally found my perfect set up! Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game. 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. in. Very maneuverable with the right amount of weight. 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. It's a very minor tweak, but then again you can't do much because you don't want to lose that classic Pro Staff feel which is unique. With v13, I decided to twist things a little, I switched to a leather grip, nod to RF97, kept the original balance by adding 6 grams of lead at 12 o'clock, strung it with Babolat VS Gut 1.30 in mains at 55 pounds and Luxilon ALU Power Spin 1.27 in crosses at 53 pounds and wow! I had in the past the black Federer Autograph stick. These are the specs for the standard Wilson Pro Staff 97 racquet. Simply physics: there is no replacement for the weight of the racquet. 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. Orders over $50 will ship for free! 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. Some colleagues hit few balls and feedback was confusing because one said it is slow and dead, he usually playing with a Pure Strike 18x20, previous generation. Also the racquet is more heavy than my produce model, it is easier to swing. However, while helpful for comparison, they wont tell you how a racquet will feel, so I encourage players to demo a racquet whenever possible. 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. My favorite parts of this racquet are the volleys, slices, and the serves. The Pro Staff 97LS weighs in at 290g unstrung but with a decent 314 swingweight that should help to give this racket some of the classic Pro Staff feel. This Pro Staff is also great for adding more spin to the ball on groundstrokes and serve. I bought a couple of these v13 racquets sight unseen because the reviews cleared up any concerns I might have had. We offer 100% Price Protection for 7 days on all orders. Once again, the racquets balance allows for excellent racquet head speed despite the frames heavier weight, so you can still generate plenty of pace when you need it, but youll have to work for it. From: Mark, HK 7/26/21, Comments: Amazing racquet! I would recommend this racquet to players who are looking for similar features. So, I was excited to hear Wilson had tightened the string spacing in the sweetspot on this model. Braid 45 construction arranges the double braided fibers at 45 degree angles for enhanced pocketing feel alongside incredible stability. 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. Buy one and find out for yourself.From: Chad, 10/18/20, Comments: Very Pro Staff feel. Wilson Pro Staff 97 LS Review Price: $ Upsides Swings fast Plenty of spin Generous sweetspot Downsides Bit unstable outside of sweetspot Summary Players looking for a racquet that's easy to swing, comfortable and spin-friendly should look no further than the Wilson Pro Staff 97 LS. He is happy with this racquet performance.From: Alena, FL. Technical specifications for Wilson Pro Staff 97 racket. 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. It's a very stable racquet and good for consistency.From: Michael, 12/28/20, Comments: I have been playing with Head racquets for two decades. john added a stringing of Yonex Poly Tour Spin 1.25 16L Blue to Yonex EZONE 98 (285g) about 2 months: I believe these were all grade A or B racquets. All those racquets are great, arm-friendly and I'm sure you'll find a good match! For the thirteenth generation of this racquet, Wilson returns to the all-black design and replaces the gloss finish at three and nine oclock on the racquets head with their velvet finish.